Estimation of size at first maturity of Black Sea red mullet (Mullus barbatus ponticus)

Objective of this study is estimation of size at first maturity of Black Sea red mullet (Mullus barbatus ponticus) that is commercially important fish species. In total, 229 of samples were collected and measured with their total length, body weight, sex and maturity during the period of September 2016 to March 2017. Sex ratio (F/M) is determined as 1:0.85. Average total lengths for females and males were estimated as 11.62 ± 0.114 cm and 11.07 ± 0.116 cm, average body weight as 16.30 ± 0.475 g and 13.96 ± 0.457 g respectively. Length weight relationships were estimated for females as W=0.0112 L2.954, for males as W = 0.0098 L3.0045 and for all samples as W = 0.0102 L2.9903. Size at first maturity was estimated as 10.73 cm for females and 10.95 cm for males while 10.88 cm for all specimens. Proportion of fish that are smaller than length of maturity was determined as 37.6 % (86 individuals) among the sampled fish. It is recommended to determine a minimum landing size that is larger than both values estimated for female and male, in fisheries regulation can be useful for sustainability of red mullet stocks in Black Sea