Studies on growth and stock assessment of <i>Saurida undosquamis </i>(Richardson, 1848) from Mumbai coast, India

59-61A study on the age, growth and mortality of Saurida undosquamis (Richardson, 1848) from Mumbai coast was taken up during 2002 to 2004. The asymptotic length (L¥) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated as 346 mm and 0.87 yr-1, respectively. Total, natural and fishing mortalities were 3.48, 1.51 and 1.97 yr-1, respectively. Length at first capture was estimated as 161 mm. Exploitation rate (U) and exploitation ratio (E) were calculated as 0.53 and 0.54 respectively. As the exploitation ratio (E) is slightly beyond the optimum level, there is a need to reduce efforts for the sustainability of resource in future