Preliminary results from monitoring of selected sparidae species caught by recreational and sports anglers along the Maltese coast

Abstract

Conservation research to monitor the catches of Diplodus annularis, Diplodus vulgaris, Diplodus sargus, Oblada melanura and Lithognathus mormyrus with the cooperation of Maltese hobby and sport shore fishermen. Catches were scientifically measured between July 2012 and December 2013. This year -round scientific research allows assessment of demographic, distribution, habitat selection, diet and reproductive patterns for these species. Catches from 701 hobby and sports anglers were recorded to analyse the exploitation rate. Preliminary results indicate that these species are frequently targeted by these fishermen with no previous records of the catches and effects of these activities on respective coastal populations. This research may fill the gap in knowledge aiding conservation measures for these species.peer-reviewe