Determination of population parameters and reproductive characteristics of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus L.,1758) in the Saroz Bay (North Aegean sea)

In this study, biomass, catch per unit of effort (CPUE), length distribution, lenght-weight relationship, sex ratio, length at first sexual maturity and fecundity of Norway lobster showing the spread in the North Aegean Sea Saroz Bay were determined. Average of the catch per unit effort and biomass of Norway lobster in Saroz Bay were found 11,5 kg/h and 203 kg/km2, respectively.Carapace lengths of measured 1424 individuals Norway lobster were ranged 21-59 mm for females and 22-68 mm for males. The average carapace lengths were determined as 39,67 mm (± 7,73) for all individuals, (N = 735), 37,80 mm (± 5,50) for females, (N = 689) 41.59 mm (± 9, 10) for males, respectively.In this research, the carapace length ? weight relationship for all individuals, male and female were determined as W=0,0006CL3,0508 (R2= 0,9373), W=0,0005CL3,0808, (R2=0,9528) and W=0,0007CL2,9731 (R2=0,8954), respectively.The sex ratio of males to females was 1:1,07 and it was 1,09:1 for eggy months. The length at first sexual maturity was 104,9 mm in females. The total length and carapace length of the smallest sample of eggy were found as 105 mm and 27 mm respectively.Females with eggs were caught between the months of August to February. Incubation period was determined to be about 7 months. Average fecundity of inspected 165 females individuals was calculated as 1702. Fecundity - carapace length and fecundity - weight relationships were determined as F=0,0017CL3,7606 (R2=0,6439) and F=50,989W?507,01 (R2=0,7529), respectively.