Reproductive Biology of Bali Sardines, Sardinella lemuru (Bleeker, 1853), in Tayabas Bay, Quezon, Philippines

Abstract

Fish reproductive biology plays a vital role in fishery management, an essential biological tool that would serve as a basis for formulating policies. In this study, 3,678 Sardinella lemuru were sampled to determine its reproductive biology characteristics from January 2014 to December 2016 at Tayabas Bay, Quezon. Fish samples were dissected, and the sex was determined based on the macroscopic features of the gonads. The results showed length sizes ranging from 6.5 cm to 19.6 cm TL. The sex ratio was significantly different from the expected 1:1 distribution. The fish's length and weight indicate allometric growth in both sexes. The length at first capture was 15 cm for females and 14.75 cm for males, which was lower than the length at first maturity of 15.89 cm. The spawning season occurred in the fourth to first quarter from 2014 to 2016, specifically from November to February. In February, the number of mature and spawning fishes increased in number and reached a peak. Likewise, the spawning and recruitment of S. lemuru did not vary from other locations like the Sulu Sea and Moro Gulf, which has a spawning period from October to December and December to January in Bali, Indonesia. The computed spawning potential ratio is 24%, near the Limit Reference Point (LRP), indicating that management measures should be directed toward the sustainability of the S. lemuru and its productivity in Tayabas Bay.