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¹ Fisheries Laboratory, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), BP. 32, El-Alia Bab-Ezzouar 16111, Algiers, Algeria
² National Centre for Research and Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 11 Boulevard Colonel Amirouche, PO Box 67, Bou-Ismail, 42415, Tipaza, Algeria DOI : 10.4194/TRJFAS29752 Viewed : 174 - Downloaded : 161 The greater forkbeard (Phycis blennoides) is a demersal species of ecological and commercial importance along the Algerian coast, yet its stock status remains poorly understood due to limited biological and fishery data. This study represents the first application of the Length-Based Bayesian Biomass (LBB) estimator to assess the population dynamics and fisheries status of P. blennoides stocks in Algerian waters. Length frequency data from 8700 individuals collected during six scientific surveys, complemented by growth and length-weight data from 1050 individuals captured by commercial fisheries across 11 Algerian ports (i.e. Annaba, Azeffoun, Dellys, Cap Djinet, Zemmouri, Bouharoun, Algiers, La Madrague, Cherchell, Tenes and Mostaganem) between 2013 and 2017, were analyzed. Growth parameters were estimated using multiple software and empirical methods, revealing positive allometric growth and a growth performance index ɸ' was 3.124. Using length frequency distribution (LFD) from scientific survey and commercial fisheries as input data, the LBB estimated a length at first capture of 7.65 cm and indicated severe stock depletion, classifying the population as collapsed with a biomass ratio (B/Bmsy) of 0.008 and fishing mortality greatly exceeding natural mortality (F/M= 23). The results suggest the urgent need for fisheries management interventions, including mesh size regulation and protection of juveniles, to promote stock recovery. Considering potential influences of environmental stressors and climate warming on distribution and abundance, continuous monitoring and further research are recommended. This study provides critical biological reference points and a baseline stock assessment to support sustainable management of P. blennoides in the southwestern Mediterranean. Keywords : Phycis blennoides Growth LBB Stock assessment Algeria