Seasonal variation in length, weight, and sex distribution of Turbot (Scophthalmus maeoticus Pallas, 1811) in the Sinop region (Black Sea) of Turkey

Abstract

The length, weight and sex distribution of turbot caught by bottom turbot gill nets were investigated in relation with seasons in the Sinop region. The size ranges were 23.9-69 cm and 31.8-81 cm for male and female turbot, respectively. Mean total length and weight were 50.37 ± 0.42 cm and 2483.2 ± 74.7 g for females, 45.93 ± 0.26 cm and 1711.2 ± 31.2 g for males, and 47.79 ± 0.24 cm and 2034.6 ± 38.5 g for all individuals. Significant differences were found both in length and weight values of turbot between seasons. The highest mean length and weight values were 49.56 ± 0.35 cm and 2286.5 ± 59.6 g in the spring, respectively. The length frequencies of turbot differed significantly between spring and other seasons (P < 0.001). Significant differences were found for sex ratios of turbot in spring. The length-weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.0074 L322. © TÜBİTAK.