EVOLUTION OF SHIP STOCKS (ACIPENSER NUDIVENTRIS) IN THE SOUTHERN CASPIAN SEA

The changes of Ship stocks in the southern Caspian Sea was studied by measuring and considering different population parameters such as fish length, weight, age, sex ratio and caviar weight.
Total catch of A. nudiventris in the Iranian waters in only 2 percent of total catch composition of sturgeon and its stock has been decrease during last 3 decades. In 1972 catch and CPUE of Ship had been 67 tonnes and 0.5 kg/boat/day and was decreased up to 15 tonnes and 0.09 kg/boat/day in 2002 and consequently it can be concluded that it's stock is critically endangered. Regarding to resources protection and rehabilitation of Ship stock, it is proposed to ban the fishing of this species (except for artificial propagation as broodstock).