Fish distribution and species composition in eastern part of the Caspian Sea (Goharbaran)

The main objective of the present study was to determine the fish species composition and spatio-temporal distribution in three fishing methods in souther part of the Caspian Sea (Goharbaran region). According to the results, 17 fish species caught in small mesh size beach seine which Neogobius caspiaandboyeriAtherina comprised 39.73 and 28.61% of total catch, respectively. In gillnet method, 14 species caught which two spcies Clupeonella cultriventris andAlosa braschnikowi with 28.12 and 27.73%, and in commercial beach seine, 6 species which two species Rutilus kutumandLiza auratawith 73.05 and 24.67 were predominated, respectively. The average Shannon diversity, species richnes and Evenness indices differed significantly among three fishing methods (P<0.05). The average Shannon diversity and species richnes in commercial beach seine were lower than small mesh size beach seine and gillnet. The average Evenness index of small mesh size beach seine was lower than two other fishing method. According to the results, species diversity of the Goharbaran region which closes to Amirabad port and Neka power plant, was lower than eastern part of the Caspioan Sea.