The Abundance and distribution of family "Nemipteridae" in coastal waters of the Oman Sea (Sistan & Balouchistan)

Nemipteridae family and especially Nemipterus japonicus have an important economic value and high catch amount in industrial trawlers. This study was carried out to monitor catch per unit of area (CPUA) and distribution pattern of Nemipteridae by R/V Ferdows-1 covering 63 stations in the Oman Sea (Sistan and Baluchistan Waters). Total catch of Nemipteridae family was determined 3242.6 Kg which Nemipterus japonicus with 53.4% and Parascolopsis aspinosa with 0.3% had the maximum and minimum amount of catch respectively. Catch per unit of area of Nemipteridae family and N e mi p t e r u s j a p o n i c u s were calculated 451.4 and 242.7 Kg/nm2, respectively. Maximum abundance was found in depths more than 30 m in Makisar, Tang and Gourdim area. Maximum density (CPUA) of this family was observed in the layer of more than 30 m from 2002 to 2009 in the Oman Sea. The catch amount and catch per unit of area of Nemipteridae family showed increasing trend in the last decade that demonstrated relative stable condition of Nemipteridae stocks.