Variation in Catch Size and Changes in Reproductive Biology of Common Octopus Octopus vulgaris in the Coastal Waters Off Gyeongnam, Korea

摘要

The purpose of this study was to provide information about annual variations in catch size and changes in reproductive biology in the common octopus Octopus vulgaris, a commercially important species. Samples were collected from coastal waters off Gyeongnam, Korea, by coastal trap and coastal complex fishery from February to December 2018. Octopus vulgaris have been decreasing in this region since 2007 and catch prices have been increasing. The mantle length (ML) of O. vulgaris ranged from 1.2 to 21.2 cm and body weight ranged from 42.6 to 5,537 g. The sex ratio differed significantly from what was expected, at 0.45:0.55 (P<0.05). Mature females were found from February to December, except in October and November, and males occurred from February toDecember, except in October. The gonadosomatic index value was higher from May to September than in other months. The total number of eggs in fecund individuals ranged from 40,280 in 578.1 g of body weight to 138,994 in 1,666.5 g of body weight. The relationship between body weight and fecundity was F=76.486BW 0087 (r2=0.7897). At 50% group maturity, average weight was estimated to be 636.35 g, while it was 969.30 g at 75% maturity and 1736.55 g at 97.5% maturity This study highlights changes in catchsize and reproductive biology between 2007 and 2018. These results provide basic evidence that may be used to establish regulatory policy for O. vulgaris fisheries.