Estimation of mortality and exploitation rate of Cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) occurring in North West coast of India

Specimens collected from resource survey vessels and commercial vessels from Mumbai were utilized for the study. Growth parameters; asymptotic length (L), growth coefficient (K) and age of fish at length zero (to), estimated were 194.25, 0.24 and -0.615 respectively. Natural mortality coefficient estimated following Cushing and Pauly methods were 0.354 and 0.416 respectively. Total mortality value obtained following Beverton and Holt model was 0.77 against 0.76 obtained by catch curve method. Fishing mortality (F) and exploitation ratio (E) estimated were 0.36 and 0.47.