Managing 'sinirapan' Mistichthys luzonensis Smith in Lake Buhi, Camarines Sur: Insights from its biology and population dynamics

Abstract

The population dynamics and related aspects of the biology of 'sinarapan' Mistichthys luzonensis Smith, the world's smallest commercial fish, are used as basis in formulating management strategies for this goby in Lake Buhi, Camarines Sur. Mesh size limit (4.1mm) and catch limit, estimated through length-based analytic fishery methods, are proposed. Yield-per-recruit analysis using length-frequency data for 11 months provided the quantitative indices used in estimating fishing limits. Closed season for 'sinarapan' was established from temporal pattern of recruitment and the reproductive biology of the species. Much of the data on 'sinarapan' came from studies in Lake Manapao. To improve the recruitment success of 'sinarapan', a habitat enhancement scheme in Lake Buhi is hereby recommended.