Population dynamics of horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), as a valuable economic species for the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Abstract

Horse-mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus Aleev), is a major commercial fish in the Black Sea waters. This species from the Bulgarian Black Sea pelagic community have been recognized as one of the most ecologically and economically important food resource. Diet composition and feeding intensity of the horse-mackerel, collected on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast were examined. This study showed that, Crustacea (Copepoda, Cladocera, Mysidacea, Amphipoda, Isopoda, and Decapoda), Polychaeta and Pisces constituted the main prey groups. From investigated prey groups most important for the diet of horse-mackerel are Mysidacea and Pisces, as Mysidacea reached 35% in the stomachs of the size group TL=11 cm and Pisces (Engraulis engrasicolus L. and Sprattus sprattus L.) accounted for 55.11% in 15 cm size class. Dynamics of the lipids content deposited in the body was investigated. Established percentage of lipids in the body of the horse-mackerel is a good indicator of physiological status of shoals before spawning period and it represents readiness for successful breeding. Catches carried out by both the trawler vessels and trap nets are presented as well. Horse-mackerel has a delicious meat and provides a full meal for the population. The annual consumption in 2008 of fish and fishery products from households grew by an average of 4.6 kilograms per person (4.3 kilograms per person in 2007).