Population dynamic of true cockles, Scapharca cornea at Kg Kuala Setiu in Lagoon area, Setiu Wetland, Terengganu

Abstract

The aim of this study to report about population parameter, growth, mortality and exploitation level of cockles, Scapharca cornea at lagoon,Setiu Wetland that are examined between May 2012 until April 2013. There are significant correlations between length and weight for all month of fresh weight monthly data. Monthly length frequency data of S. cornea were analyzed by FiSA T software for estimation of population parameters like asymptotic length (Lex:), growth co-efficient (K) and recruitment pattern to evaluate the status of the cockles at Kg Kuala Setiu. Asymp- -I totic length (Lex:) was 4.46 cm and growth co-efficient (K) was 0.84 yr . The growth performance index (D ) was 1.22. The growth pattern showed negative allometric growths with b value range are 1.164 to 2.6592 was obtained. This Arcidae family -I have total mortality (Z) was estimated by length-converted catch curve at 1.54 yr , -I -I fishing mortality (F) at 1.17 yr , and natural mortality (M) at 2. 71 yr . The exploitation level (E) of S. cornea was 0.76 and the maximum allowable limit of exploitation (E ) was 0.42. The recruitment pattern was continuous with twice peak max event per year. The higer exploitation rate (E = 0.76) than allowable exploitation estimation E5 o (0.27) show that stock condition was exploited at maximun level in the lagoon of Setiu Wetland, Terengganu through higher commercial scale by community of Setiu Wetland.