Age, Growth, and Mortality of the Common Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus, L. 1758) in the Central Aegean Sea: Insights into Population Dynamics

This study investigates the age, growth, and mortality of the common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) in the Central Aegean Sea, providing critical insights into its population dynamics and sustainability. A total of 589 specimens were analyzed, identifying nine age cohorts with mean total lengths ranging from 13.18 cm to 32.94 cm. Growth parameters, estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth model, yielded an asymptotic length (L∞) of 39.53 cm and a growth coefficient (k) of 0.16 year⁻¹, indicating moderate growth rates. The population exhibited non-isomorphic growth (b = 2.49, R² = 98.4), suggesting slower weight gain relative to length. Mortality estimates indicated natural mortality (M) at 0.321 year⁻¹, total mortality (Z) at 0.52 year⁻¹, and fishing mortality (F) at 0.2 year⁻¹, resulting in an exploitation rate (E) of 0.38. The fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) was estimated at 0.33, with an exploitation rate at MSY (EMSY) of 0.51, suggesting that the population is currently harvested sustainably but close to the threshold of overexploitation. These findings provide essential reference points for fisheries management and highlight the need for continuous monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of P. erythrinus in Greek waters.