Investigating Freshwater Mullet Fisheries in Tunisian Reservoirs: Future Development Prospects

Abstract

Mullet is the most heavily fished species in Tunisia, accounting for one-third of the freshwater fish harvest. To ensure the continuity and development of fisheries in the country, Tunisian reservoirs have been stocked with Mugilidae fry collected from coastal and estuarine areas. The quantities of fry introduced and mullet landings were correlated. To determine the spatial distribution and abundance of mullets in these fisheries, a multi-mesh gillnet was used in 10 reservoirs. The results showed a weak global correlation between the fry introduced and mullet landings, while the correlation of these variables in each reservoir separately revealed a high correlation in all the reservoirs, except for Ghezala reservoir. The fishing survey revealed that the numerical yield varied significantly from one reservoir to another. Sidi Saad reservoir recorded the highest yield of mullet (196.52 fish/1000 m2 of nets), while a lower yield was recorded in Lahjar, Seliana, Mellegue, Laabid, Ghezala, Bezirekh, Bouheurtma, Sidi Salem, and Sidi Barrak reservoirs. The harvested mullets’ sizes ranged from 14 to 65 cm, indicating good growth conditions in the Tunisian reservoirs. Our findings demonstrate a high potential for mullet production in the country; therefore, we recommend the sustainable development of this sector.