Application of Length-Based, Data-Limited Stock Assessment Methods to European Anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Egyptian Mediterranean Water

The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) is an economically crucial and ecologically relevant species in the southeastern Mediterranean waters; however, limited information is available regarding its stock status. This study presents the first comprehensive stock assessment of anchovy populations in the Egyptian Mediterranean, based on biological data collected from 2022 to 2024. Growth parameters were estimated using length-frequency distribution analysis. A widely used model for data-poor fisheries, the length-based spawning potential ratio (LBSPR) model, was applied to assess stock status. The growth model revealed the following parameters: asymptotic length (L∞) of 135 mm; growth coefficient (k) of 0.44 year⁻¹; theoretical length at age zero (t₀) of –0.489 years; and natural mortality coefficient (M) of 0.93. The LBSPR model indicated that, over the two-year data collection period, the fishing mortality to natural mortality ratio (F/M) ranged from 1.67 to 3.30. The length at 50% and 95% selectivity (SL₅₀ and SL₉₅) showed an increasing trend over the years, from 75.08 to 75.93 mm and from 88.69 to 89.93 mm, respectively. Moreover, the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) ranged from 0.18 to 0.24, indicating an overexploited state of the stock. Therefore, the implementation of an effective management plan is strongly recommended to ensure the sustainability of the stock at acceptable levels.