Estimate of number of Honmoroko Gnathopogon caerulescens caught by recreational anglers around Ibanaiko Lagoon, adjacent to Lake Biwa

Abstract

To estimate the catch of Honmoroko Gnathopogon caerulescens by recreational anglers around Ibanaiko lagoon, which is adjacent to Laka Biwa, for effective fisheries management, we randomly interviewed anglers from March to May 2012 and 2013. The number of Honmoroko caught by anglers was estimated using a two-stage sampling design; fishing days were samples for the first stage, anglers for the second stage, and we conducted a creel census of anglers. The estimated number of Honmoroko caught by anglers around Ibanaiko Lagoon was 272,275 (coefficient of variation=14%) in 2012 and 85,489 (CV=13%) in 2013. This study yielded useful information for the assessment and management of Honmoroko in Lake Biwa.