ASSESSMENT OF PURSE SEINE FISHERY AND SARDINE CATCH OF GAZA STRIP

Catch and effort data of purse seine fisheries in Gaza Strip from 1997 to 2002 was analyzed. Two types of purse seines are operating in Gaza Strip; purse seine launch and Hassaka. More than 60% of the fleet landing at Gaza city that has the only fishing port in the Strip. Annual catch fluctuated during the study period starting by the maximum at 1997 (2915 tonnes) and reaching the minimum at 2001 (1248 tonnes). Landing was affected by sardine catch fluctuation which was the most important and target species that has two fishing seasons; during April- June and Sept-October. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) of the purse seine launch ranged from 148 to 570 kg/day/boat, while for purse seine Hassaka ranged from 122 to 339 kg/day/boat. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was calculated for Sardinella aurita as 4099 tonnes with corresponding fishing effort (fMSY) equal 41900 fishing day. Results suggested that sardine stock is underexploited; moreover the catch can be doubled by applying suggested recommendations.