Stock variation of Parargyrops edita Tanaka in Beibu Gulf

Based on the data of trawl surveys conducted in Beibu Gulf (10540~11010E, 1700~2145N), annual variation and seasonal distribution of crimson sea bream. Parargyrops edita Tanaka were analyzed. The results show that the stock had apparently annual variation. The catch rates fluctuate from 35.8 kgh-1 (2000) to 2.73 kgh-1 (1992). In general, the variation results from recruitment, growth and mortality. Seasonal change of the catch rates was caused by immigration during spawning period, and the catch rates during March to May is higher than that in other months. It mainly distributed in depths of 30~60 m with the highest in 30~40 m. Although the output of P. edita showed a sign of recruitment, the object utilized was mainly focused on the juvenile and lower one-year old. The cause of annual and seasonal variation of the stock were discussed, and proposals for the conservation resource were presented also.