Growth dynamics of the common sole Solea solea, in the Morroccan Atlantic coastal waters

This study investigated the growth parameters, mortality and exploitation rate among the common sole Solea solea in the waters off the Moroccan Atlantic coast. Monthly samples were obtained from commercial bottom trawl fishing operations in the Safi fishing area, from January to December 2022. A total of 847 specimens were examined, ranging from 13 to 33 cm total length. The length-weight relationships were determined as W= 0.0097 L3.012 for females and W= 0.01089 L2.969 for males. The von Bertalanffy formula was applied to estimate growth parameters, revealing L∞, K, and t0 values for males (L∞=23.98 cm, K= 0.945 year−1, t0=-0.001 years) and females (L∞=23.71 cm, K= 0.884 year−1, t0=-0.002 years). The estimated age ranged from 0 to 8 years. The total mortality (Z), natural (M) and fishing mortality (F) rates were estimated as Z=4.48, M=1.84 and F=2.64 respectively. The estimated exploitation rate (E=0.59), indicated overexploitation of S. solea in the studied fishing area. Based on these results, it is essential to formulate sustainable management strategies to safeguard this marine resource and support the development of fishery plans. Keywords: Exploitation rate, Growth, Management strategy, Mortality, Safi fishing