Gonadosomatic Index, Sexual Maturity and Fecundity of Rastrelliger spp.

in Sarangani

Bay Protected Seascapes (SBPS)

Kesha M. Lorenzana

An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal Presented to the

Faculty of the College of Fisheries

Mindanao State University

General Santos City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

Fisheries 198 (Undergraduate Thesis

October 2022
 I. INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Rastrelliger spp is a small pelagic species that is both an ecological and

economic value. There are three species in the genus Rastrelliger (Wardiatno et al.,

2021). This small pelagic schooling scombroid fish that are widely distributed in the

Indian Ocean and Indo‐West Pacific region (Arrafi et al., 2016), and according to Darlina

et al., because of their diverse morphologies and populations in various waters, they

have differing distribution patterns.

Small pelagic fish, in particular, are an important species as food for higher

trophic level predators. Commercially important marine fish species caught in the

coastal waters in the Philippines throughout the year and contributes to over 5% of the

country's total capture fisheries production (BFAR, 2016). Small pelagic fish such as

Rastrelliger species are one of the most important pelagic marine fishery resources in

the context of national food and nutritional security (Hulkoti et al., 2013).

Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape offers a fishing habitat for these fisheries

resources. On the other hand, the percentage of small pelagic fish species caught in the

seas of Sarangani Bay decreased over time, from 92% in 2008 to 86% in 2012.

Maintain an effective and sustainable fishing sector. In addition, there were 12 fishing

gears used in the three sites with an average of 504 for the past five years catching

small pelagic in Sarangani Bay, identified as multiple hook and line and surface gillnet

(Emperua, L. et al., 2018).

Understanding the fish reproductive biology is very important for fish culture and

for science-based fishery management. It is the reproductive success that allows a

species to persist thus, it is vital to any population (Gervasi, 2015). For a complete

understanding of the general biology of an exploited stock, changes in the maturity

stage over the year are essential. Furthermore, it is important to understand fecundity, a

crucial component of fish reproductive biology, in order to explain variations in

production levels, make efforts to improve harvest, and assess the stock's reproductive

potential (Biswas and Ghosh 2015). As well as the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) in which

it provides reproductive data for fisheries management and information on fish

population affected by fisheries activities (Soe, K.K., et al., 2022).

There is a scarcity on data about Rastrelliger spp in SBPS. This study will

emphasize the species reproductive biology such as sexual maturity, fecundity and

Gonadosomatic Index. In relation to this, it is design to identify and determine the status

condition of Rastrelliger spp and thus, this paper will help in contribution of providing

various and significant information for the improvement of management strategies in the

fishery sector and in making decisions for rational and sustainable fisheries

management in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS).

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to collect data on Gonadosomatic Index, Sexual Maturity and

Fecundity of Rastrelliger spp. in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascapes (SBPS). It will

specifically seek to address the following questions:

1. What stages define the maturity of Rastrelliger spp.?

2. How does fish’s Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) affect the size distribution of

Rastrelliger spp.?

3. How does fish’s sexual maturity affect the size distribution of Rastrelliger spp.?

4. How does fish’s fecundity (GSI) affect the size distribution of Rastrelliger spp.?

Objectives of the study

1. General Objectives

This study generally focused to investigate the Gonadosomatic Index, Sexual

Maturity and Fecundity of Rastrelliger spp. in Sarangani Bay.

2. Specific Objectives

Specifically, this research aims:

1. To define the maturity stage of Rastrelliger spp.?

2. To determine fish’s Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of Rastrelliger faughni

3. To determine fish’s sexual maturity of Rastrelliger faughni

4. To determine fish’s fecundity (GSI) of Rastrelliger faughni

Significance of the Study

 This study will be undertaken to determine the reproductive biology, length-

weight relationship, and relative condition factor of Rastrelliger spp. in Sarangani Bay.

Furthermore, this study will contribute in the development of appropriate management

and conservation strategies of this commodity. The results of the study will be deemed

important to the following:

To the Community, this will provide information to the people in the community

about the status of Rastrelliger spp. which is one of the most exploited species in

Sarangani Bay.

To the Government, this will be a good help and benefit, specifically to the

Provincial Government Unit (LGU), NSAP and BFAR as this study provide significant

information that can inform to the status of Rastrelliger spp., along with the fishery

sector management of Sarangani Bay and in making decisions for rational and

sustainable fisheries management in the fishing ground.

To the School, Various information from this study may be used in future

purposes such as programs, experiments, activities and indication.

To the Teachers/Professors, the result of the study will help them to have

information about the status of Rastrelliger spp. caught from Sarangani Bay, and can be

used for future purposes.

To the Students, this study will provide knowledge and information for the

student to know the significance of knowing the condition of every commercially

important species.

To the Researcher, this study will give significant information that can help to

answers the questions seeks by the researcher.

 To the Future Researcher, the result of this study will add as references to

those future research undertaking.

Scope and Delimitation

The focus of this study is to investigate the Reproductive Biology such as

Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), sex maturity and fecundity of Rastrelliger spp. in

Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) area to gather data needed for the study.

This study will be conducted at Mindanao State University, College of Fisheries

Wet Laboratory, Fatima, General Santos City. The samples will be bought from

Barangay Bawing, General Santos City. Furthermore, the researcher will

correspondingly aspire to get a precise data from the samples that is presented to the

laboratory. Sampling period will be conducted once a week within five (5) months,

probably from November, 2022 to March, 2023. At least 30 fish samples will be

collected every sampling assessment with a total of approximately 600 fish samples.

Thus, this study is limited only to determining biological aspects such as GSI,

Fecundity and Sexual maturity of Rastrelliger spp landed in Brgy. Bawing, General

Santos City. Along with this, researcher will know the effects of reproductive biology to

distribution of size of Rastrellgers spp caught in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape

(SBP).

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 This chapter presents the relevant literature and studies that the researcher

considered in strengthening the claim and importance of the present study.

Ecology of Rastrelliger spp.

Genus Rastrelliger in the word has three species, there are Rastrelliger faughni,

Rastrelliger kanagurta, and Rastrelliger brachysoma. Rastrelliger kanagurta are found in

the Indo-West Pacific and distributed in Mediterranean waters via the Suez Canal, while

R. brachysoma and R. faughni are limited to the Indo-Central Pacific (Wardiatno et al.,

2021). They usually inhabit coastal waters, form large schools and tend to aggregate

around fish aggregating devices. Rastrelliger brachysoma is generally distributed in the

near-shore coastal areas while R. kanagurta and R. faughni are more oceanic.

Rastrelliger spp. are belong to family of Scombridae which locally known as

“Kembung” that comprised of three main species such as Rastrelliger kanagurta (Indian

Mackerel), R. brachysoma (Indo Pacific Mackerel) and R. faughni (Island Mackerel).

Rastrelliger spp. are pelagic fish that commonly caught using purse seine, drift net and

trawlers in West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. R. brachysoma is distributed near-shore

coastal areas and its habitat in shallow waters meanwhile R. kanagurta and R. faughni

are in oceanic areas. It undergoes external fertilization by which the eggs fertilize

outside of the fish body and both eggs and larvae are pelagic. The spawning season for

R. brachysoma is in April-May and October - December, meanwhile for R. kanagurta is

in January-March and July-September (Harun, A., 2020).

Rastrelliger faughni
 Rastrelliger faughni found in tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific. Inhabiting

inshore epipelagic, neritic, usually found in waters above 17°C. It is known by its

yellowish silver below; 2 rows of spots along sides of back; 2 faint stripes sometimes

present at level with lateral line and a black blotch behind pectoral fin base. The size

ranges up to 24 cm TL, maximum weight to at least 0.750 kg. It feeds on the largest

zooplankton of the 3 Rastrelliger species. Forms schools with similarly sized individuals.

Little is known regarding life history, estimated maximum age is 1–3 years (CSIRO,

2022).

Rastrelliger kanagurta

Rastrelliger kanagurta differs in having gill rakers that are long and visible when

mouth is open (vs. shorter than snout, not visible); 30–46 gill rakers on lower limb of first

gill arch (vs. 21–26); bristles on longest gill rakers moderate in number (100+ for 13 cm

specimen) (vs. few (30–55)) and a body moderately deep, its depth at posterior portion

of opercle 4.3–5.2 times in FL (vs. slender, 4.9–6) (CSIRO, 2022).

Rastrelliger brachysoma

Rastrelliger brachysoma differs in having a deep body, its depth at posterior

portion of opercle 4.9–6 times in FL (vs. slender 3.7–4.3); head length equal to or less

than body depth (vs. greater than body depth); gill rakers not visible from side of head

when mouth open (vs. visible) and 30–48 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch (vs.

21–26) (CSIRO, 2022).

Sarangani Bay

In terms of marine biodiversity and fishery resources, Sarangani Bay is one of

the Philippines' richest bays. It includes the six coastal municipalities of Sarangani

Province (Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum) as well as General

Santos City, a highly urbanized city in South Cotabato. It is part of the Sarangani Bay

Protected Seascape (SBPS), the country's second largest MPA. Under Presidential

Proclamation No. 756 (05 March 1996), the SBPS was designated as a protected area

with an initial area of 215,950 ha that was later expanded to 218,639.54 ha (LEPDENR

12, 2015).

On June 22, 2018, Republic Act 11038, also known as the Expanded National

Integrated Protected Area System (ENIPAS), officially designated SBPS as a national

protected area covering 210,887.69 ha. The Celebes Sea (also known as Sulawesi

Sea) of the western Pacific Ocean borders Sarangani Bay, which is located southwest

of the island of Mindanao. The FMA connects the coastal provinces of South Cotabato,

Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani in Region 12. The region's fourth province, North

Cotabato, is landlocked. The Celebes Sea is bounded on the north by the Sulu

Archipelago, Sulu Sea, and Mindanao Island, all of which are part of the Philippines'

exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The FMA is then extended until the agreed-upon demarcation line between the

Philippines and Indonesia is reached. The FMA for the SOCCSKSARGEN and this

SFMP is the combined marine area of Sarangani Bay and the adjacent waters of Moro

Gulf and Sulawesi Sea (also known as Celebes Sea) (UISAD, 2019).
Reproductive Biology of fish

Fish reproductive biology (onset and duration of spawning, sex ratio, maturity

stages, length and age at maturity, and fecundity) is important in fisheries research,

stock assessment, and management. The onset and duration of spawning, maturation

stages (identified macroscopically, microscopically, or histologically), length- (Lm) and

age (tm) at first maturity, sex ratio, and fecundity should all be included in a single

manuscript, since all these aspects constitute the reproductive biology of a species

(Tsikliras, A. C.,et al., 2013).

Understanding a species' reproductive biology is a crucial prerequisite for giving

fisheries management scientific guidance on how to accomplish the best possible

exploitation of the particular species in accordance with its reproductive characteristics.

Each fish species has a distinct set of reproductive characteristics, such as the pattern

of gamete formation, the length of the spawning season, and any related endocrine

changes, that can be utilized to create management plans for capture fisheries. Most

fish biomass continual monitoring demand inputs on reproductive parameters including

the age/length at maturity, proportion of mature fishes in the population, fecundity, and

spawning frequency since the reproductive potential of individual fishes within the

spawning stock affects recruitment (Nikolskii,1969). Numerous capture fisheries

management measures, such as the enforcement of minimum catches at size

restrictions and the closure of fishing seasons during prime breeding seasons, have

been developed using estimations of reproductive factors (MP, B., et al.)

Gonadosomatic Index

The Gonadosomatic index (GSI) is an excellent predictor of reproductive activity

in fish, the spawning season is defined by a correlation between the GSI and the

frequency distribution of the gonadal maturity stages (Biology and Physiology of

Freshwater Neotropical Fish, 2020). The Gonadosomatic index (GSI) is a ratio of fish

gonad weight to body weight that is particularly useful in determining spawning days

and seasons since the ovaries of gravid females rapidly increase in size soon before

spawning (Rizzo & Bazzoli, 2020). The GSI parameter is used to research fish

spawning biology. It also analyzes the ovary's level of maturity (Nandikeswari et al.,

2014) and serves as an indicator of fish species' reproductive seasonality (Shafi, 2012).

In addition, GSI will increase and reach maximum limit when fish at spawning

stage. Female has GSI higher than male. Sometimes GSI was related to Gonad

Maturity Stage so there would any relationship between inside and outside gonad

development or morphology values were quantitative (Faizah, R., et al., 2018). The

Gonadosomatic index (GSI), which is the ratio of gonad mass to total body mass,

remains the best predictor of spawning period, (i.e., onset and duration of spawning).

Time series of GSI values per sampling event (time) should be plotted by gender,

preferably as a box-and-whisker plot or as means with standard errors, in order for the

range of individual values to be apparent. GSI can be also plotted against other

variables, such as lipid content, hepatosomatic index, and condition factor (Tsikliras, A.

C., et al., 2013).

 Kantun et al. (2018) measured GSI and fecundity at the Agricultural Polytechnic

State of Pangkep's Laboratory of Fisheries Biology. Indian Mackerel gonad morphology

was observed macroscopically in five stages: immature (stage I), maturing (stage II),

nearly ripe (stage III), ripe (stage IV), and spawning (stage V). GSI was observed at

stages III through V, with stages III and IV classified as mature stages and stage V

classified as spawning stage. The male and female lengths at first gonad maturity were

at stages III and IV, which were drawn at random from the total sample.

Sexual Maturity

The reproductive biology of fishery resources is an important prerequisite for

management and sustainable use (Fazrul et al., 2018; Fontoura, Braun, & Milani, 2009;

Trindade-Santos & Freire, 2015). According to Fontoura et al., in fishes, young

individuals are distinguished based on the degree of gonadal maturity; however, the

main difficulty is separating adolescent individuals from those at the beginning of a new

reproductive cycle. Therefore, estimating the size at first maturity is a useful tool in fish

stock assessments. Information of both spawning season and size at first maturity is

essential for proper management of fisheries. These data should be collected at both

spatial and temporal scales (Trindade-Santos & Freire, 2015). However, it is time

consuming to determine maturity stages by histological examination of the gonads or by

investigation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Fecundity

Fecundity plays an important role to assess the commercial potentialities of fish

stock and to evaluate the abundance and reproductive potential of the spawning stock.
Fecundity is the number of mature ova laid by a female in one spawning season

(Bhendarkar, 2018).

The results of the present study also suggest that ovarian weight and total length

are most important in determining fecundity of Indian mackerel. In the present study, the

logarithmic relations between fecundity and length of fish, fecundity and weight of fish

and fecundity and gonad weight were found to be linear indicating that the fecundity

generally increased with increasing length, weight and gonad weight (Bhendarkar,

2013).

Size distribution of Fish

Size Distribution Several studies considered that the size of organisms is a focal

factor to critical ecological processes, and changes in size distribution derived from a

substantial number of causes, including environment-induced or genetic variability in life

history characteristics, predator-prey relationships, or competitive interaction (Leitão, F.,

2019). Size structure information provides important insights into the reproductive

potential, growth and stability of marine fish populations (Hixon et al., 2014). A lack of

smaller size classes of fish can suggest deficiencies in recruitment, while infrequency of

larger size classes might indicate mortality of mature fish (Weerarathne,et al., 2021).

While there are multiple causes to alterations in size-class structure, fishing and climate

change are recognized as some of the biggest contributors (Queirós et al., 2018).

Fishing causes size-selective removal of larger individuals that truncates the size

structure of fish populations (Weerarathne,et al., 2021) For fish, size is representative of

age, diet, and other physiological and environmental factors. Theoretically, size is

representative of age because fishes never cease to grow in size and size is dependent
on external factors, not the opposite. Consequently, variability in size has important

implications for diverse aspects of fisheries science and population dynamics. The

relationship between length and weight differs among fish species according to the body

shape, and within the same species according to the condition (robustness) of individual

fish (Mehanna and Farouk, 2021). In addition, according to Jellyman et al., (2013) the

length-weight relationship of a fish can be affected by the observed size range. A very

small fish increase in length at a greater rate than they grow in other dimensions, so

early life stages are often excluded if they do not resemble the adult body form.

Related studies

In Kantun, W. et al., (2018) its study investigate the reproductive biology of Indian

mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta in Makassar waters. The Sample collection was

conducted from March to October 2017. Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) was analyzed

based on the comparison between gonad weight and body weight of Indian mackerel,

while gravimetric method was applied for fecundity. The result showed the gonad

maturity of Indian mackerel in Makassar coastal waters occurred throughout the year

with the peak between July and August in which GSI was between 0.306 and 2.481.

The first size of mature gonad in both female and male Indian mackerel was 21.02 and

21.19 cm respectively. After reaching the peak stage of gonad maturity, spawning

occurred. However, GSI was gradually decreasing one month later. Total fecundity of

Indian mackerel was between 21.420 and 50.592 eggs (Kantun, W., et al., 2018).

Gonadosomatic Index

Bhendarkar et al. (2014) says that the Gonadosomatic index (GSI) was

calculated for each individual fish and averaged over the course of each month. To
examine monthly variations, the average GSI values were plotted against each month.

The GSI varied greatly by sex and was highest for both males and females in April and

September, indicating the presence of more ripe individuals. Between 2007 and 2014,

the wild population of Indian Mackerel fell from 23.590.20 tons to 16.340.65 tons

(Marine and Fisheries Department of South Sulawesi, 2015).

There have been few documented studies of Indian mackerel, including studies

on its reproductive biology. Indian mackerel produced 64.024-151.844 eggs in the

Arabian Mahout seas, while North Aceh produced between 300.000 and 520.000 eggs

(Zaki et al., 2016). Each species' reproductive characteristics are distinct, including

spawning pattern, duration, and gamete development (Bhendarkar et al., 2013). This is

heavily influenced by seasonal environmental changes (Zaki et al., 2016).

However, Oktaviani et al. (2014) discovered that the GSI of female and male

Indian mackerel in West Papuan waters ranged between 38.80 and 30.70%,

respectively. Furthermore, two spawning peaks were observed in Aceh water (January-

March and July-October). The GI ranged between 0.32 and 3.37%, and the fecundity

ranged between 28,542 and 123,760 eggs (Arrafi et al., 2016). Furthermore, the

biological potential sustainability of Indian mackerel reached 2,293,808 kg with an

85.59% utilization rate (Tamti & Hafid 2016). The maturation of gonad occurred

throughout the year, with the peak occurring between July and August (Kasmi et al.,

2017). Nonetheless, it began to fall a month later. Furthermore, the GSI ranged from

0.928 to 4.490%, with female and male Indian mackerel reaching first sexual maturity at

21.18 cm and 21.31 cm, respectively. Indian Mackerel had a total fecundity of 11,235-

40,878 eggs. Despite the fact that Indian mackerel is found and commercially important
in the Makassar waters of South Sulawesi, little is known about its reproductive biology,

which is critical for future management and policy.

Sexual Maturity

As studied, the size at first maturity was 17.8 cm and 18.3 cm (TL) for male and

female, respectively. Maturity rate of male was faster than that of female as indicated by

high ‘b’ value of male.

In comparison, for fishes in Myanmar, L50 was estimated to have 18.1 cm and

19.6 cm in male and female, respectively (Aye, 2020). Compared with this study,

maturity stage of fish is smaller than that reported by Aye (2020). By morphometric

maturity analysis, the size of 50% of R. brachysoma population matured at 16.2 cm (TL)

and 14.7 cm (FL).

Fecundity

Fecundity range of Rastrelliger brachyosoma in off Pattani Bay, Lower Gulf

Thailand showed that, it ranged between 6,638 and 37,000 eggs with an average of

18,828 eggs. The maximum fecundity was in fish with a total of length of 19.5 cm. As a

result, regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between fecundity and total

length, total weight, and ovary weight (P<0.05). The computed b value was very high for

fecundity and total weight (b=8.27) however, low for fecundity and body weight and

fecundity to ovary weight (b<2) (Soe et al., 2022).

Bhendarkar, Rathod, and Joshi (2018) stated that ovarian weight and total length were

the most important factors in determining fecundity of mackerel fish. Based on the study

conducted by AL-KHARUSI et. al., 2016, the fecundity of R. kanagurta in Mahout varied

between 64,024 and 151,844 eggs with an average fecundity of 98,273 eggs. The
minimum fecundity was recorded in a female fish with 27.5 cm TL, 302 g body weight,

and 9.61 g of ovary weight. The highest fecundity was from a fish measuring 31.5 cm

TL, 476 g of total weight, and 34.22 g ovary weight.

III. METHODS AND MATERIALS

Locale of the study

Figure 1. Location map of the study area

Sarangani Bay (SBPS)

Sarangani Bay is a large coastal embayment located between latitudes 5 o33’25”

and “6o6’15” N and longitudes “124o22’45” and “125o19’45” E. It is bounded by the

coastal lands of General Santos City and the municipalities of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan,

and Maasim of Sarangani Province.

 The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) has a total area of 218,639.54

hectares (LEP-DENR 12, 2015) from Pinol Point in Maitum to Tinaca Point in Glan.

This covers extensively the six coastal municipalities of Sarangani Province and

General Santos City.

Collection of Specimen

Fish samples of Rastrelliger spp. will be collected at Brgy. Bawing, General

Santos City. From November 2022 to March 2023, at least 30 fish samples will be

collected weekly. Approximately 600 fish samples are expected to be collected within

the five months duration of the study.

The collected fish samples will be ice-packed, chilled in a cooler with ice blocks,

and will be immediately transported to the Mindanao State University, College of

Fisheries Wet Laboratory, Fatima, General Santos City.

Each fish sample will be dissected in the laboratory using a standard dissection

process. The specimen will then be weighed and will be preserved.

Reproductive Biology

Gonad Extraction (GSI)

Each fish will be dissected in the abdomen region using scissors. The gonads

are usually located below the intestine and near the backbone base.

For calculating the Gonadosomatic index, the weight of each individual of both sexes

was noted and the gonads were removed carefully and weight on an electronic balance.

The formula used for estimation of GSI (Bal and Rao, 1984) is as follows:

Total weight of gonad

GSI=
Total weight of fish
x 100

Sexual Maturity

Determination of maturity stages were obtained through macroscopic observation

using the maturity staged criteria developed by Faizah et al., (2018) for both male and

female.

Table 1. Maturity Criteria (ovaries and testis) of Indian Mackerel (Faizah et al., 2018)

Maturity Stage Characteristics

Stage 1 Ovary and testis are small, transparent, occupying about ½

Immature of body cavity, ova not visible to naked eye. GSI: 0,11-2,69

Ovary and testis are occupying up to ½ body cavity. Testis is

Stage 2
whitish, symmetric, ovary is redness clear, ova not visible to
Maturing
naked eye. GSI: 0, 28-4, 75

Ovary and testis are occupying about ½ to 2/3 of body

Stage 3
cavity. Testis is white, ovary is pinkish yellowish, granular
Ripening
ova visible to naked eye. GSI: 0, 59-7, 19

Ovary and testis are occupying about 2/3 to full length body
Stage 4
cavity. Testis is white and soft, ovary is orange-pink, large
Mature/Ripe
ova oozes, ripe and translucent. GSI: 2, 59-11, 24
 Ovary and testis are occupying up to ½ body cavity.
Stage 5
Shrunken, reddish, wall loose. Testis is soft and reddish.
Spent
Ovary is consisted of ripe ova, transparent. GSI: 0, 53-7, 73

Fecundity

For determine of fecundity, fresh ovaries will be used. The excess moisture will

be removed by using blotting paper and the ovaries will be weighed to the nearest

milligram. A sub sample of 1 mg ripe ovary will be weighed with an electronic balance of

0.1 mg accuracy. The sub-sample will be taken from the three parts of ovary i.e.,

anterior, middle and posterior, in a watch glass and the numbers of ova will be counted

physically and the average will be computed. The fecundity will be determined by the

formula given by Sinha (1995).

Total weight of ovary

Fecundity = x Average number of the ova in the sample

Sub-sample weight

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The data will be analyzed in both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Thus, the

data and information collected during the conduct of the study will be recorded in the

sampling form. The data collected will be analyze using different formulas and
equations that was suggested by different authors. Simple tools will be utilized in data

interpretation.

All data collected will be encoded and managed in database and MS Excel. This will be

further processed in MS Excel to generate data into averages, percentages, graphs,

charts and tables to obtain all necessary indicators.

Statistical Tools/Statistical Treatment

The data that will be collected will be statistically analyzed through MS Excel.

Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the data. It will be interpreted through

the following: graphs, charts, averages, percentages and tables. The data will be used

as reference in identifying the reproductive biology along with the length-weight

relationship and relative condition factor.

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Mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1817) in the western waters of Aceh.

Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences 15(3):957-972.

Aye, Z. M. (2020). Food and feeding habits of short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma,

Bleeker, 1851) from Palaw and adjacent coastal waters, Taninthayi region,

Myanmar. Int J Fish Aquat Sci, 8, 360-364.

BFAR. 2016. Philippine Fisheries Profile. Quezon City, Philippines: Bureau of Fisheries

and Aquatic Resources. Available from: https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/ publication.

Bhendarkar M. P., Naik S. D., Mohite S. A., Kulkarni G. N., (2013). Reproductive biology

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Maharashtra, India. Discovery Science 3(9):24-26.

Bhendarkar M. P., Naik S. D., Joshi H. D., Sonuwane S. S., Hussain T., (2014). Length

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of Maharashtra, India. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 10(1), 107-110.

(CSIRO, 2022). Rastrelliger faughni

https://fishider.org/en/guide/osteichthyes/scombridae/rastrelliger/rastrelliger-

faughni

Emperua, L. L., Donia, E. A., Biaca, M. J., Pechon, R. R., Pautong, A. A. T., & Balonos,

T. A. D. (2018). The Small Pelagic Fisheries of Sarangani Bay, Southern

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Line Item Budget

Items Quantity Cost

Measuring Board and Ruler 1 ₱100.00

Small zip lock plastic bags 100 ₱140.00

Dissecting Kit 1 ₱450.00

Plastic Container 1 ₱485.00

Digital Weighing Scale 1 ₱750.00

Sampling kit 1 ₱200.00

USB Microscope 1 ₱852.00

Microscope 1 ₱100.00

Plastic bag 4 ₱100.00

Tissue paper 10 ₱150.00

Total Amount: ₱3,327.00

Experimental Specimen Number of Stocks Unit Cost Amount

Fresh & Chilled Mackerel 600 150/kg ₱6,000

Total Amount: ₱6,000.00

Travel expenses Month Amount

Bawing to Gensan November to March ₱1,600

Total amount : ₱ 1,600.00

Grand Total: ₱ 10,927.00

PROJECT TIME TABLE

Mar Apr Ma Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

Proposal Making

Proposal defense

Preparation of

Materials

Implementation of

Study

Data analysis

Thesis report

writing
Thesis report

revision

Thesis report

defense

Book binding