Abstract

• The population parameters, growth, mortality, and exploitation rates of Asiatic hard clam Meretrix meretrix were investigated in Ye estuary between May 2022 and January 2023. Monthly shell length frequency data of M. meretrix were analyzed for estimation of population parameters such as asymptotic length (L∞,), growth coefficient (K), and recruitment pattern to calculate the status of the stock. The asymptotic length (L∞) was 40.95 mm and the growth coefficient (K) was 3.51 per year. The growth performance index (ϕ′) was 2.68. The total mortality rate (Z) was estimated by length-converted catch curve at 6.71 per year, fishing mortality (F) at 3.79 per year, and natural mortality (M) at 2.92 per year. The recruitment pattern was continuous with one major peak event per year. The exploitation level E of M. meretrix was 0.56. Virtual population analysis estimated that the maximum fishing mortality of M. meretrix is collected between the mid-length 36 mm and 39 mm with the maximum F value (5.84 per year). The value of exploitation level E = 0.56 which pointed slightly overfishing condition (E > 0.50) for M. meretrix in Ye estuary during the present study.