Bio-ecological studies on Penaeus kerathurus (Forskål, 1775) in North-Central Adriatic Sea toward an assessment of the status of the resource

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) aims to ensure sustainable fish stock exploitation and socio-economic balance. However, Mediterranean stocks often exceed CFP targets. In the North Adriatic Sea, the Caramote prawn has seen a significant increase in catches, yet information on this species is lacking. This PhD thesis addresses data gaps in the North Adriatic Sea, focusing on survey data, growth performance, and historical catches to develop a new stock assessment model. A statistical and machine learning-based model is developed to estimate species abundance trends by filling gaps in survey data. Additionally, the study distinguishes the Caramote prawn from a similar species, Penaeus aztecus. Growth analysis reveals sexual dimorphism, with females growing faster. Historical catch data are reconstructed to evaluate stock status, indicating potential overexploitation. Management measures are proposed using the DISPLACE model to assess their impact on fisheries. Integrating this data into the SS3 stock assessment model highlights potential overexploitation of the Caramote prawn. The study underscores the importance of using quantitative tools to predict the impact of management measures on fishing activities and fish stocks. Future research directions and potential improvements are discussed.