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The global demand for plastics is increasing due to it wide applications. About 60 to 80 percent of the waste of the marine environment belong to plastic class. There is a lack of information and research on the presence of plastic and micro-plastic contamination in aquatic animals, The present study, therefore examined the frequency, distribution, size, color and type of micro-plastic (MPS) in the gastrointestinal tract of 5 species (n =10) from the coasts of the Chabahar Bay, the Oman Sea in spring, 96. The total number of MPS found in the studied species varied and highest percentage of MPS in the gastrointestinal tract of the fish belonged to fiber (55%), fragments (26%) and pellets (18%). The results of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis from suspect samples were shown the microplastic samples were found. The most commonly detected polymers were polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon. The results showed that all fish sampled from Chabahar Bay contained MPS. Considering the importance of MPS pollution, it can be suggested by studying this contamination By monitoring the release of plastics on the shores of tourism and fishing in the Chabahar of bay,as a subject of future studies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of Lead, Copper, Cadmium and Mercuryin the soft tissues of brown algae (Sargassum ilicifolium) and muscle of spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) in a five different stations along the northern coasts of the Oman Sea during pre and post monsoon seasons. A number of 50 specimens of each sample were collected from stations of Jask port, Darak port, Pozm port, Chabahar Golf and Goatre port during spring and autumn 2016. Heavy metals were extracted from the muscle tissues using a wet digestion method. Concentration of metals was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed a significant difference in the accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of both species during pre and post condition the monsoon between different stations (p

Among the several fish species commercially exploited at the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea waters, the Largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus, stands as one of the most influential groups that have been recently exploited for export to outside markets. In the current study, we applied the Beverton and Holt's relative yield per recruit model to provide management guidance and determine the biological reference points (i.e. E0.5 and Emax) for T. lepturus stock in the coastal waters of Iran. The von Bertalanffy growth equation (VBGF) was fitted to length–frequency data (n =1309) to obtain a VBGF with the following parameters: L∞=111.3 cm total length; K=0.41 and t0= -0.28 years. The estimated value of total mortality (Z) based on length converted catch curve method was 1.11 year-1. Natural mortality (M) based on growth parameters was 0.67 year-1 while fishing mortality (F) was recorded as 0.44 year-1. Maximum exploitation rate (Emax), corresponding to the maximum relative yield per recruit was Emax = 0.62. The stock was not overexploited, since E < Emax. The present results have to be considered with caution to fisheries management purposes as fishing effort is still in increasing phase. The long-term monitoring is required to better understand the T. lepturus population dynamic and its fishery framework in the study region.

Among the several fish species commercially exploited at the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea waters, the Largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus, stands as one of the most influential groups that have been recently exploited for export to outside markets. In the current study, we applied the Beverton and Holt's relative yield per recruit model to provide management guidance and determine the biological reference points (i.e. E0.5 and Emax) for T. lepturus stock in the coastal waters of Iran. The von Bertalanffy growth equation (VBGF) was fitted to length–frequency data (n =1309) to obtain a VBGF with the following parameters: L∞=111.3 cm total length; K=0.41 and t0= -0.28 years. The estimated value of total mortality (Z) based on length converted catch curve method was 1.11 year-1. Natural mortality (M) based on growth parameters was 0.67 year-1 while fishing mortality (F) was recorded as 0.44 year-1. Maximum exploitation rate (Emax), corresponding to the maximum relative yield per recruit was Emax = 0.62. The stock was not overexploited, since E < Emax. The present results have to be considered with caution to fisheries management purposes as fishing effort is still in increasing phase. The long-term monitoring is required to better understand the T. lepturus population dynamic and its fishery framework in the study region.

Corals belong to Anthozoa and Cnidaria class, consisting of densely populated polyps, each of them individually lives with algae called Zugansentla. Coral reefs are one of the most important and effective factors in marine ecosystems. For this reason, conservation and restoration of this aquatic environment, especially in sustainable development programs, is mentioned. In 2011, a group of coral reef located Shahid Beheshti pier in Chabahar was transferred to safe area under investment of the ports and seaside organization. This corals were endangered due to e development of Shahid Beheshti pier project. Since the corals are subtle, sensitive, fragile and vulnerable, their displacement should be done with maximum caution in order to minimize the chances of breaking and mortality. Coral Carrier was a vehicle which forty-five days used to move coral in the development project of Shahid Beheshti pier. Qua in this period, 18,000 corals were transferred to a proper location. The study showed that 34 and 76% corals safely relocated by coral basket and coral carriers respectively. The results of one year monitoring significantly showed 26 and 92% survival of corals performed with coral basket and coral carriers respectively at the level of P

Efficiency of various meshes of gillnet and trolling gear was investigated for catching kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson) in coastal waters of Sistan and Baluchestan province in 2007. In gillnets with mesh sizes between 57 to 110 mm and netting of monofilamnet and multifilament, the size distribution of kingfish ranged between 40 to 78 cm of fork length, which all specimen caught were immature. In mesh size of 146 mm and 171 mm, the length range of the species was larger, in which the frequency of immature fish for the respective mesh sizes was 19 and 11. In general, most fish was captured by wedging in the all mesh sizes. The size range of kingfish captured by the trolling was between 52 and 147 cm, of which more than 50 percent of caught fish were immature. The proportion of kingfish catches in the gillnets of 57-110 mm mesh sizes is about 13% of the total catch composition, for which the mesh sizes are considered as the dominant gillnets for capturing the species in this area. The conribution of kingfish catches in 133, 146, and 171 mm mesh sizes was 1.1, 52.3 and 18.9% respectively, with a 146-mm mesh size is considered as a dominant gillnet for this species. The implementation of the ban on the use of 57 to 110 mm mesh sizes for exploitation of kingfish is mandatory, which the mesh size of 146 mm and above seems to be appropriate for responsible fishery of the species. However, recommendation of standard mesh size needs to be re-examined in field trials.

In this study, proximate composition of Holothuria leucospilota from Sistan and Baluchistan, Hormozgan to some parts of Bushehr provinces which were caught by diving, during autumn and winter 2016 and spring and summer 2017, determined. For this purpose, one station was selected in each province, three specimens from each three replication of different seasons sampled. In nutrition laboratory, all specimens from replication of each season of separated province, minced and analyzed proximate compositions protein, lipid, ash and humidity based on standard methods. Results showed that the studied sea cucumber species compromised relative high protein level (p0.05), while the lowest (p

Industrial usage of different macro algae has grown exponentially during the last decade. Nutritional applications for human feeding and multiple therapeutic are their main important exploitation. This work is aimed at providing information on a species of Sargassum so as to promote this alga to be potentially profitable from biotechnology and commercial perspectives, and also benefit public health. The proximate composition, total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity, alginic acid yield of brown seaweed, Sargassum ilicifolium were studied. The seaweed was high in carbohydrate (33.38-40.21% DW) and low in lipid content (0.17-0.04% DW). Total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity of this seaweed species are 28.66±3.05 mg /g and (36.66±9.86 mg /g respectively. This seaweed showed (12.6-15.0%) alginic acid yield which can be used as immune- stimulant in food and feed

Nemipterid fishes are considered as one of the commercial fish family having considerable catch amount in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. There was an annual monitoring survey during 2003-2013 in the Oman Sea using a research bottom trawler for stock assessment purposes. The whole area was stratified into five strata (or sub region) and four depth layers of 10-20, 20-30, 30-50, 50-100 m. The results showed that the best fishing ground for this family were both in western and eastern study area of the Oman Sea, Sistan-o-Baluchistan Province. Amongst five classified sub regions, the Meidani, Galak, Rabech and Biahi in the western part showing the most density with CPUA value of 293.7 kg/km2. A comparison between different covered depth layers, it was found that the highest CPUA (331.2 kg/km2) belonged to the depths more than 30 m and with decreasing depth there was a descending trend in catch per unit area value with the lowest value for 10-20 m depths (28.6 kg/km2). This 10 years data show the important finding of increasing of density and catch per unit of area of Nemipterid fishes.

Biomass, Catch per Unit of Area (CPUA), distribution and catch composition of Bottom Trawl demersal resources from Oman Sea (Sistan and Balochestan province coastal waters) were investigated in this study. Data were collected in one research cruise by using R/V Ferdows-1 during 2016. The study area was stratified into 5 strata (M to Q) and 4 Substratum covering the depths of 10- 20, 20-30, 30-50 and 50-100 m in the Oman Sea. A total of 92 stations were selected in a random stratified design distributed in different depths and area. The swept are method was used to access and estimate the amount of biomass and CPUA. Result indicated that the percentage of density of demersal resourcesin the M Stratum (Biahi to Galak estuary) and Stratum Q (Bersi to Gwatr) had the highest value of biomass and CPUA. Also depths of 10-20 m had lowest value CPUA and biomass of commercial, non-commercial and total species. The amount of biomass in depth of 50-100 m was 4.1 times higher than that of depth 10-20m. Maximum CPUA of commercial, non-commercial and total species was estimated in strata M, M and Q and M respectively. Aroun100 species were identified in this study; the results of the study suggest that high density of commercial species distribution concentrated in West-coast, while non-commercial resources observed in East coast of Sistan and Balochestan province. The Result of this study is beneficial for objective management of Demersal Resources exploitation in Oman Sea.

In order to assess the phylogenetic relationships of three rare species belonging to tribe Parablenniini was carried out, along the Coast of Oman Sea. Based on the type of habitats the specimens of Blenniid were collected from three sampling sites in the intertidal zones by Scoop and hand net in low tide and in sub-tidal zones by scuba diving and hand from 3, 6, 9, and 12m depths in September to March 2013. Totally 30 fish samples collected and deposited to the lab for further investigation. Based on the available identification keys and morphometric characters three species of Parablennius cornutus, Parabelennius pilicorn, Scartella emarginata were identified. DNA was extracted from the basal tissue of the first dorsal fin, subsequently by using a specific fish primer 700 bp of Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit 1 (CO1)was amplified in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. After comparison of Iranian Blenniid species CO1 sequence with sequence of 25 species from GenBank, was concluded that Iranian species are paraphyletically in the clade Parablenniini and sub-clads of Scartella and Parablennius. Since the relationship of Parablennius with other blenniids is the subject of many studies to resolve the conflicts and ambiguities among them we selected these genera to investigate the sister group relationship among them as well as other genera and clads. This is the first time that morphologic and molecular study of the two genera Parablennius and Scartella have been carried out in Iran.

Marine algal toxins have drawn worldwide attention because of their involvement in human intoxication and the socio-economic impacts. Marine biotoxins have been produced by harmful bloom algae, known as dinoflagellate. In the present study, two groups of toxins, i.e. PSP, ASP analyzed in the muscle of shellfish caught from the north parts of the Persian Gulf (Bandar Abbas, Bandar Lengeh, Boushehr) and Oman Sea (Chabahar). Sample preparation and extraction were done according to AOAC methods and by ELISA. PSP amounts in the shellfish samples ranged from ND-3.962 and ND-1.477 ng/g muscle. The results showed all samples were safe

Padina boergesenii is one of the most abundant brown algae distributed in the north of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. In this study after sampling and preparation of Padina boergesenii by Chroform-Etanol (3-1) solvent and by Methanol has been extract. Separation and purification of the compounds was carried out using thin layer, general and inverse column chromatography, Cephadex and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Structural elucidation of the constituents was based on the data obtained from H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HSQC, HMBC, DEPT and Cephadex LH-20. The steroids compounds separated from above alga were identified as 22-dehydrocholesterol (1), cholesterol (2), fucosterol (3), β- sitosterol (4), stigmasterol (5), ostreasterol (6) and two epimer of hyroxyestrol(7), based on their spectral data and from comparison with those previously reported in the literature.

The fish larvae identification survey was carried out in Iranian waters of Oman Sea from Hormuz strait to Gwader Bay in 2009 at pre and post monsoon periods. Sampling was done by plankton net with 300 μ mesh size. Totally, 168 specimens were collected that belong to the three genera BenthosemaØ Diaphus and Lampadena. Two species named Benthosema pterotum, B.fibulatum were identified. B.pterotum has pigment on the tip of the lower jaw and snout whereas B .fibulatum lacks these discriminative characters. Two genera Diaphus and Lampadena have a row of melanophores in post-anal region ventrally which discriminate them from Benthosema. Diaphus is separated from Lampadena with a small melanophore at the hypural.

The speciemns of red algae âGracilaria corticataâ were collected from the rocky intertidal shores in Bostaneh Port in the Persian Gulf and Lipar in Oman Sea in May, June and August 2013. Anatomical, morphological structures, thallus of vegetative and reproductive samples were studied. Carpogonial and tetrasporangium stages were determined based on histological and morphological methods. The female thallus, the Cystocarp with hemispherical structure through out thallus were observed. The Spermatangial conceptacle was located deeper as the oval shape in male thallus. The tetrasporophytic stage of diploid samples was determined bythe presence of tetrasporangium oval shape.

The widespread uses of antibiotics have been resulted in resistant strains of microorganisms and increasing of worldwide antibiotic resistance. Thus the investigations on new natural antibacterial agents as new drugs are important. According to the previous researches, some multicellular marine algae have significant antibacterial properties. In the present study, antibacterial effects of organic and aqueous extracts of Sargassum glaucescens (collected from Chabahar’s coast, Oman Sea, Iran) were tested on three strains of Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli, Proteus vulgaris, Vibrio cholerae and two strains of Gram-positive bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Extractions were obtained by immersion method after 48 hours. Antibacterial effects were investigated by the disk diffusion method and serial dilutions in tube to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The ethanolic extract showed the largest impact on the L. monocytogenes with significant di.....

The aim of this research was to identify and isolate the fatty acids composition of Nerita textiles in intertidal area of Chabahar Bay, and also to explore the seasonal changes of fatty acid content in Nerita textiles. GC/MS resulted thirteen fatty acids, that saturated fatty acids (SFA) of palmitic acid (16:0) was the most abundant category of fatty acid obtained in total lipids. There were no significant differences in total saturated fatty acids between different seasons. No significant differences were also observed in total unsaturated fatty acids between different seasons. The majority of unsaturated fatty acid reached their maximum levels during winter, while saturated acids reached their maximum levels in summer. Saturated acids were more than unsaturated fatty acids. Statistical analysis showed the positive significant correlation between temperature and saturated fatty acids and a negative significant correlation between temperature and unsaturated fatty acids. Biomarker fatty acids revealed that diet of Nerita textiles probably includes phytoplankton, zooplankton, detritus, bacteria, diatoms, red and brown algae. The results showed that meat quality indicated n-6/n-3 ratio in the range of 1.9 to 4.3.

Population parameters of Whipfin silver-biddy (Gerres filamentosus) and Longtail silverbiddy (Gerres longirostris) were studied from January to December 2006 in three creeks (Markazi, Khalasi and Gabrik) of Hara protected area in Jask, Oman Sea. All fishes were sampled by boat trawl and beach seine. Growth parameters were determined using the monthly lengthâfrequency parameters. The Mean total length was calculated at 6.2 and 5.4cm for Whipfin silver-biddy and Longtail silver-biddy. The values of Lâ and K for Whipfin silver-biddy were 16.8cm and 0.99 yr-1 and for Longtail silver-biddy, these were 15cm and 0.77 yr-1, respectively. The value of to was calculated at -0.12 year for both species. The longevity was estimated to be 3 years for Whipfin silver-biddy and 3.8 years for Longtail silver-biddy. The length-weight relationship were determined as W= 0.0088 L3.21 and W= 0.0087L 3.18 for Whipfin silver-biddy and Longtail silver-biddy, respectively. Results showed the fish were in their juvenile stage which emphasized the supporting roles of creeks for Gerridae as nursery ground.

Monthly sampling of red algae was carried out from April 2005 to March 2006 in Chabahar coasts (southestern of Iran) along Sistan & Baluchistan province coastal waters. We considered monthly periods of maximum tide according to tide tables. Then seaweed growth area in intertidal zones was determind through GPS, GIS and satellite imagery. Monthly sampling was conducted on a number of transects with equal distance and in randomly chosen 50Ã50cm quadrates. The samples were transfered to Offshore Waters Research Centerâs lab and after cleaning and separating, the weight of each species recognized was measuerd according to the present references. The biomass of each species was obtained per area unit and in the total area after determing the average weight of species. During this research, 13 species of medicinal red algae were recognized, and the most important families included: Gelidiaceae, Gracilariaceae, Hypneaceae and Rhodomelaceae. Total biomass in the area of Chabahar Coasts were 865.2 tons and the monthly average was 72.1 tons. The maximum biomass was obtained in February as 149.8 tons (828g/m2) and the minimum biomass was seen in May as 16.3 tons (90.2g/m2). The maximum biomass belonged to Gracilaria corticata (%33.1) and the minimum biomass to Hypnea pannosa (%1).

The swim bladder status of false trevally (Lactarius Lactarius) was studied from November 2007 to October 2008 in coastal waters of the Oman Sea. A number of 702 swim bladders of false trevally specimens were collected randomly from catch composition of gillnets and bottom trawler. False trevally has an unusual swim bladder, as the first and the second spines of its anal fin are joined that creates a single bone, which is called anchorage bone, and passes from the middle of the swim bladder and 2 lobes of the gonad and connects to the 10th vertebra of the spinal column. Another ending of this bone is wide and reaches anal fin base. This bone is like an anchorage for swim bladder of false trevally and it functions as a center of gravity of the fish in anal fin base. It firms the exterior part of the fish body, so the fish swims through rough waters easily.

Lanternfish (Benthosema pterptum) is one of the most important fish species in the Oman Sea. We randomly sampled 300 myctophids from different depths in spring and winter 2009 in the Oman Sea using mid-water trawls. Male to female sex ratio was 0.36:0.64. The thin sections (60-80μm) of sagitta otoliths of the fish were prepared using polishing method. These sections showed that increment growth rings of lanternfish otolith are formed daily and the age condition is distinguishable on a daily basis. We found the life span of the species to be short (with a maximum of 349 micro-increments counted) and probably less than a year. The relationship between standard length (SL) and daily growth increment (D) was expressed as the linear equation: SL=0.87D+12.37 (R2=0.97). The relationship between lanternfish weight (W) and daily growth increment (D) was expressed as power equation: W=0.00003D1.754 (R2=0.95). Furthermore, morphometrical characteristics of otolith including otolith weight and length and daily growth increment relationships were expressed as linear equation (R2=0.96 and R2=0.83). The results showed that lanternfish growth rate were in the range 0.241mm/d-1 to 0.138mm/d-1 and decreased by body size and age in this range.

This study was conducted for identification and introduce of Tintinnida order in Iranian waters of Oman Sea from Hormuz Strait to Pasabandar, Chabahar, in 2007. Ten transects each with four fixed stations had been chosen. Samplings were conducted in two seasons before and after monsoon. Depth of sampled stations in the studied area varied from zero to 20m and 20 to 50m and in station one because oflow depth (5m) sampling carried out just one time. We identified a total of 16 genera of Tintinnida from ten families. These composed of 4 genera belonging to family Tintinnidae, 2 genera from family Xystonellidae, Ptychocylidae and Rhabdonellidae. Familes Tintinnidiidae, Codonellidae, Epiplocylididae, Dictyocystidae, Metacylididae and Ascampbeliellidae were each represented by only one genus. Tintinnopsis from Codonellidae was the most abundant composing 54% of the samples and Epiplocyloides from Epiplocylididae with 0.01% was the least abundant.The most frequent genera of Tintinnidae included: Eutintinnus, Amphorellopsis, Salpingella and Dadayiella.

Scombermorus commerson is one of the most important commercial fish species in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman. To arrange for a sustainable fishing pattern, growth parameters, mortality and exploitation rates of the, fish were estimated. Fish length data were collected from 4515 fishes, science April 2007 to March 2008 in three major artisanal fish landing sites Bandar Lengeh, Bandar Abbas arid Bandar Jask in hormouzgan province waters. The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters (L¥ K and to)were estimatedat 150.24(em), 0.66 year-1 and -0.157year, respectively.The resultsshowedthat S commerson grows very fast in the first 2 years. The results indicated that S. commerson attains its fork length 80.3cm at the end of first year. The fork length attained at the end of the second, third and fourth years were 114.1, 131.6 and 140.6cm, respectively. Growth perfonnance index (ǿ) was calculated at 4.1 which were in agreement with the findings of the other studies in the Indian Ocean. Total, natural, fishing mortality and exploitation rate were estimated at 2.11, 0.67, 1.44 year-1 and 0.64, respectively. Five cohorts were distinguished based on Bhattacharya's method.

During the years 2003-2004, biological aspects of Tiger-toothed Croaker, Otolithes ruber, was investigated in Oman Sea along Sistan and Baluchistan Province. Based on the frequency of developed maturity stages (IV,V), a prolonged spawning activity extending from August to March was determined for 0. ruber. The Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) suggests two peaks which a minor one in October and a major one in March-April. Comparison of Hepatosomatic Index (HI) and Condition Factor (Kn) with the spawning peak indicated a reverse relationship. According to length at first maturity (Lm50%=40cm) data and exploitation of fish at lengths more than 40cm, the stretched optimum mesh size of nets was calculated at 100mm. Analysis of stomach food items, showed that fish group dominated the diet (80%), of which Anchovy accounted for 40% of the total frequency. We estimated the exploitation rate of the fish at E= 0.6. The length infinity (L¥), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F), total mortality (Z) and Growth Coefficient per year (K) were calculated at 68.6, 0.69, 1.05, 1.74 & 0.35 respectively. The relationship between length and weight of the fish in the province was also determined. The parameters a, b and r (correlation coefficient) of the relationship were 0.0085, 3.0435 and 0.98 respectively.

In order to determine the reproduction period, the peak time of spawning, length of maturity and mesh standard size for False Trevally (Lactarius lactarius), we conducted a study from November 2007 to October 2008 in coastal waters of the Oman Sea. A total of 702 False Trevally specimens were collected randomly from the catch composition of gillnets and Ferdows-3 stem trawler. Mean total length and total weight were estimated at 22.7±2.13cm and 142.2±41.64g for females and 20.4±1.89 and 103±29.7 for males respectively. Male to female sex ratio was 0.37:1 and females were more abundant than males in all months except June and August. Males had smaller sizes than females and the females outnumbered the mails up to the total length 25.5cm. The maximum of GSI was estimated at 3.69 for females in June and 0.89 for males in July. The trend of GSI and the frequency of maturity stages showed that reproduction period was from February to September with a spawning peak in August. Absolute fecundity was calculated at 102032 ova and relative fecundity was estimated at 4491.9 ova and 780.7 ova to total length and total weight respectively. Lm50%(length of maturity) and standard mesh size was calculated at 24.4cm and 3.9cm, respectively.

Marine structures, man-made or natural, have a recognized potential to attract and enhance fish propagation. The effectiveness of artificial reefs (AR) in increasing productivity depends on structural design of a reef and in particular, whether it meets the specific habitat requirements of the target species. The catch of lobsters (Panulirus homarus, Panulirus versicolor and Panulirus polyphagus) in the coastal area of south Iran, north of Oman Sea has reduced in quality and quantity over the past years. These commercial species which for many years have been the main catch of the local fishermen, have suffered a decline of more than 70% in the last decade. To combat the decline, we deployed thirty artificial reefs in three different forms, sizes and sea bottom depth, relevant to the bio-characteristics of lobsters, in the Chabahar area. We collected data on the existence of lobsters (P. homarus) among different reef structures. The results of one year data collection showed a significant difference between the lobsters nestling in different kind of reefs. Generally, the lobsters preferred square and pyramid shaped reefs (SPR). This study showed that the design of reefs based on biology of lobsters is an important factor in attracting lobsters to inhabit them.

Ichthyoplanktons were identified and their abundance was determined in Gouater Creek & Bay, north-west of Oman Sea. Sampling was carried out from October 2005 to September 2006 and specimens were collected from six stations using single ring plankton net with 333m mesh size. Stations including: close to coastal waters (1,2,4), into creek (5 and 6) and close to Bahookalat creek out flowing waters (station 3). Measurement of the environmental factors showed that an average depth 4m, transparency was 75cm, salinity 37.08 g/l, pH 8.19, water temperature 27.3oC for the study area. Totally, 585 specimens of diverse fish larval stages were collected in 20 sampling efforts with mean abundant of 11.682 numbers/10m2. A total of 11 fish families were identified in the samples in which the dominant families larvae were Gobiidae, Clupeidae and Engraulidae with mean abundant of 6.875, 2.465 and 0.733 numbers/10m2 respectively and the total abundance specimens of fish larvae were 86%. The most of the mean abundant fish larvae were observed in winter (27.712 numbers/10m2) and the least were recorded in autumn (3.724 numbers /10m2). The larval stage of the specimens was mostly Preflexion (87%) that shows the area is a nursery ground for the species. No correlation was found between abundance and temperature and salinity. Comparison of abundance showed a significant difference between stations 1, 3 and 5 with stations 2, 4 and 6 and also, winter by other seasons. The difference in diversity from pre monsoon and post monsoon periods was significant (P>0.05).

Sampling and determination of seaweed biomass was carried out in the Oman Sea coasts along the intertidal waters of Sistan & Baluchistan province stretching 300Km from Guater area to Jood from October 2001 to September 2002. The regions covered included Guater, Passabandar, Beris, Kachoo, Ramin, Chabahar, Pozm, Gurdim, Tang, and Jood as sampling stations from east to west. The intertidal zone was determined by measuring and recording of geographical positions by GPS. Fifteen transects were aligned randomly each month with equal distance to the coast. All sampling attempts were mad, eby applying quadrats 50x50cm in dimension. The samples were transferred to the lab and the weight of each species was measured after being cleaned, and identified. The biomass of each species per unit area and in the total area was obtained after determining the average weight of species. During the research, 69 species were collected, of which, 16 species were green algae, 18 species were brown algae and 35 species were red algae. There were some important families including green algae (Ulvaceae & Caulerpaceae), brown algae (Sargassaceae & Dictyotaceae) and red algae (Gracilariaceae, Gelidiaceae and Hypneaceae). Wet biomass of seaweeds in the total area of Sistan & Baluchestan coasts was 10286340.3 kg of which 2645192.1kg (25.7%) were green algae, 2955963.9kg (28.7%) were brown algae and 4685184.2 kg (45.5%) were red algae. The estimated monthly average was 264522.3, 295327.9 and 467089.7Kg for green, brown and red algae respectively. The maximum biomass was 15.4kg/m2 seen in Chabahar and the minimum biomass was 4.9kg/m2 obtained in Pozm.

The genetic diversity of Cobia, Rachycentron canadum populations in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea were assessed using mietosatellite technique. We removed about 3-5g of pectoral and dorsal fin tissue from 184 samples in winter 2006 and spring 2007, and stored it in pure ethylic alcohol (96%). Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were conducted on the target DNA using 10 paired microsatellite primers. The dendrogram was constructed and drawn using MEGA software package version 4. Based on the analysis of molecular variance, the highest Fst(0.063) was observed when comparing specimens from Dayer Port and Pozm zones. Significant differences (P

Psettodes erumei is the sole fish species belonging to Psettodidae family that lives in the Oman Sea. The species has a flat body and is thicker than other flat fishes. It has a large mouth with strong teeth and gray-brown color on body surface; and is mostly found in muddy-sandy substrates up to 25m depths. The species is carnivorous and feeds on prey fishes. The common trawl and gillnet are commonly used for catching the fish. This study was carried out in the Oman Sea in 2002 covering 86 trawling stations. After each haul, the trawl was emptied on board for separation, identification and weight measurement of the catch items. The CPUA was calculated by Swept Area method and used as an index for distribution analysis of the fish species. The maximum snout-length was found to be 66cm for the study area and the length-weight relationship was calculated as W=0.0294 TL 2.7973.

We used PCR-RFLP method to identify cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) populations in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Bottom trawling method was used to collect a range of 20 to 40 specimens from each 15 stations in the study area. Genomic DNA was extracted by phenol-chloroform method and one pair primer was designed for the analysis based on 18s rRNA gene nucleotide sequences. A PCR product with 502 pair bases in length was obtained for all specimens and subjected to digestion by eight restriction enzymes Alu1, were similar and no polymorphism was detected among them. We conclude that cuttlefish populations cannot be isolated using 18s rRNA gene extracts in the area of study.

Using length frequency information collected for Parastromateus niger catch in the coastal waters of Sistan and Baluchestan, Oman Sea, we estimated growth parameters of the fish. The data were collected of the fork length of around 887 fish each month during 2001. The length infinity (L∞), growth coefficient (K) and the length at age zero (t0) of the fish measured as 57.8 cm, 0.3 per year and -0.003 respectively. The relationship between the length and weight of the fish was estimated as 0.0469 for “a” , 2.829 for "b" and 0.914 for the correlation coefficient. The average length of the fish in different months of the year calculated and a Tukey test showed that this was significantly different.

The brown algae of Sargassum glaucescens is found all along the coastal waters of Sistan and Balouchestan province in the Oman Sea. This species as a raw material can be used in different industries and is considered as an economical marine resources. In order to determine the distribution pattern and biomass of this species eleven growing regions were surveyed from Gwatr area in east and Miedany in west. The sampling were carried out monthly in inter-tidal zone and seasonally in subtidal zone. After sampling, the wet-and dry weight, mean length of taIls and number of branches were measured. Also, some physical and chemical parameters were measured. The results showed that brown algae is distributed all along the studied area in the second half of the year, meanwhile in the Gwatr area is found all seasons. The mean biomass of S. glaucescen,y in Gwatr, Chabahar, Tang and Galak was estimated 629.9, 235.5,314.4 and 127.5 g/m2, respectively.

The coastal zone of the Oman Sea (Sistan and Baluchestan province) with 300 Km length is a rich habitat of different species of seaweeds. In order to determine the species identification and distribution of seaweeds, 11 stations were selected and samplings were carried out seasonally by scuba-diving method. During this study, 42 species of seaweeds were identified consist of: 3 species of green algae, 17 species of brown algae and 22 species of red algae. The dominant species of brown algae were: Stoechospermum marginatum, Padina australis, Dictyota sp., Sargassum glaucescens and Cystoseira indica. Some important and commercial species of red algae are: Gracilaria corticata, Gelidiella acerosa, Gelidium micropterum, Hypnea musciformis. The green algae were found only in Passabandar and Chabaharegions with the main species of Ulva fasciata. Along with sampling, some environmental factors were measured including: sea and ambient temperature, salinity, pH, growing depth, D.O., substrate structures and slope and transparency. The maximum and minimum growing depth of seaweeds were found in Tang and Gwatr areas, respectively.

A series of research cruises were carried out in intertidal zones of Sistan-o- Baluchestan province in 1998. Four region of Gwatr, Chabahar, Tang and Galak were selected as sampling stations to collect samples from brown algae consist of: Sargassum glaucescens, Cystoseira indica and Nizamuddinia zanardini. This study was done monthly in one year period and recorded parameters were density, frequency and biomass. The results showed that the mean relative density of Sargassum in Gwatr, Chabahar, Tang and Galak were estimated 22.17, 8.48, 6.74 and 7.74 %, and for Cystoseira indica were 43.18, 11.95, 22.37 and 37.71%, respectively. The algae of Nizamuddin zanardinii was found only in two regions of Chabahar and Tang with 32.85 and 50.48% of relative density. The minimum frequency of Sargassum was found from May to August and for Cystoseira Was from June to August with 12. 5q and for Nizamuddinia was in August-September with 0.0%. On the other hand, the maximum frequency for three species were recognized from October to February with 100.0% frequency for Sargassum and Cystoseira, and 50.0% for Nizamuddinia. Also, the annual wet biomass in regions or Gwatr, Chabahar, Tang and Galak were estimated separately for each species consist of: - Sargassum glaucescens with 626.9, 117.8, 183.4 and 42.5 g/m2 - Cystoseira indica with 739.9, 95.2, 504.5 and 436.7 g/m2 - Nizamuddinia zanardini with 1352.2 and 1208.5 g/m2 in two regions of Chabahar and Tang.

Some biological aspects of yellowfin and skipjack tuna according to catch data of traditional gillnet fisheries were studied in the north of Oman Sea during 1997-99. Based on Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) results, the spawning period or yellowfin begins in spring and reaches to the peak level in May-June. For skipjack tuna, in addition to the above mentioned spawning period, the other observed period was found in autumn-winter with a peak in January-February. The first length or maturity (LM50%) of yellowfin and skipjack tuna females were estimated 76 and 61 cm, respectively. Observation of stomach contents showed that squid was the major components of diet for yellowfin and fish for skipjack tuna. A comparison between mean length of different years and landing sites using two-way analysis of variance indicated a significant differences, The length-weight equations showed an algometric growth in tuna and isometric growth in skipjack.

The indian white prawn (Penaeus indicus), as one of the commercially important and dominant species along the East coast of Hormozgan province, is a very potential and prospective candidate species for shrimp farming. Since, there wasn't well enough information about biology of this species from Iranian wateres, therefore. some biological aspects such as growth rate, reproduction behaviour distribution pattern and feeding habits were studied from March 1997 to March 1998. Monthly sampling were carried out from the fishing grounds and estuaries of Jask area in the Oman Sea by small trawlers and beach seines gears. Initial growth 01 male was faster than female, with calculated K=l.5 for male and K=1.3 for female. Isometric growth trend was observed in both sexes. Sexual maturity attained within the first 12 months. Spawners were occured abundantly during post-winter, spring and beginning of summer. Postlarvae and sub-adults were found in the esturies with 25-100 mm length, and high densities were observed around the mangrove's roots. They spend at least 3 to 5 months of their life span in the esturies. Analysis of stomach contents revealed that this species is an omnivore with indicative contents of detritus, polychaetes, crustaceane, bivalves, algae and sand particles, with preponderance of vegetable constituents in the sub-adults and of detritus in adults.

Some bottom trawls were carried out in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea (Hormozgan and Bushehr provinces) regarding to study the main three commercial species shrimp, namely: Penaeus indicus, P. merguiensis and P. semisulcatus. Six samples or each species were collected for further examinations. Total DNA Of each sample was extracted using the phenol and chlorophorm method. mtDNA was ampliphied by using a pair of primers from sequencing of two Of Cytocrom Oxydase unit I. The PCR products were digested using nine restriction endonuclease enzyme. Seven enzymes showed polymorphic patterns among different species, and 3 enzymes of Hinf I, Hinc I and Rsa I were recognized as genetic markers for species identification or shrimps.

Feeding habits of yellowfin tuna were studied in the Oman Sea in 1998-99. 546 stomach contents with fork length frequency 38-173 cm were studied and classified as full, semi full and empty. Occurence of empty Stomachs Were high (63.10 %) in males and 59.37%: in females) in the specimens which indicated daily feeding of yellowfin tuna. Purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) was the most dominant prey species observed in this study (60% in males and 57% in females), occurence of teleost fishes were found to be second (38% in mates and 42% in females). Furthermore, crabs were also identified as a part stomach contents with a low frequency (1-2%).

In this study, sampling from three main fishing areas in Oman Sea was carried out from September 1995 to August 1996. Biometry and dissection were done for 273 fish. The length for samllest and largest fish was measured 30 and over 128 centimeters respectively. Observation of stomach contents showed that maximum and minimunl contents were 49.6 and 2.3 percent, belonging to fishes and octopus respectively. Cattle-fish and squid were second and thrid food preferences. With the exception of fish with length between 110 and 130 centimeters which only feed on mollusks, others mainly feed on fish. Year-round presence of gonads at maturations stages of 4 and 5 in both sexes, indicate long spawning period mainly from Agust to March. The lowest and highest rate of fatness were 0.72 and 1.9 in males and 0.68 and 1.2 in females respectively. (9), No.2, 2000 Relationship between length and weight in both sexes indicate that dolphin fish has isometric growth in coastal water of Oman Sea. Long natural spawning period of this fish in coastal waters of the Oman Sea indicates that it is a suitable fish for artificial propagation.

The pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) is the most aboundant species in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. The slock patterns of this species were studied concerning biological and morphological aspects. In addition to measuring the biological patterns, 20 quantitative factors were measured. The results of LSD test showed that tentacle organ is indicative factor which showes significant difference between male and female specimen of Bushehr and Balouchestan regions. Regarding to length and weight frequencies data the results indicated that males are always bigger than females and also, the cuttlefishes of the Gulf of Oman are bigger than Persian Gulf samples. The results of cluster analysis for both sexes showed that the cuttlefishes of both studied region belong to separate stocks. Taking into consideration the findings of present study including: (1) difference in spawning season, (2) results of dendrograms, (3) observed significant differences in one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for morphometric measurements, (4) differences in body length and weight, (5) as well as ecological variations of the Persian Gulf and "the pharaoh cuttlefishes of Bushehr and Oman Sea, have indicated that Balouchestan belong to two separate stocks.

The ribbon fishes, belonging to the family Trichiuridae, are one of the most important protein resources in the Indian Ocean. A considerable density of the dominant species of this family, Trichiurus lepturus has been observed in the Oman Sea. During the conducted cruises in the northern part of the Oman Sea, Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and Hepatosomatic index (HSI) were estimated according to the size of the female groups of Trichiurus lepturus. GSI increases significantly from September to next April (P