Spatial and temporal distribution of Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamensky 1901) in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea

Caspian Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamensky 1901) is among the main commercial species in the Caspian Sea. The present study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Kutum in depth ranges of 10 to 100 m by bottom trawl net in Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea during 2008 to 2010. The results showed that the maximum catch and CPUE were 2903 kg and 57.08 kg/0.5 h in winter 2009. The minimum catch and CPUE were 79 kg and 1.41 kg/0.5 h in spring 2010. During the warm seasons (spring and summer) most Kutums occurred in depths less than 20 m. While, during cold seasons they occurred at all depths. The average (±SE) CPUE was 94.0 ± 78.53 kg/0.5 h in depths 20-50 m in autumn and 128.3 ± 77.64 kg/0.5 h in depths >50 m in winter.