Age, growth and exploitation of Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Marmara and Aegean Seas, Türkiye

Context Boops boops is a commercially important sparid species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea. Comparative information on its population dynamics in the south-western Marmara Sea and the northern Aegean Sea remains limited. Aims This study aimed to investigate population dynamics of Boops boops in the south-western Marmara Sea and the northern Aegean Sea, Türkiye, and to assess regional differences in growth patterns and fishing pressure. Methods In total, 748 individuals were sampled monthly between January and December 2024, including 370 specimens from the Marmara Sea and 378 from the Aegean Sea, by using gillnets and purse seines. Age determination was based on otolith readings. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated separately for females and males in both regions. Mortality rates and exploitation ratios were calculated. Key results Age ranges were 1–6 years in the Marmara Sea and 1–5 years in the Aegean Sea. Marmara Sea individuals showed lower growth rates, but larger asymptotic lengths, whereas Aegean Sea individuals exhibited faster growth and smaller maximum sizes. Exploitation rates exceeded sustainable levels in both regions (E = 0.65; E = 0.59). Conclusions Results indicated that Boops boops populations in both regions are overexploited. Implications Region-specific fisheries management strategies are required for sustainability.