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Effect of water quality parameters and climatic influences on reproductive phenology of Macrognathus pancalus in wetland ecosystem: recommending a long-term management approach and conservation policy

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Abstract

The study conducted an investigation into the reproductive biology of M. pancalus and assessed the influence of water quality parameters and environmental factors on the spawning pattern within the Gajner Beel ecosystem in Bangladesh. A total of 1218 individuals of M. pancalus (46.39% males and 53.61% females) were collected monthly from the Gajner Beel during January to December 2018 using various fishing gears. The total length (TL) of each individual was measured using digital slide calipers, and the whole body weight (BW) was measured using an electronic balance. Fulton’s conditions factor (KF) showed significant differences between males and females. The calculated Lm were 11.11 cm, 11.30 cm, and 11.10 cm based on maximum length, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and the logistic model. The spawning season extended from May through August, with June and July being peak months. The average total fecundity was 1495.52 ± 840.24, with a range of 370 to 4069. During peak spawning season, the average temperature and rainfall were 27°C and 370 mm, respectively. Rainfall, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, and pH all had a significant (p < 0.01) positive effect whereas temperature and TDS all had a significant (p > 0.01) negative effect on GSI. Annual air temperature in the study area increased by 0.053 °C/year, with a regression coefficient value (r2 = 0.1695), while annual mean rainfall decreased by 5.97mm/year (r2 = 0.076). This research will contribute to the development of conservation and management approaches of Mastacembelidae fish in relation to current climate variability in sub-tropical waters.

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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the authors but restrictions apply to the availability of these data. Data are, however, available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The author are pleased to express gratitude to the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (Project ID: 484) for both financial and technical support.

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  1. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh

    Md. Ataur Rahman, Mst. Afia Sultana & Md. Yeamin Hossain

  2. Department of Mathematics, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh

    Fee Faysal Ahmed

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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Md. Ataur Rahman, Mst. Afia Sultana, Fee Faysal Ahmed, and Md. Yeamin Hossain. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Md. Ataur Rahman and Mst. Afia Sultana. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Rahman, M.A., Sultana, M.A., Ahmed, F.F. et al. Effect of water quality parameters and climatic influences on reproductive phenology of Macrognathus pancalus in wetland ecosystem: recommending a long-term management approach and conservation policy. Environ Monit Assess 196, 219 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12364-0

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