Population characteristics and stock estimates of Lethrinus lentjan were studied during June 2015 to May 2016 from Wadge Bank, South India. The asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K) and arbitrary origin of growth (t0) were 53.5 cm, 0.25/year and -0.81 respectively. Among the mortality parameters, fishing mortality was found to be higher (0.79) compared to natural mortality. Exploitation ratio (E) was found to be 0.56 showing marginal overexploitation of the species at Wadge Bank and the exploitation rate (U) was 4.8. Estimated total stock, estimated annual stock, Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and annual catch (Y) were 14074.17 tonnes,  551.39 t, 6028.73 t and 6755.601 t respectively.  The study suggest that the cod end mesh size of the trawls operated at Wadge Bank coast to be increased from 10 to 25 mm to decrease the yield per recruit and for achieving the optimum exploitation of this species.

Lethrinus lentjan, total mortality, recruitment overfishing, maximum sustainable yield, exploitation rate, yield per recruit.