An initial population parameter estimation of Portunus pelagicus on the eastern coast of Aceh

¹ Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
² Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Conventional stock assessment models require large amounts of historical catch and effort data, which are often unavailable for small-scale fisheries such as the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) fishery on the east coast of Aceh. The lack of stock assessment models applicable to many fish species with limited data, such as the BSC, has hindered policymakers' ability to monitor fish stock status more effectively. When historical catch data, abundance indices, or age-composition data are unavailable, stock assessment methods can be employed using size and/or life history information. This study aimed to determine the stock status of P. pelagicus using limited data, focusing on the length-based spawning potential ratio. Data were collected periodically at several crab landing sites along the eastern coast of Aceh. Based on the life history parameters analyzed, the crab stock was categorized as overexploited (red flag), with an SPR < 0.2 (20%). In line with this assessment, the crab exploitation ratio (F/M) was high at 1.85, with an exploitation rate (E) of 0.71, indicating overfishing. Management actions to reduce crab fishing effort are necessary to improve the status of the stock and achieve a healthier stock.