Stock Status of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758) in Tiworo Strait Waters, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The blue swimming crab (BSC) fishery in Tiworo Strait has been heavily exploited since 2 decades ago when its worldwide demand and price is very high. Study on population aspects of this organism in this waters is limited. The aim of present study was to know growth patterns, population stock status, and size at first gonad maturity of this organism.  The study was conducted from January to May 2018. Study locations were chosen at fishing grounds of Bangko and Gala islands. Samples of BSC were taken monthly using gillnet and collapsible trap. Each sample taken was identified its sex, measured its carapace width using caliper (0.1 mm), and weighed its body weight using electronic balance (1 g). Data collected from fishing ground of BSC was analyzed to find out growth patterns, population stock status using spawning potential ratio (SPR) method, and the first gonad maturity (CW 50 ). The results of study showed that growth patterns of BSC male and female following isometric growth patterns (b = 3.0) (p 20%), while the size at first gonad maturity (CW 50 ) was attained at carapace width of 9.16 cm and 10.16 cm, respectively. Those imply that BSCs allowed to be caught should be > 10 cm.