POPULATION PARAMETERS OF BLUE SWIMMING CRAB IN TANGKOLAK HAMLET, KARAWANG REGENCY

Abstract

Blue swimming crab is a high-value commodity due to its export market and is a superior product for Karawang Regency. High market demand has resulted in fishing activities for blue swimming crabs becoming more intensive from year to year, conducted without regard for the minimum size or the spawning season, thereby triggering overfishing. Given the lack of data and information, a study on blue swimming crab resources is needed to determine the population parameters of the crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Tangkolak Hamlet, Karawang Regency, by analyzing its growth rate, mortality, exploitation rate, and recruitment pattern. Data collection was carried out from January to May 2025, with a total sample of 500 crabs caught by fishermen using crab nets and folding traps. The measurement of the crab's biological parameters includes the measurement of the carapace width and weight of the crabs caught in the waters of Tangkolak Hamlet. The research was designed quantitatively and qualitatively using a descriptive method. The estimation of crab population parameters was analyzed using the FISAT (FAO-Iclarm Stock Assessment Tool) II program. The research findings indicated that the asymptotic carapace width (CW∞) for male and female crabs was 157 mm and 167 mm, respectively. The annual growth rate (K) for male crabs was 0.63/year and for female crabs was 0.4/year, demonstrating that the growth rate of male crabs is faster, as indicated by the higher K value. Regarding mortality, the total mortality (Z) was calculated at 4.18/year for males and 3.32/year for females. The natural mortality (M) was 0.84 for males and 0.62 for females. Crucially, the fishing mortality (F) rates were estimated at 3.34/year for males and 2.7/year for females, signifying that the fishing mortality rate exceeded the natural mortality rate for both sexes. The peak recruitment was estimated to occur in June for male crabs and in July.