Spawning season and the exploitation status of banana shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) in Cirebon waters, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The banana shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) fishery has contributed to the livelihood of artisanal fishers, to the local community's economy, as raw material for the shrimp processing industry, and as nutritious food in Indonesia. Banana shrimp has been exploited intensively in Cirebon waters as part of the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 712. To enhance the sustainability of banana shrimp in Cirebon waters, some management tools should be developed by investigating their exploitation status and the spawning season. This research was conducted from January to November 2021, with 3123 shrimp samples. The size of banana shrimps captured by trawl nets ranged from 20 to 64 mm, with a length at first maturity (Lmso) of 36.2 mm. Banana shrimps spawn throughout the year, with peaks in March and October. The overfishing condition has been found for the shrimp fishery in Cirebon waters, with an exploitation ratio of 0.61. This study recommends some management measures by applying the minimum landing size of 36 mm, fishing closure based on the spawning peak in March and October, and controlling the size of the cod end of the trawl net.