Bioinformation of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) during Covid-19 Pandemic in Bintan District, Riau Islands Province

Abstract

Riau Islands Province has high fishery potential because it is surrounded by sea water areas. One of high potential of fisheries is blue swimming crab commodity. Covid-19 pandemic in the world has affected various sectors, one of which is the blue swimming crab sector, therefore biological information (bioinformation) during this pandemic very useful for blue swimming crab sustainability, especially in Bintan District. This study aimed at providing bioinformation related to blue swimming crab during the covid-19 pandemic in Bintan Regency. The bioinformation includes size distribution, growth patterns, sex ratios, and maturity level of female crab gonads in Kawal and Pengujan waters (Bintan Regency). The carapace width of the blue swimming crab in Kawal ranges from 102,2–187,9 mm and carapace width in Pengujan ranges from 106,3–148,4 mm. The carapace width class mode was found at the mean class value of 130 mm (in Kawal) and 140 mm (in Pengujan). The growth patterns of both female and male crabs in Kawal and Pengujan are negative allometric. Based on the chi square test with a confidence level of 95% (α = 0,05), the sex ratio of female-male blue swimming crab in general both in Kawal and in Pengujan was in a balanced condition. The level of gonad maturity in female blue swimming crab in Kawal and Pengujan was found from level of gonad maturity 1 to 4 stages. In Kawal found 67% were mature gonad, 22% immature gonad, and 11% berried female. In Pengujan found 31% were mature gonad, 63% immature gonad, and 6% berried females.