Exploitable biomass and acceptable biological catch (ABC) for spiny lobster Panulirus polyphagus from the coast of North Kalimantan, Indonesia using data-limited fisheries

Abstract

The acceptable biological catch (ABC) can be applied as a management tool to maintain the lobster stock sustainability in North Kalimantan waters where the overfishing condition of lobsters has been detected. Using data-limited fisheries, this study determines the exploitable biomass and ABC of mud spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus). The biomass was estimated based on biomass-based length cohort analysis. The exploitable biomass is considered from the biomass at a size larger than the minimum landing size (≥80 mm). The results showed that the total exploitable biomass was estimated as 51,062 kg, and the ABC can be considered as 14,306 kg. The reduction of yields is needed as 26% from the current annual yield to reach the ABC. The catch quota can be given to each fisherman to manage their fishing effort to fill the allowable catch quota. The cooperation between the government, fisherman and market agents is critical to support the implementation of the catch quota system.