Population structure and biological aspects of lobster (Panulirus spp.) of the Madura Strait landed in Situbondo of East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Lobster is an important economic fishery resource in domestic and international trade. The high economic value of lobster due to increasing market demand has led to its intensive exploitation. The enactment of specific regulations on lobster proves the urgency of its management. Madura Strait is one of the unique biogeographical sea regions of East Java. This research was conducted in January-March 2021 at Pasir Hitam Beach, Situbondo. The purpose of this study was to determine the species composition of lobsters, the frequency distribution and the growth form, and the sex ratio. The analysis applied is class distribution of length and weight classes, regression analysis, and chi-square. The lobster catches consist of 4 species, namely Scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus), Ornate spiny lobster (P. ornatus), Painted spiny lobster (P. versicolor), and Mud spiny lobster (P. polyphagus). P. homarus is the most dominant species. The frequency distribution of carapace length and weight of P. homarus, P. ornatus, and P. versicolor has met the minimum size limits rules. The length and weight relationship of P. Homarus and P. ornatus were negative allometric, while P. versicolor isometric. Lobster sex ratio is in a balanced condition.