Biological Characteristics and Length-Based Stock Assessment of Banana Shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis, De Mann, 1888) in East Aceh Waters, Indonesia

Penaeid shrimps found in East Aceh waters are economically important, including banana shrimp, Penaeus merguiensis, harvested predominantly by small-scale fishery using trammel net. Assessing the biological aspects and stock status of banana shrimp is needed since the intensive utilization of this resource would impact its sustainability. This study was conducted from March 2020 to November 2021 by examining the biological characteristics of banana shrimps caught from East Aceh waters. Size structure, maturity, growth, and length-based assessment analysis were performed to study its biological characteristics and infer its stock status under existing fishing activities. This research revealed that the landing size of banana shrimp ranged from 19 to 56 mmCL, with a modus of 24 mmCL. Spawning occurred throughout the year with two peaks in March-April and November-December. The banana shrimps were caught before reaching their maturity size. Based on exploitation rate and length-based indicators, the stock status of banana shrimps in these waters was in poor condition where the small size was dominating the catch. To prevent the depletion of these resources, it is recommended to arrange spatial closure in coastal areas and temporal closure in November or December.