TARGET REFERENCE POINTS FOR MANAGING DEEP-WATER PINK SHRIMP PARAPENEAUS LONGIROSTRIS (LUCA, 1846) ALONG THE EASTERN ALGERIAN COAST

This study represents the first investigation into the population dynamics and management of deep-water pink shrimp, Parapeneaus longirostris along the eastern Algerian coast.Over a 15-month period from November 2022 to January 2024, a total of 899 individuals were collected monthly from commercial bottom trawlers landing in the Gulf of Annaba.The FiSAT II software was used for analysis.Estimated growth parameters were the followings: CL = 47.25 mm, K = 0.59 yr, and t0 = -0.24y, yielding a growth performance index (') of 3.12.The relationship between carapace length (CL) and total weight (TW) indicated negative allometric growth.Total (Z), natural (M), and fishing (F) mortality rates were calculated at 3.21 yr, 0.90 yr, and 2.31 yr respectively, with the current exploitation rate (E) recorded at 0.72.The length at first capture (CLc50) was determined to be 15.30mm.Analysis of the relative yield per recruit (Y/R) indicated that the current exploitation rate exceeds both Emax and E0.5 (0.53 and 0.31 respectively), underscoring the overexploitation of the P. longirostris population in the study area, as confirmed by the quadrant rule.To ensure sustainable management of this resource, the current exploitation rate should be reduced by 57% from 0.72 to 0.31.