Growth parameters and population dynamics of deep-sea caridean shrimp Plesionika semilaevis (Spence Bate, 1888)along the south-west coast of India

The deep-sea caridean shrimp Plesionika semilaevis (Spence Bate, 1888) is a significant commercial species in the deep-sea fishery on the south-west coast of India. An in-depth analysis of its population parameters is crucial, serving as vital indicators for understanding variability and ensuring the sustainability of this stock. This study presents the first stock assessment of P. semilaevis from Indian waters, analysing its population and growth parameters in the south-eastern Arabian Sea. Both sexes showed negative allometric growth. Growth estimates using the von Bertalanffy model revealed rapid growth and low longevity for males (L∞ = 14 cm TL, K = 0.74 year-1 and Φ′ = 2.16) and females (L∞ = 14.3 cm TL, K = 0.73 year-1 and Φ′ = 2.17). The length at first capture was estimated as 9.46 cm while the length at maturity was measured at 8.73 cm. The estimated values for natural, fishing and total mortality were 1.12 , 2.06 and 3.18 ± 0.17 y-1 respectively. The exploitation rate (E = 0.65) was almost equal to the E msy value (E0.1 = 0.62), indicating the fishery as sustainable. The findings provide a baseline for stock management and conservation of Indian deep-sea fisheries. Keywords: Deep-sea fishery, Exploitation, Mortality, Population growth, Sustainable management