Growth, Reproductive Parameters and Stock Status of Brown-Marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, a Commonly Targeted Grouper in Saleh Bay, Indonesia

The brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), a high-value species in international trade, has experienced population declines due to intensive fishing. It is one of 12 grouper and snapper species prioritized for management in Saleh Bay, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This study analyzed catch data (2017–2022) and biological samples (2020–2021) to update key life history parameters, including natural mortality, von Bertalanffy growth parameters, asymptotic length, and size at maturity. Growth was estimated using an ELEFAN-optimized model applied to catch length–frequency data, while maturity was determined through macroscopic examination of gonads. The updated estimates (L50 = 488 mm for both sex; L95 = 568 mm for females and 616 mm for males) were incorporated into a length-based spawning potential ratio (SPR) assessment. Annual SPR values ranged from 0.13 to 0.28, substantially higher than previous estimates of 0.05–0.07, mainly due to the lower L50 used in this study. Despite this improvement, SPR values remain below the management target of 0.30 for groupers and snappers in Saleh Bay. Limited biological samples, particularly the scarcity of larger individuals and males, introduce uncertainty in the estimates. These findings emphasize the value of locally derived life history information and highlight the need for continued biological sampling to refine growth and reproductive parameters and support sustainable fisheries management.