Length-based stock status assessment of

Malabar blood snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) is a key target species in the small-scale fisheries in Saleh Bay, prized for its high market value. However, persistent fishing pressure has rendered it vulnerable to overexploitation. To address this issue, the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government implemented Governor Regulation No. 32 of 2018 in September 2018. This study aims to estimate the stock status of Lutjanus malabaricus under the implementation of the current policy using TropFish R and length-based spawning potential ratio (LB-SPR). Results reveal sustained overfishing of Lutjanus malabaricus, with an exploitation rate above 0.5 (0.61). The estimated SPR showed a declining trend from 0.33 in 2016 to 0.25 in 2025, with F/M >1 indicating high fishing pressure. To safeguard this resource, we recommend enhancing existing measures (e.g., enforcing minimum legal size and gear restrictions), implementing seasonal/spatial closures, and adopting ecosystem-based fisheries management. These steps are critical to reversing stock decline and ensuring long-term sustainability.