Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Fishery Status in Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the catch per unit effort (CPUE), fishing gears used, catch volume, carapace length, and physico-chemical parameters of the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) in the four municipalities of Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, namely Barobo, Lianga, San Agustin, and Marihatag. The survey questionnaire was deployed based on the Blue Swimming Crab Management Plan (BSCMP). After three months of observation, Barobo obtained the highest  CPUE while Marihatag had the lowest. Barobo also had the highest CPUE using a gill net and crab pot while San Agustin had the lowest using bintol. In terms of catch, the monthly trend showed that March had the highest catch, while April had the least. The frequency distribution of the carapace length showed a unimodal pattern in all municipalities. The physico-chemical parameters of the water were within tolerable limits for the BSC. This study provides baseline data on the BSC fishery in Lianga Bay, which can be used in developing sustainable management strategies for the BSC fishery in the area, ensuring its long-term viability while promoting conservation efforts.