Optimized catch estimation of the Scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus Linnaeus, 1878) in the waters of the Oman Sea (Sistan and Baluchestan Province)

The purpose of this study to develop a framework for investigating the catch trend and estimation of optimized catch limit of the P. homarus stock by collecting catch data in the northern waters of the Oman Sea. In this research, the landing catch data of the northern waters of the Oman Sea (Sistan and Baluchistan province) for more than twenty years (based on tons) have been collected from the Iranian Fisheries Organization (1997-2019). The average catch for this study period is 33±6 tons with a 95% confidence interval of 27-39 tons, and the amount of catch increased during the study period (R = 0.37). The average (95% confidence interval) for the intrinsic growth rate (r), maximum sustainable yield (MSY), biomass of maximum sustainable yield (BMSY), and carrying capacity (K) were obtained 0.56 (0.4-0.78) annually, 140 (120 – 170) tons, 156 (95 - 255) tons, 313 (192-510) per year, respectively. Based on the trends of B/BMSY and F/FMSY ratios, it can be said that the increase in fishing mortality and the decrease in available biomass started in 2014 and continues. This research shows that the annual harvest of this species has reached its maximum amount and measures should be taken to reduce the amount of catch and fishing effort.