Assessing the stock status of areolate grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) in Java Sea, Indonesia

Areolate grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) is vulnerable to overfishing due to its high demand and economic value in the local and global markets. Proper management is crucial to ensure the sus tainability of its fisheries. The objectives of this study were to understand the stock status and to determine some biological reference points for E. areolatus in the Java Sea. The length-frequency data from 2019 to 2021 has been collected from the local fishers using Danish seine and bottom longline. Three assessment models: yield per recruit analysis, length-based spawning potential ratio, and length based Bayesian (LBB) model, were performed to estimate stock status and biological reference point of areolate grouper. This study revealed that the high fishing pressure and low selectivity of fishing gear resulted in the overexploited, growth overfishing and heavy recruitment overfishing of E. areolatus in the Java Sea. The current length at selectivity (17 cm) was 43% lower than the optimal length that can produce the maximum yield per recruit. The current relative biomass (B/Bmsy) and spawning potential ratios were 23% and 7%, respectively. As a result, area closure in some coral reefs, such as Karimun Jawa and Bawean, and a limitation on the number of vessels or fishing trips for some gears (Danish seine and long line), are required to reduce fishing mortality. A minimum legal size of 31 cm is recommended to ensure the sustainability of grouper fisheries in the Java Sea. Conservation culture is the key to effectively implementing those management regulations