Abstract:
Most of the published scientific literature declares Pakistani marine fisheries a victim of open accessphenomenon. Under the influence of this ongoing regime, it becomes necessary to estimate overexploitationrisk and understand ongoing economic implications of particularly important fishery resources. Thus,this study is the first-time attempt to evaluate very important fishery resource, i.e., Penaeus shrimps ofPakistan by considering these aspects. A long catch and effort (CE) data series, 1971-2009, were used inthis study. CE data was statistically analyzed by using non-equilibrium surplus production models (NESPMs),viz., Fox Model (FM), Schaefer Model (SM), and Pella-Tomlinson Model (PTM) through twospecialized fishery software, viz., catch and effort data analysis (CEDA) and a stock production modelincorporating covariates (ASPIC). In CEDA, FM showed highest value of R2 (0.897) and computedmaximum sustainable yield (MSY) as 2471 t. On the other hand, in ASPIC, FM also produced highestR2 value (0.931) and estimated MSY as 2867 t. Obtained results indicate that fishing mortality (F) andbiomass (B) showed increasing and declining trend from 2000 to 2009, in that order. Thus, resultsindicate overexploitation of Penaeus shrimps in Pakistan. By considering results, recommended MSYtarget reference point (TRP) for Penaeus shrimps is between 2600 t - 3000 t. Moreover, harvest below2300 t and over 3200 t may be considered as limit reference point (LRP). To conserve Penaeus shrimpsbiologically and to keep their economic contribution continuously, it is suggested to conduct further indepthstudies in this regard
Keywords:
Pakistan
,
Management
,
Overexploitation risk
,
CEDA
,
ASPIC
,
Penaeus shrimps