Growth, Mortality and Sustainable Exploitation of the Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) Fishery in the Jizan Area (Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia)

Population characteristics of green tiger prawns, Penaeus semisulcatus taken by shrimp trawlers in Jizan area was investigated during the period from August 2002 to July 2003. Monthly lengthfrequencydata were used to estimate the growth curves and related parameters for both females and males. The mean asymptotic carapace length (L∞), growth constant (K), amplitude of growth (C) andwinter point (WP) were respectively, 58.5 mm, 0.8 years1, 0.100 and 0.800 for females and 44.9 mm, 0.7 years1, 0.400 0.100 for males. The annual mortality coefficients and current exploitation rate for females were estimated at slightly higher values (Z = 3.937 years1, M = 1.649 years1, F = 2.288 years1 and Ecurrent = 0.581) than those ofmales (Z = 3.599 years1, M = 1.588 years1, F = 2.011 years1 andEcurrent = 0.550).Maximum exploitation rate for females and males of Penaeus semisulcatuswas estimated as 0.583 and 0.695 respectively.