Length-based stock assessment of the pacific yellowtail emperor in the Southern Sulawesi, Indonesia

Pacific yellowtail emperor, Lethrinus atkinsoni Seale, 1910, is one of the most targeted reef fish species in Southern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Therefore, assessing its stock important to understand condition population, providing valuable inputs for sustainable fisheries management area. Here we assess L. Indonesia, using length-based spawning potential ratio model. A total 4,887 individuals were collected from commercially small-scale fishers January October 2022. The length, sex, and gonad maturity examined. We observed that length ranged 10.5 39.5 cm, with an average 23.3 cm. sex was equal (1:1.2) between male female individuals. Length at first capture 23.4 19.6 respectively. In addition, a growth coefficient 0.45/year, asymptotic 41.14 cm natural mortality 0.6/year. Based on these life history parameters, (SPR) value 12%, indicating unsustainable fishery level (SPR < 30%). Further concerns related sustainability strategy rebuild Sulawesi are utmost importance.