Virtual population analysis, recruitment pattern and cohort analysis of blue swimming crab, Portunus segnis (Forskal, 1775) in coastal waters of Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, Iran

This study was conducted to determine the virtual population analysis, recruitment pattern and cohort analysis of blue swimming crab (Portunus segnis) in coastal waters of the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea (Hormozgan province). Sampling was carried out monthly by bottom trawl from May 2010 to October 2011. Results of Thompson and Bell prediction analysis showed that the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was 302.2 tons, total survival biomass was 131.6 and maximum economic yield (MEY) was $625.3. A 10 % decrease in the level of fishing effort is recommended to ensure sustainability of the blue swimming crab stock.Maximum of recruitment pattern was in October (age of recruit 0.5 Y-1) with average carapace width of 91 and 110 mm for female and male respectively. Three cohorts were distinguished based on Bhattacharya's method for both sex of blue swimming crab.