DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND STOCK ASSESSMENT OF THE GIANT TIGER PRAWN, PENAEUS MONODON FABRICIUS, 1798 (DECAPODA, DENDROBRANCHIATA) IN PULICAT LAKE, SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA

Demographic characteristics and stock status of the giant tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon were investigated in Pulicat Lake, southeast coast of India, using the FiSAT II software package. The asymptotic length (L-infinity) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated as 20.44 cm and 0.90 year(-1), respectively, by the ELEFAN method. The growth performance index (empty set') was calculated as 2.575. The mortality parameters Z, F and M were computed to be 3.70, 2.15 and 1.55 year(-1), respectively. The recruitment pattern was found to be continuous throughout the year with a peak in June and July. The estimated MSY and annual catch were 81.90 tonnes and 95.18 tonnes, respectively. The current exploitation rate (E) was found to be relatively higher than the optimum level. Hence it is recommended that the current effort level be decreased by 13.9% in order to sustain the fishery of this particular species in Pulicat Lake.