Comparative Analysis on Performance of Growth Patterns and Condition Factors of Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus) Caught from Waters of Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 713 and FMA 714 of Indonesia

The blue swimming crab (BSC) fishery resources across waters of Southeast Sulawesi, which are connected to Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 713 and FMA 714, have been under significant pressure due to intensive fishing over the past 2–3 decades, and their habitat has experienced degradation. Several studies on BSCs have been conducted and so far have only focused on specific locations. The aim of this study was to compare growth patterns and condition factors (CF) of BSCs from the waters of Poleang, connected to FMA 713, and Lasongko Bay, connected to FMA 714. BSC samples were collected from catches of local fishermen using traps and gillnets, in July-August 2024. Each sample from study locations was sexed, carapace width (CW) was measured, and body weight (W) was recorded. The sex ratio data from both study locations indicated that males were preponderated over females, however the sex ratio was not significantly different (X²_count < X²_table). The relationship between W and CW of BSCs was analyzed using equation: W = a*CW^b, and condition factor (CF) was calculated using equation: CF = [(W)*100]/[CW^3]. Results showed that both male and female BSCs from each study location exhibited isometric growth patterns (b = 3) (t_count < t_table) and had a very strong correlation between W and CW (r > 0.95). The CF values for male and female BSCs from both study locations were fairly good and positive: CF values for BSCs from Poleang waters (FMA 713) were 7.5778 (male) and 7.6241 (female), which were relatively similar to those from Lasongko Bay (FMA 714), at 7.0150 (male) and 6.8207 (female). These data indicate that environmental conditions in both study locations are highly supportive for the growth and sustainability of BSC population. Therefore, the management of these BSC resources should be maintained or improved to ensure the sustainability and health of population.