SIZE AT SEXUAL MATURITY OF NIPA-OBLIGATE CRAB Labuanium politum (CRUSTACEA: SESARMIDAE); HARVESTING PLAN PRECEDING COMMERCIALISATION

Abstract

Labuanium politum (De Man, 1887) is in demand for consumption in certain parts of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is still in the initial stage of commercialisation as one of the local food sources and for subsistence income. In the interim, questions have been raised on how to reconcile the needs between resource utilisation and conservation. Herein, this study aimed to estimate the size at sexual maturity of L. politum and suggesting possible sustainable harvesting guideline to conserve the natural stocks. A total of 288 individuals comprised 149 males and 139 females, of which 12 were berried, that were examined for the stages of gonad. Size at sexual maturity, SM 50 is at 14 mm of carapace width for males and 19 mm for females. The size at sexual maturity estimations fitted with the morphological observations of gonad stage in the current study. Highest frequency of individuals with fully developed gonad were observed in July and August and this suggests the harvesting seasons should be ideal in the preceding months to allow higher success rate in mating. The present study aimed to develop strategies that will ensure a sustainable harvest for this species in Sarawak, Malaysia.