Biology, Population Parameters, and Ecology of the Sergestid Shrimp Acetes intermedius in Damilisan, Miagao, Iloilo, the Philippines.

This study investigated the biology, population parameters, and ecology of the sergestid shrimp (Acetes) in Barangay Damilisan, Miagao, Iloilo, the Philippines, by collecting samples for biological analyses and analyses using FiSAT II software. Based on morphometric evaluation, the sergestid shrimps present in the study site were identified as Acetes intermedius. Mature and near-spawning of the 180 specimens examined for ovarian maturity were > 50% in January, February, and April 2022. Size at sexual maturity was recorded at lengths ranging from 21.90-23.10 mm. The highest mean TL and CL were 20.49 ± 1.84 and 5.32 ± 0.56 mm, respectively, in January 2022. The length-frequency data showed that the highest frequency was 18.50-20.40 mm. The male-to-female sex ratio was 1:2; wherein females dominated the males. The highest frequency for females ranged from 20.50-22.40 mm (TL). Estimated population parameters of A. intermedius were L∞ = 30.98 mm, K = 1.900 yr^-1, Ø' =3.26 yr^-1, tmax= 1.6 yr^-1, M = 3.93 yr^-1, F = 4.07 yr^-1, Z = 8.00 yr^-1, E = 0.51, E0.1 = 0.517, E0.5 = 0.349, Emax = 0.691, L₅₀%/Lc = 13.45 mm, and L₇₅% = 14.57 mm with a unimodal type of recruitment pattern. The value obtained for the exploitation rate was above 0.5, hence suggesting that the Acetes stocks in Brgy. Damilisan faced overexploitation. These results provide information that can be used to properly conserve, utilize, and manage the Acetes fishery industry in Miagao, Iloilo, the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]