Yield-per recruit analyses on Parapenaeopsis stylifera and Metapenaeus dobsoni from Kerala State, India

Summary The stocks of shrimps Parapenaeopsis stylifera and Metapenaeus dobsoni in the fishery of two areas of Kerala coast in India have been studied using length frequency data. The average annual stocks of the two species have been indicated. The present status of fishery shows a differential fishing pressure for males and females of P. stylifera, resulting in favourable recruitment of the species in the fishery, while this is not so in the case of M. dobsoni. The study suggests the necessity for reduction in the fishing pressure in order to maintain MSY levels.