Population Structure of Blue Crab:Portunus pelagicus (Linneaus)

This study characterized the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus, fishery, the 7th marine fishery export product of the Philippines. The study site was the Visayan Sea the largest producing area in the country. It studied the fecundity of the blue crab to determine the reproductive potential of the species as a measure of the ability of replenish its population despite heavy pressure from the fishery due to tis high market demand. Genetic analysis showed that the populations of the crabs in the Visayan Sea had genetic affinities with that of Bohol but not with Tawi-Tawi. There was no significant genetic structuring among the sites in the Visayan Sea. This concurs with results of the larval dispersal modeling which indicate exchange during different monsoon periods. Results show that the fishery is replenished by local populations and these populations are likewise important sources of blue crab larvae for areas outside the Visayan Sea. A Multi-Criteria Analysis tool was formulated using biological/ecological, social and economic indicators to score each option from note impact (0) to maximum impact (5). Management options were recommended.