Journal of Coastal Develpopment ISSN : 1410-5217 Volume 15, Number 3,June, 2012 : 315-323 Acrredited : 83/Dikti/Kep/2009 315 THE GROWTH ANALYSIS OF Stichopus vastus (Echinodermata: Stichopodidae) IN KARIMUNJAWA WATERS Bambang Sulardiono 1) , S. Budi Prayitno 2) , Ign. Boedi Hendrarto 1) 1) Aquatic Resources Management Study Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Diponegoro University, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Indonesia, 2) Aquaculture Study Program, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Diponegoro University, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Indonesia, Received : March, 20, 2012 ; Accepted : June, 25, 2012 ABSTRACT Stichopus vastus is one of sea cucumber resources utilize which has commercial economic value, locally known as ‡gametes·. Because this species is continuously exploited, while the nature of life has not been known, one of them especially its growth. Aspect of growth is an important parameter which is used as a basis for evaluating these resources, hence this resource is well managed and can be utilized in a sustainable manner. The study aims to: (1) estimates the growth characteristics mortality rate, recruitment and potential use of sea cucumber of S. vastus in Karimunjawa. The study is expected to give beneficial to the species of sea cucumber resource management strategy at Karimunjawa waters, Jepara. The analysis of the growth parameters of S. vastus obtained values of growth coeficient (K) of 0.55 year-1 DQG OHQJWK LQILQLW\ /  YDOXH RI  PP. Therefore the obtained values of K tend to be close to zero value, it indicates the nature of growth tends to slow and with a relatively long life. Life span of S. vastus is 5.41 years, which can achieve body lengths of 283.06 to 296.91 mm, and the monthly growth rate ranged from 9.0 to 12.37 mm. The results of the analysis of mortality showed that S. vastus has value of total mortality (Z) of 0.98, natural mortality (M) of 0.298, and catch mortality (F) of 0.682, with the rate of exploitation (E) of 0.6963. This suggests that the rate of exploitation is above the threshold standard set by the Government of 0.5 (BRKP, 2004). The analysis of the S. vastus the recruitment showed that the higest percentage recruit occurred in May-June is 17.16 - 18.33%. This is presumably due to a population increase of the spawning process in those months, although the value of the addition is not very significant. It is suggested the need for regulations regarding: (a) the catchment season which is based on the tendency of the reproductive patterns of S. vastus, in Karimujawa, (b) restrictions on the size of the catch, (c) catch quotas, (d) the methods that are environmentally friendly catch, (e) permits the ship / boat used to catch sea cucumbers business. To support the success of regulation, it is necessary to strengthen community institutions through the management of sea cucumber resource-based society, with the Co-management approach. Key words: Stichopus vastus ; growth ; mortality ; recruitment ; potential utilization. Correspondence : Tel. 62-24-76480685, email : bambang_sular@yahoo.co.id INTRODUCTION Ecologically, Karimunjawa waters are dominant coral reef ecosystems and their associates. As coral reefs and their associations, the aquatic ecosystem of Karimunjawa have a very important ecological function, which can provide food and habitat for a variety of marine resources, and are vital ecosystems that provide the functions and roles in stability of the ecosystem. Condition of the ecosystem is possible for sea cucumber resources to be able to grow and thrive in their habitats. Sea cucumber is a member of the phylum Echinodermata, Holothuroidea class significance of benthic communities, many are found in shallow water coral reef environments near shore waters to the deepest part (Atafua et al., 2008), has relative slow movement (sluggish) (Friedman et al., 2008; Brusca and Original Paper