Abstract
In order to manage blue swimming crabs in Pangkajene Kepulauan, management measures are required. Since the environment which affects the abundance of the blue swimming crab varies seasonally, it is necessary to take into account the seasonal nature with the aim of developing a management strategy. The objectives of this study are to define the abundance of and fishing season of blue swimming crabs in the Pangkajene Kepulauan waters, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The fishing season was analysed using seasonal index analysis, while fish abundance was analysed by means of Equilibrium-Schaefer. The result of this study demonstrated that fishermen allocate their fishing gear all year, although the fish catch is seasonal. Based on analysis of the result, the fishing season for the blue swimming crabs is short. The peak fishing season starts in May and finishes in June. However, in order to enable their families to earn a living, fishermen operated their fishing gear throughout the year. As a result, both catch landing and effort were close to maximum sustainable yield (MSY). In order to reduce fishing pressure, it is necessary to reduce fishing gear and have a seasonal arrangement regarding fishing gear allocation.
Highlights
The blue swimming crab (Portunnes pelagicus) is one of the major commodities for export with regards to the Indonesian fisheries sector
As in other parts of Indonesia, climate in Pangkajene Kepulauan is mostly determined by rainfall that is related to monsoon winds (Table 1)
The result of this study demonstrated that monthly catch and abundance (CPUE) of blue swimming crab were dynamic seasonally
Summary
The blue swimming crab (Portunnes pelagicus) is one of the major commodities for export with regards to the Indonesian fisheries sector. Number, size and efficiency of gears have significantly increased the fishing pressure on available stocks. Stocks of the blue swimming crab have drastically reduced and the average catch size is becoming smaller, whilst fishing grounds are becoming more distant from fishing bases. Fishermen are finding it increasingly difficult to catch blue swimming crabs. In 2010, the Indonesia Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) reported that the number of fishermen at 2,1 million and the number of fishing boats at 588,390. Due to increasing in size and number of fishing boat, number of fisherman in 2014 increased to 2.74 million to operate 625,633 fishing boats (MMAF Indonesia 2015). MMAF reported that 26% of fishing boats in 2014 were ‘unmotorised’, down from 30% in 2010. Fishing boat with inboard machine increased from 26% in 2010, to 30% in 2014
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
