An overview of shark fisheries in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

S P S Dewi,O S Abdoellah,Y N Ihsan,S Withaningsih,A.D Malik,D Supyandi,G.L Utama

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202124903008

Abstract

The biology of sharks makes them very vulnerable to fishing pressure. Globally, sharks are threatened because of uncontrolled fishing due to the increasing demand for their fins. In Indonesia, shark fishing occurs in almost all marine areas, and each area has different characteristics and conditions. Understanding the conditions and characteristics of each area will help to define strategies for the sustainable management of shark fisheries. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the condition of shark fisheries in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This study used a qualitative method to get information about fishing techniques, catch composition, utilization, and trading. The data were collected through observation, interviews, and literature review. The result showed that fishermen in Kupang caught sharks as a fishing target using longline fishing gear. Almost all sharks were landed in pieces after being chopped up in the vessel. They were chopped off into some pieces, such as the fin, meat, skin, and cartilage. Sharks species could be identified by their fins, but their total length, weight, sex ratio, and adult size were difficult to identify. That makes it difficult to plan reasonable management strategies. Shark fins are more expensive than other parts, and the price depends on the fin size. Shark products are traded to Surabaya, Manado, Bogor, and Jakarta. Trade of shark products is regulated by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation number 61/PERMEN-KP/2018. Based on this study, management intervention must be undertaken to ensure sustainable shark fisheries in Kupang.

Highlights

Shark belongs to a group of cartilaginous fish and the Chondrichthyes class with the Elasmobranchii subclass
More than 500 species of sharks are found in the seawater around the world, and 117 of those are found in Indonesian seawater [1]
As a predator in the ocean food chain, sharks play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem

Summary

Introduction

Shark belongs to a group of cartilaginous fish and the Chondrichthyes class with the Elasmobranchii subclass. More than 500 species of sharks are found in the seawater around the world, and 117 of those are found in Indonesian seawater [1]. Based on their biological characteristics, sharks tend to have a slow growth rate, long life span, low fecundity, and are slow to reach sexual maturity as well as reproductive cycle [2]. As a predator in the ocean food chain, sharks play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The loss of apex species which have an important role in the arrangement of the food chain can cause very dramatic ecological changes [3]. Uncontrolled fishing activities will cause a threat of shark extinction in the world. Management efforts are needed so that shark resources remain sustainable

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Discussion

Conclusion