Distribution pattern of potential fishing zones in the Bangka Strait waters: An application of the remote sensing technique

Abstract

Information regarding fishing grounds was needed to assist fishermen in their fishing activities. Information about the sea surface chlorophyll-a concentration (SSCC) and sea surface temperature (SST) could be used as a reference to identify potential fishing zones (PFZ). The purpose of this study was to identify SST and SSCC data using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite imagery for determining the PFZ and analyzing their distribution pattern seasonally. The determination of the PFZ point was carried out by overlaying the SSCC and SST data based on the results of image data processing. The results showed that the distribution pattern of PFZ points in the Bangka Strait waters was predominantly found in the Banyuasin waters. The distribution pattern of PFZ points in the dry season (June-August) and transition season II (September-November) had the same pattern and tended to dominate the coastal areas of the waters. The distribution patterns in the wet season (December-February) and transition season I (March-May) spread throughout the Bangka Strait waters. The most PFZ points were found in transition season I (636 PFZ points), while the minor PFZ points were found in transition season II (219 PFZ points). Integrating the remote sensing and GIS technique with statistical validation tests were useful and became a simple method for identifying the PFZ distribution. However, validating the PFZ distributions using the catch data was required.