Distribution patterns and abundance of mullet fish populations (Mugil sp.) estuary areas

Abstract

Mullet fish (Mugil sp.) Is one type of fish found in the estuary area of the city of Merauke. In ecosystems, these fish play an important role in the food web, namely as a link between the lower trophic level to the higher one. The high utilization of mullet fish as both consumption and commercial fish is feared to have an impact on ecosystem imbalances. Information about the distribution patterns and abundance of mullets is not widely known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution patterns and abundance of mullets (Mugil sp.). This research was conducted in October to December 2016. The method used was Purposive Random Sampling which consisted of two sampling stations, namely Station 1 (Payumb Coastal Area) and Station 2 (Coastal Lamp One). Sampling is done at high tide and low tide conditions. To find out the distribution pattern of mullet fish, the Morisita Distribution Index formula is used while the abundance of mullet fish uses abundance index formula. The results showed that the distribution pattern of mullets at station 1 at high tide included the criteria for grouping / grouping (id> 1), while at low tide included the uniform criteria (id <1). At station 2 the distribution pattern of mullets both at high tide and low tide includes uniform criteria (id <1). The abundance of mullets both at station 1 or 2 at high tide and low tide is in the overflow category (id <1). Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the distribution pattern of mullets at stations 1 and 2 includes criteria for grouping / clustering and uniform while abundance is not abundant.