Estimation of number and position of fish aggregating devices in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters

Abstract

The research conducted in 2021 aimed to address the limitation on the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) as one of the management measures in the tuna harvest strategy in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters (IAW), specifically in Indonesia FMA 713, 714, and 715. The lack of data on the number and position of FADs posed challenges for effective management. The research utilized Sentinel-1 satellite image data from July and August 2020 to overcome this issue. These images were analyzed using the Constant False Alarm Rate algorithm and a geospatial approach. The research focused on water areas greater than 12 nautical miles from the coastline of IAW. The results estimated the number of FADs in Indonesia FMA 713, 714, and 715 to be 661, 608, and 291 units. The distance between FADs was generally less than ten nautical miles. These findings provide valuable information for managing and implementing FADs in the designated areas. However, it is important to note that the estimates are based on data from 2020, and the actual number and position of FADs may have changed. The research highlights the need for continued monitoring and registration of FADs to ensure accurate and up-to-date information for effective management measures.