Financial feasibility of hand line fisheries and determination of tuna production in Ambon Island

Abstract

The potential availability of fish resources can be utilized in various economic activities to improve the welfare of coastal communities. The utilization of tuna by using hand line is still carried out by small and medium scale fisheries with some limitations, such as technical production, costs and management skills. The purpose of this study was to describe the technical profile of tuna fishery production in Ambon Island, specifically in Negeri Tial and Negeri Laha; analyze the absolute profit level of tuna fishermen; analyze hand line fisheries business feasibility; and determine the efficient fishing input. Negeri Tial and Laha are the centers of handline fisheries in Ambon Island. This study was conducted by survey. Primary data collection through empirically constructed questionnaires and secondary data obtained from several related agencies. Samples were taken purposively, so that the number of samples in each Negeri was 20 units. A qualitative method approach is used to describe the technicalities of tuna fisheries production, while for other purposes a quantitative approach is used. The results showed that in increasing production, tuna fishermen in Tial and Laha used relatively the same type of hand line and fishing vessel size, but the use of artificial bait in Laha was more varied. Both research objects gain advantages and are feasible to be developed. Fishing input that is efficient in increasing production is the experience of fishermen and the frequency of fishing. Based on the research results, hand line tuna fisheries in Negeri Tial and Laha can be developed to improve the welfare of business actors.