Fish Quality Analysis and Business Development of Fishery Products Processing in Titigogoli Village Morotai Island Regency

Abstract

Morotai Island Regency is located in North Maluku Province which 89% of villages in the district are located in coastal areas which are rich in marine resource potentials. Fish is a food that is easily damaged so it is necessary to handle to maintain its quality. Fish processing also needs to be done to anticipate the abundance of catches. The problem that occurs in Titigogoli Village is the lack of fishermen’s knowledge about fish handling, as well as the lack of fish processing knowledge (fishermen’s wife) to produce the good quality products. This study aims to determine the quality of fish caught by Titigogoli Village fishermen and it’s handling method, and provide alternative businesess. This study was conducted in June - August 2022. The analysis was pH analysis and organoleptic test to see the quality of fish and SWOT analysis to formulate a strategy for developing business of fishery product. The results showed that the quality of fish was included in the fresh category with an average pH value and organoleptic were ranging from 6.20-6.43 and 7.27-9.00, respectively. The recommended alternative business is smoked fish because it quite potential. Strategy formulation for the development of fisheries businesses for fishermen/business actors in Titigogoli Village is (a) increasing the independence of fishermen/business actors through support the facilities and training in processing quality products; (b) increasing village cooperation with related agencies; (c) Improving fisheries business management; (d) Development of infrastructure to accommodate fishermen’s catch.