Fishermen perception on the sustainable utilization of freshwater glass eel (Anguilla spp.) on river estuaries in Sukabumi Regency

Abstract

Glass eel (Anguilla spp.) are economically important commodities and being intensively exploited by fishermen in Sukabumi Regency, posing a high risk to overfishing and extinction. Socio-economic conditions are considered as the primary driving factor of such unmanaged utilization of these early life guilds. This study aimed to determine the socio-economic characteristics of glass eel fishermen affecting their perceptions and behavior in glass eel fishing. Primary data collection including in-depth interviews (n=30) and field observations was carried out at two main fishing areas in the estuary of Cimandiri and Cikaso river from July to August 2020. Whereas secondary data was literature inquiries based on previous research. The data collected was analyzed descriptively and with the Rank Spearman correlation test. The results showed that about 87.50% of fishermen have a high perception of glass eel stock is still can be utilized continuously so that their behavior in handling the catch is by modifying their fishing gears. In Cikaso estuary, fishermen developed the traps in addition lift net and scoop net as fishing gear, while in Cimandiri estuary is restricted to lift net. In the latter place, a community watching group (pokmaswas) has been established as community participatory in coastal ecosystem protection.