Niche ornamental-marine fishery of Bangsring and the surrounding areas

Abstract

Indonesia exported >900 species of marine ornamental organisms, considered the largest together with The Philippines. However, records on catch statistics are negligible — this study conducted along the coastal area of Bangsring (Banyuwangi) and Gerokgak (Bali). The research aimed to identify species diversity, dominant families, and catch composition. Species diversity was estimated through underwater visual census and catch records from three fish collectors in the area. All the species were photographed and deposited at Depository Ichthyologicum Brawijaya, each with a specific accession number. Species identification merely based on morphology and color-stained for transparent osteology. The results of the analysis showed that there at least 106 species out of 483 specimens collected from middlemen. It consisted of 25 families and 59 different genera. The fish sources came from local surrounding West Bali National Park (Pinggiran), Madura Islands (Bunian), and the eastern part of Indonesia (Tanjungan). Unit price at middlemen levels varied between US$ 0.2-3.6 per species, with an average of US$ 0.95±0.95 (n = 106). Three Tanjungan species: Hoplolatilus luteus, Pomacanthus imperator, and Paracanthurus hepatus sold at unit price US$ 8.5. This niche fishery needs specific management measures to control the supply chain apart from its economic contribution to national income.