Optimizing the utilization of scad fish (Decapterus spp.) resource in northern coast of Aceh

Abstract

For ten years, the Scad fish production in the Northern Coast of Aceh has been increasing rapidly at 172.5%. This condition describes that the Scad fish resource exploitation is implemented under improper management that could encounter an overfishing case. This study aimed to analyze the Scad fish resource utilization level and recommend a management strategy to achieve an optimized Scad fish resource utilization in the Northern Coast of Aceh. This study was performed in the Ocean Fishing Port, Kutaraja, Banda Aceh. Bioeconomic analysis results showed that catching product and effort in MSY condition at 2,838.59 tons and 2,808 trips by economic rent was Rp23,902 million per year. In MEY condition, catching product at 2,748.01 ton with catching effort at 2,311 and economic rent was Rp25,056 million per year. The open-access condition of Scad fish resource with total catching effort at 5,386 trips and economic rent value obtained was Rp 0. Results demonstrated that the Scad fish resource utilization status in the Northern Coast of Aceh encounters biological and economical overfishing. The Scad fish resource management strategy for achieving MSY and MEY condition through input control and output control by establishing the total allowed catching product and catching quota.