Reef fish stocks assessment around the islands in the Banda Sea for supporting local community livelihood

Abstract

Located in the Indonesian fisheries management area (WPP) 714, the Banda Sea has a high potential of fisheries resources. However, information about reef fish resources is limited. This study aims to assess the Banda Sea reef fish diversity, abundance, and stocks. The diversity, abundance, and density of three reef fish groups (indicator, target, and major) were assessed using underwater visual census (UVC) from 287 sites. A stock assessment was done by multiplying fish habitat areas and fish density. There were 287, 42, and 301 species of target, indicator, and major groups recorded respectively. High abundances were found in Banda Islands and the Southeast region, while the lowest abundance was in the Kendari waters. The average density of indicator and major groups were 0.251 and 4.519 individuals.m−2, with estimated stocks of 2,883 × 106 and 51,899 × 106 individuals (ind.) respectively. The density of target group fish which has economic values was 1.976 ind.m−2, equivalent to the biomass of 599.6 ton.km−2 with stocks of 4,214,468 tons. Despite huge reef fish resources supporting the local livelihood, the stock tended to decrease in 2009-2012 and 2015-2016 in Flores and Banda Islands. Therefore, conservation and sustainable use of reef fishes of the Banda Sea is required.