The Effect of ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) phenomenon on Fishing Season of Small Pelagic Fishes in Indonesia Waters

Abstract

The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon causes changes in environmental conditions such as water temperature, salinity, and rainfall. In fisheries sector, the changing environment has affected the fishing seasons and Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) of some pelagic species. This research was conducted by calculating CPUE and fishing season index for several small pelagic fishes in Makassar Strait, Bali Strait, and Aceh waters, then comparing the index value with the fishing season pattern in two extreme periods that are 2010-2011 and 2016 - 2017. An ANOVA test was conducted to assess the significant difference between normal and extreme conditions. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant different in CPUE between average normal condition and ENSO period. Every single species showed different response to ENSO event, mostly decreased in CPUE relate to El Nino event, except for sardine in Bali and Makassar Strait and scad in Makassar Strait. ENSO affects shift in the fishing season of big-eye scad, scad, sardine, and neritic tuna in Makassar Strait, Bali Strait, and around Aceh waters. Indian mackerel in Makassar Strait showed no change in fishing season but the CPUE showed lower than normal condition. This study shows that ENSO was significantly affected fisheries in Indonesia waters.