Catch Composition Research Articles

Catch composition, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and species selectivity of fishing gears on multi-species Kaptai Lake in Bangladesh

Kaptai Lake, the largest artificial reservoir in Southeast Asia, is home to a diverse fish fauna that supports thousands of livelihoods and is distinguished by multi-species and multi-gear fisheries. In Kaptai Lake, the gear-based catch composition, catch rate and distribution pattern are little known. From August 2020 to April 2021, a nine-month study was conducted in five upazilas using direct catch assessment surveys and fishing effort surveys from four fishing gears, namely seine nets, gill nets, lift nets, and push nets. A total of 49 morpho-species from 22 families were found, with three species from the Clupeidae accounting for 93.63 % of the catch in all gear combined. The total catch composition and CPUE were higher in seine nets (75.07 %, 13.86 ± 1.8 kg/gear/trip respectively) and lower in lift nets (4.97 %, 1.01 ± 0.21 kg/gear/trip) and showed significant differences among gears, except sampling sites whereas CPUE was higher in Naniarchar for seine nets (17.29 ± 8.89 kg/gear/trip) and lower in Langadu for lift nets (0.62 ± 0.25 kg/gear/trip). Seine nets captured more species, and the number of species increased significantly as CPUE increased. Our study assessed four gears that targeted different fish species with little overlap in leading species; seine nets and gill nets primarily targeted Clupeidae (96.53 % and 41.69 %, respectively), whereas lift nets and push nets primarily targeted Cyprinidae and Palaemonidae (38.93 % and 99.37 % respectively). The observed abundance and variety of fish species captured in gill nets suggest a significant overlap in the selectivity of this fishing method with that of lift nets. Due to the varying contributions of sites and gears, the nMDS ordination pattern reveals a weak spatial variation in catch composition. According to the SIMPER results, Bagridae, Gobiidae, and Ambassidae were the most significant contributors to site grouping patterns across all gears. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the catch composition does not follow the typical pattern of spatial variation. By implementing measures to eliminate or decrease the usage of small mesh nets, there is expected to be a corresponding decrease in the capture of small fish. Additionally, this action will help mitigate the issue of overlapping selectivity among the current fishing gears. Our findings provide baseline data on the potential efficacy of gear limitation and suggest a gear-based management strategy.

Catch Composition and Selectivity Drift Gillnet in Pambang Pesisir Village Bantan Subdistrict Bengkalis Regency

Gill nets are placed perpendicular to the water to block the swimming direction of the fish. Fish are caught by being entangled in the meshes or entangled (spun) in the body of the net. This research was conducted in Pambang Pesisir Village, Bantan District, Bengkalis Regency, to know the composition of the catch and the selectivity of drift gill nets, comparing the composition of the number, type, weight, and size of the catch from different mesh sizes, and knowing how to catch fish (entangled, gilled, snagged, wedged) on the same mesh used. This research was carried out in December 2020 using the experimental fishing method, which is a research method that uses samples of research objects caught on fishing gear for observation. The research results of drift gill nets are species-selective fishing gear. Moreover, drift gill nets with a mesh size of 7.62 cm are more selective than nets of 5.72 cm because they have a catch ratio value closer to 1 and catch more large fish (worth catching). How to catch fish with a mesh size of 5.72 cm, many fish were caught by snagged; namely, 65 fish (30%), wedged 61 fish (28%), gilled 59 fish (27%), and 33 fish entangled (15%). Meanwhile, for the mesh size of 7.62 cm, 30 fish (31%) were caught wedged, 27 fish (29%) snagged, 27 fish (29%) gilled, and ten fish entangled (11%).

Nanopore environmental DNA sequencing of catch water for estimating species composition in demersal bottom trawl fisheries

AbstractBycatch and discards, representing unwanted catches, undermine sustainable fisheries and hinder the conservation of vulnerable and endangered species. To effectively monitor bycatch and enhance the effectiveness of management measures while promoting sustainable fishing practices, reliable data is essential. Here, we explore the use of Nanopore metabarcoding to analyze the catch composition in demersal bottom fisheries. We collected eDNA samples directly from an onboard catch holding tank (catch water) for 10 fishing hauls from a fishing vessel operating in the Skagerrak (North‐East Atlantic). The approach involved sequencing a combination of long (~2 kb) and short (~170–313 bp) mitochondrial amplicons and was validated by analyzing a fishery‐related mock community sample and fishing haul replicates. Overall, the detection rate accuracy was 95% for landed species, and replicates obtained from the same fishing haul showed consistent results, validating the robustness of this approach. The detection rate accuracy for all caught species observed on board (including the non‐landed fraction) was 81%. Undetected species were always limited to species in low abundance, but may also be attributed to problems with identifying closely related species due to the impact of sequencing errors and limited diagnostic variation in the genetic regions used. In the future, such biases may be reduced by using additional markers to increase species discrimination power and applying newly available technological advantages in flow cell chemistry to improve sequencing accuracy. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of Nanopore eDNA sequencing of catch water for estimating species composition in demersal bottom trawl fisheries, including catches of non‐commercial and threatened and vulnerable species, without disrupting fishing activities. Incorporating eDNA analysis of catch water may therefore help facilitate effective monitoring, leading to better‐informed fisheries management, biodiversity conservation efforts, and the implementation of relevant legislation such as the EU landing obligation.

Edge computing based real-time Nephrops (Nephrops norvegicus) catch estimation in demersal trawls using object detection models

In demersal trawl fisheries, the unavailability of the catch information until the end of the catching process is a drawback, leading to seabed impacts, bycatches and reducing the economic performance of the fisheries. The emergence of in-trawl cameras to observe catches in real-time can provide such information. This data needs to be processed in real-time to determine the catch compositions and rates, eventually improving sustainability and economic performance of the fisheries. In this study, a real-time underwater video processing system counting the Nephrops individuals entering the trawl has been developed using object detection and tracking methods on an edge device (NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin). Seven state-of-the-art YOLO models were tested to discover the appropriate training settings and YOLO model. To achieve real-time processing and accurate counting simultaneously, four frame skipping ideas were evaluated. It has been shown that adaptive frame skipping approach, together with YOLOv8s model, can increase the processing speed up to 97.47 FPS while achieving correct count rate and F-score of 82.57% and 0.86, respectively. In conclusion, this system can improve the sustainability of the Nephrops directed trawl fishery by providing catch information in real-time.

Comparative Study on Current Fishing Status of Paalameenmadu and Kallar Barmouths in Batticaloa District,

Batticaloa lagoon is one of the productive estuaries on the East coast of Sri Lanka and is connected to the sea at two points, Paalameenmadu and Kallar barmouths. The entire dynamics of the lagoon is based on the seasonal opening and closing of the above barmouths which influences the fish catch composition in nearby fishing areas. This study collects information on current fishing practices, species composition of the catch, and seasonal catch species composition, the level of awareness on fishing regulation and sustainable fishery using semi-structured questionnaire. Fisheries data were collected from 10 major barmouth fishery landing sites from January to April 2021. 210 respondents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect responses after a pre-test and analysed with descriptive statistics method using SPSS. The study revealed that Paalameenmadu barmouth was opened annually and Kallar barmouth has been closed for the last five years. The most practiced crafts in Paalameenmadu are outboard Fiber Reinforced Plastic boats (OFRP) by 35.26% of fishers and small lagoon canoes by 87.04% fishers in Kallar. A total of seven types of fishing gears are used, among them hook and line, cast net, and dragnet were identified as major fishing gears operated. 30 aquatic species have been recorded in the catch, representing 17 families. Among them, dominant fish families are Scombridae 17.11% and Penaeidae 14.81% in Paalameenmadu. In the Kallar, family Penaeidae 18.75% and Gerreidae 16.32% have been recorded. Barmouth opening is favourable for fishing and 38.57% Penaeidae species were caught during barmouth opening period. Community response that Irregular and early barmouth opening have caused a reduction in fish production which impacts on economic activities. Fishermen have good awareness on importance of fishery resources sustainability and these resources need to be preserved for future generations through proper management practices.

UTILIZATION OF GILLNET CATCHES FISHERMEN OF MATANG RAYEUK VILLAGE, NUSANTARA FISHERY PORT, EAST ACEH

The purpose of this community service is to determine the composition of the main and by-catch of gill nets and the size of the catch. This community service was carried out during April 2023 at PPN Idi Rayeuk, Matang Rayeuk Pedawa Puntong Village, East Aceh Regency. The data collection method used was obtained from primary data (surveys and interviews) which included the type, quantity, size, and weight of the gill net catch and secondary data can be obtained from scientific references books, journals, theses and dissertations). The data analysis used was the analysis of the composition of the catch and the analysis of the size of the catch. The results of the community service showed that the composition of the main catch of the gill net at a mesh size of 1¼ inches was tembang fish, at a mesh size of 2 inches was ribbon fish and at a mesh size of 3 inches was kapasan/kerot-kerot and kwee fish. By-catch with a net size of 1¼ inches is jackfruit seed fish (upeneus moluccensis), kurisi (nempiterus hexodon), petek (leiognathus equulus), yellow trevally (Atule mate), saurida (Saurida undosquamis), swanggi (Priacanthus hamrur), next (Psettodes erumei), parang-parang (chirocentrus dorab), tetengkek (megalaspis cordyla). ) and layur (trichiurus Sp.A). Next, at a mesh size of 2 inches, namely talang fish (scomberoides tala), diles (johnius carouna), petek (leiognathus equulus), moon (Megalops cyprinoides), machete (chirocentrus dorab), jackfruit (upeneus moluccensis), kurisi (nempiterus hexodon), kwee (carangoides armatus), tetengkek (megalaspis cordyla), gerot-gerot ( Pomadasys kaakan), kerong-kerong (Terapon Jarbua), and alu-alu (Sphyraena genie). Then at the 3 inch mesh size, namely the kapasan/kerot-kerot fish (Pomadasys argenteus), talang (scomberoides tala), petek (leiognathus equulus), kuro (Polydacctylus microstoma), diles (johnius carouna), parang-parang (chirocentrus dorab), mackerel (Scomberomorus Commerson), kapas (Gerres filamentosus), and tetengkek (megalaspis cordyla). The catch at the 1¼ and 2 inch mesh sizes is said to be not yet suitable for catching, while the 3 inch mesh size is said to be suitable for catching.

CATCH COMPOSITION AND ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS LEVEL OF SONDONG FISHING GEAR LANDED AT THE FISHERY HARBOR OF RIAU PROVINCE

Sondong fishing gear is one of the dominant fishing gear used by fishermen in the UPT Fisheries port of Riau Province Dumai City, which, when operated, can scrape to the bottom of the waters. The specifications of sondong fishing gear affect the catch. This study aimed to determine the composition of catches based on type, length, and weight and explain the level of environmental friendliness of sondong fishing gear that refers to the FAO 1995 CCRF criteria and Taeran 2014 subcriteria. The method used in this research is a survey method, which is conducted by conducting interviews and collecting data directly in the field, then analyzing it using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the composition of the main catch was white shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis), red prawn (P.monodon), and kelong shrimp (P. indicus). At the same time, the bycatch was white pomfret (Pampus argenteus), gulamah (Pseudocienna amovensis), gangetic anchovy (Thryssa mystax), malung (Muraenesox cinereus), stingray (Dasyatis sp), and crab (Portunus pelagicus). The environmentally friendly level of sondong fishing gear, with a value of 16.43 from the interviews with 23 respondents using 8 criteria, states that sondong fishing gear is a category of fishing gear that is not environmentally friendly.

Evaluating the Sustainability of an Eastern Mediterranean Gillnet Fishery Based on the Catches of Undersized Individuals and the Reproductive Period of Targeted Species

The catch composition of a coastal gillnet fishery in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea was analyzed through a two-year experimental fishing survey. Seven fish species occurred regularly in the hauls. Surmullet, Mullus surmuletus, which is the most valuable demersal fish in Greek waters and the intended target of the gillnets in small-scale fisheries, was the most abundant and systematically caught species. Almost all surmullets were larger than their minimum conservation reference size. However, three commercially exploited species (Diplodus annularis, Pagellus acarne, and P. erythrinus) were caught systematically as undersized individuals. In addition, these three species were caught mostly as immature individuals. Moreover, the operational season of the surveyed métier overlapped completely with the reproductive period of five commercially exploited species (D. annularis, M. barbatus, M. surmuletus, Sphyraena sphyraena, and Trachurus trachurus). Improvements and the establishment of additional technical measurements should be considered for the small-scale gillnet fisheries in the studied area to attenuate their detrimental effects and achieve a better compromise between sustainable exploitation of the local multi-species fish resources and the need for an economically sustainable practice.

Composition of gillnet catches based on network size at UPT Fishery Port of Riau Province

Gill net catches are one of fishermen's dominant fishing gear at UPT Dumai City Fishing Port. Gill net catches are easy to operate, have a low price, and are durable. This research was conducted in July-August at UPT Port of Fisheries, Riau Province. This study aimed to determine differences in gill net catches based on different mesh sizes. The method used is the survey method. The catch of gill nets by type with a mesh size of 2 inches is 25 fish species. Based on the weight and number of individual fish, it was dominated by lomek (Harpodon sp), namely 1,359.5 kg or 21.5% and 16,314 individuals or 27.18%. The catch in the 3-inch mesh size was 23 species of fish. The percentage of catches based on weight dominated by senangin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) was 30.38% (1,353.5 kg), and based on the number of individuals dominated by pomfret of 18.72% (4,534 individuals). The main catches in gill nets at UPT Dumai are lomek (Harpodon sp), senangin (Polynemus sp), pomfret (Bramidae sp) and machete (Chirocentrus sp). The primary and bycatch yields for the 2-inch mesh were 51.58% and 42.42%, while the 3-inch mesh sizes were 57.99% and 42.01%.

Patterns of variability of species composition of catches from the russian fishing vessels in the south-eastern Pacific ocean for 2015–2022

The work provides information on the patterns of species composition of catches from the Russian fishing vessels conducted fishing of jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi Nichols 1920), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus Houttuyn 1782) and redbait (Emmelichthys spp.) in the South-Eastern Pacific Ocean outside the economic zones of the coastal States. According to scientific observations, an analysis of the composition of species caught by the Russian fishing vessels is given. When fishing in the pelagic zone over ocean depths, jack mackerel was the main target species, chub mackerel formed the bycatch. At the same time, the proportion of chub mackerel in catches in the northern parts was higher than in the southern ones. When fishing on seamounts of the Nazca Ridge, catches were dominated by redbait with jack mackerel and alfonsino (Beryx splendens Lowe, 1834) as bycatch. According to the similarity of the species composition of catches, three areas – 1) all the Southern and Central subareas and part of the Northern subarea; 2) seamounts of Nazca ridge; 3) part of the Northern subarea near the border of the EEZ of Peru between 17–20°S, were singled out using the cluster analysis method.

Mean size at sexual maturity of female Cynoscion reticulatus along the Pacific coast off Mexico

Drums and croakers (Sciaenidae) are important to the species composition of coastal catches in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Among these species, the striped corvina (Cynoscion reticulatus) stands out because of its high fishery potential, high demand, and increased market value. The striped croaker has been under constant fishing pressure over the past 20 years. Still, there needs to be current biological information or reference points to allow the establishment of management measures for fisheries. The objective of the present study was to estimate the mean standard length at sexual maturity (SL50) of females using various models and to suggest a minimum catch size (MCS) for C. reticulatus off the southern coast of Sinaloa. Monthly samplings of coastal fishery landings were done from December 2020 to December 2021 on the south coast of Sinaloa. The SL50 was evaluated based on 3 candidate models (Gompertz, Lysack, and White) through a binomial approach. Confidence intervals for SL50 were estimated using likelihood profiles and contours, and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to select the best model. A total of 284 individuals were examined, of which 131 were used in calculations. White’s model was the most adequate; however, based on AIC weights, all 3 models performed similarly, and SL50 (24.48 cm; C.I. 95% 12.9–70 36.0 cm) was estimated as their average. As a management measure, we propose a precautionary MCS of 36 cm SL for C. reticulatus off southern Sinaloa.

Alternative Approach to the Segmentation of Fishing Fleets

The appropriate segmentation of fishing fleets is controversially discussed in fisheries research and management and a variety of approaches has been introduced. The present approach, developed in a pilot study funded by the European Commission – Data Collection Framework (DCF), introduces a standardized multivariate approach for characterizing fisheries fleet segments by hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis (HAC) of their catch composition. We chose data from 2021 of the Romanian fishing fleet as the basis of our analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using the program RStudio V3.6.1 by running the fleet segmentation package script. The specific indices, tests, and visual validation methods of the package were applied to determine the optimal number of clusters. The procedure was finalized by a post-hoc validation of the clustering result to identify the actual fleet segments. From the basic data, 6 fleet segments for Vessels using active and passive gears (PMP) were highlighted, representing 52 boats, where it was noted that fishing at Rapa whelk (RPW) prevailed with 91.94% of the total catches on the segment, respective 5 fleet segments for Vessels using passive gears (PG) only for vessels 12m, representing 78 vessels where the main catches or recorded at European anchovy (ANE) 25.16%, turbot (TUR) 13.08%, horse mackerel (HMM) 8.75%, thus 130 vessels from two classes of different gears in total. We detected mied fishing, especially on various assemblages of demersal and pelagic fish, as well as target fishing on demersal and pelagic fish, Rapa whelk, and mussels. For a better understanding of the approach, further research is needed.

Some aspects of summer biology of starry flounder <i>Platichthys stellatus</i> (Pleuronectidae) in Uzovskaya Inlet (Avacha Bay)

Based on materials collected in the course of angling in Uzovskaya Inlet, new data on the body length and weight of Platichthys stellatus were obtained, and information on the diet of the species is presented. Analysis revealed medium-sized individuals in the composition of catches. Their diet consisted of juvenile fish, gammarids, Pacific sand lance and shrimps.

Larval Fish Assemblages in Coastal Waters of Bangladesh: Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics

The distribution of fish larvae in estuaries is crucial for comprehending the functioning of these ecosystems and their role as nursery grounds for marine fish species. Data regarding larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh are currently scarce. This study examines the spatial and seasonal dynamics of larval fish communities in these waters using a two-year sampling effort with a bongo net. This study investigates the diversity, abundance, and distribution of larval fishes at four sites (Bakkhali River Estuary, Moheshkhalipara, Naf River Estuary, and Rezu Khal Estuary) on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. A total of 10,387 fish larvae representing 25 families were identified. Clupeidae (42.9%), Engraulidae (35.5%), Ambassidae (10.1%), Myctophidae (2.1%), and Gobiidae (1.9%) were the five most dominant families based on the larval catch composition. Marked seasonal differences in the larval fish abundance were observed. However, these differences were not observed when comparing the four sampled sites. Additionally, the correlation between environmental variables and the larval abundance indicated that salinity negatively influences (p < 0.001) the larval fish abundance. This is the first comprehensive investigation of larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the nursery habitat requirements for the early development stages of both migratory and resident species in subtropical coastal waters, providing valuable information for potential applications in management and conservation efforts.

Lobster (Panulirus spp) catch in simeulue waters, aceh province: composition and results

Aceh Province's main export is lobster. This commodity commands a high economic price in Simeulue Regency, which boasts exceptional commodities in the fisheries industry, particularly lobster. The purpose of this study is to describe the composition of the catch and the productivity of the catch of six different varieties of lobster in the Simeulue water. The research methods employed include field surveys to collect data directly from fishermen. The study was carried out in Simeulue waters in numerous areas in 2023, including Busung, Kampung Air, Teupah Selatan, and Alafan. The types of samples taken were six species consisting of Panulirus homarus, P. longipes, P. penicillatus, P. versicolor, P. ornatus and P. polyphagus. The research results showed that the catch comprised lobster species such as Panulirus homarus, P. longipes, P. penicillatus, P. versicolor, P. ornatus, and P. polyphagus. The catch composition was dominated by Panulirus penicillatus (44%) and P. versicolor (23%). The length and weight growth of the six varieties of lobster is allometric, which is vital for sustainable fisheries management. The research findings also show oscillations in the supply of Simeulue lobster shipments, with peak delivery in 2022 (246,157 ind) and a fall in 2023 (57,654 ind). It is critical to underline the need for sustainable management in maintaining a balance between usage and conservation of fishing resources.

СЦЕНАРНЫЙ ПРОГНОЗ РАЗВИТИЯ СЫРЬЕВОЙ БАЗЫ РЫБОЛОВСТВА И УЛОВОВ РЫБ В АЗОВСКОМ МОРЕ В УСЛОВИЯХ СОКРАЩЕНИЯ ОБЪЕМОВ ПРЕСНОВОДНОГО СТОКА И РОСТА СОЛЕНОСТИ

Background. The reduction in freshwater runoff and the increase in the Azov Sea salinity are accompanied by a drastic transformation of aquatic biocenoses, as well as restructuring of various ecological groups of the ichthyofauna. Abrupt changes in the composition and abundance of fishing targets render traditional approaches to fishing ineffective and dictate the need to develop new kinds of fishery. Relevance. Identification of possible scenarios of the fishery resource development for the next 5–10 years is necessary to ensure the fisheries sustainability in the Azov Sea Basin. The aim of this work is to analyze the dynamics of the composition of commercial fish catches in the Azov Sea in the modern period of the sea salinization and to develop possible status scenarios for the stocks and catches of fishing targets for the next 3–10 years to substantiate fisheries management and regulation. Methods. In the course of developing such scenarios, the data on the actual dynamics and trends in the fishery resource changes during the comparable periods have been used, as well as the data on the ecological valence of the representatives of various ecological groups of fish at different stages of their ontogenesis in terms of their salinity tolerance. Results. 3 main unequally probable scenarios of changes in the abundance and biomass of various ecological groups of fish — primary industrial-scale fishing targets in the Azov Sea — have been developed; the recommendations for adapting the existing fishing practices to the changes in the fishery resources have been given. Conclusion. A further decrease in the commercial importance is predicted for the freshwater fish species, freshwater-spawning anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species, as well as for gobies and Black and Caspian Sea sprat (tyulka). The role of Black Sea migrants — European anchovy, grey mullets, red mullet, Mediterranean horse mackerel, garfish — will be reduced. Marine fish species — acclimatized so-iuy mullet and Black Sea turbot (kalkan) — will become the main fishing targets.

The Importance of Understanding the Current Status of Critically Endangered Species in Shark Fisheries in Muncar, Indonesia

One-third of all elasmobranch species are classified as globally threatened (i.e., vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, The Sphyrnidae family, once among the most abundant shark species complexes, now faces one of highest extinction risks by the IUCN in 2019. This study aimed to analyse the total catch of Sphyrnidae in Muncar, East Java, Indonesia, from 2020 to 2023, and to evaluate the proportion of Sphyrnidae catches relative to other shark during this period. The research utilized both primary and secondary data sources, with daily enumeration conducted, using guidebooks, rulers, hand scales, cameras, code tags, plastic mats, and identification books. The results revealed that most Sphyrnidae catches over the past four years were Sphyrna lewini, with 653 females and 433 males recorded. In contrast, Sphyrna mokarran and Sphyrna zygaena were only landed in minimal numbers over the entire period. Furthermore, S. lewini accounted for less than 15% of the total shark catch, with an average of 58 shark species caught annually. The use of fishing gear by fishers operating vessels under 5 Gross Tonnage (GT) with gillnets in the 10-28 GT range with longlines was identified as significant factor influencing catch composition.”

Traditional fishing gear for sarasin’s goby (Mugilogobius sarasinorum), endemic to lake Poso, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Lake Poso is one of the world’s ancient lakes and is home to several endemic fish. One of these is the Sarasin’s goby Mugilogobius sarasinorum, local name bungu masiwu. For a long time, the community around Lake Poso, predominantly of the Pamona ethnic group, have used a traditional fishing gear called inanco. The objective of this study was to describe inanco fishing gear and evaluate the catch composition. The research location in Bo'e Village River (inlet Lake Poso). Research was conducted in March-June 2020. The result showed inanco is made from Arenga pinnata leaves, with 20 leaves used for each unit. The inanco is weighted with stones so the leaves won't drift away. The fish will hide between the leaves in the inanco structure, and can be harvested on the following day. The inanco is highly selective with minimal environmental impact and has potential as a conservation and sustainable fishing gear.

Status of mackerel scad (Decapterus sp.) resource based on Ecosystem Approach (EA) at PPS Kutaraja, Banda Aceh

The Kutaraja Ocean Fishery Port (PPS) is the largest port serving as the center of fisheries in Aceh Province, with a potential and diverse fishery, including the mackerel scad (Decapterus sp.). The fluctuation of the mackerel scad population on an annual basis, which raises concerns about the sustainability of the stock. Therefore, a structured management effort is required, employing an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) to address this problem. The study aimed to assess the management status of mackerel scad resources based on PPS Kutaraja. The research was carried out from February to April 2023. Data collection was carried out through direct observation and interviews with 73 respondents. Data analysis for each indicator was performed using a multi-criteria approach with composite index assessment and flag model visualization. The research results indicate a 20% annual decline in the CPUE trend, a relatively consistent fish size trend, a 4% proportion of juvenile fish caught, a catch composition dominated by target species at 77%. Based on these EAFM indicators, the management status of mackerel scad resources in PPS Kutaraja falls under the 'good' category.

Freedivers harvest thousands of sea turtles a year in the Solomon Islands

Abstract Sea turtles are harvested in many small‐scale fisheries (SSFs), but few nations have quantified the impacts that SSFs are having on their sea turtle stocks. This study provides the first assessment on the catch composition, national harvest rates, and long‐term trends in sea turtle catches in the Solomon Islands SSFs. Between October 2016 and May 2018, 10 community monitors located in eight of the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands were trained and employed to work alongside fishers in their respective communities to document, photograph, and georeference the reefs where sea turtles were harvested. Local ecological knowledge (LEK) surveys were then conducted with 32 experienced fishers to infer whether the harvest rates of sea turtles had changed in recent decades. Community monitors recorded information on 1,132 sea turtles that were harvested on 529 fishing trips: 1,119 sea turtles were identified to species level, with harvests consisting of 73.3% (n = 818) green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), 25.7% hawksbill sea turtles (n = 291) (Eretmochelys imbricata), and 0.9% (n = 10) olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). The great majority (92.6%) of sea turtles were captured by night‐time and daytime freedivers who use masks, snorkels, fins, hooks, spears, and underwater flashlights to target a wide range of fauna that inhabit coral reefs. A methodology that accounts for spatial heterogeneity in sea turtle catch rates was used to estimate that the SSFs of the Solomon Islands harvested 11,184 sea turtles per year, with a 95% confidence interval of 5,862–23,717 sea turtles. Experienced freedivers reported a 4.9‐fold decline in sea turtle harvest rates over the past 30 years, indicating that the sea turtle stocks of the Solomon Islands are being overfished. The results and recommendations from this study were integrated into the Solomon Islands National Plan of Action for Marine Turtles 2023–2027.