Fisheries Management Area Research Articles

MORPHOREGRESSION AND FIRST SIZE AT MATURITY OF GOLDSTRIPE SARDINELLA (SARDINELLA GIBBOSA) FROM BALI STRAIT WATERS

Bali Strait was one of the highest density areas for small pelagic fish in Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (FMA)-573 with goldstripe sardinella (Sardinella gibbosa) as was one of the abundant species in the catch. The aims of this study were to reveal the morphoregression characteristics and the first size of maturity for Sardinella gibbosa in Bali Strait waters. A total of 1.282 goldstripe sardinella were measured in total length (TL), fork length (FL), and standard length (SL)) and weighed during the study. All of the length measurement methods were highly related to the weight, which were W = 4 x 10-6 TL3,1686 (R² = 0,9817); W = 4 x 10-6 FL3,2334 (R² = 0,9732); and W = 1 x 10-5 SL3,0239 (R² = 0,9656), respectively. Among all the measurement methods, total length estimated the weight more accurately than the others. The growth pattern of goldstripe sardinella in this study were various based on the measurement method, sex, and the maturity level of the fish. A total of 800 individuals were dissected and their gonads examined. The sex was identified by visual characteristics. The size at 50% maturity for goldstripe sardinella in Bali Strait was 148 mm TL for male and 155 mm TL for female. Most of the caught fish were under the size at 50% maturity.

Modeling Seasonal Distribution of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in a Transnational Important Marine Mammal Area

Fishing activities continue to decimate populations of marine mammals, fish, and their habitats in the coastal waters of the Kep Archipelago, a cluster of tropical islands on the Cambodia-Vietnam border. In 2019, the area was recognized as an Important Marine Mammal Area, largely owing to the significant presence of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris). Understanding habitat preferences and distribution aids in the identification of areas to target for monitoring and conservation, which is particularly challenging in data-limited nations of Southeast Asia. Here, we test the hypothesis that accurate seasonal habitat models, relying on environmental data and species occurrences alone, can be used to describe the ecological processes governing abundance for the resident dolphin population of the Kep Archipelago, Cambodia. Leveraging two years of species and oceanographic data—depth, slope, distance to shore and rivers, sea surface temperature, and chlorophyll-a concentration—we built temporally stratified models to estimate distribution and infer seasonal habitat importance. Overall, Irrawaddy dolphins of Kep displayed habitat preferences similar to other populations, and were predominately encountered in three situations: (1) water depths ranging from 3.0 to 5.3 m, (2) surface water temperatures of 27–32°C, and (3) in close proximity to offshore islands (< 7.5 km). With respect to seasonality, statistical tests detected significant differences for all environment variables considered except seafloor slope. Four predictor sets, each with a unique combination of variables, were used to map seasonal variation in dolphin habitat suitability. Models with highest variable importance scores were water depth, pre- and during monsoon season (61–62%), and sea surface temperature, post-monsoon (71%), which suggests that greater freshwater flow during the wet season may alter primary productivity and dolphin prey abundance. Importantly, findings show the majority of areas with highest habitat suitability are not currently surveyed for dolphins and located outside Kep’s Marine Fisheries Management Area. This research confirms the need to expand monitoring to new areas where high-impact fisheries and other human activities operate. Baseline knowledge on dolphin distribution can guide regional conservation efforts by taking into account the seasonality of the species and support the design of tailored management strategies that address transboundary threats to an Important Marine Mammal Area.

Population Dynamics of Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Fisheries Management Area 573 of the Indian Ocean

Abstract Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares is one of the major species of tuna caught in the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 573 of the Indian Ocean. Its production contributed to 35.83% of the total production of tuna in 2013. The study was conducted to assess the population dynamics of this species in FMA 573, based on length-frequency data collected in 2013-2017, and was analysed using FiSAT II software. The results obtained show length-weight relationship of W = 0.000052 FL2.78, negative allometric growth and growth equation of Lt = 194.25 (1-e-0.51 (t + 0.1889)). The length at first capture was estimated at 140 cm FL. Recruitment season occurs between July and September, with a peak in August. The rate of total mortality (Z) was 2.32 yr-1, including natural mortality rate (M) of 0.69 yr-1 and fishing mortality rate (F) of 1.63 yr-1. The exploitation rates of yellowfin tuna were estimated to be 0.70, indicating that it has exceeded the optimum exploitation rate (E = 0.5) and that overexploitation had occurred. There is an obvious need for consistent monitoring and surveillance of fishing fleet, type and size of fishing gear, as well as the fish size and quantity of the catch.

Management status of mud crab fisheries in selected areas of FMA 713, East Kalimantan, Indonesia using the Indonesian Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Assessment Methodology

The selected study area in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 713 in Kartanegara District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia has extensive mangrove forests with suitable habitat for mud crabs (Scylla sp.), a valuable fisheries resource. Concerns have been raised regarding reported declines in the abundance of mud crabs and in the condition of their mangrove habitat. To evaluate the management status of the mud crab fishery in this area, an assessment was carried out using the Indonesian Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) methodology. The 25 indicators assessed represent 6 domains: Fisheries Resources, Habitat and Ecosystems, Fishing Technology, Social, Economic, and Institutional. The flag model technique was applied using multi-criteria analysis through an expansion of the composite index. The results indicate that the overall management status of mud crab fisheries in Kutai Kartanegara District was in the Moderate class (on a scale of Poor, Insufficient, Moderate, Good, Excellent). Indicators in the Habitat and Ecosystems, Fishing Technology, and Institutional Domains highlighted areas of concern where improvements are needed. The Fisheries Resources Domain aggregate status (moderate) indicated that wild mud crab stocks were still reasonably abundant and reliable, supporting the moderate status in the Social and Economic Domains, which relate to the welfare of fishing communities. The Institutional Domain status was in the poor category. Good governance measures to improve the Institutional Domain indicators have the potential to strengthen the other domains, in particular the Habitat and Ecosystem Domain and the Fishing Technology Domain, and to improve the overall EAFM status of the mud crab fishery in the future.

Vulnerability analysis of pelagic and demersal fisheries in the Indian Ocean, Fisheries Management Area 572, Indonesia

Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 572 situated in the Indian Ocean, includes the coastal waters of Bengkulu City, has great potential in terms of pelagic and demersal fisheries. However, the exploitation of these fisheries resources has been intensified due to the growing demand for human consumption. Unfortunately, information related to the susceptibility and productivity of fisheries resources in this area is still negligible. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of vulnerability to potential fishery impacts of several pelagic and demersal fisheries in FMA 572. The study was conducted in Bengkulu City from July to December 2019. Analysis of the productivity and susceptibility level of the fisheries used several productivity and susceptibility parameters through the Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) method. The results of the study revealed that the vulnerability level of yellow stripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis) was higher than that of other target fishes. However, in general, the vulnerability of pelagic and demersal fisheries to potential overfishing in FMA 572 was still low.

Socio-economic impacts on lobster fishery actors after the implementation of Regulation No 12/PERMEN-KP/2020

The promulgation of Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 12/PERMEN-KP/2020 on Management of Lobster (Panulirus spp.), Mud Crab (Scylla spp.), and Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus spp.) in the Territorial waters of the Republic of Indonesia has implications for the management of lobster fisheries within the Indonesia’s Territorial Waters and Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs). This research aims to outline the current condition of lobster fisheries with the enactment of the ministerial regulation’s KP number 12/2020 on lobster fishery and to analyse the policy gaps regarding the implementation of lobster fisheries regulations. Data were collected within FMA 573 through a structured interview technique using a clustered questionnaire system and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key informants. The impacts of the regulation were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively using a descriptive approach. The results indicate that the implementation of regulation No. 12/PERMEN-KP/2020 has not resulted in significant increases in income for lobster fishers and traders, in fact rather the reverse. The legalization of juvenile lobster capture has increased the supply, leading to a decrease in juvenile lobster prices. The price per lobster has fallen from IDR 6,000-10,000 to IDR 3,500-4,000, IDR17,500 to IDR 10,000-11,000 andIDR 27,500-30,000 to IDR 16,000-17,000 for fishermen, middlemen and exporters, respectively. The positive impacts on lobster fishers were an increased sense of security since it is no longer illegal to catch and trade juvenile lobsters.

Dynamics of Thermal Fronts Distribution in the Flores Sea, Indonesia: An implication for locating potential skipjack tuna fishing ground

Flores Sea is one of the most productive fishing grounds within the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 713 which has the unique physical structures such as topographic feature, the seasonal wind driven upwelling, and also the dynamics of frontal patterns. The purposes of this study were to map the dynamic spatial of the thermal fronts in the east and the second transition seasons, and to describe their implications to the skipjack fishery. We applied the satellite data of sea surface temperature (SST) for the period of June-October 2018 with spatial and temporal resolutions of 0.04 degree latitude and longitude and monthly, respectively. For fishery data, we used sampling data of skipjack tuna fishing ground distributions during this period. The thermal fronts were estimated using a Single Image Edge Detection (SIED) algorithm and the available fishing ground data were superimposed on the SST frontal maps. The results showed that the spatial distribution patterns of thermal fronts along Flores Sea tended to be different every month. However, the thermal fronts were consistently detected throughout the study period. Skipjack tuna fishing grounds started to develop in the eastern area of Selayar Island in June (before upwelling event) and reached a peak in October (after upwelling). During these months, the skipjack fishing grounds well formed around the thermal fronts with the distance of 0-40 km. It implies that the formation of the thermal fronts especially after upwelling gives a significant contribution on the development of skipjack fishery in the Flores Sea.

PRODUKSI CAKALANG DI WILAYAH PENGELOLAAN PERIKANAN 713

The vast Indonesian sea holds a lot of marine fishery potential that can be utilized by the Indonesian people. In the sea there is the potential for marine resources in the form of fisheries. The Indonesian sea has a large number of sustainable potential, namely 6.4 million tons per year. Skipjack tuna is one of the main targets in fishing activities. One of the Cakalang producing areas in Indonesia is the Fishery Management Area (WPP) 713. WPP-713 is a potential water area in Eastern Indonesia. This study aims to provide a basic overview of Skipjack fishery production in Indonesia and WPP-713. The results of this study indicate that the production value and price of Skipjack tuna in Indonesia has increased from 2005 – 2015. In 2015, the Cakalang price reached IDR 18,164 and a production value of ± IDR 7.54 trillion. Meanwhile, in WPP-713 the average catch production of skipjack tuna shows an increase of 11.4%.

A morphometric approach into mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.) diversity in Fisheries Management Area 711 as a management base

Rastrelliger spp. is a small pelagic fish with important ecological and economic value in Indonesia. Genus Rastrelliger has three species with different distribution patterns, so they have diversity in morphology and populations in several waters. The study aimed to analyze the morphometric diversity of mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.) in Bintan, Bangka, and Ketapang waters (Fisheries Management Area 711) using standard morphometric methods and truss network analysis. 310 samples were collected from all locations based on simple random sampling. The growth pattern of Rastrellliger spp. was negative allometric in each location. The cluster analysis showed that the mackerel populations from Ketapang and Bangka formed one group, while Bintan tended to be different. Based on the discriminant analysis, there are overlapping populations between Ketapang and Bangka. The difference of morphometric characters on mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.) can indicate different species, so there is potential for more than one population or stock in FMA 711.

C Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) Rhynchobatus sp Menggunakan Gill Net Dasar Di Wilayah Pengelolaan Perikanan 711 (WPP NRI 711) Pada Fishing Base PPI Sungai Kakap Kalimantan Barat

Rhynchobatus springeri (R. springeri) and Rhynchobatus australiae (R. australiae), which belong to wedgefish species, are the main target of captures of the bottom gill net fishery at PPI Sungai Kakap, West Kalimantan, a fishing ground in the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 711 (WPP NRI 711). The fin is the main part in business activity in fisheries and has been exported due to high demand with promising price. But, there is a scarcity of research on this species (Jabado, 2019) especially the information about the level of vulnerability of the wedgefish species. The status of R. springeri and R. australiae are critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (Jabado, 2019; Kyne, 2019; Kyne et al, 2019a; IUCN, 2012). CPUE is the amount of fish catch per unit of effort. The term ‘effort’ in this research is the length of days at sea per trip of fishing operation. Data collection includes the number of landings of Rhynchobatus species and length of days at sea from each fishing vessel during the years of 2016 and 2019. Microsoft Excel was used for data analysis. The results showed that the average CPUE was 54.34 piece/trip, or 1,512.19 kg/trip and 1.75 piece/day, or 48.78 kg/day per ship. The correlation between CPUE and effort is positively significant. At the CPUE piece/trip, the linear equation shown as follow y = 0.3583x-38.531 with R2 = 0.8724 or R = 0.9340. Whereas, at the CPUE kg/trip, the linear equation was y = 9,0823x-842,11 with R2 = 0,791 or R = 0,889 (Y is CPUE and X is effort).

PEMANFAATAN DATA CITRA SATELIT SENTINEL-1 UNTUK PEMANTAUAN SEBARAN TUMPAHAN MINYAK DI WPP 713

The Makassar Strait which is a part of the Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 713 and the Indonesian Archipelago Sea Channel (ALKI) II is an economic route that connects the Pacific Ocean in north and Indian Ocean at south through the middle of Indonesia archipelago. The high traffic on this route creates risks to national security, illegal fishing, and environmental pollution due to oil spills. One method that can be used to monitor oil spills in open water is remote sensing satellite with SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data. The satellite data used in this study is a SAR image from the Sentinel-1 satellite. The advantage of radar satellites is their ability to perform data acquisition during the day or night and in all weather conditions. The method used to detect oil spills is an automatic method found in the SNAP software, while the length and area of the oil spill are calculated using the spatial analysis method which is available in the QGIS software. The results of this study in the Makassar Strait found that there was an oil spill with a length of about 11.7 km and an area of about 22.8 km². The oil spills in this study resemble the characteristics of an oil spill caused by a moving ship. This incident indicating the violation is suspected to have occurred in the area. Utilization of Sentinel-1 SAR data to monitor illegal oil spills is expected to reduce violations that occur in Indonesian territorial waters.

State Exclusivity of Fisheries Resources on Exclusive Economic Zone in Efforts to Support the Fisheries Availability as a Means of Increasing Food Security for the State

Based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982), Indonesia has sovereignty in the Indonesian waters and has exclusive rights in natural resources utilization in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). By having sovereignty in the Indonesian waters and exclusive rights in the EEZ, Indonesia should be able to exploit this potential to optimize the fisheries availability as a means of increasing food security for the state, but in reality, the fisheries availability cannot be optimized because of many IUU-Fishing practices which has an impact on decreasing food security. Therefore, the aims of the research are: (1) to describe and explain how to overcome and eradicate IUU-Fishing in Indonesian exclusive economic zone. (2) to describe and explain how is the solution to apply the state exclusivity principle of fisheries resources optimally in efforts to support the fisheries availability as a means of increasing food security for the state. This research used normative legal research. The results of the research shows that in overcoming and eradicating IUU-Fishing in Indonesian EEZ preventive and repressive measures must be taken. To optimize state exclusivity of fisheries resources in Indonesian EEZ as a means of increasing food security, a good fisheries management is needed, namely the Republic of Indonesia Fisheries Management Area. The Indonesian government must also improve facilities and infrastructure for fisheries supervisors or enforcers and improve surveillance operations in EEZ. In addition, Indonesia also should make bilateral or multilateral cooperation mechanisms with states with opposite or adjacent coasts.

Assessment on the governance of fisheries management at fishery management area in Indonesia

Given Indonesia’s enormous sea area, decentralization is inevitable in managing fishery resources, so-called Fishery Management Areas (FMAs). The governance of FMAs has been endorsed by MMAF Decree No. 33/2019. However, there were many challenges in its implementation. At the same time, Indonesia’s Long Term Development Plan of 2020-2024 specified that strengthening the governance of the FMAs will be one of the fishery development priorities. This study’s will assess the current design and implementation of FMA governance, namely the Fishery Management Councils (FMC). We gathered data and information using field observation, interviews with policymakers, and members of FMCs in several FMAs. We then carried out two analyses, namely, formal and informal analysis. The formal analysis was done by comparing each FMC component’s function and task based on the written guideline for operating FMC and the FMC of FMA and real observation. The informal analysis evaluates the critical management function and attributes of the existing FMC governance and compares them with the ideal function. From the formal analysis, we find that each component of FMC’s tasks and functions as written on the documents marginally/partially implemented by FMC members. From the informal analysis, we find that many challenges and gaps in the operationalization of the FMCs.

Recommendations for fisheries management in FMAs number 711 and it’s relationship with regional fisheries programs in Batam City, Riau Islands Province

Ecosystem approach for Fisheries Management (EAFM) has been initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) since 2010. In 2014, there is a recommendation for fisheries management based on EAFM in the Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) number 711. The relationship between recommendations and fisheries management programs in the regions is the focus of this study. This study aims to examine the relationship between fisheries management programs in Batam City and fisheries management recommendations in FMAs number 711. The research was conducted through a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews with key informants from the Riau Islands Province Marine and Fisheries Department, Batam City and Tanjung Pinang Fisheries Department, MMAF representatif from fish quarantine quality control and safety of fishery products agency (BKIPM) and directorate general of supervision of marine and fishery resources (PSDKP). The data analysis was conducted in a descriptive qualitative. The study show that the fishing domain has a strong relationship between government programs and recommendations for improving capture fisheries management. Meanwhile, the domain of fish resources, habitat and ecosystem domain, social domain, economic domains and institutional domain show a weak relationship. Recommendations for improved management based on the ecosystem approach that have been formulated have not become the basis for developing fisheries management programs by regional management agencie.

Genetic population subdivision of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) across Indonesia inferred from mitochondrial DNA: Implication to sustainable fishery.

The blue swimming crab (BSC), Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus 1758), inhabits coastal areas of Southeast and East Asia, and is one of high fisheries commodities with an export value for Indonesia and an increasing global market demand, annually. However, the data of genetic diversity and their spatial connectivity of populations in Indonesia are not yet known, even when it is important to inform stock unit management and sustainable use. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and differentiation of blue swimming crabs across Indonesian populations in different Fishery Management Area (FMA), and their spatial genetic connectivity, as well as to deliver implications for sustainable fishery. A total of 297 individuals were collected and amplified using cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial DNA. This study has showed the highest values for haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the eastern part of Indonesia, where exploitation is relatively low. Significant genetic differentiation between populations (FST = 0.954; p < 0.001) and the fisheries management areas (FST = 0.964; p < 0.001) were revealed. Low spatial connectivity was observed between populations in a distance of at least more than 60 kilometers. This study suggests that BSC populations in Indonesia, likely have several stock units, and preferably different fisheries management plans and actions across the region thoroughly and simultaneously. This would be effective for management and their sustainable conservation.

Oceanographic transport along frontal zones forms carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isoscapes on the east coast of New Zealand: Implications for ecological studies

Characterizing the spatial distribution of δ18O in seawater and δ15N and δ13C in marine particulate organic matter pools can be useful in identifying isotopic discriminators of major water masses and serve as a baseline for food web and other ecological studies. Nevertheless, we do not know how isoscapes of δ18O, δ15N and δ13C are distributed and interact with mesoscale (10–100 km) physical oceanographic features for large parts of the global ocean. Here samples and measurements were collected during research cruises in the austral summer of 2017/18 and 2018/19 along the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The physical structure of the water column, δ18O of seawater, and δ15N and δ13C of suspended particulate organic matter were analyzed. Interannual differences in inferred circulation, oceanographic features, and the interaction of Subtropical and Subantarctic water masses in the study area were described. The relationships between nutrient concentrations, physical oceanographic variables and δ18O, δ15N and δ13C isoscapes were investigated by running linear models with all combination of variables, then averaging the most parsimonious ones that best fit the data. Results demonstrate that different environments along the east coast are connected via northward transport of Subtropical Water near the surface and Subantarctic Mode Water at depth (220–500 m). The northward transport of modified STW was associated with nutrient inputs and deepening of the maximum fluorescence depth. The spatial distribution of isotopic values had minimal temporal variability and was primarily linked to patterns of nutrient input (δ15N), coastal productivity (δ13C) and water mass type (δ18O). δ15N values demonstrated significant spatial variation, while δ18O displayed distinct values among depths. The present study was the first to resolve the distribution of δ15N and δ13C isotopes at a regional scale along the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, δ18O in New Zealand waters, and to investigate the extent to which these distributions were influenced by patterns in physical oceanography. Average values of δ18O, δ15N and δ13C for different fishery management areas and depths are presented to support future ecological studies along Southeast New Zealand.

Modelling entanglement rates to estimate mortality of marine birds in British Columbia commercial salmon gillnet fisheries

Incidental mortality of marine birds in fisheries is an international conservation concern, including in Canada where globally significant populations of vulnerable diving species overlap with coastal gillnet fisheries. In British Columbia (BC), commercial salmon gillnet fishing effort was historically very high (>200,000 days fished annually in the early 1950's), and although this fishery has declined, over 6,400 days were fished annually in the 2006–2016 decade. Observations of seabird bycatch within the commercial fishery, however, are limited in both scope (comprising <2% of cumulative effort 2001–2016) and in time (being available only from 1995 onwards and only for a small number of areas). Using onboard fishery observer data from commercial, test and experimental fisheries (1995–2016), we developed two models to estimate the number of marine birds captured per set in sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and chum (O. keta) salmon gillnet fisheries employing a Generalized Linear Mixed Modeling (GLMM) approach in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, with observer data post-stratified by fisheries management area and year. Using estimates of total commercial fishing effort (estimated number of sets, 2001–2016) we applied the models to extrapolate annual take for the main bird species (or groups) of interest. Multinomial probability estimates of species composition were calculated based upon a sample of 852 birds identified to species that were associated with sockeye or chum fisheries, enabling estimates (with CIs) of potential numbers of the mostly commonly observed species (common murres (Uria aalge), rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), and marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus)) entangled annually in commercial sockeye and chum salmon gillnet fisheries throughout BC. Conservative estimates of annual losses to entanglement were greatest for common murres (2,846, 95% CI: 2,628–3,047), followed by rhinoceros auklets (641, CI: 549–770) and marbled murrelets (228 CI: 156–346). Populations of all three of these alcids species are currently in decline in BC and entanglement mortality is a conservation concern. Gillnet mortality has been identified as a longstanding threat to marbled murrelet populations, which are recognized as Threatened in the Canada and the United States of America (USA). In addition, 622 (CI: 458–827) birds from 12 other species were estimated to be entangled annually. We conclude that cumulative mortality from incidental take in salmon gillnet fisheries is one of the largest sources of human-induced mortality for marine birds in BC waters, a conservation concern impacting both breeders and visiting migrants.

Spawning of Decapterus macrosoma (Bleeker, 1851) “Galunggong” in Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines: with Inferences on its Reproductive Ecology and Management

Despite its significant contribution as a cheap source of protein and support to a large fishery industry, the biology and ecology of D. macrosoma (Galunggong) remain poorly understood. This study investigates the spawning characteristics vis a vis fisheries management of D. macrosoma in the waters of Romblon Province. The spawning peak in Romblon Pass is during the Hot (May) and Cold (December-January) Seasons, while during Rainy (October) and Hot (May) Seasons in Tablas Strait. The timing of peak spawning of D. macrosoma around Tablas Island varies with that of the South Sibuyan Sea, but generally similar to the breeding traits in Palawan Waters, Manila Bay, and other shortfin scads’ populations in Asian Waters. Initial findings argue that the variations in spawning characteristics of populations in this study are influenced by the rate of exploitation. Areas in Romblon Pass, Southwest Philippine Sea, and North Sulu Sea – show no sign of heavy exploitation. The common peak spawning months in MIMAROPA Waters are May and December, while May, October, and December in Romblon Waters. This can be used as the basis for management decisions to regulate the fishing efforts of D. macrosoma in the Fisheries Management Area no. 5. Keywords : Spatial distribution, reproductive strategies, fisheries management areas

VARIABILITY OF SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE AT FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AREA 715 IN INDONESIA AND ITS RELATION TO THE MONSOON, ENSO AND FISHERY PRODUCTION

Sea surface temperature (SST) is one of the important oceanographic and climatemparameters. Its variability and anomaliesmoften influence the environment and organisms, both in the oceansand on land. This study aims to identifythe variability of SST and help the fisheries community to understand how climate phenomena such as ENSOand monsoonal phases (represented by wind speed) are related to SST and fishery production in Fisheries Management Area (FMA)715.SST was measured at Parimo, which represents conditionsinthe western partof the areainside Tomini Bay,and at Bitung, which represents SST in the open ocean,with a more exposuredgeographical position. SST wasderived from MODIS satellite imagery, downloaded from the ocean color database (https://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/) with a4 km spatial resolution, from January 2009 to December 2018. Wind speed data, historical El Niño or La Niña events,and fish production data were also used in the study. Pearson’s correlation (Walpole, 1993) was used to test the relationship between SST variability or anomaly and ENSO and monsoons. The results show that the SST characteristics and variability of the Parimo and Bitung watersare very different, although they bothliein the same FMA 715. SST in Parimo waters is warmer,but with lower variability than in Bitung waters. SST in Parimo has a lowcorrelation with ENSO (r=0.06, n=66), low correlation with wind speed (r=-0.29, n=120),with also a lowcorrelation between SST anomaly and ENSO (r=0.05, n=66). SST in Bitung has a higher, but inverse, correlation with ENSO (r=-0.53, n=66), highcorrelation with wind speed (r=-0.60, n=119), with also a high correlation between SST anomaly and ENSO (r=-0.74, n=66). Unlike in other parts of Indonesia, fishery production in Parimo,or the western part inside Tomini Bay,is not affected by ENSO events

Clustering of fishery management areas based on the level of utilization in Indonesia

Indonesian territorial waters have abundant and diverse fishery resources. Based on the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation, Indonesian Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) are divided into 11 regions to achieve optimal and sustainable use in fisheries management that ensures the sustainability of fish resources and the environment throughout Indonesia. This study is aimed at evaluating the similarities in the characteristics of eleven FMA of the Republic of Indonesia in 2017 based on the level of utilization of fishery resources by forming clusters of fisheries resource utilization levels in the Indonesian State Fisheries Management Area and applying descriptive analysis. The method used is the agglomerative hierarchical cluster method with calculations based on the distance between clusters. In general, it can be concluded that among the two clusters formed using the average linkage method, the highest level of fisheries resource utilization is in the second cluster, namely at FMA 571, FMA 572, and FMA 573 with an average utilization rate of 0.925.