A Study of Fishing Activities and Their Impact on the Sustainability of Fish Resources in Batukaras Village, Pangandaran Regency: Will be presented at Thursday, 22 May 2025, 14.20 (GMT +7)

Pringgo Putra; Aulia Andhikawati; Muhammad Rifqi Ismiraj; Zarochman

Authors

Pringgo Putra Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3081-9063
Aulia Andhikawati Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran Author
Muhammad Rifqi Ismiraj Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Animal Husbandry Author
Zarochman National Research and Innovation Agency Author

Abstract

Batukaras Village, located on the southern coast of Pangandaran Regency, is a coastal area with active small scale fisheries utilizing fishing gear such as handlines, gillnets, and purse seines. Although these gears are considered more selective compared to destructive fishing methods, improper use such as inadequate mesh sizes or poor seasonal timing can still threaten fish populations and marine ecosystems. This study aims to assess the sustainability of fishing practices in Batukaras Village to determine the extent to which local fisheries support the conservation of fishery resources. The research employed field observations and interviews involving 50 fishing vessels, with one fisher from each vessel interviewed as a respondent. The level of environmental friendliness of fishing activities was evaluated using a scoring system based on nine criteria outlined in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), as ratified by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia. The results showed that handlines scored the highest with an average of 30.54, categorized as highly environmentally friendly. In contrast, gillnets and purse seines scored 26.19 and 22.36, respectively, falling into the moderately environmentally friendly category. These findings indicate that not all fishing gears used have fully met sustainable fishery practices. Strengthening local policy and raising awareness among fishers are essential to promoting more sustainable gear choices for the conservation of coastal fish resources.