Evaluation of mud crab utilization in the small outermost island: A case study of Enggano Island, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) has an important role in balancing social, economic, and ecological goals. This study aims to (1) assess the suitability of mud crab habitat quality, (2) analyse the business efficiency, and (3) examine the management status of mud crab fisheries on small islands. Survey method was used by distributing questioner to 42 respondents and observation was carried out at four stations using the habitat quality index, benefit-cost, and EAFM analysis. The mud crab habitat was classified to be a good category with an index of habitat quality is 74. The state of catch business was in the efficient category which was indicated buy R/C value 3.04. Its fisheries management was included to be a medium category in implementing EAFM. According to evaluating each domain factor, the good category was the economic aspect; furthermore, the fish resources, habitat, ecosystems, and fishing techniques were in medium categories. In addition, the social domain was in the less category, while the institutional domain was not applied to the EAFM.