HANDLING SYSTEM OF SKIPJACK TUNA BY POLE AND LINE FISHERMEN

Abstract

Fresh fish handling is an important part of fisheries industry supply chain. This research was aimed to analyze skipjack handling and storage systems. The research was focused on pole and line fishing activities for skipjack tuna in the Seram waters. The research used field observation technique and organoleptic test to examine the handling techniques. The process of fish handling used ice block and chilled seawater, however, the sortation, washing, and draining steps were not well-conducted. The facilities and infrastructure for fish handling at the landing center were also inadequate; no available place to do some works such as sortation, washing and draining. Organoleptic value were decreased from 9.00 at 0 hours to 8.68 at 12 hours, when the fish arrived at the fish landing center. Improvement of the handling of skipjack on board and at the fish landing center is needed to maintain the quality of fish and prevent the deterioration of fish.