Squid attractor: An appropriate technology for empowering fishing communities

Abstract

The use of squid attractors is expected to promote optimum sustainable utilization of fisheries resources. The exploitation of squid, the important exportable commodities, has been very intensive. Fisheries management on such resources should also promote business development based on sustainability and enrichment of the stocks. Squid attractors are appropriate technology that can make a fishing area as a gathering place for squid and fish. The study presented here was focused on the effectiveness of squid attractors as an alternative tool for enriching squid stocks in coastal areas. The squid attractors were tested in the field. The squid attractors were made of materials from harmonica wire, bamboo, used car tires, used drums and pipes. Such materials can be easily obtained by fishermen so that they can help themselves to make them promoting livelihood and improving the habitat. The construction of the attractors and presence of squid eggs were directly observed underwater. The fishing efficiency using the squid attractor found to be 60-70%, i.e. the proportion of number of squid attractors occupied by the squid. Deployment of squid attractors is a potential place for spawning habitat for the squids.