Determination on Yellow Fin Tuna Stock (Thunnus albacares) In South Java Sea Based on Genetic Variation by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Method

Abstract

Indonesia is known as a country with the highest potential production of tuna, however, Tuna fishery have several challenges, as can be identify by the declining in productivity and an average length fish had been caught, and also tuna fishing grounds are getting farther. This apparently appears as a result of inaccurate determination of fish stock especially in yellow fin tuna (YFT). This study aims to define population stocks of YFT in South Java Sea based on genetic information. Samples were taken from three fish landing ports (Muara Baru, Cilacap and Benoa). Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) technique were applied for Cytochrome Oxidase I genes, using restriction enzymes; HaeIII, RsaI, BamHI, XhoI, and AluI. Genetic variation in populations were evaluated with POPGENE 32 software. Result indicate that finer scale of stocks present YFT and should be managed differently for effective management purpose and to maintain sustainability of this species.