Demersal fish resources utilization and socio-economic of fishermen in Kotania Bay, Western of Seram. Indonesia

Abstract

Kotania Bay, have a very potential fisheries resources, including demersal fish that have high economic value. The utilization of fish resources is generally carried out by fishermen from villages around the Bay of Kotania, with fishing equipment that is friendly and not environmentally friendly. Fishermen activities cause the degradation of important ecosystems, therefore, the catch and size of the caught fish tends to decrease over time. The aimed of this study are to find the proper methods to manage demersal fish based on the socio-economic condition of fishermen. FGD and Interview methods were used to obtain informations about the location of catching, the catch and the species caught. The result showed that 46% of the residents of Pulau Osi village work as fishermen, while those from village of Wael are only 47.42%. Demersal fish catches were highest between January and February and the lowest during August. The catch consisted of family Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Scaridae and Labridae. The policies are needed to protect the demersal fish population, especially the endanger species through the concept sustainable management.