Geographical Characteristics of Coastal Fisheries of East-Java Sea

Abstract

Mapping on sea surface temperature (SST) and Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), together with catch-effort surveys (CES), were conducted at 5 fisheries management areas of East Java, between May – October 2013. The study aims to characterize coastal fisheries per management area in line with the plan to develop network design of marine protected areas (MPA) in the region. SST and Chl-a showed monthly variations among geographical areas, particularly during dry season (July – September). Demersal species dominated in the catch composition of North-Java Sea and Madura Strait. On the contrary, catches in the South-Java Sea mostly consisted of Tuna pelagic species. Madura Islands was typical for reef associated species and Bali Strait for Lemuru, Oil Sardinella. Catches of coastal fisheries composed of 114 finfish species from 56 different families. Two rare species were found in Pacitan (Pantai Dangkal): Leiognathus daura (Family: Leiognathidae) and Thryssa setirostris (Family: Engraulidae). This probably due to low fishing pressure in the area as indicated from the number of fishermen. It is clear that marine capture fisheries in East Java should be managed locally. Maintaining free-entry principle to fisheries will lead to resource depletion and fishery collapse in North Java and Madura Strait.