Fish and fisheries of Bada (Rasbora spp.) in Lake Maninjau, West Sumatra

Abstract

Abstract Bada is the local name for Rasbora spp in Lake Maninjau. This fish is an economic fisheries commodity for consumption and has become one of the culinary icons of Maninjau area. Many studies have been carried out related to bada fish in Lake Maninjau, but continuous studies are needed to complete aspects that have not been done or for evaluation purposes, in order to take conservation or management actions. Therefore this study aims to convey the latest status of fish (species distribution of bada fish) and fisheries of bada (fishing activity, relative abundance distribution, and production trend). For species distribution of bada, sampling was carried out in six sampling station of lake waters (Bayur, Kularian, Muara Tanjung, Muko-muko, Sigiran, and Galapung) and four stream waters (Kularian Stream, Muara Tanjung Stream, Koto Gadang Stream, and a stream in Galapung) as inlets of Lake Maninjau in April 2017. For fisheries of bada analysis sampling was carried out in four stations of lake waters (Bayur, Linggai, Sigiran, and Galapung) from April to November 2017. Fish was caught using gillnet and liftnet. Catch data also obtained from some of fishermen as enumerator. In addition, interviews were also conducted with stakeholder from policy maker element. Species of bada were determined based on morphological identification. Three species of bada fish (Rasbora spp) were found in the lake and inlets of the lake, namely Rasbora lateristriata, Rasbora argyrotaenia, and Rasbora cf sumatrana. Rasbora lateristriata has the widest distribution in both lake and inlets. Analysis of Variance result showed that the abundance of bada fish (all types of Rasbora) was relatively same in all locations in Lake Maninjau (p > 0.05). Catch of bada in recent years declined sharply compared to 2008, for example catches in Bayur decreased by 80%. Current fishing activities also experienced a decline as fishermen using gillnet were rarely found. Current fishing of bada are mostly using lukah (trap) which were found in two locations, namely Rangeh stream and Batang stream. Bagan (lifnet) were found in Bayur, Muara Tanjung, Muko-muko, and Sigiran. Recommended management efforts are regulation of fishing (types of fishing gears and locations), maintain the lake and inlets connectivity, habitat improvement through construct fish shelters, and restocking.