Determination of fisheries refugia area for freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.) in Palabuhanratu bay, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.) are categorized as the order of Anguilliformes and have unique life cycle characters as a catadromous fish that migrate between freshwaters and sea waters. One of the concepts for fisheries management is fisheries refugia. Fisheries refugia is defined as sustainable use and not simply ‘no-take zones’. The concept focuses on links between critical habitats and fish life cycles. This study was aimed to determine fisheries refugia area for freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.) in Palabuhanratu bay, West Java, Indonesia. The research was conducted in several rivers that flow to Palabuhanratu bay. The study was organized from August 2014 to April 2015. Morphological identification, water quality, and habitat conditions as a basis for determination, hence, Cimandiri was carefully chosen as Fisheries Refugia area. The river composed with complete stadia, from glass eels to silver eels. Management recommendations with fisheries refugia concept included: prohibition of catching adult stadia in sizes above 49 cm; establishment of river areas as nursery ground protection in Sukaraja Sub-district; affirmation of prohibition electric and poison fishing methods (using); prohibition of glass eels fishing in January, February, March and December; and regulation of policy between cities or regencies.