Determination of fishing season mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) in The Waters of Belawan, Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Abstract Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanaguarta) is a small pelagic fish resource with high potential and economic value. This fish is one of the principal species landed at the Belawan Ocean Fishing Port. To maintain the resource sustainability, every fishing activities must be carried out wisely. This research aimed to determine the pattern of the fishing season for mackerel landed at the Belawan Ocean Fishing Port. The research method used survey method for primary and secondary data collection. Primary data was obtained from interviews and direct data collection from the field. Secondary data were obtained from the time series fisheries statistics of the Belawan Ocean Fishing Port from 2015-2019. The results showed that the highest fishing season for mackerel (Rastrelliger kanaguarta) occurred in November (the end of the second transitional season) with fishing season index value of 127.56%. Meanwhile, the fishing season with the lowest value is estimated to occurred in July (the east season) with the Fishing Season Index value of 77.40% but it is still included in the medium fishing season.