The Stock Status of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in Tomini Bay and Its Surrounding Areas, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is an essential part of tuna, skipjack tuna, and mackerel tuna trades in Indonesia as the species is an economic commodity with export value. Tomini Bay is one of the areas in Indonesia with intensive skipjack tuna exploitation activities using purse seine fleets. Such a high fishing rate requires management efforts to maintain the species population’s sustainability. This study was conducted in April 2018–December 2019 at a fish landing site in Gorontalo City with a total sample of 8,833 skipjack tunas. The population dynamics, recruitment, and utilization rate were analyzed using FISAT II application and ELEFAN program. The results showed that the length at first capture (Lc) was 31.8 cmFL (in 2018) to 32.2 cmFL (in 2019) at around 1.3 year old. The fish recruitment occurred all year long, peaking in May at 16.12%. In addition, the utilization rate (E) of the species was 0.47, meaning that the species was already moderate to fully exploited. The suggested practical management efforts to maintain the population of the skipjack tunas in the area are to stop the fishing efforts from growing and control the size of the mesh for fishing.