Fishing by numbers: Empowering Muara Kintap fisheries with data-driven fishing area forecast maps

The paper aims to enhance the fishing efficiency and sustainability of Muara Kintap fishers by using data-driven Fishing Area Forecast Maps (FAFM). This study makes significant contributions to the field of fisheries management by demonstrating the effective use of satellite data for local-scale fisheries management, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications, as well as promoting sustainable fishing practices and improving the fishers' livelihoods. The research ingeniously combined the wisdom of local fishers captured through the Fishing Points app with cutting-edge technology. Aqua MODIS satellite imagery captured detailed Muara Kintap waters condition, revealing sea surface temperature (SST) between 28.4 °C and 29.7 °C and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations ranging from 0.38 to 6.27 mg/m³. The results strongly indicate that the distribution of Chl-a is a more influential predictor of fish catch than SST. This discovery underscores the intricate relationship between marine parameters and fish distribution. By providing FAFM, informed by Chl-a data, the fishers were able to make data-driven decisions, optimizing catches and promoting the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods. The study's impact transcends data analysis, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, fishers, and policymakers in fostering sustainable fishing practices in Muara Kintap and beyond.