Species Composition and Size Structure of Flying Fish as a Basis for Conservation and Sustainable Management In The Waters of West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

This research aimed to analyze the species composition and size structure of flying fish caught with drift gillnets in the waters of West Sulawesi Province from July to December 2023. The sampling was carried out at the Fish Landing Port (PPI) in the Rangas Village, West Sulawesi Province and the method included the random selection of three flying fish-catching vessels using drift gillnets. Meanwhile, the samples were randomly selected and taken to the Fisheries Laboratory of the University of West Sulawesi for analysis. The species measurement was carried out using a ruler with a precision of 1 mm. The results showed that the captured species were Hirundichthys oxycephalus, Cheilopogon abei, Cheilopogon spilopterus and Cheilopogon nigricans and the total number of samples was 820,232 individuals. The highest composition was observed in Hirundichthys oxycephalus, Cheilopogon abei, Cheilopogon spilopterus and Cheilopogon nigricans with a total of 702,461 (85.64%), 59,252 (7.22%), 53,448 (6.52%) and 5,071 (1.39%) individuals, respectively. According to the size structure, the largest number of Hirundichthys oxycephalus, Cheilopogon abei, Cheilopogon. spilopterus and Cheilopogon nigricans were captured in the length range of 243-262, 230-242, 264-281 and 204-211mm. Based on the size of flying fish that obtained, it was still foud that the size wat not suitable for catching. The flying fish capture that immature gonads can cause regeneration to be interrupted because the reproductive process does not occur. Recommendations for management and conservation effors of flying fish is need especially to pay attention in catchable size.