Preliminary Fisheries Assessment and Implications for Sustainable Blue Economic Development: A Case Study of Coastal Lamongan, East Java

The coast of Lamongan Regency is the largest centre of fishing activity in coastal East Java, anchored by the Brondong Archiplego Fishery Port (PPN Brondong), a national-level fishing port. This study aims to describe the fisheries sector in the coastal region of Lamongan regency, focusing on production trends and its contribution to the blue economy. The research was conducted from July to September 2024. Fish production data were obtained from PPN Brondong’s daily (2019-2023) and annual (2014-2023) reports, while socio-economic data were collected through focus group discussions with fishers, collectors and boat owners. Analysis indicated a decrease in small pelagic fish production, from 33.852 ton in 2014 to 20.073 tons in 2023. The catches of large pelagic and demersal fish fluctuated, while the landings of elasmobranchs and crustaceans steadily increased. In the fish processing sector, the production of salt-boiled fish, salted fish and fillets declined, but grilled fish production remained relatively stable. Although the total transaction value at PPN Brondong varied, it showed a clear upward trend, growing from approximately IDR 1.132 trillion in 2019 to IDR 1.405 trillion in 2023. This growth emphasizes the port’s important role in strengthening local economic activities and promoting the blue economy.