EVALUATION OF THE DIMENSION OF DRIFT GILLNET ON THE COMPOSITION AND SELECTIVITY OF CATCH IN THE WATERS OF ATAPUPU, BELU REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA

The waters of Atapupu have significant potential in the fisheries sector and play an important role in improving the welfare of coastal communities in Belu Regency. This study aims to evaluate the dimensions of drift gill nets and analyze the composition and selectivity of the catch. A descriptive quantitative method was used through field observations, interviews, and data analysis. The drift gill nets examined had a mesh size of 3.175 cm and a length of 27 meters, with upper shortening of 50% and lower shortening of 48%. The catch was dominated by flying fish (74.09%), with bycatch consisting of halfbeaks, needlefish, and scads. The diversity index (H’ = 0.68) and dominance index (C = 0.60) indicate that the nets have low selectivity, as they capture various fish species regardless of size or type. These findings are expected to serve as a basis for more selective and sustainable fishing gear management in the coastal waters of Atapupu.