Mapping the habitat of demersal fish resources to determine suitable fishing gear

Proper use of fishing gear is important in fishing operations. This study aimed to determine a suitable type of fishing gear to be implemented in seven coastal districts in Bengkulu Province based on the results of mapping and analysis of demersal fish habitats. The data used included: 1) bathymetry, 2) substrate type, 3) water brightness, and 4) demersal fish data from to 2019-2022. The methods applied involved classification and descriptive categories. Bathymetry and substrate type were classified and analyzed using mapping tools, while demersal fish catch data were analyzed using statisticals tools. The output was produced as thematic maps and infographics to illustrate the distribution of the three parameters. Interpretations were used to describe the relationship between demersal fish habitat and fishing gear type. The results showed that in the waters of Mukomuko, North Bengkulu, Central Bengkulu, Bengkulu City, Seluma, South Bengkulu and Kaur, demersal fish habitats dominated by Pampus argentus, Trachinotus carolinus, Lutjanidae sp., Epinephelus sp., and Ariidae sp. Suitable types of fishing gear include the Hand Line, Cash Net, Set Net, Bottom Long Line, Seine Net and Ocean-drift Gillnet.