Purse seine selectivity on small pelagic fish catches in Bangka Belitung Waters, Indonesia

Purse seine is the most widely used fishing gear by fishermen in Bangka Belitung. The fish caught in Bangka Belitung are of several types and sizes, namely Yellowstripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis), Yellowtail scad (Atule mate), Fringescale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata) and others. This is because most ships still use mesh sizes that do not meet the requirements. Therefore, selective fishing gear should be selected to obtain the target of catching fish types and sizes that are suitable for catching and to minimize unwanted bycatch. This study is expected to provide information related to the positive impact of purse seine selectivity as a solution to reduce excessive fishing and support sustainable fisheries. The purpose of this study was to determine: Effective purse seine operating techniques, the composition of fish caught in purse seines, analyzing the level of purse seine selectivity based on the composition of the catch, and technical analysis of fishing gear selectivity. This study uses descriptive analysis with a survey method. Primary data were obtained from surveys, interviews, and documentation. Secondary data were obtained from ship documents and purse seine vessel production data in Bangka Belitung. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the composition of the fish caught consisted of Selaroides leptolepis, Atule mate, and Sardinella fimbriata. Selaroides leptolepis is the main and most dominant fish caught, which is 50%. Bycatch fish are 50%. The percentage of fish caught from the target species is 86%. The level of selectivity of the purse seine is relatively moderate. This is influenced by several factors such as the mesh size and the composition of the fish caught, which contain several types and sizes. To increase the level of selectivity of the purse seine, it is hoped that the mesh size will be enlarged, and better regulations will be implemented so that it can support sustainable fisheries.