SIMULATION AND FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY OF SEINE NET FISHERIES AT BRONDONG FISHING PORT

The transition from cantrang to seine net (Jaring Tarik Berkantong/JTB) has raised fishers’ concerns regarding potential declines in catch production and operational profitability. This study was conducted to analyze operational costs, cost-determining factors, and profit decline simulations as a basis for assessing the sustainability of fishing gear transition. The objectives of this study were to estimate fishing operational costs, identify factors influencing operational costs, and analyze the tolerance threshold of profit decline under seine net operations. This research employed a descriptive case study approach through observation and structured interviews involving 15 respondents, consisting of vessel owners and skippers selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Causal Loop Diagram (CLD), Revenue-Cost Ratio (R/C Ratio), Break Even Point (BEP), and catch decline simulation scenarios. The results showed that average operational costs reached IDR 46.1 million per trip, with fuel accounting for the largest proportion (54%). The R/C Ratio of 2.08 indicated that the business was financially feasible, with a production break-even point of 3,523.56 kg per trip. Simulation results revealed that the business remained viable under catch reductions of up to 40%, whereas declines exceeding 55% could potentially lead to financial losses. These findings indicate that the transition to seine net remains economically promising, provided that operational efficiency is strengthened as an adaptive strategy for fishers. Key words: cantrang, seine net, financial feasibility, operational-costs, profit-simulation