KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND ADOPTION READINESS FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHING AMONG FISHERS IN THE BANDA ISLANDS, MALUKU

Environmentally responsible fishing requires gear and operational practices that maintain selectivity, reduce unwanted catch and habitat impacts, comply with management rules, and remain feasible for fishers. This study aimed to describe self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and perceived adoption readiness for environmentally responsible fishing practices among the surveyed tuna handline and mini purse seine fishers in the Banda Islands and to compare scores between the two groups. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted in June–July 2025 using purposive sampling. The sample comprised 51 fishers, including 18 tuna handline fishers and 33 mini purse seine fishers. Sixteen of 20 questionnaire items met the item-validity criterion (r > 0.33), and each retained variable had Cronbach’s alpha above 0.70. Item responses were summarized descriptively, and the two independent groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U tests. Knowledge did not differ significantly between tuna handline and mini purse seine fishers (U = 313.0, p = 0.757, rank-biserial r = 0.054). Mini purse seine fishers had higher attitude scores (U = 191.0, p = 0.037, r = 0.357 and perceived-adoption-readiness scores (U = 179.0, p = 0.020, r = 0.397. Combined item means nevertheless remained modest: knowledge ranged from 1.96 to 2.59, attitudes from 1.98 to 3.38, and perceived adoption readiness from 2.25 to 2.80. The findings indicate group differences in perceptions and enabling conditions, not verified differences in actual adoption or environmental performance. Fleet-specific demonstrations and technical support are recommended, accompanied by direct operational monitoring.