Growth And Rate Of Mackerel Exploitation (rastrelliger Spp.) In The Waters Of The Malacca Strait, North Sumatra Province

Growth and Rate of Mackerel Exploitation in the Waters of the Malacca Strait, North Sumatra Province

The Malacca Strait, located in the North Sumatra Province, is a vital fishing ground for various species of fish, including the economically important mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.). The increasing demand for mackerel in the fish market has led to a surge in large-scale fishing activities, which has raised concerns about the sustainability of the mackerel population. This study aimed to investigate the growth rate and exploitation of mackerel in the waters of the Malacca Strait, using the Electronic Length Frequency Assessment Tool (ELFAT) method through FISAT II software.

Methodology and Results

The study was conducted for three months, from March to May 2017, in the waters of the Malacca Strait, Medan Belawan District, North Sumatra. A total of 361 bloated fish samples were analyzed using the ELFAT method. The results showed that the pattern of mackerel growth in the waters of the Malacca Strait was negative allometric, with a frequency distribution range of body length 175-182 mm. The Von's growth equation obtained during the study was Lt = 217.35 {1-E-0.75 (T+0.015)}, which indicates that the length of the asymptotic (L∞) of mackerel is 217.35 mm, the growth coefficient (K) 0.75 per year, and the theoretical age (T0) is -0.015 years.

Total Mortality and Exploitation Rate

The total mortality (Z) of bloated fish was recorded at 2,837 per year, with an estimated natural mortality (M) of 0.891 per year and mortality due to catching (F) of 1.946 per year. Based on this data, the rate of exploitation of bloated fish in the waters of the Malacca Strait is estimated to reach 0.68 per year. This indicates that the population of mackerel in the waters of the Malacca Strait has experienced a fairly high exploitation, which can result in a decrease in the population of mackerel in the future.

Factors Affecting Exploitation Rate

Several factors can affect the rate of exploitation of bloated fish in the waters of the Malacca Strait, including:

• Increased market demand: The increasing demand for mackerel in the fish market encourages fishermen to catch fish in large quantities, leading to overfishing.
• Increasingly sophisticated capture technology: The use of more efficient fishing gear, such as trawls, can increase catches, but can also potentially damage marine ecosystems and reduce fish populations.
• Lack of conservation efforts: The lack of awareness and application of conservation efforts, such as the closure of the catch season and the regulation of fish size that can be caught, can cause excessive exploitation.

Strategies for Sustainable Mackerel Population

To maintain the sustainability of the population of mackerel and the fisheries industry, strategic steps need to be taken, including:

• Arrangement of arrest: The application of capture quota, closure of the capture season, and regulating environmentally friendly fishing gear can help reduce the pressure of capture in nature.
• Increasing conservation efforts: Through the nursery and distribution of fish seeds, fishing training on responsible capture techniques, and community education about the importance of preserving marine resources.
• Development of bloating mackerel cultivation: The development of bloated fish aquaculture can help reduce the pressure of capture in nature and provide a more guaranteed source of protein.

Conclusion

The sustainability of the bloated fish population in the waters of the Malacca Strait depends on the joint efforts of all parties, ranging from the government, fishermen, and the community. Through good cooperation, it is hoped that the population of mackerel can be maintained and can continue to benefit future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mackerel Exploitation in the Malacca Strait

As the demand for mackerel continues to rise, concerns about the sustainability of the mackerel population in the Malacca Strait have grown. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait.

Q: What is the current status of the mackerel population in the Malacca Strait?

A: The current status of the mackerel population in the Malacca Strait is a concern. The study found that the rate of exploitation of bloated fish in the waters of the Malacca Strait is estimated to reach 0.68 per year, indicating a fairly high exploitation.

Q: What are the main factors contributing to the high rate of exploitation of mackerel in the Malacca Strait?

A: The main factors contributing to the high rate of exploitation of mackerel in the Malacca Strait are:

• Increased market demand for mackerel
• Increasingly sophisticated capture technology
• Lack of conservation efforts

Q: What are the consequences of overfishing of mackerel in the Malacca Strait?

A: The consequences of overfishing of mackerel in the Malacca Strait can be severe, including:

• Decrease in the population of mackerel
• Loss of livelihoods for fishermen
• Negative impact on the sustainability of the fisheries industry

Q: What can be done to reduce the rate of exploitation of mackerel in the Malacca Strait?

A: To reduce the rate of exploitation of mackerel in the Malacca Strait, the following strategies can be implemented:

• Arrangement of arrest (application of capture quota, closure of the capture season, and regulating environmentally friendly fishing gear)
• Increasing conservation efforts (nursery and distribution of fish seeds, fishing training on responsible capture techniques, and community education about the importance of preserving marine resources)
• Development of bloating mackerel cultivation

Q: What is the role of the government in addressing the issue of mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait?

A: The government plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait. The government can:

• Implement policies and regulations to reduce the rate of exploitation of mackerel
• Provide support and training to fishermen to adopt responsible fishing practices
• Promote the development of bloating mackerel cultivation

Q: What can individuals do to help address the issue of mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait?

A: Individuals can play a role in addressing the issue of mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait by:

• Supporting sustainable fishing practices
• Reducing their consumption of mackerel
• Spreading awareness about the importance of preserving marine resources

Q: What is the long-term impact of mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait?

A: The long-term impact of mackerel exploitation in the Malacca Strait can be severe, including:

• Loss of biodiversity
• Decrease in the population of mackerel
• Negative impact on the sustainability of the fisheries industry

Q: What can be done to ensure the sustainability of the mackerel population in the Malacca Strait?

A: To ensure the sustainability of the mackerel population in the Malacca Strait, the following strategies can be implemented:

• Implementing policies and regulations to reduce the rate of exploitation of mackerel
• Promoting the development of bloating mackerel cultivation
• Increasing conservation efforts
• Supporting sustainable fishing practices