Literasi Aspek Biologi Ikan Selar crumenophthalmus dari Perairan Pulau Ambon Provinsi Maluku

Abstract

This fish commands a high market price and is always on sale at several markets in Ambon City. Based on the results of an analysis of the population dynamics of the  (Selar crumenophthalmus) landed by 30 fishing vessels in the waters of Maluku, with a total sample size of 300 fish, The exploitation rate (E) was found to be 0.24, or 24 per cent, indicating that the utilisation rate of this fish stock remains below the optimum threshold (E = 0.50); consequently, its exploitation status is categorised as ‘underfishing’ or ‘not yet overfished’, even though the volume of the catch is relatively high. Furthermore, the first-catch length (Lc₅₀) derived from the 50 per cent cumulative frequency of 22.59 cm indicates that fish begin to be caught by the fishing gear at a size close to that of adult fish—the first size at which fish reach gonadal maturity (Lm), with individual sizes in the population ranging from 12.3 cm  to 24.5 cm. This situation indicates that, although the rate of exploitation remains at a sustainable level, an Lc value approaching the Lm threshold warrants caution, as it has the potential to reduce the likelihood of fish spawning at least once before being caught; therefore, sustainable fisheries management strategies that are aligned with the targets SDG 14 (Life Below Water), in particular Target 14.4 on effective fisheries management free from overfishing, must continue to focus on regulating mesh size and fishing seasons in order to safeguard the sustainability of the mackerel stocks in the waters of Maluku.