CHARACTERISTICS OF CATCH AND FISHING GROUND OF PARROT FISH (Family Scaridae) USING FISH TRAPS AND MUROAMI IN PANGGANG WATERS AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Abstract

Parrot fish is Herbivorous reef fish. This fish is frequently caught with traps and fishing nets around Panggang Island waters. However, information on the biological and ecological characteristics of the parrot fish fishing grounds still needs to be made available. This research aims to calculate the number composition based on the type/species of parrot fish, measure aquatic environmental parameters, and map the parrot fishing areas in the waters of Panggang Island and its surroundings. The method of data retrieval used in this study is a survey method. Catch composition and aquatic environmental parameters were processed using Microsoft Excel and then analyzed by descriptive analysis, whereas fishing area mapping was processed using mapping software and then descriptively analyzed. The results show that nine different species of parrot fish were caught using tambun traps and fishing nets. The caught of Scarus ghobban, Scarus psittacus and Scarus rivulatus were 31%, 27%, 24% respectively. Most parrot fish caught was 17-20 cm, indicating that small parrot fish occupied the observation location. The fishing traps were more selective fishing gear for catching parrot fish around Panggang Island. The distribution of environmental parameters in the waters of Panggang Island and its surroundings includes temperature (29.4-31.3°C), water depth (0.9-1.8 m), salinity (28-33 psu), and pH value (7. 1-8,3). The environmental conditions are generally consistent with those of parrot fish waters. The best fishing spots are north of Panggang Island, specifically in the Semak Daun waters.

Key words: fishing ground, parrot fish (Scaridae), fish catch, Panggang Island Waters.