RJOAS February 2025
by
Dedi La, Student, Magister’s Study Program of Fisheries Management, Graduate School of Open University & Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia
Wiyono Eko Sri, Department of Fisheries Resources Utilization, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
Hewindati Yuni Tri, Faculty of Science and Technology, Indonesia Open University, South Tangerang, Indonesia
The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) Principles is important to support sustainable fisheries resource management, which requires awareness and training of fishermen. This study aims to evaluate the perception of purse seine fishermen in Kendari about CCRF, and provide recommendations for more sustainable fisheries management in Southeast Sulawesi. This study was conducted at the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port using a survey method with purposive sampling of 100 purse seine fishermen. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were from production reports and official sources. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate fishermen's perceptions of responsible fisheries based on CCRF. The results showed a complex pattern of variation in fishermen's understanding of responsible fisheries in Kendari City Waters. The average perception of fishermen was 3.0 on a scale of 5, indicating a moderate attitude towards their understanding of CCRF. Fishermen have basic knowledge of sustainable fisheries practices, such as the importance of selective fishing gear (score 3.5), but still lack understanding of marine ecology aspects and the impacts of their activities on habitats (scores 2.5 and 2.7). The occupational safety aspect was also low (score 2.9), indicating minimal knowledge of safety standards. However, the fisheries aspect that benefits the community scored 3.4. Overall, there is still a need to improve knowledge through comprehensive training on sustainable fishing techniques, environmental impacts, and safety practices. Therefore, it is important to improve education and training programs for fishermen to support more sustainable fishing practices.
Indonesia has a sea area of around 6.4 million km² consisting of inland waters, islands, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With a coastline of 81,000 km, Indonesia is the country with the second longest coastline in the world after Canada. Indonesia's marine biodiversity makes it the center of world marine biodiversity, supported by important ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. However, the contribution of the maritime sector to national GDP is only around 4%, despite its great economic potential. The government has developed various strategic programs to support sustainable management, such as increasing conservation zones and data-based management (Central Bureau of Statistics, 2023; Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, 2020).
The prospects for Indonesia's fisheries and marine sector are very bright. Indonesia has the highest biodiversity, with around 37% of the world's fish species in its waters. Fish resources with high economic value include tuna, skipjack, shrimp, mackerel, snapper, squid, ornamental fish, and seaweed. These resources provide great opportunities for the development of sustainable fisheries (Ministry of Environment, 1994).
The characteristics of Indonesian waters vary greatly in each region. Western waters such as the Malacca Strait have stable currents and high sedimentation rates, while eastern waters such as the Banda Sea have extreme depths and strong currents. These variations affect the pattern of fish presence, which depends on water conditions, food, and fish stocks. Water condition factors are the main key in determining fishing locations (Southeast Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Service, 2011).
Water condition parameters, such as sea surface temperature, thermocline depth, and upwelling areas, greatly determine the presence of fish. Variations in these parameters occur continuously on different time scales, whether daily, seasonal, or yearly. This shows the importance of a deep understanding of water characteristics to support optimal fishing activities.
The potential of fish resources in Southeast Sulawesi reaches 1,520,340 tons per year, but only 15.41% has been managed. This area is included in WPP 13 and 14 which include the Flores Sea and Makassar Strait, with fishing areas extending to the Banda Sea, Seram Sea, and Bone Bay (Southeast Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Service, 2011). The role of fishermen is very important in managing fish resources. Their understanding of responsible fisheries, as regulated in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), is key to the sustainability of this sector.
The implementation of CCRF principles by fishermen can help reduce the negative impacts of fishing activities and support sustainable management of fish resources. This requires adequate awareness and training so that fishermen understand the importance of responsible fishing practices. This implementation not only contributes to the sustainability of fisheries, but also to the welfare of fishing communities.
Based on these facts, this study aims to evaluate the perception of purse seine fishermen in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, towards the concept of responsible fisheries. By understanding their perceptions, this study hopes to provide recommendations to improve sustainable fisheries management in the region.
The research data collection was conducted at the Kendari City Ocean Fisheries Port. This location was chosen because it is the center of purse seine fishermen's activities in landing their catches, especially pelagic fish commodities. This study uses a survey method with a quantitative approach, which allows for in-depth analysis of the data collected. The study was conducted for three months, from October to December 2020.
The population in this study was purse seine fishermen in Kendari waters, Southeast Sulawesi totaling 6,926 people. The determination of the number of samples used the Taro Yamane formula in Hamidi (2010).
Data collection was conducted using purposive sampling technique. Purposive sampling was chosen in this study to ensure that the respondents taken were purse seine fishermen who landed their catch at the Kendari City Ocean Fishing Port.
The data used in this study consists of primary data and secondary data. Primary data were obtained from the results of filling out a questionnaire to 100 purse seine fishermen respondents in Kendari waters, Southeast Sulawesi to determine their perceptions of responsible fisheries. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with purse seine fishermen to dig deeper into the perceptions and attitudes of fishermen towards existing environmental policies.
Secondary data in this study were obtained from various documentation and annual reports related to fisheries activities at the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port (PPS), Southeast Sulawesi. The documentation used includes reports on capture fisheries production, fish landing data, and annual statistical records published by the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port. In addition, annual reports from the Southeast Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Service and the Central Statistics Agency of Southeast Sulawesi Province are also important sources to support data analysis in this study.
The data obtained in this study were analyzed descriptively and presented in the form of tables, frequencies, percentages and graphs.
This analysis was conducted to determine the perception of purse seine fishermen towards responsible fisheries in the waters of Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. The analysis method in this study as a whole uses descriptive quantitative analysis of frequency and percentage.
Fishermen’s perceptions of responsible fisheries implementation were measured using environmentally friendly fishing gear criteria based on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) guidelines with a 5-point Likert scale, where a score of 1 means “Strongly Disagree” and a score of 5 means “Strongly Agree.” The assessments included gear selectivity, impacts on seabed habitats, bycatch levels, and impacts on fish stocks. Data were analyzed to identify fishermen’s awareness and attitudes toward environmentally friendly fishing gear, with high scores indicating good awareness, while low scores indicating the need for additional education. This study also examined patterns of perception based on demographic factors such as age, experience, education level, and type of fishing gear, to provide input for sustainable fisheries policies in accordance with the CCRF principles.
Kendari Ocean Fishing Port (PPS) plays a strategic role in fisheries management in Eastern Indonesia, especially Southeast Sulawesi, with modern infrastructure such as large docks, fish processing facilities, and vessel inspection services that support efficient fisheries operations. As one of the main ports, Kendari PPS handles various types of vessels, including purse seines, which produce pelagic fish such as mackerel, skipjack, and tuna, and supports sustainability policies through catch monitoring and the implementation of sustainable fishing zones. The port is also a center of the local economy by creating jobs for more than 2,500 workers, and continues to improve facilities to meet the needs of the fisheries industry.
This port is a strategic integrated fisheries industry center in eastern Indonesia, with a location in Kendari Bay that provides natural protection from large waves and water depths between 10-20 meters, supporting large ship activities. With a working area covering 40.53 hectares of land and 33.20 hectares of water, this port is regulated through the Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries No. KEP. 64 / MEN / 2010. Its low topography, ranging from 0-5 meters above sea level, and the structure of the seabed in the form of sand and mud support the operation of the dock and other facilities. Good land transportation access, the presence of mangroves, slow ocean currents, and a drainage system that continues to be developed to face the challenges of a tropical climate with high rainfall, make this port superior as a center for sustainable national fisheries activities.
Purse seine fisheries in Southeast Sulawesi are growing rapidly with modernization of fishing gear and increasing fleet capacity, thanks to technology such as fish finders and government policies. Improved infrastructure, such as fish storage facilities and docks, also support fishermen's operations. However, fluctuations in fleet numbers, such as a decrease from 5,329 units in 2018 to 3,748 units in 2019, indicate challenges such as pressure on fish resources. This sector faces threats to the sustainability of marine ecosystems, such as overfishing, habitat disturbance, and dependence on market conditions and fish stocks.
Purse seine fishermen at the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port (PPS) focus on fishing in the Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 714, which includes strategic areas such as Kendari, the Menui Islands, the Banda Sea, the Seram Sea, and other islands. Fish production has fluctuated, such as a decline due to the La Nina phenomenon in 2021, but shows great potential with adequate fleets and fishermen's adaptation to environmental changes. Sustainable management strategies are needed to overcome challenges such as extreme weather and overfishing, by maintaining strategic water conditions that are rich in nutrients and support the diversity of small to large pelagic fish.
To find out the perception of purse seine fishermen at the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port (PPS) regarding responsible fishing, it is measured using indicators of environmentally friendly marine biological resource utilization which include :
The selectivity of fishing gear refers to the ability of fishing gear to catch certain target fish species, either based on size, type or quantity, thereby minimizing bycatch and negative impacts on the marine environment.
Research on fishermen's perceptions of fishing gear selectivity shows that the majority of fishermen in Kendari City waters have a fairly good understanding of the principles of responsible fishing, with an average perception score of 3.52 (Table 1). However, there are still areas that need improvement, such as understanding of restrictions on mesh sizes and the impact of fishing gear on the sustainability of fish resources. Most respondents understand the permitted fishing gear, its operation, and its suitability for the target catch, although there are quite a few respondents who are neutral or do not understand certain aspects. These results indicate the importance of ongoing education and socialization of regulations to increase fishermen's awareness and understanding in order to support more selective and sustainable fishing practices.
The results of the analysis show that the understanding of fishermen in Kendari City waters about the selectivity of fishing gear varies. A small portion, 6.8% of respondents, has a very good understanding, while 58% show a good understanding. However, there are still 30.3% of respondents who are neutral and 4.9% do not understand the importance of selectivity of fishing gear. Although there are no respondents who are very ignorant, Figure 2 indicate the need for a more intensive educational approach to increase fishermen's awareness and knowledge about selective fishing gear, in order to support sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
Fishing gear that does not result in the capture or threat to the lives of protected aquatic animals or plants and is safe for biodiversity is fishing gear that is designed and used in accordance with environmental conservation principles, so that it does not damage aquatic ecosystems or disturb species protected by law.
The results of the study showed that the level of understanding of purse seine fishermen in Kendari City regarding fishing gear that does not harm protected aquatic animals or plants, as well as the principles of sustainability and conservation, still varies. Of the 100 respondents, understanding of conservation areas was quite low, with only 2% very understanding and 32% understanding, while the majority were neutral or did not understand. Understanding of the prohibition of fishing in conservation areas showed similar results, although there was an increase in understanding of the use of fishing gear that is safe for biodiversity. For understanding of protected fish and plant species and the benefits of protecting these species, respondents also showed gaps in understanding. The average score of fishermen's understanding was 3.24 on a scale of 5 (Table 2), indicating that although they understood enough, their level of understanding was not optimal. Therefore, additional efforts are needed to increase fishermen's awareness of the importance of sustainable and conservative fishing practices in order to maintain biodiversity.
The results of the analysis show significant variations in fishermen's understanding of the use of environmentally friendly fishing gear and support for the sustainability of marine ecosystems. Of the 100 respondents, only 2.2% were very knowledgeable, while 47.7% stated that they understood the importance of the fishing gear. However, 39.4% of respondents were neutral, showed uncertainty, and 10.7% did not understand at all. This shows the need for more intensive education and socialization regarding the use of fishing gear that is safe and responsible for biodiversity, so that all fishermen can be more effective in preserving the marine environment.
Fishing gear that does not disrupt the balance of the ecosystem indicates that the fishing gear used in fishing activities is designed and managed in such a way that it does not damage the structure, function and natural balance in the aquatic ecosystem where the gear operates.
Based on the data, fishermen's perceptions of fishing gear that does not disrupt the balance of the ecosystem show variations in understanding. The majority of respondents tend to be in a neutral position, both regarding non-target catches (bycatch), fishing gear with low by-products, minimizing discarded catches, and the economic value of by-catch. Only a small number of respondents stated that they understood or were very familiar with these aspects. The average perception value of 2.50 on a scale of 5 (Table 3) indicates a lack of strong understanding among fishermen. Therefore, more intensive education and awareness efforts are needed to increase fishermen's understanding of the importance of using environmentally friendly fishing gear in order to maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem.
The percentage of understanding of purse seine fishermen about fishing gear that does not disrupt the balance of the ecosystem shows significant variation. Only 2.4% have a very good understanding, while 33.9% understand quite well. However, more than half of the fishermen (52.8%) are in a neutral position, indicating uncertainty about the impact of fishing gear on the balance of the ecosystem. Meanwhile, 10.9% do not understand this (Figure 4). Although no respondents stated that they did not understand at all, this shows the need for ongoing education, counseling, and socialization to improve fishermen's understanding of the importance of using environmentally friendly fishing gear for the sustainability of marine resources.
Habitat-friendly fishing gear refers to the use of fishing methods or equipment designed to minimize environmental damage and maintain the sustainability of the aquatic ecosystem in which the fish live.
Based on the research results, the general perception of fishermen towards fishing gear that does not damage the habitat shows several important findings. The majority of fishermen understand the importance of using environmentally friendly fishing gear, with 48 out of 100 respondents stating that they understand. However, there are some respondents who are neutral or do not understand. Understanding of the types of fishing gear prohibited by the government and the use of explosives to catch fish showed positive results, although not evenly distributed among all respondents. Understanding of the use of poison (cyanide) is still quite low, with only 2 respondents who understand very well. Overall, the average value of fishermen's perception is 2.74, which shows a fairly good understanding but still requires efforts to increase awareness and education about the impact of fishing gear on environmental habitats (Table 4).
Based on the data, the majority of fishermen showed a good understanding of the use of fishing gear that does not damage the habitat, with 52.4% of respondents stating that they understand and 6.9% very much understand this. However, there were 33.8% of respondents who were neutral, indicating a lack of confidence or information about the impacts, and 6.9% of respondents who did not understand at all (Figure 5). Although no one stated that they did not understand at all, this shows the need for more intensive education and counseling to increase fishermen's awareness and knowledge about the practice of using environmentally friendly fishing gear.
Fishing gear that does not endanger the safety of fishermen and consumers refers to the use of fishing gear that is designed to minimize the risk of injury or harm to fishermen and consumers of fishery products.
Based on the research results, fishermen's perceptions of non-hazardous fishing gear show that the majority have a good understanding of the safety aspects of using fishing gear. Most fishermen understand the importance of using fishing gear that is safe for them, comfortable and risk-free operation, and good catches. However, there are a number of fishermen who are neutral or have little understanding of these aspects, especially regarding the impact of the catch on consumers. The average value of fishermen's perception is 2.86 on a scale of 5 (Table 5), which indicates a fairly good understanding but still needs improvement, especially in terms of knowledge regarding consumer safety aspects.
Based on the Figure 6, the majority of fishermen have a fairly good understanding of safe fishing gear, with 56.2% of respondents falling into the "Understand" category and 10.1% as "Very Understand." However, there are 29.8% of respondents who are "Neutral," indicating doubts about the safety of fishing gear. Meanwhile, only 3.9% are "Not Understand," with no respondents being "Very Not Understand." This shows that although the understanding of fishing gear safety is quite good, additional education is still needed to eliminate doubts and increase fishermen's confidence in the importance of using safe fishing gear.
In the context of fisheries management, fishing gear that is profitable and acceptable to the community refers to the type of fishing gear that can provide economical catches and increase income and the gear is agreed upon and accepted by the fishermen.
Based on the research results (Table 6), fishermen's perceptions of fishing gear show that the majority of respondents understand the concept of profitable and acceptable fishing gear. Of the 100 respondents, most acknowledged the benefits of fishing gear for fishermen and consumers, fishing gear according to needs, and ease of catching fish. However, there were many respondents who were neutral or did not understand this. The average value of respondents' understanding reached 3.46, indicating a fairly good understanding but there were still some respondents who did not fully understand the concept of fishing gear.
Based on Figure 7, the majority of respondents (54.8%) understand the fishing gear that is set as something that is profitable and acceptable to the community, while 6.4% of respondents understand it very well. However, there are 33.1% of respondents who are neutral, indicating a lack of confidence or information about the fishing gear, and 5.8% of respondents do not understand at all, although no respondents stated that they do not understand it very well. This shows that although most fishermen understand the fishing gear used, there are still a number of respondents who do not fully understand or feel the benefits directly.
The variation in understanding of fishermen in Kendari City Waters towards responsible fisheries shows a complex pattern. The average perception of fishermen is 3.0, indicating a neutral attitude towards this concept. Fishermen have basic knowledge about sustainable fisheries practices, such as the importance of selective fishing gear (score 3.5), but still lack understanding of aspects of marine ecology and the impact of their activities on habitats (scores 2.5 and 2.7). The aspect of occupational safety is also low (score 2.9), indicating minimal knowledge of safety standards. However, the aspect of fisheries that benefits the community scored 3.4 (Figure 8). Overall, although there is good understanding in some areas, there is still a need to improve knowledge through comprehensive training on sustainable fishing techniques, environmental impacts, and safety practices, which can be influenced by education, access to information, and fishermen's direct experience (Mahardika, 2017; Sari, 2020; Putra & Nurdin, 2021; Nasution, 2019).
Based on the research results and discussion, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- Respondents use fishing gear that has high selectivity and is in accordance with the mesh used. Purse seine fishing gear is a fishing gear that is safe for protected organisms and non-target organisms and their habitats. This fishing gear is safe for fishermen and has high productivity. So, this fishing gear is an environmentally friendly fishing gear in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF);
- Purse seine fishermen in Kendari City Waters have varying understandings of responsible fisheries, with a tendency towards neutral or doubt, and require increased understanding, especially regarding ecological impacts and safety;
- Fishermen's age and education are factors that determine fishermen's perceptions of responsible fisheries at the Kendari City Ocean Fishing Port. Fishermen aged >41 years have and fishermen with a high school education background have a good understanding and perception of responsible fisheries.
In an effort to maintain the sustainability of this concept, regular supervision from related agencies is needed on the fishing activities of purse seine fishermen. In addition, periodic data collection and research at the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port are important to monitor, evaluate, and ensure that fishing practices remain responsible for the sustainability of the fishing industry for future generations.
Original paper, i.e. Figures, Tables, References, and Authors' Contacts available at http://rjoas.com/issue-2025-02/article_07.pdf