RJOAS February 2025
by
Ma'ruf Muhammad, Magister of Management Fisheries Study Program, 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
Sudarmo Agnes Puspitasari, Fisheries Management Master Program, Graduate School, Open University, South Tangerang, Indonesia
Fisheries is a strategic sector in Indonesia's economic development with large marine fisheries potential, but its utilization is uneven due to challenges such as overfishing, destructive fishing, and limited fishing technology. This study aims to analyze the fishing strategy of purse seine fishermen in Takalar District, South Sulawesi, which has large fisheries potential but limited utilization. A purse seine is the dominant gear used by fishermen but faces operational and technological challenges. This study used quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluate the costs, income, and contribution of purse seine to the fisher household economy. Purse seine productivity was analyzed based on vessel size, engine, trips, net length, and number of crew members to measure its efficiency. Purse seine fishing in Takalar District supports the coastal economy through vessels of 15-30 GT capacity involving more than 300 workers. These vessels are robustly designed and equipped with modern technology, such as GPS and fish finder, to catch large quantities of pelagic fish. Its operational costs include fixed and variable costs with an annual total of IDR 573 million, while the annual average revenue is IDR 1.77 billion. The net profit of the business reached IDR 1.2 billion per year, driven by operational efficiency and high-value fish prices. The profit-sharing system distributes income between the boat owner, captain, and crew, ensuring the economic balance of the fishing community. Purse seines in Takalar District make a major contribution to fishers' incomes, with boat owners earning up to IDR 56 million per month and crew earning additional income from the informal sector. Average fishing productivity of 4,403.6 kg was influenced by vessel capacity (150 kg/GT), engine power (20.8 kg/PK), net length (11 kg/m), and number of crew (250.2 kg/person). Factors such as fishing techniques, weather, and location also affect catches. Despite high productivity, income diversification and sustainable fisheries management are needed to cope with fluctuating catches and economic risks.
Fisheries are a strategic sector in Indonesia's economic development. In addition to creating jobs, this sector contributes to income equality and improves the community's standard of living, especially small fishermen and coastal communities. With a marine area of 6.4 million km², Indonesia has a potential for capture fisheries of around 12.01 million tons per year, with a total allowable catch (JTB) of 8.6 million tons per year. This potential includes various pelagic fish, demersal fish, shrimp, and other marine products (KKP, 2022).
Although marine fisheries have a large potential, their utilization is uneven. In the western region of Indonesia, some waters are experiencing overfishing, while in the eastern region, fishing intensity is still low. Other problems include destructive fishing and illegal fishing, which are often caused by fishermen's lack of understanding of environmentally friendly fishing techniques (Siregar, 2015).
On the other hand, the utilization of fishery resources is a sector that continues to be optimized in national economic development. Marine and fisheries resources have great potential to be optimized for national economic development. In addition to meeting domestic consumption needs, this sector is also a foreign exchange earner. Fisheries business, including fishing, has grown rapidly from a mere household business to an industry-oriented towards increasing national income and exports.
However, many small-scale fishers in Indonesia still live in poverty, due to low access to technology, markets, and information, as well as erratic catch fluctuations (Béné et al., 2016). Reliance on inefficient traditional fishing methods exacerbates these conditions. To overcome these problems, the utilization of more modern and efficient fishing gear, such as purse seines, could be one solution.
A purse seine is an effective gear for catching small pelagic fish, such as rainbow fish, yellowstripe shad, and sardinella, which often congregate near the water surface (Sudirman & Mallawa, 2004). Research shows that this tool has high efficiency and can increase catches up to 40-60% of total water production (Satria et al., 2017). By utilizing this technology, fishermen can increase productivity while reducing negative impacts on the environment.
Purse seine fishing in Takalar Regency is the main activity of fishermen who utilize the potential of the area's waters. Takalar Regency, which has a coastline of 74 km, is included in the Fisheries Management Area (WPP) NRI 713. The potential of its waters reaches 25 thousand tons/year, with a utilization rate of 14.5 thousand tons/year (Takalar Regency, 2018). Pelagic fish species such as mackerel, rainbow fish, sardines, anchovy, sardinella, skipjack, and mullet are the main commodities, in addition to other marine products such as shrimp and seaweed. However, the welfare of fishermen is still a challenge, considering that most of their income is below the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) of IDR 3,165,876 per month in 2023 (Takalar Regency Manpower Office, 2023).
These welfare issues are related to dependence on traditional fishing gear, lack of access to technology and markets, and lack of policy support in favor of small-scale fishers (Yusuf et al., 2017). Although purse seines have the potential to increase productivity, constraints such as high operational costs, limited knowledge of fishing techniques, and lack of access to fishing support applications remain (Indasari, 2017). Therefore, research is needed to analyze the contribution of purse seines to fisher household income, which is expected to provide recommendations for solutions to improve fisher welfare.
This study uses a quantitative and qualitative approach with a case study method, where the focus of the study is directed at one particular object, namely fishing efforts using purse seine fishing gear in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. According to Nawawi (2003), case study research aims to obtain data from all parties related to the research object, as well as from various relevant sources of information. This study is quantitative because it involves data collection on natural objects, and the data results are processed descriptively. The data collection process is carried out in combination and analyzed inductively.
This research also contains qualitative aspects, which are carried out with an investigative approach to phenomena or events that are currently occurring. According to Sedarmayanti (2002), qualitative research focuses on the correct interpretation of currently collected data.
This study was conducted from September 30, 2023 to January 31, 2024. The selection of the research time was based on several important factors, such as the ideal fishing season and the availability of data from fishermen using purse seine fishing gear. This study took a case study at the Beba Fish Landing Base (PPI), Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, which is one of the centers of fisheries activity in South Sulawesi. This port was chosen because it is the center of fishermen's activities using purse seines as their main fishing gear.
This study focuses on fishing business units that use purse seine fishing gear in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. The study population is all fishing business actors using purse seine in the area. According to Agung (2011), the sample population is part of the population that is directly selected through a certain sample selection method, including gradual stratification. In this study, information was collected from 15 business actors who operate 30 fishing fleets with purse seines measuring 27 to 30 GT.
Primary data was collected directly through observation methods, interviews, questionnaire distribution, and documentation involving fishing business actors in Takalar Regency.
Secondary data were collected from existing sources such as literature, fisheries statistical profiles, and official data from the Takalar Regency Marine and Fisheries Service and PPI Beba. These secondary data include information on the potential of capture fisheries, supporting facilities, and statistics on fisheries development in the research area. Secondary data provide a basis for researchers to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the fisheries conditions in Takalar, while also directing the focus of primary data collection to be more relevant and contextual.
Analysis of economic aspects of fishing efforts using purse seine fishing gear includes an evaluation of working capital and investment, costs including fixed costs and variable costs, income from fish production, and profits obtained from the difference between income and total costs per year (Pujianto, et al., 2013).
Fishing efforts using purse seine fishing gear are divided into two, namely fixed costs and variable costs. The profit of a fishing business is obtained after the receipt or income from the sale of the catch is reduced by the total cost.
The purse seine fishing business in Takalar Regency is a significant fishing activity, especially for coastal communities. This fishing gear is generally operated by small to medium-scale fishermen with vessels with a capacity of 15–30 GT, using relatively low capital. Most of the businesses are family-based or fishermen groups, making it an integral part of the local economy and the community's maritime culture.
Purse seine vessels dominate fishing activities in Takalar waters and loading and unloading at PPI Beba. Vessels with a tonnage of 21–30 GT are the most numerous, reaching 52 units. With an average of 17 crew members per unit, this business absorbs more than 800 workers, showing a significant contribution to the economy and livelihoods of the local community.
Purse seine vessels in Takalar Regency are a popular choice for local fishermen due to their ability to catch large numbers of pelagic fish quickly, thanks to the strong wooden ship design made of materials such as teak or ironwood, as well as large storage space and propulsion engines that allow adequate cruising speed to the fishing location. The vessel's length is 18-20 meters and the fishing gear with dimensions of a trawl net length of up to 400 meters and a width of 30 meters offers optimal stability when fishing, even in wave conditions, and a mesh size of 20-30 mm which is ideal for catching target fish such as mackerel and skipjack tuna.
A purse seine is a fishing gear used by fishermen in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, to catch pelagic fish such as skipjack tuna, mackerel, and scad. This tool consists of a net with a pocket in the middle that is clamped with a rope, equipped with technology such as a fish finder and GPS to increase fishing efficiency. Fishermen also use lights with a power of 2000-2500 Watts at night to attract fish. To maintain the quality of the catch, purse seine vessels are equipped with ice box hatches that can store fish in cold conditions for several days, so that the fish maintain their quality until they arrive at the port.
The purse seine fishing workforce in Takalar Regency is a vital element in the operation of capture fisheries. Each ship is usually led by a captain, supported by 15-20 crew members (ABK) who are tasked with operational activities such as handling nets, caught fish, equipment, and ship engines. Income from this activity is the main source of livelihood for fishermen's families, although it is often not enough to meet decent living needs.
Some fishermen have low formal education backgrounds, from elementary school graduates to junior high school graduates, due to economic and geographical limitations and family priorities that prioritize practical skills at sea. Even so, their work experience, which varies between 7 and 30 years, has provided sufficient practical skills in the field of fishing.
The age range of purse seine fishermen ranges from 20–60 years, reflecting generational continuity. Young fishermen generally serve as ABK with heavy physical work, while senior fishermen act as captains or supervisors. Although there is a transfer of knowledge between generations, the interest of the younger generation to continue this profession is decreasing due to difficult working conditions and unstable incomes.
Challenges to the sustainability of the fishing workforce include the modernization of fishing gear, improving welfare, and access to formal training. Improving the skills and certification of fishermen, as proposed by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (2022), is considered important to increase efficiency and productivity. Support in the form of modern, environmentally friendly fishing gear is also needed to ensure the sustainability of the fishing profession in Takalar.
Purse seine operations in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, are a vital part of small-scale and medium-scale fishing activities that involve efficient planning of supplies, such as fuel, fresh water, food, and ice for fish preservation. Fishermen operate for 12 to 16 hours per day, with a focus on more effective night fishing. Operational success depends on good logistics management, traditional knowledge of fish migration patterns, and cooperation between crew members. Despite their efficiency, fishermen face challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices and the impact of climate change on fish migration.
A purse seine is a fishing gear widely used in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, to catch small pelagic fish by surrounding and confining the fish in a net. Its operation involves several stages, such as manual net lowering and pulling using a winch or pulling machine that speeds up the process and improves the safety aspect of the ship's crew. The use of lights as fish attractors at night is also an important part of this fishing strategy. Although net lowering is still manual and requires good teamwork, mechanical pulling technology has helped fishermen increase productivity and efficiency, reducing operational time by up to 30%, and increasing fish catches by up to 15% according to various studies.
Fishing using purse seine fishing gear is one of the common methods used by fishermen in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. This fishing gear is effective in catching small pelagic fish, such as mackerel, scad, and yellow stripe shad, which are the main source of income for coastal communities. Economic analysis of this business is important to understand the extent to which this fishing business is profitable and how income is distributed among fishermen. Economic analysis includes an evaluation of fixed costs, variable costs, total revenue, profit, and the profit-sharing system applied.
The purse seine fishing method widely used by fishermen in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, is highly dependent on operational cost factors, which consist of fixed costs and variable costs. A thorough understanding of these two types of costs is important to assess the economic efficiency and feasibility of purse seine fishing efforts in the area.
The costs incurred consist of two main categories, namely fixed costs and variable costs. In the fixed cost category, there are two main components, namely ship rental costs and ship equipment costs. Ship rental costs reach IDR 34,000,000 per unit, while ship equipment is IDR 30,000,000 per package so the total fixed costs reach IDR 64,000,000. This cost is annual and is not affected by the frequency of ship operations. Several factors that affect fixed costs include market prices, economic conditions, inflation, depreciation, and the economic life of the ship. Tietenberg and Lewis's (2016) study states that market fluctuations and economic conditions have a direct impact on fixed costs in various sectors, including fisheries, while Fama and French (2002) explain that inflation has a significant impact on the price of capital goods, which also affects fixed costs. Ship depreciation also plays an important role, because as the age of the ship increases, maintenance costs will increase, although they are still classified as variable costs. This is in accordance with the view of Hopp and Spearman (2008) who stated that asset replacement planning is an essential part of operational management to maintain business sustainability.
In the variable cost category, there are various components such as taxes, insurance, fuel, preserved ice, crew supplies, and maintenance costs for ships and fishing gear. Tax is imposed at IDR 10,000 per trip, and with 21 trips per year, the total tax cost is IDR 210,000. The insurance cost per trip is IDR 260,000, with a total cost of IDR 5,460,000 for 21 trips. The largest component is the fuel cost, which reaches IDR 7,500,000 per trip, so the total fuel cost is IDR 157,500,000. Preserved ice and crew supplies also cost significantly, at IDR 63,000,000 and IDR 252,000,000 per year, respectively. In addition, there are ship maintenance costs of IDR 18,000,000 per year and administration costs of IDR 13,000,000. Overall, the total variable cost reached IDR509,170,000. Thus, the total operational cost of purse seine fishing in Takalar Regency reached IDR573,170,000 per year. The largest factor in variable costs is fuel and crew supplies, which are greatly influenced by fuel price fluctuations and ship operational needs. According to Putra et al. (2020), fuel price volatility is a major challenge to the profitability of fishing businesses. Weather conditions also play an important role, as bad weather can increase fuel consumption and extend the duration of operations. In addition, research by Sudirman et al. (2015) shows that increasing the frequency of operations not only increases direct costs but also the risk of damage to fishing gear, which leads to higher maintenance costs. The welfare of the crew is also an important factor, where research by Ismail et al. (2017) states that adequate supplies can maintain the health and productivity of the crew while at sea.
Income from purse seine fishing in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, comes from the sale of various types of pelagic fish such as sardines, mackerel, and skipjack tuna caught during fishing operations. Each type of fish has a different market value, affecting total income. After being caught, the fish are landed at the Beba Fish Landing Port (PPI), where the fish are then sorted and distributed to local markets or large buyers with selling prices ranging from Rp. 10,000 to Rp. 24,000 per kilogram, depending on the type, quality of fish, and market conditions.
Based on the research results regarding the average price of fish at the Beba Fish Landing Port (PPI), Takalar, there is a significant price difference between the various types of fish marketed. Sardines are priced at an average of IDR 11,000 per kilogram, while mackerel is sold higher, around IDR 22,000 per kilogram. Sardinella fish has a lower price, which is IDR 10,000 per kilogram, while mackerel is sold at an average price of IDR 23,000 per kilogram. The highest price is achieved by skipjack tuna, which is around IDR 24,000 per kilogram. These prices fluctuate, influenced by the fishing season, with abundant supplies during the big fishing season depressing prices, and conversely, prices increase when supplies decrease. These price fluctuations affect the sales strategies and financial planning of fishermen and traders at the Beba PPI. Market demand also plays a role in keeping prices high, especially for fish such as skipjack and mackerel, which are popular in both local and international markets. Setiawan and Wibowo (2017) showed that strong consumer demand for tuna in the export market helps maintain price stability, despite fluctuating supply. In addition, Firmansyah's (2018) research found that areas with access to export markets tend to have higher and more stable fish prices compared to areas that rely on the domestic market.
The average value of production or income from purse seine fishing efforts in Takalar Regency shows varying data for each type of fish caught. Overall, the average total production volume of all types of fish caught in one trip reached 4,404 kilograms (or 4.4 tons), with an average total income or annual production value of Rp. 1,768,179,000 for 21 fishing trips in a year.
Based on the research results, mackerel provides the largest contribution in production volume and income compared to other types of fish, with a production volume of 2,199 kg/trip and an annual income of IDR 1,015,938,000. In contrast, sardinella fish has the lowest production volume, which is 533 kg/trip with an income of IDR 111,930,000 per year. The production volume and income in fishing are greatly influenced by fish stocks, the effectiveness of fishing operations, and weather conditions. Abundant fish stocks, such as mackerel, can increase production volume because they are related to migration patterns and supportive ecosystem conditions. The effectiveness of fishing, such as the use of efficient purse seine fishing gear, also affects the catch, as stated by Nurhayati et al. (2016) and Ariyanti et al. (2018). Weather factors, good or bad, also have a major impact on the number of trips that can be made, as described in the study by Suhendra et al. (2019), which states that bad weather can significantly reduce production volume due to limitations in ship operations.
The success and profitability of this business are highly dependent on the fishermen's ability to manage their operations efficiently and effectively. The profits obtained from the purse seine business are calculated based on the difference between the income generated from the sale of fish catches or production and the total costs incurred during the operational process.
The purse seine fishing business in Takalar Regency generated significant profits with total revenue reaching IDR 1,768,179,000, while total operational costs were recorded at IDR 573,170,000. After deducting total costs, the net profit obtained was IDR 1,195,009,000, indicating the effectiveness of the purse seine fishing management strategy. This profit is influenced by the type and quantity of fish caught, with high-value fish such as skipjack and mackerel contributing greatly to income. Aspects of resource efficiency, maintenance costs, and crew management also greatly affect operational costs and net profits, as confirmed by several previous studies (Asriyana et al., 2017; Satria and Rahmadani, 2017; Muthiah and Sunaryo, 2018; Asnawi and Saleh, 2019). Efficient use of fuel and resources, preventive maintenance of vessels, and good management of crew wages are the keys to the success of this business.
The profit-sharing system in purse seine fishing plays an important role in supporting the economy of coastal communities in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. This system reflects the economic and social relationship between capital owners and fishermen. Generally, the distribution of catches is based on the status of business ownership, where the ship or capital owner gets a larger portion, while the captain and crew (ABK) receive a portion according to their roles and responsibilities. There are two types of ownership, namely full capital owners who own the ship and fishing gear as a whole, and partial capital owners who share ownership or use third-party capital. The captain, with responsibility for safety, navigation, and fishing strategy, gets a larger portion than the crew who are in charge of technical and physical tasks. After operational costs such as fuel and ship maintenance are deducted, profit sharing is carried out based on the initial agreement and the socio-economic conditions of the fishing community.
The profit-sharing system between capital owners and fishermen (skippers and crew) in Takalar Regency in purse seine fishing is based on a fair proportion agreement. Of the total catch income, 50% is allocated to the capital owner, who is responsible for the vessel, equipment, and operational and maintenance costs. This portion reflects compensation for investment and business risk. Meanwhile, the remaining 50% is divided between the skipper and crew, where the skipper receives 15% because of his responsibility in leading the vessel, setting strategies, and crew safety. The remaining 35% is allocated to the crew who carry out operational duties on the vessel, such as operating fishing gear and managing the catch. This system is designed to ensure a fair balance for all parties involved in the fishing business.
The use of purse seine as a fishing gear in Takalar Regency provides a significant economic contribution to the income of fishermen's households. For many fishermen's households in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, purse seine has become the main source of income used to meet their basic household needs, including food, children's education, health, and maintenance of fishing equipment. Income from this fishing activity is not only the backbone of the family's economy but also determines the welfare and quality of life of fishermen and their families.
The income from purse seining in the Takalar district shows significant variation among actors. The boat owner earns the highest income, IDR 56,905,190 per month, which is entirely derived from this activity. The skipper is also fully dependent on purse seining, earning IDR 17,071,557 per month. In contrast, the crew members earn a lower monthly income of IDR 3,012,980, with purse seining contributing 73%. Additional income, such as from informal work, only adds an average of IDR 800,000, far below the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) of Takalar Regency of IDR 3,165,876 in 2023.
The income disparity between the boat owner, skipper, and crew shows significant inequality in the distribution of proceeds. Although crew members play an important role in day-to-day operations, they often receive only a small share of the catch. This suggests the need for more equitable policies in catch sharing and efforts to improve the welfare of crew members through training, economic empowerment, and labor protection to support the sustainability of the fisheries sector.
Dependence on purse seines as the sole source of income also makes fisher households highly vulnerable to fluctuations in catch and changes in market conditions (Béné et al., 2016). Fishers' income is mostly allocated to food, children's education, and health needs, but fluctuations in income often limit their ability to meet these needs consistently. In addition, the maintenance of fishing gear is an important priority to maintain productivity, although this adds to operational costs (Satria et al, 2017).
Various external challenges, such as fish price fluctuations, stock depletion due to overfishing, and economic pressures, further exacerbate the vulnerability of fishing households. Therefore, strategies for income diversification, fish price stabilization, and sustainable resource management are needed to improve fishers' economic resilience. With these measures, it is expected that the welfare of fishermen in Takalar Regency can improve significantly.
Economic analysis of the purse seine fishing business in Takalar Regency shows that fixed and variable costs, especially fuel and crew supplies, greatly affect operational efficiency and profitability. The income of this business is influenced by the type of fish caught, with mackerel providing the largest contribution to total annual income. Significant profits, reaching IDR 1,195,009,000, were obtained through efficient management of operational costs and a focus on catching high-value fish. The profit-sharing system applied divides income fairly, with 50% for the capital owner, 15% for the captain, and 35% for the crew (ABK) of the total income after deducting operational costs.
The economic contribution of purse seine fishing is very significant for the income of fishermen's households in Takalar Regency, being the main source to meet basic needs such as food, education, and health. However, high dependence on this activity makes fishermen vulnerable to economic risks including factors of fluctuation in catch and fish prices, so income diversification is needed to increase their economic resilience.
Original paper, i.e. Figures, Tables, References, and Authors' Contacts available at http://rjoas.com/issue-2025-02/article_08.pdf