The Effect of Net Mesh Size and Catching Time on the Catch of Bottom Gill Nets in the Waters of Batang Dua, Ternate City

Abstract

Batang Dua Island, Ternate City, is located in the Maluku Sea waters, which are rich in fishery resources. The community living on this island highly relies on fishing as their primary livelihood. One of the fishing gears used is the bottom gillnet, which is operated intensively. Two mesh sizes widely used by Batang Dua fishermen are 2.5 and 3.0 inches. The operation of bottom gillnets can be carried out during both day and night. This study aims to determine the mesh size and fishing time that yield the best catch. The research method used was observation through experimental fishing. Data analysis was conducted using comparative descriptive analysis and a 2 x 2 factorial analysis. A total of 26 fishing operations were conducted, consisting of 13 operations each for night and day. The total catch obtained was 1,284 fish, consisting of 503 fish from the 2.5-inch net and 781 fish from the 3.0-inch net. Meanwhile, based on fishing time, 809 fish were caught at night and 475 fish during the day. The catch species were highly diverse, comprising 36 species, with relatively different dominant species compositions based on both mesh size and fishing time. The 2x2 factorial statistical test indicated that the comparison of average catches based on mesh size, fishing time, and the interaction between mesh size and fishing time had a significant effect on the catch (p-value < α 0.05), with the highest average catch found in the interaction between the 3.0-inch mesh size and nighttime fishing.

Keywords: gillnet, mesh size, fishing time, catch