LONGLINE FISHING GEAR OPERATING TECHNIQUES ON KM BAHARI NUSANTARA 35

Abstract

This study aims to examine the longline fishing gear operating techniques on the KM Bahari Nusantara 35 vessel operating in the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (WPPNRI) 573 in the Indian Ocean. The study was conducted in January–February 2024 through participant observation and semi-structured interviews during one fishing trip. The results indicate that longline fishing gear operation consists of three main stages: setting, soaking time, and hauling. The average setting time is 3 hours, soaking time is 2–3 hours, and hauling takes the longest, 10–14 hours. The fishing gear used has 1,496 hooks with a main line length of 62,832 meters. The catch was dominated by yellowfin tuna, followed by bigeye tuna and bluefin tuna. The operating techniques applied were deemed effective and appropriate to the characteristics of the fishing area's waters. This research is expected to serve as a reference in developing efficient and sustainable longline fishing gear operating techniques.