Assessing risk status for some commercial fisheries in Gunungkidul waters, Indonesia: An ecosystem-based fisheries approach

As one of the producers of various commercial fisheries, Gunungkidul’s aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to fish population declines and habitat degradation, resulting in substantial economic losses. Current fisheries man agement needs to consider ecosystem-based studies rather than a single-species-based approach. This study aimed to determine the status of commercial fisheries based on an ecosystem approach as a management recommendation for sustainable fisheries ecosystems. This study performed an ecosystem-based fisheries assessment method with a risk score range from 0 to 3 for four types of commercial fisheries, including surface gillnet fishery targeting big eye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus), longline fishery for giant catfish (Netuma tha lassina), and bottom gillnet and traps fisheries for spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.). This study revealed that the risk score status of the indicators CPUE, fishing effort, and sustainability’s objective risk index has been in the red zone for all four types of commercial fisheries. The socio-economic aspect of lobster was also at high risk (red zone) with the highest species risk index, while other species were at moderate risk (yellow zone). Ecosystem- based management related to the TAC system for commercial fisheries, prohibition on catching lobster seeds, Marine Protected Areas, and local-based management is expected to be developed for the sustainability of the Gunungkidul aquatic ecosystem.