IMPACT OF FISH AGGREGATING DEVICE ON SUSTAINABLE CAPTURE FISHERIES

The use of rumpon, a type of Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), has been traditional in Indonesia, particularly in eastern Indonesia waters since time immemorial (Reuter 1938; Nasution et al. 1986; Monintja 1976). The traditional tuna fishermen in Mamuju waters in the Province of South Celebes have used rumpons for a long time, although there is no record when the device was first used (Nasution et al. 1986). Any structure designed or made to attract free schooling fishes: rumpon (Indonesia), tendak (West Java), uncang (Sumatera), rompong (Sulawesi), payaos (Philippines). Local fishermen claimed that they learned how to construct the rumpon from their ancestors, but did not apply the device extensively until 1985 because of the low profitability of catching the swift swimming fishes. The use of rumpon for fishing activities has improved the effectiveness and efficiency of several fishing gear. However, the fast growing of rumpon utilization has raised a great concern on the sustainability of the fish resources. The rumpon management for responsible fisheries should consider the aspects of biology, location, environment, fishing gear, social and economic. The existing condition of rumpon has not fully understood and its usage in a responsible manner further elaboration also needed. For that purpose, the information of the past and present situation of rumpon in Indonesia will be important for further management. The main data were collected and compiled from various references, annual report of the Directorate General of Fisheries and research report of Central Research Institute for Fisheries. Additional data were made available from local fisheries agencies or related institutions. Structure of the rumpon installed in the Provinces of North Sumatera, West Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, East Java, North Celebes, Central Celebes, South Celebes, maluku and Papua are given in detail. There are 2 types of rumpon : the deep sea rumpon and shallow water rumpon. The differences among the rumpons in those areas are mostly found in material of mooring line, shape and material of float and structure of the attracting components. The mooring line is mostly made of polyethylene of 12-25 mm in diameter or nylon of 5-10 mm in diameter. There are wide variations of shape of floats. Generally they are divide into pontoon type or box shape made of steel and raft type made of bamboos. Attractors are made of coconut leaves, nipah leaves and pinag leaves. Some attractors are attached to the mooring line and the others are hung down from the float. They are operated in wide range of water depth from 20 to 1500 m. The fishing ground conditions, bottom topography and bottom configuration are among the factors considered for the rumpon design and construction. The differences in construction are mainly due to the rumpon location, target species in each area and the fishing gear applied. Keywords : fish aggregating device, rumpon, sustainable fisheries, Indonesia