The pattern of skipjack fishing season in bacan island waters, south halmahera regency

Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) fishing in the waters of Bacan Island by fishermen based in PPP Panamboang, South Halmahera Regency is generally done using pole and line with auxiliary gear of fish aggregating devices (FADs). Skipjack fishing activity needs effective information so maximum catch can be achieved. Information about the area and season where skipjack can be captured in a large amount can reduce the cost of fishing operation, fishing time, and energy. One solution that offered the best solution is of knowing the pattern of skipjack fishing season. The objective of this research is to analyze the pattern of skipjack fishing season in the waters of Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency. This research was conducted in the waters of Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency from October to November 2016. The method was survey-descriptive based on a case study. The results showed that the trend of skipjack catch production in the waters of Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency during a ten years period (2006-2015) increase, while the trend of fishing trip productivity (ton per trip) has a decrease in 2014. Skipjack season in the waters of Bacan Island, South Halmahera Regency is during Easterly Wind Season (June-August) and peaked in July. This is due to the fertility of the waters tending to increase.