IMPACT OF FISHING AND HABITAT DEGRADATION ON THE DENSITY OF BANGGAI CARDINAL FISH (Pterapogon kauderni, Koumans 1933) IN BANGGAI ARCHIPELAGO, INDONESIA
Abstract: Banggai cardinal
fish (Pterapogonkauderni, Koumans 1933) is uncommon example of a marine fish
with distributed in small range area while being in highly exploited. This fish
is in high demand as an ornamental fish. However, the information on the number
of density is limited. An underwater visual fish census survey was conducted in
June to July 2010 at 18 fishing sites around Banggai archipelago to estimate
the density of the stock and assess the impact of fishing and habitat on
density. The areas are divided into three main islands, namely Banggai Island,
Peleng Island, Toropot-Tumbak-Labobo Island. The lowest density index of the P.
kauderni recorded at Kindandal village on Peleng Island, 0.014 fish/m2while the
highest abundance index of 3.0 fish/m2 found at Toropot village at Toropot
Island. In three survey sites (Bonebaru and Toropot villages) where the fishing
activities are still ongoing, the density has declined compared to the survey
conducted in 2004. Majority of the villages in Peleng Island have lower density
compared with the other islands probably due to the degradation of microhabitat
of P. kauderni. In many cases, microhabitat degradation might be as a result of
collection of sea urchins and sea anemone for consumption by local community.
Keywords: Impact of fishing;
habitat degradation; density; banggai cardinal fish
Author: Kamaluddin Kasim, Sri
Turni Hartati, Prihatiningsih, Gudmundur Thordarson
Journal Code: jpperikanangg140038
