An overview of shark fisheries in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

¹ Environment Science Program, Postgraduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
² Center for Environment and Sustainability Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia
³ Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: spratiwi.unpad@gmail.com

Abstract

The biology of sharks makes them very vulnerable to fishing pressure. Globally, sharks are threatened because of uncontrolled fishing due to the increasing demand for their fins. In Indonesia, shark fishing occurs in almost all marine areas, and each area has different characteristics and conditions. Understanding the conditions and characteristics of each area will help to define strategies for the sustainable management of shark fisheries. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the condition of shark fisheries in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This study used a qualitative method to get information about fishing techniques, catch composition, utilization, and trading. The data were collected through observation, interviews, and literature review. The result showed that fishermen in Kupang caught sharks as a fishing target using longline fishing gear. Almost all sharks were landed in pieces after being chopped up in the vessel. They were chopped off into some pieces, such as the fin, meat, skin, and cartilage. Sharks species could be identified by their fins, but their total length, weight, sex ratio, and adult size were difficult to identify. That makes it difficult to plan reasonable management strategies. Shark fins are more expensive than other parts, and the price depends on the fin size. Shark products are traded to Surabaya, Manado, Bogor, and Jakarta. Trade of shark products is regulated by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation number 61/PERMEN-KP/2018. Based on this study, management intervention must be undertaken to ensure sustainable shark fisheries in Kupang.