Catch structures, growth patterns and condition factor of grouper fish (Serranidae) caught in the waters near Wayaban, Misool, Raja Ampat

Abstract

Misool Marine Protected Area (MPA) has a large coral area and a high potential for reef fish biomass. This makes Misool waters important for biodiversity and a source of livelihood for the community around this MPA. This study aims to determine the composition of types and sizes, growth patterns and growth conditions of groupers based on the catch of fishermen in the waters of Wayaban Misool, Raja Ampat Regency, Indonesia. The data collection used in the research was carried out by direct observation and measurement of the catch of handline fishermen who landed their catches at the fish collecting base. The data was analysed descriptively to determine the species and size composition, the relationship between fish length and weight, and condition factors. The results showed that the groupers caught by fishermen in Wayaban waters could be grouped in 15 species, dominated by Cephalopholis miniata, Cephalopholis sexmaculata and Plectropumus oligacanthus. In general, the total length of the grouper caught by fishermen was larger than the length at first spawning (Lm). The results of the analysis of the relationship between length and weight indicated that the growth patterns of groupers studied were different for different species. In general, grouper caught by the fishermen has a good condition (K>1), although for small sizes the growth conditions tends to decline