Community Socio-Economic and Cultural Systems in the Utilization of Reef Fisheries: A Descriptive Study from the South Misool Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, West Papua

Abstract

This study aims to determine the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the system of reef fisheries resource utilized by communities in the South Misool Marine Protected Area (KKPD) in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. Research was conducted from January to March 2019 using descriptive methods. Data were collected through observation, structured interviews, and document review. Respondents (fish collectors) were interviewed at three village observation points: Wayaban (5 respondents), Namlol (15 respondents) and Yellu (6 respondents). Data were analyzed quantitatively to interpret and describe information collected in the field. The results showed that on average, the number of family members per household in all three observation points were 4-5 people (63.38%), reef fishermen in South Misool have an average age range of 36-45 years (48%) and most have elementary school education level (50%). All fishermen in Wayaban village are from Kayoa village in Ternate (North Maluku) (100%), half of fishermen (50%) in Yellu village are from Yellu and the majority fishermen (33%) in Namlol shelter are from Raja Ampat (Yellu and Fafanlap villages). The reef fish resources system in the area of the South Misool KKPD utilizes a customary conservation-based management system where Sasi practices are still implemented in conjunction with Western conservation approaches.