Stock Status of the Frigate Tuna (Auxis thazard) Landed at Batulicin Fishing Port, Indonesia

Abstract

The frigate tuna (Auxis thazard) is one of the fishery commodities that has high economic value in Batulicin Fishing Port, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of frigate tuna landed at Batulicin Fishing Port, estimate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and the optimum fishing effort, as well as analyze the utilization rate. This research was conducted from December 2024 - May 2025. Primary data were obtained by observation, interview methods, and documentation while secondary data were obtained from Batulicin Fishing Port. Results show that the catch of frigate tuna landed at Batulicin Fishing Port over a 10-year period (2014–2023) had the highest CPUE value in 2019, reaching 3.43 tons/trip, while the lowest CPUE occurred in 2021 at 1.31 tons/trip. The estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was 3,543.20 tons/year, and the optimal fishing effort (fopt) was calculated at 4,234 trips/year. The utilization rate fluctuated during the study period, with a value of 32.16% in 2023, which is categorized as a low level of utilization. In conclusion, the CPUE of frigate tuna at Batulicin Fishing Port shows temporal fluctuations, reflecting variability in catch productivity throughout the study period. The estimated MSY and optimal fishing effort indicate that the current exploitation level remains within sustainable limits, with no indication of overfishing. Furthermore, the relatively low utilization rate suggests that the fishery is still underexploited, providing opportunities for increased fishing effort. However, future development should be accompanied by appropriate management measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource.