Fish aggregating devices in Indonesia: Past and present status on sustainable capture fisheries

Abstract

The use of rumpon, a type of Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), has been traditional in Indonesia, particularly in eastern Indonesia waters since long time ago (Reuter 1938; Nasution et al. 1986; Monintja 1976). The traditional tuna fishermen in Mamuju waters in the Province of South Celebes have used rumpons for a long time, although there is no record when the device was first used (Nasution et al. 1986). There are a variety of structures designed or made to attract free schooling fishes: rumpon (Indonesia), correct space tendak (West Java), uncang (Sumatera), rompong (Sulawesi), payaos (Philippines). Local fishermen claimed that they learned how to construct the rumpon from their ancestors, but did not apply the device extensively until 1985 because of the low profitability of catching the swift swimming fishes. The use of rumpon for fishing activities has improved the effectiveness and efficiency if compared with other fishing gear. However, the fast increasing of rumpon utilization has raised a great concern on the sustainability of the fish resources. The rumpon management for a responsible fisheries policy should consider aspects of biology, location, environment, fishing techniques, social and economic. The existing condition of rumpon has been not fully understood and its usage in a responsible manner require further elaboration. Therefore, the information of the past and present situation of rumpon in Indonesia will be important for further management.
The main data were collected and compiled from various references, annual report of the Directorate General of Fisheries and research report of Central Research Institute for Fisheries. Additional data were obtained from local fisheries agencies or related institutions.
Structure of the rumpon installed in the Provinces of North Sumatera, West Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, East Java, North Celebes, Central Celebes, South Celebes, Maluku Islands and Papua are given in detail. There are 2 types of rumpon: the deep sea rumpon and shallow water rumpon. Differences among the rumpons in those areas are mostly found in the material of the mooring line, shape and material of the float and the structure of attracting components. The mooring line is mostly made of polyethylene of 12-25mm in diameter or nylon of 5-10mm in diameter. There are wide variations of shape of floats. Generally they are divided into pontoon type or box shape made of steel and raft type made of bamboos. Attractors are made of coconut leaves, nipah leaves and pine leaves. Some attractors are attached to the mooring line and the others are hung down from the float. They are operated a wide range of water depth from 20 to 1500m. The fishing ground conditions, bottom topography and bottom con-figuration are among the factors considered for the rumpon design and construction. The differences in construction are mainly due to the rumpon location, target species in each area and the fishing gear applied.