By Davidson Rato Nono

The PSA method is an analytical method for estimating stock vulnerability to overfishing for limited data in a semi-quantitative manner for fisheries commodities in a fisheries utilization area. In order to initiate fisheries improvement by JARING-Nusantara members, Yayasan Konservasi Laut (YKL) and Yayasan Mattirotasi held a workshop on the use of PSA method for coral fisheries stock estimation on June 10, 2014 in Makassar city. The workshop was attended by representatives from the South Sulawesi Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, Takalar District Marine and Fisheries Office, several fisheries and maritime anthropology experts from Hasanuddin University, Makassar POLAIR Directorate, South Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Center, Takalar Brackish Water Aquaculture Center (BBAP), UNHAS EAFM Learning Center, Lembaga Maritim Nusantara (LEMSA), and the Makassar Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

The data used in the stock estimation method by these two foundations came from logbook data at their assisted sites in the waters of the Tanakeke Islands, Takalar Regency. The Sea Conservation Foundation's fishermen group is located on Satangnga Island, while the Mattirotasi Foundation's fishermen group is located on the mainland in Lanna Village, Galessong District. This assessment was used to assess the stock vulnerability of seven target species Katamba (Lethrinus lentjan), Kaneke (Plectorhincus flavomaculatus), Cepa/Kuwe (Caranx sp), Bambangan (Lutjanus malabaricus), Red Sunu (Plectropomus leopardus), Mud Grouper (Epinephelus bleekeri), and Baronang (Siganus guttatus) caught using basic longline and longline.

The results of the analysis for the types of target catches of both groups using the PSA method are Bambangan/Red Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus), Red Sunu (Plectropomus leopardus) and Mud Grouper (Epinephelus bleekeri) already in the Moderated Potential Risk category (moderate potential for overfishing), while the other species are still in the Low Potential Risk condition with a tendency towards the Moderated Potential Risk condition.

From the results of the analysis of stock estimation using the PSA method, several management strategies were formulated for the entire target catch, from those that can still be utilized to those that have temporarily stopped utilization. The main strategy applied refers to the management of ecosystem-based fisheries utilization areas and conducting awareness not to catch reef fish that are not in the catchable size.

The follow-up of this workshop on stock estimation using the PSA method is to consult the recommendations for fish utilization management in Takalar Regency to the relevant agencies, namely the South Sulawesi Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Service and the Takalar Regency Maritime and Fisheries Service for review before being pushed into a valid local regulation that applies in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi Province.