Length-frequency distribution of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in Indonesia

This preliminary study investigates the length frequency distribution of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in Indonesia. Total of 127,000 samples collected between 2018 and 2021 at various fishing ports along the West of Sumatra and South of Jawa. These ports are Lampulo, Sibolga, Padang, Bengkulu, Binuangeun, Palabuhanratu, Cilacap, Pacitan, Prigi, and Labuhan Lombok. Around three-quarters of the samples were collected from ports along the southern coast of Jawa. Binuangeun contributed the largest share, accounting for over 35% of the total samples. Handlines accounted for about 53% of the sampled fish and purse seines were the second contributing about 27% of the samples. The highest average fork length was recorded in Cilacap using gillnets, at 51.3 cm, indicating that this gear captured larger fish. In Prigi, purse seines yielded an average fork length of 47.3 cm, while trolling lines recorded an average of 46.0 cm. This study highlights the importance of length frequency analysis for understanding stock characteristics and informs sustainable fishery management.