ESTIMATION OF PELAGIC FISH DENSITY IN SUNDA STRAIT
BY SPLIT BEAM ACOUSTIC SYSTEM.
By

Deddy Bachtiar 1), Bonar P. Pasaribu 2), Indra Jaya 2) and Chandra Nainggolan 3)

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze index of spatial and temporal distribution pattern, on January and March in the Sunda Strait. The research is carried out using SIMRAD EY-500 split beam acoustic system. Transect design is in parallel systematic for collected acoustic data.

The research revealed that the biggest density index in west monsoon season (month of January) was at 25 – 67 m depth layer within the shallow bottom area, which is spread around Labuan water, Rakata, Sebuku and Sebesi Islands. That highest temporal distribution of fish density was found in the morning and afternoon periods. In the first transition monsoon season (month of March), revealed that the highest fish density index is found in deep water area around the Panaitan and Rakata Islands and in front of Semangka Bay waters, distributed at 59-134 m depth layer. Also, the fish density distribution found vary temporally in the morning, afternoon and night periods. Estimation of mean fish density in the west monsoon season is around 3.4 to 30.4 fish/1000 m3, and for the first transition monsoon season is around 31.0 to 57.4 fish/1000 m3. Therefore, fish density for in the west monsoon season is lower than the first transition monsoon season. The result may be explained due to the effect of the sea and weather condition at respected season.