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Abstract. The understanding of the reproduction of a fish species is an important prerequisite for providing scientific advice for sustainable fisheries management. This study aims to analyze the reproductive parameters of Indian mackerel caught in North Maluku waters. Data analysis used a population parameter approach, using 3,000 mackerels which were caught with a mini purse seine. The parameters analyzed were the length-weight relationship, growth parameters, and gonadal maturity level and fecundity. The results obtained showed that the growth of male and female mackerel in North Maluku waters had a negative allometric pattern, which means that the increase in body length is faster than the increase in weight. The male mackerel reached a maximum length of 335.91 mm at the age of 40 months or 3.4 years, while the female mackerel reached a maximum length of 356.88 mm at the age of 47 months or 3.9 years. The maturity levels of mackerel found consisted of gonadal maturity level I to gonadal maturity level V. Mackerel was found to be dominated by gonadal immature individuals. Highest numbers of male and female mackerel with gonadal maturity were found in May with the respective percentages of 56.78% and 58.19%. Mackerel spawning occurred several times in a season with the peak spawning season found in June and July. The fecundity of female mackerel found in North Maluku waters was 26,764-81,563 eggs.
Key Words: fecundity, gonadal maturity level, growth pattern, local fishery, small pelagic fish.
(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae omited.)
Introduction. Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is a small pelagic fish that has potential economic value and is commonly found throughout Indonesian waters (Sarasati 2017). North Maluku is one of Indonesian regions that have a large potential for mackerel resources. Mackerel in the North Maluku region is known as "kombong". This type of fish is usually caught using mini purse seines, gill nets, and hand lines (Abubakar et al 2019).
The fishing business of Indian mackerel in North Maluku waters is carried out freely in intensive and in various ways. Thus, there is a tendency for over-exploitation to meet an ever-increasing demand for mackerel in North Maluku. The high level of mackerel fishing requires good management efforts to make it a sustainable (Ibrahim et al 2017).
The increased demand for fish...