Selectivity of large pelagic purse seine based on catches in the Maluku Sea–Indonesia

Purse seine is a multi-species fishing gear, which is to catch more than one type of fish. In many cases, overfishing practices are often found and the mesh size of the purse seine is very small, this can affect the catch obtained. What may be affected is the size of the fish and the composition of the type of catch between the number of target species and bycatch. Fishing gear selectivity can be defined as the ability to obtain a specific fishing target according to the type of fish, size or sex (or a 3^rd combination) during the fishing process and allows all bycatches to be escaped unscathed. This research was carried out at the Ocean Fisheries Port (PPS) Bitung, starting from January 6 to April 5, 2025, using a purse seine ship operating in Maluku waters. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of purse seine's ability to catch fish according to the desired size and type. This study is expected to provide in-depth insights into the selectivity level of purse seine as a potential solution to overcome excessive capture pressure. This research uses survey, observation, interview, documentation, and literature study methods. It is hoped that the results of this study can provide knowledge about the importance of fishing gear selection. As a result of the research, data on the composition of fish caught consisted of Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus albacares, Auxis thazard, Decepterus macrosoma and Selar crumenophthalmus. K. pelamis is the most dominant target species, which is 62.8%. The level of purse seine selectivity based on the catch is moderate. The target species of 62.8% is greater than the bycatch percentage of 37.2%. But when compared to individual catches or the size of fish poles, there are still fish caught that are not mature gonads. The percentage of K. pelamis who are eligible to catch is 32%. The level of selectivity based on the size of the fish suitable for catching is relatively low.