THE STATE OF EXPLOITATION OF SMALL PELAGIC FISHES BY LARGE AND MEDIUM PURSE SEINERS IN THE JAVA SEA

The small peJagic fisheries in the Java Sea play an important role in fishery development in Indonesia. It is one of the answers to the protein need for the Java numerous population. It represents also a major source of employment and revenue in the coastal communities along the North coast of Java. Through three main flotillas, seining is the main fishing method used and the development of fishing tactics and strategy is still in progress. Consequently the fishing grounds extended to new areas and the landing increased. This paper will describe the evolution of the main parameters of exploitation such as number and power of boats, spatial distribution of effort, total and specific catches as well as the problems of exploitation level and fish quality