Cost Structure and Profitability of Trammel Net Fishery in Semarang Municipality, Indonesia

Trammel net is one of the fishing gears operated by small scale fishermen along the coast of Java, in particular in the Semarang Municipality. For the past seven years, trammel net has been developed into the main gear used to exploit shrimp resource in waters around the municipality This study aims to examine the economics of trammel net fishery in the Semarang Municipality wit h an emphasis on cost structure analysis and determination of profit. In addition, the study also attempts to determine factors responsible for the continued existence of resource rent and factors affecting variations in catch among fishermen. The cost structure analysis examined the cost incurred for every factor of production and its importance to total cost as expressed in cost indices. The profitability of the gear was determined by means of cost and return analysis. The factors affecting variations in catch among fishermen were determined by means of a regression analysis. Of the two trammel nets, i.e. the medium and the small scales, the latter net was found to be more profitable. Owners of small trammel nets earned the largest rent and non-family labour of medium trammel net earned the smallest rent. The number of net and time spent fishing were two variables found positively related to catch per trip in the peak season. Cost of buying boat and engine were found to be negatively related to catch for the medium trammel net but positively related to catch for the small trammel net. Size of fishermen household was negatively related to catch for both the medium and small trammel nets . In addition, fishing experience was also found to be significantly related to catch for the medium trammel net and the relationship was positive. The small trammel net was recommended for development in Semarang waters especially during the peak season. In order to achieve a rational exploitation of shrimp resource in the areas, appropriate management mechanisms should be instituted following a more intensive effort to assess availability and potential