SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PAPUAN CATFISH AT JEFMAN ISLAND (RAJA AMPAT, WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA): A STUDY OF AQUACULTURE POTENTIAL

The sustainability of fish is crucial as fish is one of the primary sources of protein. The West Papua community consumes catfish for its protein. This study aimed to identify the socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of Papuan Catfish (Plotosidae) from Jefman Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. The research was conducted September-November 2020. We observed environmental characteristics in Jefman Island and its surrounding. We interviewed related stakeholders such as fishers and fish merchants. Jefman Island fishers and traders sell Papuan Catfish and other fish in the Jembatan Puri Sorong City fish market. Fishers installed sero (set net) in the waters of Jefman Island and Rumbabo Island. The in situ environmental characteristic of Jefman Island waters was as follows: relatively similar temperature between 30.70 to 32.70°C, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level between 4.59-5.81 mg/L, and acidity level (pH) is 6.25-8.23. The catfish Plotosus is a catfish species available in the Bird's Head of West Papua region. Plotosus is found in Sorong and Raja Ampat waters. Papuan catfish have socioeconomic and environmental potential. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct aquaculture development