Community Socio-Economic and Cultural Systems in the Utilization of Reef Fisheries: A Descriptive Study from the South Misool Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, West Papua

Abstract

This study aims to determine the socioeconomic and cultural characteristics of the system of reef fisheries resource utilized by communities in the South Misool Marine Protected Area (KKPD) in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. Research was conducted from January to March 2019 using descriptive methods. Data were collected through observation, structured interviews, and document review. Respondents (fish collectors) were interviewed at three village observation points: Wayaban (5 respondents), Namlol (15 respondents) and Yellu (6 respondents). Data were analyzed quantitatively to interpret and describe information collected in the field. The results showed that on average, the number of family members per household in all three observation points were 4-5 people (63.38%), reef fishermen in South Misool have an average age range of 36-45 years (48%) and most have elementary school education level (50%). All fishermen in Wayaban village are from Kayoa village in Ternate (North Maluku) (100%), half of fishermen (50%) in Yellu village are from Yellu and the majority fishermen (33%) in Namlol shelter are from Raja Ampat (Yellu and Fafanlap villages). The reef fish resources system in the area of the South Misool KKPD utilizes a customary conservation-based management system where Sasi practices are still implemented in conjunction with Western conservation approaches.

The Status of Seagrass Health: Supporting Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in Misool Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

“…The socio-economic aspects of fisherman in the area research based on the interaction of fishermen with their environment are characterized by ethnic distribution, number of family members per household, average respondent age, average education level and economic variables such as fixed costs, production costs, types of production, and income distribution from fishermen. Based on Tebaiy et al (2019), several tribes caught fishes in South Misool such as Ternata, Tidore, Flores, Lembata and Raja Ampat. For Raja Ampat consists of fisherman from Yellu, Fafanlap and Harapan Jaya villages.…”

“…Number of family members of the respondents was 6-7 people per household, the average education level is junior high school and most of fishermen respondents is 34-45 years old. Prior to fishing, the fishermen have to purchase supplies, such as nylon, fishing rods, drinking water, cigarettes, fuel, ice cubes, areca nuts and transportation expenses (Tebaiy et al, 2019).…”

“…Understanding the role that seagrass health plays in supporting sustainable small-scale fisheries in the South Misool KKPD needs to be addressed in the management of Raja Ampat MPA. One practice in the conservation area management found within the South Misool is sasi (an unwritten customary law of Indigenous peoples in Raja Ampat which prohibits the harvest of marine animals within a certain peiord of time) (Tebay et al, 2019) which is still being implemented to support small-scale fisheries (Tebaiy et al, 2019). The benefits obtained from sasi production activities include the increase in fish targets, reduced levels of exploitation, and restoration of fish stocks, as well as increasing the income of the people who inhabit in this conservation Figure 6.…”