KOMPOSISI SUMBERDAYA IKAN DEMERSAL DI PERAIRAN SELAT MALAKA

Abstract

Fish resources found in waters of Malacca Strait consist of shrimp, demersal fish, large pelagic fish and small pelagic fish resources. Exploitation of demersal resources in the waters of Malacca Strait is very intensive. Therefore this study was aims to determine the development of the composition of demersal fish in the waters of Malacca Straits. The study was conducted in the waters of Malacca Straits that focused around Belawan and Bengkalis, which was held in June 2008, using the KR. Bawal Putih and bottom trawl as fishing gear. The result showed that 70% of fish caught is demersal fish. The composition of the dominant demersal fish caught in the waters of Malacca Strait was different between Belawan and Bengkalis waters. In the Belawan waters, 3 most dominant demersal fish species caught were goats fish (Mullidae), squid (Loligonidae) and lizard fish (Synodontidae), while in Bengkalis waters, 3 most dominant demersal fish species caught were croackers fish (Scianidae), grunters fish (Pomadasidae) and stingrays (Dasyatidae). The difference in species composition of demersal fish in Belawan and Bengkalis waters, caused by differences in characteristics of the aquatic environment.