Vulnerability analysis of pelagic and demersal fisheries in the Indian Ocean, Fisheries Management Area 572, Indonesia

Abstract Indonesian Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 572 situated in the Indian Ocean, includes the coastal waters of Bengkulu City, has great potential in terms of pelagic and demersal fisheries. However, the exploitation of these fisheries resources has been intensified due to the growing demand for human consumption. Unfortunately, information related to the susceptibility and productivity of fisheries resources in this area is still negligible. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of vulnerability to potential fishery impacts of several pelagic and demersal fisheries in FMA 572. The study was conducted in Bengkulu City from July to December 2019. Analysis of the productivity and susceptibility level of the fisheries used several productivity and susceptibility parameters through the Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) method. The results of the study revealed that the vulnerability level of yellow stripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis) was higher than that of other target fishes. However, in general, the vulnerability of pelagic and demersal fisheries to potential overfishing in FMA 572 was still low.