Analysis of Seasonal Patterns of Mackerel (Scomberomorus sp.) in Belawan Samudera Fishery Port

Abstract

Mackerel (Scomberomorus sp.) is a large pelagic fish from the Scombridae family that lives in schools and is migratory. This commodity has high economic value and is one of the important catches landed at the Belawan Ocean Fisheries Port (PPS), WPPNRI 571. However, mackerel production shows fluctuations from year to year. This study aims to analyze the catch and seasonal patterns of mackerel fishing at the Belawan PPS. The study was conducted in January-February 2026 using a quantitative descriptive survey method utilizing secondary data from the Belawan PPS fisheries logbook for 2021-2025. The analysis included calculating Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), standardizing fishing gear using the Fishing Power Index (FPI), estimating Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and optimum effort using the Schaefer model, calculating the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), utilization levels, and fishing seasonal patterns using the average percentage method based on time series. The results showed an average annual production of mackerel fish of 34,048 tons. The highest CPUE value occurred in 2021 at 0.55 tons/trip and the lowest in 2025 at 0.03 tons/trip. The MSY value obtained was 150,957 tons/year with an optimum effort of 1,401.702 trips and a TAC of 120,765 tons/year. The average utilization rate of 23% indicates that the resource is still underfished. The peak fishing season occurs in May, July, October, and November, while the lean season occurs in February, March, April, August, and December. The results indicate that mackerel resources in the Belawan PPS still have the potential for sustainable utilization.