Environmental Friendliness Level of Belat Fishing Gear in the Waters of Nipah Panjang II Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency

Abstrak

Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency is a fairly extensive fishing ground, with fisheries production reaching 25,017.89 tons. Nipah Panjang II Sub-district is a coastal area where the majority of residents work as fishers. These fishers use various types of fishing gear, one of which is the belat. Belat is a passive fishing gear that relies on the tidal cycle. This study aimed to determine the level of environmental friendliness of the belat fishing gear operated in the waters of Nipah Panjang II, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency. The research was conducted from February to March 2026 using an observational method, with samples selected through purposive sampling of 10 belat fisherman. The data collected concerned the environmental friendliness level of the belat fishing gear. Data were analyzed based on the nine criteria of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF). The results showed that the belat fishing gear obtained an average score of 26.8, which falls into the environmentally friendly category. This fishing gear is considered reasonably consistent with the principles of sustainable fisheries, as it does not cause major habitat damage, safe for fisherman, produces catches that are safe for consumption, and is socially accepted by the fishing community. However, several aspects still require attention, particularly low selectivity, relatively high by-catch, and the possibility of catching protected fish species. Overall, the belat fishing gear can be categorized as environmentally friendly, although management improvements are still needed to better align it with the principles of sustainable fisheries.