Utility of Batang Toru River (North Sumatra, Indonesia) for fishery activities of the local communities: a study on fisheries socioeconomic condition

Abstract

Batang Toru River is a river that crosses several sub-districts in North Tapanuli and South Tapanuli Regency and has social and economic benefits for the community. This study aimed to determine the fisheries' socio-economic condition of the community around the river. Study was carried out in August 2019, on the communities around the river in five districts, namely Sipirok district (Luat Lobang and Aek Batang Paya Village), Marancar District (Marancar Julu, Pasar Sempurna, Simaninggir, and Huraba Village), Batang Toru District (Sipenggeng and Hapesong Baru Village), Muara Batang Toru District (Bandar Hapinis Village), and Simangumban District (Simangumban Jae Village). The data collected were analyzed descriptively. Based on the study, the local communities usually used the river for fishing, although fishing was not their main occupation. The fish caught were generally for their consumption or sold in the surrounding village.