Economic analysis of flying fish roe harvesting: The case of Wakatobi fishers operating in the Aru Islands, Maluku Province

Abstract

The substantial market value of flying fish roe on the international stage has catalyzed excessive harvesting activities across its fishing grounds around Aru Islands, Maluku Province and has attracted fishers from various places to engage in the fisheries. This study aims to outline the income dynamics of flying fish roe harvesters from Wakatobi District who participated in the fisheries. Data were collected between December 2019 and April 2020 in Binongko Subdistrict, Wakatobi District, Southeast Sulawesi. Analysis was carried out to calculate the operational cost and returns gained by the harvesters. Ten fishers, each represented one of ten different harvesting groups, were selected as respondents. The study found that each harvesting group undertook an average of five harvesting trips per season. The cumulative income per fishing boat amounted to IDR 690,375,110 per season (or a six month period). The income distribution was based on a profit-sharing scheme, with 2/5 shares going to the boat owner and 3/5 shares going to the combined fishers (the captain and crews). Consequently, a fisher can make IDR 59,175,009 on average per season. The study provides a fundamental information for developing policies in promoting sustainability of the fisheries in the economic perspective.