A research team led by Alexander M.A. Khan from Universitas Padjadjaran, in collaboration with Newcastle University (UK) and East China Normal University (China), has published an important study in the Journal of Sea Research on the oceanographic drivers influencing Mobulidae (manta and devil rays) catch in small-scale fisheries at Teluk Penyu, Cilacap, Central Java. Using satellite Earth Observation (EO) data and 10 years of fisheries landing records (2009–2018), the study found that key ocean parameters such as sea surface temperature, nitrate, chlorophyll, salinity, and oxygen levels strongly influence Mobulidae occurrence in the Southeast Indian Ocean.
This research provides critical insights for conservation and fisheries management, highlighting how satellite-based monitoring can inform ecosystem-based strategies to reduce bycatch of endangered Mobulidae species. Given the economic and ecological importance of small-scale fisheries in Indonesia, the study underscores the urgent need for integrating EO data into fisheries policies to balance livelihoods with marine biodiversity protection.
The findings directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action) – strengthening resilience through climate-informed fisheries management.
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – supporting sustainable fisheries as a source of food security and livelihood.
Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2024.102534
Hashtags:
#FisheriesResearch #MarineConservation #Mobulidae #EarthObservation #SmallScaleFisheries #SustainableOceans #SDG14 #SDG13 #SDG2
Meet the Researchers – Universitas Padjadjaran
- Dr. Alexander M.A. Khan – Lead Author, Universitas Padjadjaran
- Noir P. Purba – Co-Author, Universitas Padjadjaran
- Buntora Pasaribu – Co-Author, Universitas Padjadjaran
- Lantun P. Dewanti – Co-Author, Universitas Padjadjaran
- M. Rudyansyah Ismail – Co-Author, Universitas Padjadjaran
Ankiq Taofiqurohman – Co-Author, Universitas Padjadjaran