Study on the Catch Composition of Barrier Trap Fishing Gear (Belat) in the Waters of Sungai Apit, Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency, Riau Province

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the catch composition of belat fishing gear in the waters of Sungai Apit, Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency, Riau Province. The research was conducted from January to March 2023 using a survey method, involving direct observation, interviews with fishermen, and secondary data collection. Belat is a passive fishing gear commonly used by local fishermen, operating by utilizing tidal movements to trap aquatic species. The results showed that the total catch weight during the study period was 50.6 kg, with daily catch fluctuations ranging between 3.47 kg and 11.13 kg. The main catch was freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), accounting for approximately 59% of the total catch, while bycatch such as Trichogaster trichopteru, Rasbora caudimaculat, Rasbora agryrotaenia, Dermogensys sp, Channa striata, Clarias nieuhofii contributed the remaining 41%. Most of the catch consisted of species at legal harvestable sizes. The belat fishing gear was operated in muddy, estuarine waters with mangrove vegetation, providing an ideal habitat for a wide variety of fish species. These findings suggest that belat remains an effective multi-species fishing method in estuarine ecosystems and highlight the importance of sustainable management practices to preserve biodiversity and fishery resources in the Sungai Apit area.