Initial Survey for Eel Catch Sampling Activity Conducted in Palabuhan Ratu, West Java
Supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), Development of Stock Assessment Methods and Strengthening of Resources Management Measures for Tropical Anguillid Eel in Southeast Asia (Phase II), Eel Catch Sampling Survey activity took the first step to implement research plan under the protocol of COVID-19 pandemic issue. On 14-18 August 2020, Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (IFRDMD) team carried out the initial survey in two rivers namely Cimandiri and Cikaso River, Palabuhan Ratu, West Java. The rivers are well known as fishing ground for the anguillid eel. Those mouth rivers face directly to Indian Ocean. The survey aimed to collect data and information related to anguillid eel fishing catch whole stages including glass eel, elver, yellow eel and if possible, silver eel.
The team surveyed stakeholders such as fisher and collector due to fishing activity in those locations. Generally, fishers will catch the eel based on demand from buyers. According to their information, among the many transformational changes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, eel fisher is one of them. Since COVID-19 pandemic break out, there is no demand from the buyers. However, in the beginning of August 2020, finally buyers started to request for the glass eel stock.
