Benefits and Risks of the Technological Creep of LED Light Technologies Applied to the Purse Seine Fishery

This study is a first attempt to investigate the catch efficiency of LED light technology compared to the traditional incandescent lamp that is used in the purse seine fishery (PS) in the Central Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Catches per unit effort were adopted to assess the performance of lighting systems, considering the electrical energy and the fuel consumption as effort units. Concerning the catch efficiency, the white LED, which emits the same light spectra as the incandescent lamp, increased the yield by over 2 times per consumption unit of energy and fuel. The yield efficiency increased up to approximately 6 and 9 times when adopting the pulsing white or blue LED, respectively. These increases were due to the energy savings resulting from the flashing of the white LED or by the greater water penetration of the blue LED. No significant difference in target species sizes was detected between the use of LEDs and the incandescent lamp. The results obtained from estimates of the hourly fuel consumption and CO2 emissions stress potential benefits in the reduction of the carbon footprint due to the use of LEDs within the PS fishery. Positive economic impacts were derived from the LED technology on the PS fishery, with the fuel cost-saving percentages all being higher than 60%. The LED technology clearly shows potential benefits at the economic level for the fishermen, and the possibility of mitigating indirect negative effects on the environment due to fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the application of new technology that improves the catch efficiency of fishing gears should be carefully considered. The lack of regulations controlling technological advancement could cause unwanted long-term effects.

Effects of Lunar Phases and Other Variables on CPUE of European Pilchard, Sardina pilchardus, Caught by Purse Seine in the Eastern Mediterranean

European pilchard Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) is one of the most dominant small pelagic landed by purse seine in Turkey as well as Mediterranean. In this study, we aimed to identify relationships between the seasonally adjusted CPUE and changes of the sea surface temperature (SST), fishing area, moon phase, and light used in the purse seine fishery to understand the impact of changes on the CPUE of pelagic fishes, especially S. pilchardus, by a total of 214 operations in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea. The effect of the parameters on the Sardine CPUE, expressed in terms of kg (haul day)–1, was examined by means of the Generalized Additive Modelling (GAMs) techniques. The CPUE values for S. pilchardus were between 0 – 16 800 kg (haul day)–1 and the mean CPUE was 1 844.3±176.6 kg (haul day)–1 . The smallest median was 441 kg (haul day)–1 for full moon and the differences between the CPUE values of lunar phases were statistically significant (p<0.05). Furthermore, there is a linear relationship between CPUE and SST. In conclusion, the CPUE varied under hydrographic variables mostly SST for sardine purse seine fishery in the Aegean Sea.

FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY OF PURSE SEINE FISHERIES IN BALIMU VILLAGE, SOUTH LASALIMU OF BUTON REGENCY

Purse siene fishery is a capital-intensive and labor-intensive business, but it carries considerable business risk due to climate change, increased operating costs, decreased fish stocks and unstable fish prices. The purpose of this study was to determine the financial feasibility of a purse seine fishery business in Buton Waters. This research was conducted in October 2020 in Balimu Village, South Lasalimu District, Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This study used a survey method using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed descriptively quantitative. The results showed that the average amount of profit earned during the peak fishing season was IDR 277,263,939 / month. The NPV value is IDR 4,021,035,338 (> 0), the Net B / C Ratio value is 6.63 (> 1), the R/C Ratio value is 6.10 (> 1), the IRR value is 2.87 ( > 15% interest rate), the payback period is 8 months and 5 days, and the ROI value is 2.31%. Thus, purse seine fishery activities in Balimu Village, South Lasalimu Subdistrict during the peak fishing season are financially feasible.