Prediction of potential fishing zones for mackerel tuna (Euthynnus sp) in Bali Strait using remotely sensed data

Mackerel tuna (Euthynnus sp.) is one of the pelagic fish species that has become the export commodity of Indonesia. This species is a carnivorous marine biota that forms a group with rapid swimming abilities. Mackerel tuna is scattered throughout Indonesian waters, including the waters of the Bali Strait. This study aims to predict Mackerel tuna fishing zone in the Bali Strait by using remotely sensed data. Sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface chlorophyll-a (chl-a) were downloaded from the ocean colour website meanwhile the fishing catches obtained from nusantara fisheries port (pelabuhan perikanan nusantara) Pangembangan, Bali and the fishing lane from marine research and observation agency (balai riset dan observasi laut), Bali. The results showed that the highest of fishing catches occurred in September and October with SST value of 26 - 28 degrees C and chl-a value of 0.4 - 2.6 mg/m(3). Based on the SST and chl-a value, the results revealed the potential fishing zone of Mackerel tuna mostly occurred during south monsoon (April - September). In general, the distribution of Mackerel tuna, based on the overlaid SST and chl- a, showed moderate spatial correlation with actual fishing locations from local fisherman. Integration in situ data and oceanographic condition generated from remotely sensed data could form the basis for fisheries management and information system, such as Mackerel in Bali Strait.