The Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) IPB University together with the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Services (CEFAS) and Oxford University UK held a Collaborative Handling, Live Release and Tagging Workshop on Wedgefish in Aceh Jaya, Aceh Province.

The workshop and research on fish tagging featured two researchers from CEFAS, Dr Sophy McCully Phillips and Dr Joanna Bonner, and Oxford University researcher Dr Hollie Booth as instructors. The academic and research collaboration between the two institutions in the UK was initiated by Prof Luky Adrianto, one of IPB University’s Professors in the MSP Department. This collaboration is also fully supported by the Chairman of the MSP Department of IPB University, Prof Hefni Effendi.

The workshop was attended by students of the Coastal and Marine Resource Management (SPL) Doctoral Study Program of FPIK IPB University accompanied by Dr Zairion, staff of the Directorate of Marine Spatial Planning, Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (Ditjen PRL-KKP).

At the workshop, cackling stingrays were caught by participants under the guidance of the instructor. The workshop was filled with theoretical material on the basic principles of using tagging equipment and practice.

“The practice of using both conventional and electronic tagging was carried out near the Rigaih Fish Landing Base (PPI). The participants and fishermen were very enthusiastic in participating in the workshop and the tagging trial,” said Dr Zairion.

Acting Regent of Aceh Jaya Dr Nurdin and the Chief of DKP Aceh Jaya Teuku Ridwan also welcomed the workshop in order to support the conservation of stingray species in Aceh Jaya.

Prof Hefni Effendi said that the stingray (Rhynchobatus spp) or known by its common name as wedgefish, is included in the critically endangered species category according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2019. This fish is also classified as Appendix II according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2017.

Considering this, Indonesia has regulated the circulation of kekeh rays in KKP Ministerial Decree No. 12 of 2022 concerning Quota for Utilisation of Protected Fish Species. This is due to the high demand for kekeh ray products, both on a national and international scale. The high economic value of kekeh rays can also lead to increased exploitation, resulting in population decline.

Aceh’s waters, especially around Aceh Jaya Regency, are one of the main fishing grounds for kekeh rays in Indonesia. The stingray caught is incidental catch from bottom gill net and handline fishing gear.

“So far, the catch of fishermen in Aceh Jaya is juvenile kekeh rays, so it needs to be properly and adequately conserved, so that this fish can continue to maintain its existence,” said Dr Hefni.  

Sources: IPB News