The study of fish larval science has greatly contributed to the science and management of fisheries. However, research on fish larvae identification is still scarce because it is classified as expensive and difficult. So there needs to be a deeper study to find appropriate and affordable technology.

Dr Charles Simanjuntak, IPB University lecturer from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), explained the importance of ichthyoplankton studies which include fish embryos and larvae. One of them is to provide an overview of the mechanisms that regulate fish populations in nature.

“In addition, this ichthyoplankton study can also monitor fish communities, conservation goals, spawning areas, and population sizes that spawn,” he said in the Indonesian Ichthyology Society (MII) Training Course: Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (IFS) 6th Series with the topic ‘Sampling Techniques and Fish Larvae Identification’, not long ago.

“No less important, ichthyoplankton is the main tool for stock assessment and fisheries management. This is what we want to echo in Indonesia,” he added.

He stated that fish larvae research has advanced over the last 30 years. However, field studies on the taxonomy and systematics of fish larvae in the Indo-Pacific region continue to stay limited.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and IPB University formed the Indonesian Ichthyoplankton Research Consortium (KRII) to tackle these issues. IPB University researchers have conducted and encouraged ichthyoplankton research.

“Each fish larva has its own uniqueness and mechanism. I’ve done research on deep-sea fish larvae, and actually using the most sophisticated to simple tools is very possible, so there is no need to worry, “said Dr Charles.

In determining research or sampling, he explained, it is necessary to determine the purpose in advance. Researchers must also be prepared because the work must be done quickly and in a fresh state. Moreover, the sample taken is in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

“The equipment used is quite simple, such as bongo nets, near-bottom nets, and beam trawls, which are adjusted based on the depth. The techniques used also vary according to the depth of sampling,” he said.

Dr Charles added, one tool that is also no less important in determining the abundance of larvae is a flowmeter. As for coral reefs or mangrove areas, light traps can be used. “Researchers can also combine local wisdom that already exists in the study,” he added.

He said that the analysis and identification of fish larvae are not easy. However, in the identification of the morphology and stadia of fish larvae, there must be special parameters and characteristics that can distinguish each species of fish larvae. (MW) (IAAS/MZS)

Sources: IPB News