Sustainability Implications of Acoustic and Phototactic Fishing Technologies: A Case Study from Pangkor Island

• Mastura Mustapha ^[1] ; Mohd Samsul Rohizad Maidin ^[1] ; Nadiayatul Atikah Harun ^[1] ; Abdul Wahab Abdullah ^[1]
  1. [1] Fisheries Research Institute Kampung Acheh
• Localización: Thalassas: An international journal of marine sciences, ISSN 0212-5919, Vol. 41, Nº. 4, 2025
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • In line with the rapid advancement of fishing technologies in Malaysia, purse seine fishers around Pangkor Island have increasingly integrated modern tools like sonar and underwater LED lighting (UWLED) in daily fishing operations. Sonar facilitates precise detection of fish schools, while UWLEDs serve as visual attractants to concentrate fish in specific areas during night fishing. This study evaluated the comparative effects of sonar and UWLED on catch composition and yield in Zone B waters surrounding Pangkor Island. The research spanned from June 2024 to January 2025, comprising six fishing trips utilizing purse seine nets as the primary gear type. Results revealed a significant difference in catch contribution between the two technologies. UWLED-assisted fishing accounted for 70.29% of the total catch, while sonar contributed 29.71%. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant difference in catch volume between the two methods (p = 0.000, p < 0.05). Species composition also varied distinctly. Atule mate (yellowtail scad) dominated sonar catches (76.13%), whereas Gazza minuta (toothpony) was most prevalent in UWLED catches (76.23%). Maturity assessments indicated a higher proportion of immature individuals in UWLED catches (93.48%) compared with sonar (77.47%). These findings suggest that UWLED technology enhances catch volume but disproportionately targets immature fish, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and recruitment overfishing thus threatening stock viability. These findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory measures and best practice guidelines concerning the use of underwater lighting in Malaysian fisheries to ensure long-term resource viability