Growth Pattern of Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) In the Waters of Nusa Tenggara
DOI:
10.29303/jbt.v26i4.12777Published:
2026-11-02Downloads
Abstract
Thunnus alalunga (albacore tuna) is a commercially valuable species that plays a key role in Nusa Tenggara fisheries. Rising fishing pressure could alter the size structure and growth of the population; therefore, data on size distribution and length-weight relationships are needed as a basis for sustainable management. This study examined monthly variations in fish length and weight and determined growth patterns using length-weight analysis. Research was conducted from July 2025 to March 2026, with measurements collected in July, September, October, and November 2025 at Labuhan Lombok Fishing Port and High Point Fisheries Company, followed by data processing from December 2025 to March 2026. Primary length and weight data were obtained through direct measurements using landing-based sampling. Frequency distributions described size structure, while W = aLᵇ characterized growth. A total of 1,487 albacore tuna measuring 83-114 cm were analyzed, with the 98-100 cm length class predominating. The 19-21 kg weight class was most frequent, followed by 16-18 kg, indicating predominantly medium-sized to adult fish. The length-weight equation, 2 × 10⁻⁵L³·⁰⁵⁶³, showed a strong correlation (r = 0.927), while R² = 0.8623 indicated that length explained 86.23% of weight variation. The coefficient b = 3.0563 indicated positive allometric growth, with weight increasing faster than length. Overall, catches mainly comprised adult fish exhibiting good growth conditions, highlighting Nusa Tenggara waters as important adult habitat. These findings support sustainable tuna management through appropriate catch-size limits, improved gear selectivity, regulated fishing effort, and further research on stock dynamics and reproduction.
Keywords:
Growth pattern Length-weight relationship Landing-based sampling Nusa Tenggara waters Thunnus alalungaReferences
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