<![CDATA[Lake Laut Tawar, located in the Gayo Highlands of Central Aceh Regency, plays a vital role as a livelihood source for local communities in the agricultural, fisheries, and tourism sectors. One of the fishing gears contributing the most to capture fisheries production in the lake is the gillnet, with an annual production reaching 630 tons in 2021. The lake’s fishing ground covers an area of approximately 5,742 hectares. This study aims to analyze the socio-economic conditions of gillnet fishermen in Lake Laut Tawar. Data were collected from February to March 2025 in four sub-districts Lut Tawar, Kebayakan, Bebesen, and Bintang using descriptive quantitative methods. Primary data were obtained through direct observation and interviews, while secondary data were gathered from literature and relevant institutions. The findings reveal that most fishermen are in the productive age group (31–40 years), have a senior high school education, and possess an average fishing experience of 13.85 years. Surface gillnets are used to catch Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with an average catch of 90 kg per month. The selling price ranges from IDR 20,000 to IDR 25,000 per kilogram. Monthly operational costs range from IDR 650,000 to IDR 1,570,000, while gross income is between IDR 1,500,000 and IDR 2,250,000, and net income ranges from IDR 690,000 to IDR 1,300,000. Income is influenced by factors such as experience, age, fishing frequency, gear specifications, fishing location strategies, weather, price fluctuations, marketing systems, and operational costs.]]>
