<![CDATA[Coral reef ecosystems serve as vital habitats for various economically valuable fish species. One of the widely used fishing methods by traditional fishermen is bottom fish traps, whose effectiveness is influenced by various operational factors. This study aimed to analyze the effect of combining bait and coconut leaf shelters on the catch effectiveness of Buton fish traps. The research was conducted from September to November 2024 in the waters of Wahai Village, Malaku Hamlet, North Seram District, Central Maluku, using an experimental fishing method with four treatments: control trap (without bait or shelter), baited trap, shelter-only trap, and trap with both bait and shelter. The results showed that the highest number of fish was caught in the control trap (117 individuals or 38.49%), followed by the trap with bait and shelter (77 individuals or 25.33%), baited trap (65 individuals or 21.38%), and shelter-only trap (45 individuals or 14.80%). The Kruskal-Wallis statistical test based on catch quantity revealed a significant difference (H-value = 19.94557 > H-table = 7.814728, p < 0.05), while catch weight showed no significant difference. These findings suggest that fish social interaction and natural behavior play a more crucial role in trap effectiveness than the presence of bait or shelter alone. ]]>
Copyrights © 2025
