IPB University PSP Lecturer Promotes Rumpon (FAD) Booster Technology in Indramayu

Department of Fishery Resources Utilization (PSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) IPB University conducted a Socialization of FAD Booster Technology Innovations in Dadap Village, Juntinyuat District, Indramayu Regency, West Java, (4/3). This innovation is an effective tool for attracting and collecting fish in the mini purse seine fishery.

The PSP Department lecturer team who attended were Dr Zulkarnain, Prof Mohammad Imron, Dr Ronny I Wahju and Dr Didin Komarudin. One of the lecturers from the of Department of Fishery Resources Utilization of IPB University, Dr Gatot Yulianto, was also present.

This activity was carried out in collaboration with the Nusaha Mina Marine Fisheries Cooperative at the Dadap Indramayu Fish Auction Center (PPI). Present at the socialization event were the Head of the Fisheries and Maritime Services Office of Indramayu Regency Edi Umaedi, SP, Secretary of the Juntinyuat Sub-District Head H Johar Manun, SH, Head of the UPT Fisheries and Maritime Service of Juntinyuat District Susi Komalasari, SPi, Head of UPT Sub-Division of the Juntinyuat Fisheries and Maritime Service Office, Rudiyanto, Chairman of the Ngusaha Mina Fathurohim Marine Fisheries Cooperative, SPi and 10 skippers of the mini purse seine boat.

On this occasion, Edi welcomed the arrival of the IPB University Team to socialize the FAD booster. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fishermen’s condition was hit hard. Even though it has started to revive, the obstacles to getting access to Science and Technology are still lacking.

“One of the technical assistance programs that have been carried out is information on fishing areas for fishermen. Technical guidance from IPB University is highly expected and necessary for fishermen. Hopefully the FAD booster can be a solution to increase fish catch for mini purse seine fishermen at PPI Dadap in particular and other areas in Indramayu Regency,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the baited FAD booster innovators, namely Dr Zulkarnain delivered socialization material, that FAD boosters are included in the classification of Fishing Auxiliary Equipment (ABPI) to lure and collect fish.

“FAD boosters are an innovative product from a series of ongoing research with a very good level of validation. FAD boosters consist of a combination of coconut leaf attractors and net attractors with complete essential amino acid boosters,” he said.

He added, FAD boosters were attached to the ship and drifted with the current along with the purse seine ship. FAD boosters can be a solution to overcome the problems of mini purse seine fishermen at PPI Dadap due to the length of time required in the process of collecting small pelagic fish in the fishing area before the nets are put into operation.

In addition, Prof Mohammad Imron said that it takes strong efforts from the local government to be able to play an active role in the process of disseminating innovative products. Especially those that have been produced by IPB University researchers so that they provide many broad benefits for society and stakeholders.

Dr Gatot Yulianto also said that the FAD booster research team had received an award from IPB University as the best implementer in the 2022 Home Lecturer community empowerment program. “Hopefully the FAD booster can be implemented properly in Dadap village and other areas in Indramayu Regency,” he said.

Chairman of the Ngusaha Mina Marine Fisheries Cooperative, Fathurohim stated that FAD boosters are urgently needed for small-traditional purse seine fishermen so that fishing communities become more prosperous. This at the same time strengthens the role of the cooperative to its members, which already total 40 ships. (*/Zul) (IAAS/SHY)