ARMS
Sulu Sulawesi Sea is a highly diverse marine region, which important for commercial fishing. However, the natural resources in this region are under escalating threat due to coastal development, overfishing, destructive fishing, pollution and sedimentation, which put tremendous pressure on the SSS marine ecosystem, especially on tuna population. Funded by Partnership for Enhanced Engagement in Research, this project aim to study the stock structure of longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol), one of the neritic tuna species that is distributed exclusively near coastal areas.
Longtail tuna has been known to catch worldwide in an increasing phase, however there is still lack of information and stock assessment on this species, which is reflected by this species being listed as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List. Using genetic data, we aim to clarify the status of the stock and effective population size of tuna in Sulu Sulawesi Sea, which may important for managing longtail tuna population and strengthen the notion that science can be used as powerful tools for fisheries management and conservation. Other than catalyzing research activities, this project goal is also expanding partnership with regional and international institution through fisheries and scientific research. (Learn more about this project)
