Small scale handline tuna fishery in Buru Island, Maluku Province, Indonesia, during the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

. Small scale handline tuna fishery is an important livelihood for the coastal communities in Buru Island which includes Buru and South Buru Regency. Information regarding the livelihood condition of the tuna handline fishery in Buru Island is still limited. This situation is increasingly complex, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which impacted the communities livelihood, due a significant decrease of the prices and demand. Understanding of socioeconomic conditions is important for planning and developing policies and programs for sustainable fisheries. The study aimed to assess the socioeconomic conditions of tuna handline fisheries in Buru Island, including the costs-revenues balance and the fishers' income. Data collection was carried out in March-August 2020 in Buru and South Buru Regency. This study showed that the average revenue, gross profit and income of fishers during the pandemic period decreased by 39.05, 66.26 and 63.22%, respectively, compared to the situation in 2019.