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| Illustration by Ai |
Traditional fishing businesses in Tapalang District, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, continue to provide sustainable income for local fishermen. A study conducted by Wahyudi, Kamaruddin, and Dewi Febriani Hamjan from Muhammadiyah University of Mamuju found that fishermen using line-based fishing gear earn consistent profits and operate economically viable businesses. The research was carried out between January and July 2025 and was published in the International Journal of Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research (IJAAMR) in 2026. The findings offer valuable insights into the economic conditions of small-scale fishermen and identify key factors influencing their income.
Indonesia’s fisheries sector remains a critical source of livelihood for
millions of coastal residents. However, most fishermen still operate on a small
scale with limited capital, technology, and market access. These challenges are
also evident in Tapalang District, a coastal area facing the Makassar Strait.
Despite its rich marine resources, local fishermen often contend with
fluctuating fish prices, rising operational costs, seasonal uncertainty, and
limited marketing opportunities.
According to the researchers,
studies focusing specifically on fishermen’s income in Tapalang remain scarce.
This research therefore provides a comprehensive assessment of fishing business
profitability while comparing different fishing gear types used by local
fishermen. The study also evaluates the economic feasibility of fishing
operations and examines factors associated with income variation among
fishermen.
The researchers applied a
descriptive quantitative approach using a census survey of all line-fishing
fishermen in Tapalang District. A total of 40 fishermen participated in the
study. Data were collected through field observations, structured interviews,
questionnaires, documentation, and literature reviews. The analysis focused on
income, operational costs, respondent characteristics, and factors influencing
fishermen’s earnings.
The results revealed that the average net income of fishermen reached IDR 1,970,000
per month. Average monthly revenue was recorded at IDR 5,400,000, while total
operating costs amounted to IDR 3,430,000. Fixed costs, including depreciation
of boats, outboard engines, and fishing gear, accounted for approximately IDR
1,180,000 per month. Variable costs such as fuel, bait, equipment maintenance,
supplies, and labor reached around IDR 2,250,000 per month.
The study also found that red snapper and grouper contributed the largest share
of fishermen’s revenue. Red snapper accounted for approximately 32.41 percent
of total earnings, while grouper contributed 25 percent. Average fish
production reached 85 kilograms per month.
A key indicator used in the study
was the Revenue-Cost Ratio (R/C Ratio), which measures business feasibility by
comparing revenue with costs. The analysis produced an R/C Ratio of 1.57. This
means that every IDR 1 spent generated IDR 1.57 in revenue, resulting in a
profit of approximately IDR 0.57. Because the ratio exceeds one, the fishing
businesses operated by line-fishing fishermen in Tapalang are considered
economically feasible and profitable.
The researchers further examined
several factors associated with fishermen’s income. Capital emerged as one of
the most influential variables. Fishermen with monthly capital exceeding IDR 3
million earned an average income of IDR 2,480,000 per month, significantly
higher than those with lower capital, who earned about IDR 1,450,000 per month.
The findings suggest that better access to capital enables fishermen to improve
operational capacity and productivity.
Experience also played an important role. Fishermen with more than ten years of
fishing experience earned an average monthly income of IDR 2,150,000, compared
with IDR 1,620,000 for those with less experience. Experienced fishermen tend
to possess stronger knowledge of fishing grounds, sea conditions, and effective
fishing techniques.
Time spent at sea was another factor linked to higher earnings. Fishermen who
spent more than eight hours per fishing trip earned an average income of IDR
2,230,000 per month, while those spending eight hours or less earned
approximately IDR 1,700,000. Longer fishing durations increase the likelihood
of obtaining larger catches and generating greater revenue.
The study also compared two commonly used fishing technologies: handlines and
longlines. Longline fishermen earned an average monthly income of IDR
2,180,000, around IDR 420,000 higher than handline fishermen, who earned IDR
1,760,000. According to the researchers, longlines provide greater efficiency
because they use multiple hooks and increase the probability of catching
high-value fish species.
Interestingly, employing more workers did not necessarily lead to higher
profits. Fishermen operating with one or two workers earned an average income
of IDR 2,120,000 per month, whereas those employing three or more workers
earned approximately IDR 1,820,000. The researchers noted that higher labor
costs and profit-sharing arrangements can reduce net income when additional
workers do not significantly increase catch volumes.
Based on these findings, the authors recommend expanding fishermen’s access to
business capital, strengthening training programs on fishing technology,
improving operational efficiency, and optimizing the use of fishing gear. They
also encourage local governments to provide capital assistance, fuel subsidies,
fisheries technology training, stronger marketing institutions, and better
supporting infrastructure for coastal communities.
Wahyudi and his colleagues from
Muhammadiyah University of Mamuju emphasized that improved capital access,
greater fishing experience, appropriate technology adoption, and efficient
operational management are key drivers of fishermen’s welfare. The study
provides evidence that can help policymakers design more targeted programs to
support the economic development of coastal communities in Indonesia.
Author Profile
Wahyudi is a researcher
from Muhammadiyah University of Mamuju specializing in fisheries economics and
fishermen’s welfare. This study was conducted in collaboration with Kamaruddin
and Dewi Febriani Hamjan, who are also affiliated with Muhammadiyah
University of Mamuju and focus on fisheries development and coastal community
studies.
Research Source
Wahyudi, Kamaruddin, & Dewi
Febriani Hamjan. (2026). Study of Income and Feasibility of Fishing Gear
Fishermen in Tapalang District, Mamuju Regency. International Journal of
Applied and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research (IJAAMR), Vol. 4 No. 8, pp.
741–748. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijaamr.v4i8.300.
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