The dynamics of fishing season and tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean Waters (FMA) 573

Knowledge of the existence of fish in the sea is very important to decide the right time for fishing operation. The aim of this study is to decide the right time for fishing operation in the Indian Ocean FMA 573, through 1) information about fishing season of tuna in three different waters in the Indian Ocean i.e, East Java Province, Yogyakarta Province and East Nusa Tenggara Province; and 2) information about size of tuna being caught. Result of the study showed that fishing season of tuna in the Indian Ocean South of Java shifted from east to west and there is a different pattern of fishing season in the water south of East Nusa Tenggara.  Size composition of tuna being landed or caught showed differences from the samples taken in different months. In June-July, tuna caught in south of Java are relatively big, while in August-September the size of catch began to smaller. Based on these, the right time to catch tuna in the Indian Ocean is in June-July in south of Java while in May and October-November in the south of East Nusa Tenggara.