Target strength measurement of Caroun croaker (Johnius sp.) and acoustic fish density estimation in Musi Estuary, South Sumatra

Abstract

Caroun Croaker ( Johnius sp.) is one of the dominant estuarine fish that has a reasonably high economic value. The target strength (TS) value measurement is essential in calculating the density of fish stocks using the hydroacoustic method. Target strength measurement of Caroun Croaker (Johnius sp.) and an acoustic survey in Musi Estuary Waters of South Sumatra Province was conducted in December 2019. The result of TS measurement will be used to estimate the acoustic density along the survey area. The TS measurement used the standard tethered method, tying placing the fish in a fixed cage, transmitting the acoustic pulse, and analyzing its return using the scientific acoustic instrument Biosonic DT-X 200 KHz. The fisheries acoustic survey was carried out in the area around the Musi estuary with a predetermined survey design. The results of the measurements have obtained the TS-length relationship, as TS= 20 LOG L-78.79 with determinant value of R2= 0.67 for fish length ranges from 18.1-23.3 cm, and an acoustic survey showed that the estimated stock density value was 286 kg/ha for the total surveyed area of 1.612 ha.