Carbon Emissions from Purse Seine Fishing Vessel at Cilacap Fishing Port Syamdidi1,2*, Mutiara Rachmat Putri3, Lamona Irmudyawati Bernawis3
1 Graduate Student in Earth Sciences, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
2 Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia
*syamdidi[at]gmail.com
3 Research Group of Environmental and Applied Oceanography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
Abstract
As climate change concerns grow, studying carbon emissions across sectors, including the fishing industry, becomes essential. Fishing is a vital economic activity in Indonesia, with Cilacap Fishing Port in southern Java serving as a key source of fish supply for the region. However, research on the carbon footprint of fishing in this area remains limited. This study investigates the carbon emissions of all purse seine vessels over 20 GT operating from Cilacap Fishing Port in 2023, offering targeted recommendations for reducing their environmental impact and promoting fisheries sustainability. The vessels primarily targeted pelagic fish species, with their fishing grounds located in the Indian Ocean, south of Java. The findings reveal that the average carbon emissions from these vessels were 4.43 kg CO2 eq per kg of fish. Among the various species, baby yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), frigate tuna (Auxis sp.), and mackerel scad (Decapterus sp. had the lowest carbon footprints, with emissions of 2.36, 2.59, 3.19, and 3.31 kg CO2 eq per kg, respectively. In contrast, albacore tuna (Thunnus alalonga) and swordfish (Xiphias sp.) had the highest emissions, at 2727.27 and 1063.19 kg CO2 eq per kg, respectively. Emissions also varied by season, with the highest levels recorded in SON (September-November) at 9.12 kg CO2 eq per kg, and the lowest in MAM (March-May) at 1.02 kg CO2 eq per kg. The study highlights opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through enhanced efficiency, optimized fuel use, and targeted fishing practices. By focusing on species with lower carbon footprints and adjusting practices based on seasonal variations, significant reductions in emissions can be achieved, contributing to more sustainable fishing operations in Cilacap and southern Java.
