THE GROWTH PATTERN AND GONADAL MATURITY LEVEL OF SKIPJACK TUNA (Euthynnus Affinis) FROM EASTERN WATERS OF PANGANDARAN, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) is an economically important pelagic species inhabiting the eastern coastal waters of Pangandaran, West Java. This study aimed to analyze the growth pattern, gonad maturity level (GML)and condition factor as a basis for sustainable fisheries management. A total of 16 specimens were collected from local fishermen catches. The length–weight relationship (W = aLᵇ) was applied to determine the growth pattern, the condition factor (K) was calculated to evaluate the physiological condition, and gonad maturity was assessed morphologically and through the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI). The results showed that the growth coefficient (b) ranged from 0.7114 to 1.6372, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern, where length increment was more dominant than weight gain. The condition factor (K) ranged from 2.37 to 2.81, suggesting that the fish were in relatively good condition. The GSI values ranged from 0.06% to 1.98%, indicating that most individuals were at early to developing gonad maturity stages. These findings suggest that the sampling period did not coincide with the peak spawning season.This study provides essential biological information to support fisheries management strategies, particularly in determining appropriate minimum catch sizes and regulating fishing seasons to ensure the sustainability of Skipjack Tuna resources in Pangandaran waters.

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