Training and Assistance in Using Fish Finders to Efficiently Estimate Potential Fishing Grounds in Tungkal I Village, Tanjung Jabung Barat

Abstract

Tungkal I Village in Tungkal Ilir Subdistrict, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, is a coastal area where most of the community are traditional fishers. Determination of fishing grounds still relies on inherited experience, resulting in overlapping fishing areas, low productivity, and domination of low-value bycatch. This community service program aimed to introduce and train the use of fish finder technology as a simple navigation tool to improve fishing efficiency. The implementation method was participatory, consisting of problem identification through field observation and focus group discussions, socialization of the benefits and working principles of fish finders, technical training on equipment use, hands-on mentoring, and monitoring and evaluation of fishers’ understanding and ability. The results showed an increase in fishers’ skills in understanding the working principles of fish finders, reading fish detection and seabed structure, and marking potential fishing ground coordinates. Most participants expressed positive attitudes and enthusiasm to apply this technology in future fishing activities. This program demonstrates the effectiveness of university–community collaboration in transferring small-scale fisheries technology, which has the potential to improve efficiency, productivity, and fishers’ welfare sustainably.