Project Leader:
Dr. R. Dwi Susanto
Earth Institute Contact: Dr. R. Dwi Susanto
Additional External Researchers:
Andrew Bakun (RSMAS), University of Miami
Locations: Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Western Pacific Ocean
Description:
It is well known that the Indonesian region is adversely affected by the climate swings
associated with El Niño and La Niña. Significant changes in the sea surface temperature
and salinity and in the ocean stratification are observed during ENSO oscillations,
many of which may affect fisheries in the Indonesian waters.
In this research we will concentrate in the ENSO impacts on fisheries. We will first
assemble available fish landings data from the 25 provincial divisions of the Indonesian
Seas area. We will then attempt to identify significant relationships to ENSO variability.
We then would investigate the ecological/oceanographic context of these relationships,
and develop insights and predictive relationships that might be useful to the Indonesian
government in managing social and economic effects.
ENSO swings would tend to benefit fishermen in some parts of Indonesia, but be adverse
in other parts of the country. Understanding fishing ground variability due to monsoon
and ENSO climate phenomena would help the government to properly utilize IRI ENSO
predictions to implement improved management in support of the goal of sustainable
fisheries.
EI Unit:
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO)
Cross Cutting Themes:
Food, Ecology and Nutrition
Core Disciplines:
Earth Sciences
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