Effectiveness of Soaking Time and Bait Type on Dragon Trap Catch Results in Semarang Waters

Abstract

Aims: The problem addressed in this research is the lack of empirical data on the optimal immersing duration and bait type to maximize the efficiency of dragon trap fishing for banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis) in the coastal waters of Semarang. To analyze the effect of immersing duration and bait type on the catch of Banana Prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) in the waters of Semarang Study Design:  Experimental fishing. Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted in November 2024 at Tambak Lorok, Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia. Methodology: The method used in this study was experimental fishing, involving two variables: immersing duration and bait type, with seven repetitions. The immersing durations were set at 12 hours and 24 hours, and the bait type used were discarded catch, chicken intestines, and green mussel shells. Results: The catch composition of the dragon trap includes banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis), tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), dory snapper (Lutjanus fulviflamma), green mud crab (Scylla paramamosain), mangrove stone crab (Myomenippe hardwickii), barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). The highest average catch was obtained with a soaking time of 6 hours using discarded catch as bait, yielding a mean catch of 2.8 kg per trap. This was followed by the 8-hour soaking duration with discarded catch, which resulted in a slightly lower average catch of 2.5 kg. The 4-hour soaking time consistently produced the lowest yields across all bait types, with an average of 1.2 kg per trap. The Mann-Whitney test results showed an Asymp. Sig value of 0,018 (<0,05) for immersing duration, indicating a significant difference. Meanwhile, the Kruskal-Wallis test fir bait type resulted in a Asymp. Sig value of 0,173 (>0,05), indicating No. significant effect. The interaction between immersing duration and bait type using the Friedman test showed a significant effect with a value of ,0,000 (<0,05). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that a 12-hour immersion period using discarded catch as bait is the most effective combination for maximizing banana prawn catch in dragon trap fishing operations, with immersion duration having a significant impact on catch efficiency.