Spatial analysis of oceanographic anomaly parameters and the relationship to anchovy abundance in the western Banda Sea, Indonesia

¹ Department of Fisheries Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
² Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi Selangor, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: mukti@unhas.ac.id

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between anomalies in oceanographic parameters—sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a, and sea surface height (SSH)—with anchovies (Stolephorus spp.) abundance in the western of Banda Sea, Indonesia. MODIS satellite data was used to obtain information on oceanographic parameters during the period 2009–2021, which was analyzed spatially using ArcGIS software. The results showed that the SST anomaly experienced the most significant fluctuations, with positive peaks in June and October. A negative correlation was found between SST and anchovy catches, suggesting that this species tends to avoid areas with higher-than-normal surface temperatures. Meanwhile, although the statistical correlation between chlorophyll-a and SSH with catches is relatively low, spatial analysis indicates anchovies’ preference for areas with higher primary productivity and stable sea-surface conditions. This research reveals the importance of understanding regional oceanographic dynamics in supporting sustainable fisheries management, especially in the context of the influence of global climate variability such as ENSO on tropical marine ecosystems.