Optimization of Engine and Fishing Gear Selection Based on Vessel Characteristics in Selambai Fishers Village, Bontang City

Abstract

Small-scale fisheries constitute the dominant fishing sector in Indonesia and play a crucial role in sustaining coastal livelihoods. However, fleet configuration and fishing gear selection are often based on experience and economic considerations rather than technical assessment, resulting in operational inefficiency and declining productivity. This study aims to analyze the suitability of fishing vessel characteristics with installed engine power and fishing gear used by fishers in Selambai Fishers Village, Bontang, East Kalimantan. Primary data were collected through field measurements of principal vessel dimensions (L, B, D), interviews with fishers, and hydrodynamic resistance simulation using Maxsurf Resistance. Vessel dimension ratios were evaluated against reference standards, and engine power requirements were determined based on effective horsepower (EHP) and shaft horsepower (SHP) calculations derived from Holtrop resistance predictions. The results show that the fishing vessel exhibits principal dimension ratios of L/B = 5.07, L/D = 10, and B/D = 1.97, indicating suitability for passive fishing gears requiring high transverse stability such as handline, squid jigging, gillnet, and collapsible traps. Hydrodynamic analysis identifies an optimal operational speed at 6–7 knots with a corresponding power requirement of approximately 60–65 HP, suggesting that inappropriate engine selection may lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced performance efficiency.