Trammel net is one of the fishing gears operated by small
scale fishermen along the coast of Java, in particular in the Semarang Municipality. For the past seven years, trammel net
has been developed into the main gear used to exploit shrimp
resource in waters around the municipality
This study aims to examine the economics of trammel net
fishery in the Semarang Municipality wit h an emphasis on cost structure analysis and determination of profit. In addition,
the study also attempts to determine factors responsible for
the continued existence of resource rent and factors affecting
variations in catch among fishermen. The cost structure analysis examined the cost incurred for
every factor of production and its importance to total cost as
expressed in cost indices. The profitability of the gear was
determined by means of cost and return analysis. The factors
affecting variations in catch among fishermen were determined
by means of a regression analysis.
Of the two trammel nets, i.e. the medium and the small
scales, the latter net was found to be more profitable. Owners
of small trammel nets earned the largest rent and non-family
labour of medium trammel net earned the smallest rent.
The number of net and time spent fishing were two variables
found positively related to catch per trip in the peak season.
Cost of buying boat and engine were found to be negatively
related to catch for the medium trammel net but positively
related to catch for the small trammel net. Size of fishermen
household was negatively related to catch for both the medium
and small trammel nets . In addition, fishing experience was
also found to be significantly related to catch for the medium
trammel net and the relationship was positive.
The small trammel net was recommended for development in
Semarang waters especially during the peak season. In order to
achieve a rational exploitation of shrimp resource in the areas, appropriate management mechanisms should be instituted
following a more intensive effort to assess
availability and potential