Detection of Potential Fishing Zones in Aceh Waters Using Satellite-Derived Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll Fronts
Faqih Musyaffa (a*), Po-Chun Hsu (a)

a) Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
*faqih.musyaffa[at]gmail.com

Abstract

Detecting potential fishing zones (PFZs) is crucial for enhancing sustainable fisheries and mitigating environmental variability in Aceh waters, situated in the eastern tropical Indian Ocean. This study investigates the dynamic oceanographic conditions of the region to identify PFZs for tuna (Thunnus sp.), supporting sustainable fisheries management. Long-term multi-source satellite and reanalysis datasets from 1998 to 2024, including sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (CHL) from NOAA Coral Reef Watch and Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service, were analyzed alongside ocean current and wind data. These oceanographic variables were compared with annual tuna catch data from 2018 to 2023 provided by Statistics Indonesia, Aceh Province. Monthly composite datasets were used to derive SST gradient magnitudes and CHL front zones, delineating thermal and biological boundaries. Results reveal pronounced seasonal variability, with significant SST and CHL fronts particularly evident during the December-February monsoon season. Ocean currents and wind fields exhibit clear seasonal shifts aligned with monsoonal changes. PFZs were identified by overlaying SST-CHL front intersections with wind-current convergence zones and validated using tuna catch records. The findings indicate a positive association between tuna distributions and the presence of thermal and CHL fronts. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing in identifying PFZs. It supports the development of early warning systems and climate-resilient, ecosystem-based fishery management strategies for Aceh and similar regions.

Keywords: Sea Surface Temperature- Chlorophyll- Oceanic Front- Potential Fishing Zones

Topic: Topic E: Sustainable Development Goals