Tuna Handlines in Sabah: Technical Attributes, Operational Dynamics, and Gross Profit Margins
Keywords:
Tuna handline, artisanal, fishing gear technology, economic performanceAbstract
Handline fisheries constitute the backbone of Malaysia’s oceanic tuna production, particularly in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, yet comprehensive evaluations of their technical, operational, and economic characteristics remain scarce. This study examines the vessel specifications, gear attributes, fishing operations, and gross profit margins of artisanal tuna handline fisheries across three key localities—Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, and W.P. Labuan. Data were obtained through structured interviews with 30 handline fishers and complemented by direct documentation of gear configurations. Results reveal marked spatial variation in vessel capacity and engine horsepower, with Kota Kinabalu operators employing higher-powered vessels (up to 350 HP) capable of accessing distant offshore fishing grounds (120–140 nautical miles), in contrast to the nearshore operations in Semporna and Labuan. Despite these differences, handline gear structures were broadly standardized, consisting of monofilament mainlines, swivels, sinkers, and either C-shaped (circle) or J-shaped hooks. The use of C-shaped hooks in combination with natural bait was associated with higher catch volumes and improved profitability. Fishing operations were strongly dependent on fisher-deployed Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), with trip frequencies ranging from three to four trips per month and operations targeting Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Albacore tuna. Economic analysis demonstrated substantial disparities in performance, with gross profits per trip ranging from approximately RM 2,136 in Semporna to RM 21,450 in Kota Kinabalu, driven primarily by differences in fishing range, vessel capacity, and catch volume. Overall, the findings highlight significant technical and economic heterogeneity within Malaysia’s artisanal tuna handline fisheries and underscore the importance of location-specific, evidence-based management strategies to enhance sustainability, profitability, and fisher livelihoods.
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