Diversity of marine fish and their conservation status in Pusong Bay, Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Marine fish have been decreasing in abundance over the last few decades due to environmental destruction and human exploitation. The aim of this study was to produce an inventory of the fish in Pusong Bay, Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, Indonesia by means of an exploratory survey of the area. The data was analysed descriptively using tables and graphs. A total of 71 species of fish were identified belonging to 54 genera, 37 families and 15 orders. Fish belonging to the Perciformes dominated the area with 33 species or 46.48% of the total number of fish identified. Based on the IUCN red list status, 62% of the species recorded in this study are categorized as of Least Concern, 35% Not Evaluated and 3% Data Deficient. Based on CITES, 71 species of the fish in Pusong Bay are categorized as Not Evaluated. Current data on these fish is important for future evaluations of their status.