IFRDMD Conducts Hydroacoustic Survey in Musi River

From February 10 to 15, 2025, the Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Mr. Toru Shimoda, participated in a hydroacoustic survey as part of the project “Enhanced Research Capacities for Sustainable Utilization and Management of Eel and Other Inland Fisheries Resources,” funded by the Japan Trust Fund (JTF) 7. This survey, led by Mr. Freddy Supriyadi, has aimed to develop a biomass estimation approach for inland fisheries.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension (RIIFE) under the Agency of Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resources Development, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) Indonesia. The team focused on the middle section of the Musi River, covering areas in Muara Enim, Banyuasin Regency, and Palembang City, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia.

Using a Biosonics DTX 200 kHz Echosounder, the IFRDMD team travelled 57 nautical miles (106 km) along the Musi River from Arisan Musi Village in Muara Enim Regency to Borang Island in Banyuasin Regency. The team collected fish samples throughout the journey and conducted water quality assessments at multiple locations. These data points will be analyzed and cross-checked with hydroacoustic readings to enhance understanding of fish stock distribution.

The hydroacoustic data, fish samples, and water quality measurements will undergo further analysis at the laboratory of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and RIIFE. This survey represents the first phase of an ongoing research initiative, with future studies planned in other sections of the Musi River, its tributaries, and other inland water bodies across Southeast Asia.