<![CDATA[Sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) are the important oceanographic parameters determining the abundance and distribution of marine pelagic organism, include skipjack tuna. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between SST and chl-a concentration with production of skipjack tuna off eastern coast of Southeast Sulawesi. Such relationship can be used to identify potential fishing ground of skipjack tuna.SST was derived by NOAA-AVHRR 16 and the data was collected from Lembaga Antariksa dan Penerbangan Nasional (LAPAN). Chl-a was derived from TERRA-MODIS satellite and the data were obtained from Colorado Center of Astrodynamics Research (CCAR) website. Skipjack tuna production data were obtained from direct observation and pole and line fishermen reports (log book) from March to June 2004.The lowest SST occured at March, while the highest at April and May 2004. The higher SST indicated a flow of water mass from nothern area to southern area. From March to May 2004, there was no significant change in chl-a concentration. In that period, the chl-a concentration was relative low and uniformly distributed but significant spatial variation was observed in June. The optimum observed SST for skipjack fishing in the studied area ranged from 25 to 26 °C and from 31,5 to 32,5 °C ; the optimum chl-a concentration ranged from 0,38 to 0,52 mg/m3. SST did not show strong influence on the catch of skipjack tuna ; the catch of skipjack tuna more influenced by chl-a concentration. The most productive fishing ground ; i.e. the potential fishing area off estern coast of Southeast Sulawesi are between Wawonii Island and Menui Island and eastern Umbele Island/northwestern Menui Island.]]>
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