EAFM of grouper in the Spermonde Islands, South Sulawesi, located in the UGGp Maros-Pangkep area

The Spermonde Islands, part of the Maros-Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark, depend heavily on small-scale multi-gear demersal fisheries. This study assessed the sustainability of grouper fisheries using the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) indicators across six domains (Fisheries Resources, Habitat and Ecosystems, Fishing Technology, Social, Economic, and Governance). Data were collected from ten target islands between October 2023 and January 2024. The results yielded an aggregate EAFM score of 61 (Good classification). However, a domain-level analysis revealed critical ecological vulnerabilities, with 'Fishery Resources' (score 48) and 'Fishing Technology' (score 50) falling into the Moderate category. While the fishery is economically profitable, it faces threats from overfishing, juvenile exploitation, and destructive fishing practices. Consequently, management interventions must prioritize strengthening law enforcement, protecting spawning aggregation sites, and enhancing stakeholder participation to ensure long-term sustainability. These findings provide a scientific basis for the improvement of the WPP 713 management plan.