Spatial and Temporal Effect of Environmental Factors on the Length-Weight Relationship of the Bali Sardinella (Sardinella lemuru Bleeker, 1853) in Bali Strait Water

Length-weight relationship (LWR) is an important parameter in the fish biology study since genetic and environmental factors govern fish growth. This study aimed to understand the growth pattern of Sardinella lemuru, related to different locations and seasons, to estimate S. lemuru fishing grounds with good growth patterns of this fish. Specimens (n=3282) of S.lemuru catch were collected at Pengambengan fishing port, Bali, from April 2022 to January 2023. S.lemuru landed at Pengambengan fishing port were caught from three zones of the fishing grounds in Bali Strait(zones 2, 5, and 6). Monthly data of the study area's environmental parameters, including SST and Chl-a, were downloaded from the Ocean Color-SeaDAS website.  The relationship between LWR and the environmental parameters was statistically analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) model. The LWR parameters, intercept 'a' and regression coefficient 'b', varied from 0.00261 to 0.12607 and 2.201 to 3.382, respectively. The condition factor ranged from 0.14 to 1.84.  Simultaneously, both environmental variables play an important role in the growth of S.lemuru in all zones of the fishing grounds. The PLS analysis of the regression coefficient of the SST and CHL -a variable has a positive relationship with LWR. Environmental variables proved to have an indirect effect on the growth pattern of S. lemuru.