Analysis of suitable site for seaweed aquaculture development in the Indonesian Sea (a case study of Fisheries Management Region-713), with the application of numerical model data

Abstract

Seaweed is an excellent product for cultivation in Indonesia therefore the expansion of seaweed aquaculture is crucial to be supported by the availability of data and accurate information. The Republic of Indonesia’s Fishery Management Region-713 (IFMR-713) has the potential for the development of seaweed cultivation. This study aims to conduct a spatial analysis of suitability for the development of seaweed cultivation using numerical models data based on multi-criteria evolution (MCE) in the IFMR-713. The primary data used for the analysis are (1) physical geographical parameters (includes: bathymetry, wave height, and current) and (2) water quality parameters (contains: temperature, salinity, pH, phosphate, and nitrate). The potential seaweed cultivation area in IFMR-713 is 63,125 km2 (13.12%) of the total area in IFMR-713 (481,300 km2). We also found that the local community utilized only a minor part of the very suitable area categorized for cultivating seaweed (based on data and information from each Local Government), so there is still an opportunity to develop the utilization into the very appropriate category. However, it is recommended that its use should be based on environmental methods and adapted to the coastal spatial plan to be used as an essential foundation to support the application of ecosystem-based fisheries.