The fate of mangrove ecosystem sustainability on the shrimp cultivation area in Tulang Bawang District, Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

The exploitation of mangrove forests for economic purposes is rampant in tropical countries nowadays, particularly for shrimp farming, such as in the Lampung green belt in the front of the Java Sea. So, ensuring the sustainability of existing mangroves is the need of the hour. In view of above, this study aims to analyze the sustainability index of mangrove ecosystem management and the sustainability status of the mangrove ecosystem from the ecological, economic, social, and institutional dimensions using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) method through the Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries (RAPFISH) approach in East Rawajitu Sub-district, Tulang Bawang District, Lampung Province, Indonesia. The analysis revealed that mangrove ecosystem management’s sustainability index was categorized as ‘less sustainable’ (index 43.01 out of 100). Meanwhile, the social dimension (51.65) was categorized as ‘quite sustainable’, and other dimensions (ecological, economic, and institutional) were ‘less sustainable.’ Therefore, it is proposed that further development of the social dimension is a strategic way to develop the other three sustainability dimensions to achieve ecosystem sustainability as a whole in the study area. Alternative strategies that can be applied for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems in East Rawajitu Sub-district, Tulang Bawang District are increasing coordination between stakeholders, creating formal regulations, increasing the productivity and creativity of Ikatan Istri-istri Petambak Dipasena (ISTANA), formulating an integrated mangrove ecosystem management plan program, undertaking rehabilitation efforts, increasing the role of mangrove groups, and increase the attention of researchers.

Turtle Biology Conservation at Taman Kili Kili Beach, Wonocoyo Village

“…Pokmaswas officers will release some of the hatchlings that have successfully hatched and leave some of the hatchlings for conservation. The sustainability status of the Kili Kili Park coastal turtle conservation area was carried out using Rapfish analysis using six dimensions, namely the ecological dimension, social dimension, institutional dimension, ethical dimension, and infrastructure dimension (Bakri et al, 2023). From each dimension, several attributes are measured (quantitative and qualitative), and then weighted using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and analyzed using Rapfish software.…”

Satellite based analysis of mangrove cover and density change in mangroves of Tulang Bawang District, Lampung Province, Indonesia

“…The location selection was based on the consideration that a mangrove forest directly opposite the East Coast is used for various purposes, but spatial information on changes in density and area is still limited. The mangrove ecosystem in Tulang Bawang District, Lampung Province is one mangrove habitat that is now being damaged and needs special attention (Bakri et al 2023). The area has long been used for the aquaculture sector, especially shrimp ponds, which has implications for changes in the ecological system of the local area.…”

“…Therefore, continuous monitoring is required to detect threats to the mangrove ecosystem to optimize the use of coastal areas for shrimp farming without any compromising environmental quality deterioration (Bakri et al 2023). Monsef and Smith (2017) revealed that mangrove monitoring is needed to measure growth rates and identify improvement areas.…”

“…People outside Rawajitu Timur Sub-district also carry out mangrove logging activities. Because there are no official norms or stringent fines governing mangrove ecosystem management, people are more spontaneous in how they use their resources (Bakri et al 2023). According to Rusdi et al (2020), the availability of formal regulations is crucial for all stakeholders, including the community, to have strong guidelines in mangrove ecosystem management.…”

“…As a result, mangrove ecosystems have their charm and invite various parties to use them directly or regulate their use. The various benefits of mangrove ecosystems can be felt ecologically, socially, and economically, but these benefits can also have consequences for the threats to their existence and, therefore, their sustainability fate, especially in the area of study (Bakri et al 2023).…”