MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE SEAWEED (Kappaphycus alvarezii) AQUACULTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Abstract: Seaweed is an
important aquaculture commodity that could contribute on climate change
mitigation, related to its ability on absorbing CO2, as one of the green house
gases, through photosynthesis. This study aimed to analyze seaweed potencies on
carbon sequestration in the context of climate change mitigation while still
resulting optimum production as primary purpose and to analyze the carrying
capacity of Gerupuk Bay in order to manage sustainability of seaweed
aquaculture. Seaweed, (Kappaphycus alvarezii) was cultivated with long-line
system in Gerupuk Bay, West Nusa Tenggara, during five months for three
cultivation cycles. Samplings were conducted at days-15, 30, and 45 with CO2
absorption rates as main parameters. Water carrying capacity was calculated to
determine the ability of Gerupuk Bay waters for supporting development of
sustainable seaweed aquaculture. The results showed that absorption rates of
CO2 by seaweed (K. alvarezii) were different at each sampling days of
cultivation periods; the highest value was at 10-20 days of cultivation. CO2
absorption analysis resulted based on sampling days of cultivation period could
be appl ied to formulate the strategies for management of sustainable seaweed
aquaculture, with optimal production and positively contributed to the
environment. However, waters carrying capacity should also be considered as major
aspect in the application of seaweed cultivation management, thus it can run
continuously without causing conflicts with other interests.
Keywords: sustainable
aquaculture; seaweed; management; CO2 absorption; carrying capacity; climate
change
Author: Erlania, I Nyoman Radiarta
Journal Code: jpperikanangg140064
