PELAKITA.ID – Awang Bay, Lombok, has been the focus of a large-scale seaweed farming project, with a comprehensive survey conducted on August 21–24, 2023, and November 21–24, 2023.
The study aimed to assess water conditions for seaweed farming and conduct a preliminary evaluation of biodiversity in the surrounding marine environment.
To measure the long-term impact of the project, a follow-up survey was conducted one year after the baseline assessment, specifically on November 21–22, 2024, and December 16–20, 2024.
This subsequent evaluation focused on monitoring changes in environmental parameters and biodiversity following the establishment of large-scale seaweed farming in the area.
Ocean Parameters and Nutrients
The surveys revealed that conditions for seaweed cultivation, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and nutrient levels, remained within suitable ranges as per the Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia (2021). Key findings included:
- Improved Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Levels: A notable increase in DO levels in 2024 indicated a healthier marine environment.
- Enhanced Water Clarity: A decrease in turbidity values in the pilot area in 2024 suggested improved water quality.
- Reduction in Nitrate Concentrations: A slight decline in nitrate levels may indicate greater uptake by seaweed and other marine organisms, a positive sign for ecosystem productivity.
- Lower Ammonia Concentrations: A minor decrease in ammonia levels supported overall water quality improvements.
Biodiversity Trends
The study also examined biodiversity changes, revealing both challenges and progress:
- Seagrass Distribution: While seagrass coverage remained relatively high, the ecosystem was still categorized as poor. However, it showed an improvement from 30.14% in 2023 to 40.21% in 2024, indicating a potential for recovery. Further monitoring is needed to assess the pace of restoration.
- Macrobenthos Community: The diversity of macrobenthos species was low, with sea urchins being the most dominant species.
- Macroalgae Cover: The low macroalgae presence suggested that water conditions remained favorable for seagrass growth.
- Coral Reef Status: Coral reefs in Awang Bay were dominated by species from the Acropora sp. and Seriatopora genera. Live coral reef coverage was categorized as very good (79.66%), moderate (37.28%), and poor (0.00%) across different surveyed areas.
- Reef Fish Population: The reef fish community exhibited moderate diversity, low species dominance, and high evenness, indicating a stable fish population similar to 2023.
The 2024 monitoring results reaffirm the favorable environmental conditions in Awang Bay.
While most parameters remained stable, key improvements—such as increased DO levels, improved water clarity, and enhanced seagrass cover—suggest a positive trend toward a more productive and sustainable marine ecosystem.
This comparative analysis between 2023 and 2024 provides valuable insights that will support adaptive management strategies, ensuring that the ongoing development of large-scale seaweed farming aligns with the overall health of the marine environment.
Continued monitoring and proactive measures will be essential to sustain ecosystem resilience while maximizing the economic benefits of seaweed aquaculture in the region.
Seaweed Cultivation in Ekas Bay
● There are 5 farmer groups, each consisting of 10 people, who are under the assistance of the provincial and district DKP.
● 15 farmers partner with Sea6 Energy
● As a leading commodity and main livelihood, farmers in this sector are integrated into village development policies.
● A better waste management and handlingstrategy is needed.
Support Plan
● Development of safeguards and monitoring framework for reef-positive seaweed farming.
● Environmental education and socialization of safeguards and monitoring framework.
● Potential to support provision of additionalfacilities such as tie houses and drying areas.
