Strategy of blood cockle aquaculture development for conservation and welfare in Sub-district of Central Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia

Abstract

Blood cockle (Anadara granosa) is the one commodity that has driven the economy of coastal communities in Sub-District of Central Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia. Uncontrolled fishing activities have led to over-fishing of blood cockle, which have degraded its conservation and livelihood of coastal communities. Conservation efforts should be done to conserve blood cockle resources and improve the income of fishermen. Potential management strategies for conservation are through development of blood cockle aquaculture business. This study aims were determine the type of strategy and formulate alternative strategies to blood cockle aquaculture development for conservation and welfare. This study has applied survey method with population are the blood cockle fishermen community. Data collection was done by observations, deep interviews and focus group discussions (FGD), while data analysis has been used SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. Results of SWOT analysis recommended the aggressive strategy type. Alternative strategies that support the aggressive strategyare development of blood cockle aquaculture business integrated with its fishery business; development of blood cockle aquaculture with participatory approaches; and building partnerships for development of blood cockle