Suitability analysis of aquaculture ponds based on primary productivity parameters in mangrove area of Banda Aceh

Abstract

Determining the suitability of aquaculture ponds is one of a valuable factor in sustainable aquaculture. One of the factors to consider in establishing a successful aquaculture is aquatic environment, i.e.: the primary productivity of waters and physical-chemical factors. The value of primary productivity describes aquatic trophic and natural food availability. This research was aimed to observe the suitability of aquaculture ponds based on primary productivity, phytoplankton abundance, and water quality (Physical-Chemical factors). The research was conducted on July to August 2018 in mangrove ecosystem at western and eastern coastal area of Banda Aceh with six observation stations, namely Beureunut, Amat Aramanyang, Ruyung, Tibang, Deah Glumpang and Peukan Bada. These stations were determined by stratified random sampling method based on water characteristic. The measurement of primary productivity was conducted by using the dark-light bottle method. The categorizing of suitability of aquaculture ponds was done by using the scoring method. The water quality parameters were given the value and score then following to be divided into four classes of suitability comprise Class S1 (Very suitable), S2 (Suitable), S3 (Conditional Suitable), and TS (Unsuitable). The results showed that the value of primary productivity ranged from 34.72 to 178.82 mgC/m3/hour and the phytoplankton abundance around 1.17 – 3.02 individual/Liter. Land suitability scoring ranged from 70.1 – 75.6%. It was concluded that the station 4th (Tibang) and 5th (Deah Glumpang) were a suitable area for aquaculture ponds with a score of 75.6%.