Site selection for grouper mariculture in Indonesia

W. Brian Szuster¹* and Hatim Albasri²

¹Department of Geography, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Saunders 445, 2424 Maile Way Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA 96821.

²Research Center for Indonesian Aquaculture, Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: szuster@hawaii.edu .Tel: 1-808-956-7345.

Fax: 1-808-956-3512.

Accepted 8 January, 2010

   Abstract

This research assesses a site selection approach for net-cage grouper mariculture off Kaledupa Island in Indonesia. Data collection focused on 15 biophysical site capability parameters, plus an additional 7 site suitability parameters assessed through interviews with villagers and local experts. Site capability analysis identified 4,511 ha capable of sustaining grouper mariculture within the 8,582 ha study area. Suitability analysis identified 2,667 suitable ha based on villager opinions and 4,083 suitable ha based on local expert opinions. Reliance on villager opinions and resolution of fragmentation issues reduced the final area deemed suitable to 2,423 ha.

Key words: Grouper, siting, mariculture, Kaledupa Island.