TAKALAR FARMERS FIGHT MOSS ON SEAWEED PONDS
Gracilaria seaweed farming is one of the potential commodities to be developed. However, the increasing cases of moss attack on Gracilaria seaweed ponds in Takalar, South Sulawesi, have caused anxiety for the farmers. They are members of the Samaturu Group, assisted by WWF-Indonesia and Celebes Seaweed Group.
The Samaturu Group regularly receives material enrichment in the Samaturu Class, a special education system for capacity building of farmers, in collaboration with academics. At the 4th Samaturu Class themed 'Prevention and Control of Moss in Gracilaria sp. Seaweed Cultivation in Ponds' (9/9/2018), a combination of species in ponds was recommended to deal with moss infestation.
"Farmers need to continue to understand more about the combination of species that are suitable for cultivation together with Gracilaria," explained Dr. Rustam, M.Si., lecturer in the Aquaculture Study Program, FPIK UNHAS. "The combination of species can increase the income of farmers from fishery products that are kept in polyculture with Gracilaria. In addition, of course, it can prevent or minimize the attack of moss on seaweed," continued Dr. Rustam.
"Especially by raising Gracilaria together with milkfish," he emphasized. The milkfish seedlings should be those that can eat moss, i.e. the size of two index fingers. The number of seedlings depends on the size of the pond and the potential growth of moss in one season. If the milkfish seedlings are not enough, they may not be able to cope with the massive growth of moss, especially in summer.
Low milkfish production makes it difficult for farmers to overcome the moss in the pond. Farmers need to immediately anticipate the provision of milkfish seedlings. This can also be an opportunity to increase milkfish production in Takalar.
The importance of pond preparation for farmers
In fact, farmers often forget about pond preparation before stocking seedlings. In fact, they often use the ponds for a whole year without any pause for management and improvement of pond conditions. This can lead to disease and pest problems in the future. This is one of the reasons why seaweed prices and production are declining.