Proceedings Article | 3 January 2025
KEYWORDS: Remote sensing, Satellites, Water, Spatial analysis, Sensors, Oxygen, Oceanography, Geographic information systems
The global seaweed aquaculture, particularly Eucheuma spp. cultivation has experienced rapid growth, particularly in Southeast Asia, driven by the increasing demand for products such as carrageenan, agar, and alginate [1, 2]. Indonesia, a leading producer, faces challenges in optimizing site selection for seaweed farming, especially in regions like Lombok Island where environmental conditions vary significantly [3].
This study aims to assess the site suitability for Eucheuma spp. cultivation around Lombok Island using ocean color remote sensing and GIS-based spatial analysis, addressing the need for a systematic and scalable approach to site selection in seaweed aquaculture [1]. The objective is to identify optimal locations for seaweed farming that maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impacts, thereby supporting the livelihoods of local communities [4].
We integrate multiple environmental parameters, including sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, bathymetry, total suspended matter, dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorophyll-a concentration. Data from various satellite sensors including GOCI-II, were preprocessed, classified, and scored based on their suitability for Eucheuma spp. cultivation. A weighted scoring system was employed for all the parameters to evaluate both annual and seasonal variations, which produced a comprehensive suitability map for Eucheuma spp. cultivation around Lombok Island. The result indicates that highly suitable areas are predominantly located in shallow coastal waters near the southeastern and southwestern coastlines of Lombok Island.
The findings are able to provide useful information for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders involved in the long-term growth of seaweed aquaculture in Indonesia and potentially other parts of the world.
