Declining Ecological Carrying Capacity in Jatiluhur Reservoir: Challenges and Policy Recommendations (Policy Brief)

Executive Summary

Jatiluhur Reservoir has become a center for fish farming through the floating net cage (KJA) system, providing significant economic benefits to the local community. However, the uncontrolled increase in the number of KJA has led to a decline in water quality due to pollution and sedimentation. This study finds that the reservoir's ecological carrying capacity is 6,838 KJA units, exceeding this capacity can lead to ecosystem degradation. Clear regulations, strict supervision, education for fish farmers, and the use of environmentally friendly aquaculture technology are necessary to maintain ecological balance and the sustainability of farming activities. These policy recommendations aim to ensure effective and sustainable management through collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.

Background

Jatiluhur Reservoir functions as a fish farming location using the floating net cage (KJA) system, providing significant economic benefits to the surrounding community. This activity has become the main source of income for many families, improving the economic welfare of the region. However, the uncontrolled increase in the number of KJA has caused a decline in the reservoir's water quality due to pollution and sedimentation. Organic waste from uneaten fish feed and fish excrement leads to an excessive accumulation of organic matter at the bottom of the reservoir. This process triggers eutrophication, where nutrient levels like phosphorus and nitrogen increase, resulting in excessive algae growth and decreased oxygen levels in the water. This condition not only threatens the sustainability of the reservoir's ecosystem but also jeopardizes the sustainability of fish farming activities themselves.

The urgency of this issue cannot be ignored, as declining water quality has direct impacts on the health of communities relying on the reservoir for clean water. Additionally, poor water quality can lead to mass fish deaths, resulting in substantial economic losses for fish farmers. Long-term impacts include the loss of livelihoods, increased costs for environmental restoration, and potential social conflicts due to increased competition for limited resources.

The context of this problem indicates the need for immediate action to control the number of KJA and implement more sustainable farming practices. Effective policies and good coordination between various parties, including the government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations, are essential to address this issue and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem and the economic well-being of communities relying on Jatiluhur Reservoir.

A holistic approach is required to tackle this issue, starting with setting a maximum limit on the number of KJA in line with the reservoir's ecological carrying capacity. Strict regulations and oversight must be enforced to ensure that farming activities do not exceed the environmental capacity of the reservoir. Additionally, the implementation of efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture technologies can help reduce negative impacts on water quality.

Education and training for fish farmers on sustainable farming practices and good waste management should also be prioritized. By increasing awareness and capacity among farmers in managing KJA, better and more sustainable practices can be applied, thereby reducing pollution and sedimentation risks.

Findings

Ecological Carrying Capacity of Jatiluhur Reservoir for KJA

This study finds that the ecological carrying capacity of Jatiluhur Reservoir for floating net cages (KJA) is 6,838 units. This carrying capacity refers to the maximum capacity of the reservoir to support fish farming activities without causing significant ecological damage. When the number of KJA exceeds this figure, the risk of pollution and degradation of water quality increases, which can disrupt the aquatic ecosystem and reduce the productivity of fish farming. Therefore, maintaining the number of KJA within the established limits is crucial for preserving the ecological balance of the reservoir.

Need for Clear Regulations and Guidelines

The study further indicates that the management of KJA in Jatiluhur Reservoir requires clear regulations and good guidelines from relevant authorities, such as the Department of Livestock and Fisheries of Purwakarta Regency and Perum Jasa Tirta II. Clear regulations are needed to regulate the number and distribution of KJA, ensure sustainable farming practices, and minimize negative environmental impacts. Good guidelines will also help fish farmers understand and implement environmentally friendly and efficient farming techniques, thereby supporting the economic and ecological sustainability of the reservoir.

Transaction Costs of Reservoir and KJA Management

The study also reveals that the transaction costs incurred by the local government to manage the reservoir and KJA reach IDR 689,400,000 per year. These costs include various management activities, including training fish farmers, monitoring farming activities, and developing the fisheries business. Investment in training and development is important to ensure that fish farmers have the knowledge and skills needed to manage KJA sustainably. Additionally, these costs also include efforts to monitor water quality and the health of the reservoir ecosystem, which are essential to prevent and address pollution issues and ensure that fish farming activities do not harm the environment.

Policy Recommendations

1. Establishment of Maximum KJA Limits Setting a maximum number of KJA in accordance with the reservoir's ecological carrying capacity to prevent water quality degradation is crucial. This limit should be based on comprehensive scientific studies and take into account various ecological factors, such as the natural water filtration capacity of the reservoir and the ecosystem's ability to recycle nutrients. This regulation should also be accompanied by effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance by fish farmers.
2. Enhanced Supervision and Law Enforcement Strengthening supervision and law enforcement against violations of the maximum number of KJA and fishery waste management is critical to maintaining reservoir water quality. Effective supervision can be carried out by increasing the capacity of supervisory institutions and using monitoring technologies, such as drones and water quality sensors. Strict law enforcement against violations must also be applied to provide a deterrent effect and ensure that all fish farmers adhere to the prevailing rules.
3. Education and Training Providing education and training to fish farmers on environmentally friendly and sustainable fish farming practices can increase their awareness and skills. These training programs should cover waste management methods, efficient farming techniques, and understanding the environmental impacts of farming activities. Furthermore, training should be held regularly to ensure that fish farmers always get the latest information and the best techniques in fish farming.
4. Development of Aquaculture Technology Promoting the use of more efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture technologies can help reduce the negative impacts on the reservoir ecosystem. These technologies may include better water management systems, more efficient fish feed, and farming techniques that minimize waste. The government and related parties need to support the research and development of these technologies and provide incentives for fish farmers who apply environmentally friendly technologies.
5. Collaboration Among Stakeholders Enhancing coordination between the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities for effective and sustainable joint management is essential. This collaboration can be carried out through the establishment of regular communication forums, development of cooperation programs, and clear division of responsibilities. By involving all related parties, reservoir management can be carried out more comprehensively and sustainably, and create a sense of shared responsibility in preserving the reservoir ecosystem.

Conclusion

The decline in the ecological carrying capacity of Jatiluhur Reservoir due to the uncontrolled increase in the number of KJA requires serious attention and immediate action. Establishing a maximum limit on the number of KJA in accordance with the reservoir's capacity, enhancing supervision and law enforcement, and providing education and training to fish farmers on sustainable farming practices are essential to maintain water quality and the reservoir ecosystem. Additionally, the development and application of efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture technologies should be encouraged to reduce negative environmental impacts. Strong collaboration among various stakeholders is needed to achieve effective and sustainable reservoir management. Through this holistic and comprehensive approach, it is expected that Jatiluhur Reservoir can continue to provide economic benefits to the surrounding community without compromising its ecological balance.

Reference

Fitri, N. & Hidayat, A. (2017). Carrying capacity and institutional analysis of floating net cages in Jatiluhur Reservoir. Journal Sustinere, 1(1), 37-47.