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.
