Evaluation of marine aquaculture sustainable in the Ekas Coastal Zone during the pandemic of Covid-19

Abstract

Abstract The Covid-19 pandemic has generally impacted coastal activities, including mariculture development. A decrease or increase in aquaculture production will influence the aquatic environment and socio-economic of coastal communities. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze mariculture production in Ekas Bay during the Covid-19 pandemic and (2) to evaluate the coastal management based on the coastal community perspective. The study analysis uses both of analysis of comparative and analysis of descriptive. The results showed that the number of floating marine cages and fishery production had increased by more than 500% during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. From the results of the dept-interview with coastal communities and fisheries extension officers, one of the drivers for increasing the amount of marine production, especially lobster commodity, is the implementation of government policies related to lobster management. Coastal management implementation has a good category with 65,03% of response assessment. The study also evaluated household waste management, resulting in a poor category with 56.65% of respondents’ assessment. Household waste needs managed properly to minimize the risk of environmental degradation and decrease marine resources in Ekas Bay.