Analisis kualitas air pada budidaya ikan kerapu cantang (Epinephelus sp.) di Kabupaten Kepulauan Sangihe

Abstract

The Sangihe Islands Regency offers significant potential for the development of marine aquaculture, particularly for hybrid grouper (Epinephelus sp.), which is known for its high economic value and strong environmental tolerance. This study aims to analyze the water quality in hybrid grouper aquaculture at several locations within the Sangihe Islands Regency. The research involved direct field measurements of several water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and salinity, conducted over two observation periods (March–May and September–October 2023). The results revealed that the water temperature in the culture cages ranged from 21,7°C to 30,8°C, pH values ranged from 7.5 to 8.2, and salinity ranged from 28 to 35 ppt, all of which are within the optimal ranges for grouper farming. However, the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels exhibited significant fluctuations, with some locations recording DO concentrations below the ideal threshold (4 mg/L), which could potentially affect fish health. In conclusion, although most water quality parameters are suitable for hybrid grouper cultivation, the fluctuations in DO levels warrant further investigation. Regular monitoring and effective environmental management are essential to ensure the sustainability of hybrid grouper aquaculture in the Sangihe Islands Regency.

Keywords: Aquaculture, hybrid grouper, water quality, dissolved oxygen