Sustainability level of the pearl lobster (Panulirus ornatus) aquaculture business using the systems of floating-net cage and fixed-net cage: A case study in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Marine aquaculture is currently the fastest-growing seafood industry globally, offering a potential solution to overfishing problems, while enhancing food security and income generation. South Sulawesi, a province in Indonesia, is rich in aquaculture resources, one of which is lobster. The two commonly used aquaculture systems are the floating-net cage (KJA) and fixed-net cage (KJD). The growing market demand and rising lobster prices pose a threat to resource sustainability due to overexploitation. This is issue have to be addressed to achieve sustainable fishery development. Sustainability is the primary focus on global fishery development. According to the United Nations, sustainable development encompasses three dimensions: the economy, social and ecology. Therefore, sustainable fishery, particularly aquaculture, relies on obtaining significant benefits while minimizing environmental damage. Hence, this study aimed to analyze the sustainability level of the pearl lobster (Panulirus ornatus) aquaculture in South Sulawesi, based on the provided background information. The study included a sample of 62 farmers. The sample selection involved the use of the stratified sampling method, with 51 farmers from (KJA) and 11 farmers from (KJD). The sustainability analysis, conducted through assessment of based farmers’ perceptions, served as the analytical method. The findings revealed that pearl lobster (Panulirus ornatus) aquaculture has a medium level of sustainability. Employing Integrated Multi Tropic Aquaculture (IMTA) and Regional Integrated Multi Tropic Aquaculture (RIMTA) techniques is a recommended sustainability level.