Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

GROWTH OF RED ALGAE EUCHEUMA DENTICULATUM(BURMAN) COLLINS AND HERVEY, FARMED USING DIFFERENT METHODS AND DIFFERENT STRAINS IN LETBAUN VILLAGE,SEMAU ISLAND

Wilson L. Tisera, Chaterina Paulus, Ambariyanto and Alexander S. Tanody

Abstract

Seaweed mari culture of Eucheuma denticulatum (trade name: Eucheuma spinosum) is one of the main commodity from Semau Sub district. East Nusa Tenggara Province. The success of macro algae mari culture, including culture of Eucheuma denticulatum is strongly influenced by the growth rate, which is produced through using of superior strain, and suitable culture methods, and locations. The objectives of the study were to analyse and compare the growth of E. denticulatum farmed using long line and off-bottom methods, as wellas different strain (Brown versus Green). This study was conducted in one of cultivation areas in Semau Sub district, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The planting methods used in this study were the long line and off bottom method, and cultured for four weeks. The data were analized using Absolute and Specific Growth Rate for different strain and method. The results showed that the growth rates of E. denticulatum farmed using long line method was significantly faster and appeared to be better in thallus morphology compared to off-bottom method. Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of E.denticulatum farmed using long line was 9.66% ± 1.5day-1, while off buttom showed 7.315% ± 2.4 day-1. In terms of different strains, E. denticulatum brown strain showed better growth rate (8.8%) not significantly compared to the green one (8,6%). Physical and chemical parameters of the waters, included temperature, salinity, transparency and currents showed normal range.