Analysis of Suitability Area and Carrying Capacity of Seaweeds Farming in Holulai Village, Rote Ndao Regency

Abstract Seaweed farming has been developing in Rote Ndao Regency since 1999. In the last decade, seaweed farming has been an economic activity that is very popular with coastal communities in Rote Ndao Regency in general and Holulai Village in particular. Seaweed production in Holulai Village in 2022 was 1,620 dry tons and increased to 2,120 dry tons in 2023. Seaweed farming activities are chosen by the community because of several advantages, including: a relatively short harvest period of 45 days, easy to get seeds and farmingequipment, has high economic value, easy farm at low cost, market availability, and very good selling prices for the Kapppahycus alvarezii and K. striatum species. These conditions have resulted in seaweed farming activities on the coast of Holulai Village continuing to increase every year, and their distribution has begun to be less controlled, even potentially penetrating the conservation area of the Savu Sea National Park. Data collection used survey and observation methods. The survey method was a research method that explores data and information at the study location, in the context of this study the survey method was used to collect actual data related to seaweed farming activities in Holulai Village, both biophysical measurements and aquatic ecology. This study aimed to analyze the suitability of area and the carrying capacity of seaweed farming. The results of the study indicated that the Holulai Village Waters were included in the Very Suitable Category. The carrying capacity of the waters for the development of seaweed farming in the Holulai Village Waters was still possible with a tolerance limit of 46.67%. The area that can be used for development was 65.83 Ha with a total of 439 farming units. The results of this study will serve as a database for planning the development of seaweed fisheries and further research related to the use of marine space in Rote Ndao Regency.