Environmentally Friendly "Hytech-Beter" Solar Energy-Based Hybrid System for Underwater Lighting Design to Capture Puerulus Resources (Panulirus spp.) in Indonesia’s Prigi Waters

Indonesia has the opportunity to develop the largest lobster cultivation industry in the world as it possesses the main capital of abundant natural puerulus resources. If these resources are not utilized through aquaculture activities, their economic value will decrease significantly because natural mortality in the first year can reach up to 97%. Prigi coastal fishermen catch puerulus by using Pocongan Fishing Gear (PFG) which is operated from a stationary raft. Catching puerulus involves light fishing, which uses light to attract the attention of puerulus. Currently, there is a need to develop hybrid technology for lighting devices based on solar energy as a renewable energy source and serve as an alternative to reduce fuel oil consumption during operation. The aim of this research is to create a hybrid technology design based on solar energy, "Hytech-Beter", as an environmentally friendly alternative electricity source to reduce fuel oil consumption when using light aids in puerulus fishing operations. The research employs experimental tests and surveys. Experiments have been carried out to test the response of puerulus to various colors of underwater light. The survey has been conducted through in-depth interviews regarding the technical aspects of lighting when catching puerulus, which has served as the basis for creating the "Hytech-Beter" design with hybrid technology. The experimental results of response tests have showed a significant positive phototaxis response of puerulus to the color of light (Sig. 0.000), the type of species (Sig. 0.000) and the interaction of the two (0.039) when exposed to an underwater light source. In terms of light colors, the sequence from which the zoning value is lowest is red(a), violet(b), white(b), green(bc), and blue(c). In terms of the type of species, the sequence is painted spiny lobster (Panulirus versicolor)(a), ornate spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus)(b), and scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus)(b). The solar energy-based "Hytech-Beter" design is a series of components consisting of four parts: (1) Solar panel parts, (2) SolarSet charging dock, (3) Blue underwater lights and (4) A lighting circuit on the raft, tailored to the needs of fishermen during fishing operations. Further studies in situ are recommended to obtain a more comprehensive response of the puerulus to various colors of underwater light.