Suitability assessment of a volcanic endorheic lake for aquaculture

Abstract

Lake Batur, a volcanic endorheic lake, has been utilized for aquaculture. In 2013, the regional authorities of Bangli Regency designated the Lake Batur area as a Minapolitan, allocating it for aquaculture development within a specified limit of 5% of the lake's surface. However, a mere five years post-designation, research emerged revealing the lake's incapacity to sustain aquaculture operations exceeding 1% of its area. This study delves into an assessment of Lake Batur's suitability for aquaculture, utilizing pre-regulation water quality data and employing the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) Water Quality Index (WQI). Key water quality parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen, unionized ammonia, nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, orthophosphate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total dissolved solids, were considered. The findings unequivocally indicate that the lake's water quality renders it unsuitable for aquaculture. Additionally, this paper examine the imminent threats posed by aquaculture development in the Lake Batur region.