Silvofishery: In What Mangrove Coverage Condition Can this System Provide Benefits for the Community?

Abstract

This article aims to explore and discuss silvofishery pond management and aquaculture by providing space for mangroves in ponds. This study focuses on the management of ponds for milkfish, crab, and shrimp cultivation in Tanjung Rejo Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency. A field study has been conducted for 6 months, during which data were collected from 21 silvofishery ponds using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) series analysis. Results show that the existence of extensive mangroves in ponds leads to good production in mangrove crab cultivation, which is supported by the natural shrimp and fish populations that enter at high tide in ponds, due to the benefits of mangroves as a habitat for mangrove crabs and brackish water fisheries. A small amount of mangrove area is concentrated on milkfish cultivation, which is supported by the addition of natural fish from outside the pond at high tide. The average income from silvofishery ponds, in Indonesian Rupiahs (IDR), is IDR 13,201,243 per ha. From this, it can be ascertained that the mangrove area is related to the amount of production in silvofishery ponds: the greater the use of mangroves in ponds, the more effective the cultivation and the greater the impact on fishermen's incomes. At an alpha level of 10%, all the direct hypotheses tested have a significant effect.