The Impact of Fish Cultivation Activities in Floating Net Cages on Water Quality in Paropo Village, Dairi Regency

Abstract

The community of Paropo Village has long utilized Lake Toba as a livelihood source by cultivating fish using floating net cages. Additionally, the community uses Lake Toba's water as a clean water source for daily activities. Lake Toba also serves as a habitat for several fish species, including endemic fish. The leftover feed and fish metabolism waste released into the water have led to declining water quality. This paper aimed to examine the impact of floating net cages on the water quality of Lake Toba in Paropo Village. The study was conducted in Paropo Village from April to May 2024. Water samples were collected using purposive random sampling at depths of 10 and 30 meters at two locations: one with floating net cages and one without. Direct interviews were conducted with local community to understand the environmental management practices implemented. Water quality testing revealed two parameters exceeding the standards set by Government Regulation of The Republic of Indonesia No. 22 of 2021: BOD 42,7 mg/L and Phosphate 0,039 mg/L at a depth of 30 meters. The community's knowledge regarding environmental management is still minimal and requires further education.