2610 Silvofishery as an Ecosystem-Based Solution for Coastal Rehabilitation and Sustainable Aquaculture: Lessons learn from Brebes, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangrove degradation in Indonesia has primarily resulted from large-scale conversion to traditional aquaculture ponds with low productivity. To address this, the Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) or silvofishery approach has been promoted as an ecosystem-based model that combines ecological restoration and sustainable fish production. This study evaluated the effectiveness of traditional silvofishery ponds in Brebes, Central Java, to assess both ecological recovery and aquaculture performance. Field observations and trials were conducted from February 2024 to February 2025 in 4 ha of silvofishery ponds with mangrove coverage of approximately 50–60%. Water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and nutrients, were monitored in situ and in the laboratory. Results showed that DO levels occasionally fell below 2 mg L⁻¹ under dense mangrove canopies, contributing to Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) infection and mortality of Penaeus monodon. In contrast, Chanos chanos and Litopenaeus vannamei exhibited higher tolerance and achieved moderate productivity under minimal input conditions. Mangrove density was found to enhance the availability of natural food resources; however, excessive mangrove density can result in increased shading and a consequent reduction in photosynthetic oxygen production. The findings suggest that simple interventions such as periodic pond drying, sludge removal, and improved hydrological design can optimize pond function and ecological balance. Overall, silvofishery demonstrates strong potential as an adaptive model for restoring coastal ecosystems while maintaining sustainable aquaculture production in Indonesia.