Bandung — Selecting the right seaweed cultivation method plays a major role in improving harvest yields and ensuring sustainable coastal livelihoods. This finding was revealed in a scientific article by Yuli Andriani and Devina Khunti Nalibhrata from Universitas Padjadjaran, comparing two cultivation systems for Kappaphycus alvarezii: longline and floating raft methods. Published in the International Journal of Scientific Multidisciplinary Research (IJSMR) in 2026, the study concluded that no single method is universally superior, as success depends heavily on environmental conditions and seed quality.
Kappaphycus alvarezii is a highly valuable marine commodity because of its carrageenan content, widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In Indonesia, seaweed farming has become one of the main economic pillars in coastal regions such as Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Bali. The study notes that Indonesia is currently the world’s second-largest seaweed producer after China, contributing over 21 percent of national fishery exports in 2023.
Through a systematic review of scientific publications from 2017 to 2026, the researchers examined growth rates, biomass production, seedling quality, and environmental factors to compare the performance of longline and floating raft systems.
The analysis found that the longline method remains popular because it is simple, affordable, and easy to implement. This method uses horizontal ropes stretched across the sea surface where seaweed seedlings are attached. Under calm water conditions with low pest pressure, longline systems can achieve impressive daily growth rates, reaching up to 8.4 percent per day during the early cultivation phase. However, the system is highly vulnerable to herbivorous fish and wave damage.
In contrast, the floating raft method offers greater stability. Its bamboo or synthetic floating structure protects the seaweed from strong currents and physical disturbances. Several studies reviewed in the paper showed that floating raft systems consistently produced higher biomass and better survival rates. One example recorded 38.8 kilograms of production in 40 days, compared to only 22.5 kilograms using longline under similar starting conditions.
According to Devina Khunti Nalibhrata from Universitas Padjadjaran, environmental factors are critical in determining success. The ideal cultivation depth ranges between 20 and 50 centimeters, water temperature between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius, salinity between 28 and 34 ppt, and current velocity between 20 and 40 cm per second. Beyond these ranges, growth performance declines significantly.
Seedling quality also plays a crucial role. Tissue-cultured seedlings were found to grow much faster than conventional local seedlings. In one case, tissue-cultured seedlings achieved 451 grams of absolute growth within 45 days, while conventional seedlings only reached 169 grams. This suggests that seed innovation could significantly improve farming productivity.
The study emphasizes that farming strategies must be flexible. In calm and sheltered waters, longline remains the most cost-effective option. However, in exposed coastal areas with strong currents or high pest pressure, floating raft systems equipped with protective nets provide better productivity and lower risks, despite higher investment costs.
The findings offer important implications for seaweed farmers and policymakers. By understanding environmental conditions and choosing the most suitable farming system, farmers can improve yields while reducing production risks. For Indonesia as a maritime nation, this research provides valuable insights to strengthen sustainable and globally competitive seaweed aquaculture.
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