Collective actions to support sustainable aquaculture: Evidence from brackish water ponds area in Aceh Tamiang

Abstract

Our research focuses on establishing and improving farmers’ organization in areas with brackish water aquaculture. This research aims to promote sustainable aquaculture enterprises in Aceh Tamiang by engaging fish farmer organizations and promoting collective action. Managing a brackish water region covering a total land area of 3,624.5 hectares requires collective action measures. There is no local governing body that manages water resources or the environment and surroundings of the ponds. Farmers who require knowledge about pond waste and sediment management in the context of fish farming can better understand pond season planting techniques. We selected two villages from the four sub-districts of Aceh Tamiang to gather relevant data from April to May 2021. We comprehensively investigated the brackish aquaculture in Sungai Kuruk III, located in the Seruway sub-district. Our study recommends the formation of a collective entity called Gapokkan, where groups of brackish water fish producers from various villages in Aceh Tamiang can collaborate and unite. Gapokkan can effectively address various difficulties associated with brackish water pond areas to achieve sustainable aquaculture in Aceh Tamiang.