The optimization of production and profit of Eucheuma cottonii cultivation in Kemojan Island,Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to calculate the optimal time of cultivation of Eucheuma cottonii on Kemojan Island to produce maximum production and profit. Field experiments, observations, and interviews to get data on growth, costs, prices, and local ecological knowledge were conducted by the researchers. Mathematical modeling (based on polynomial models) was used to develop equations to estimate optimal biomass, optimal profit, and break-even points or BEP (bioeconomic approaches). The results showed that 86 days of cultivation time would produce the highest biomass growth, but the highest profit per cycle occurred at 73 days. BEP occurred at 8 and 137 days. Seaweed cultivation with a 40 days pattern was proven to produce higher aggregate profits, both compared to 86 days, 73 days, 60 days, 50 days, and 30 days.