Increased production of green mussels (Perna viridis) using longline culture and an economic comparison with stake culture on the north coast of Java,Indonesia

The effectiveness of green mussel (Perna viridis) cultivation was compared between longline culture and the traditional bamboo stake method using different mussel densities in a rural area on the north coast of Java, Indonesia. The study took place in a rural area about 2 km north‐east from the city of Semarang where unsustainable shrimp and fish pond culture in the past has led to massive mangrove loss, spiralling environmental degradation and socio‐economic disintegration. Mangrove‐friendly alternatives for a sustainable socio‐economic recovery of local livelihoods are urgently being sought. Longlines were more successful than the stake method in spat collection. Longlines also showed a small but significantly higher relative weight gain and specific growth rate for mussels than bamboo stakes. Mussels in lower densities showed higher survival and grew to larger individual sizes, but initial seeding density had no significant effect on relative weight gain or specific growth rate per stocking. Slightly lower set‐up costs and time investment and somewhat higher yields for longlines give an almost twofold higher income per time unit of own time invested by the farmer for longline culture over the traditional stake culture method. The profitability of mussel culture using the stake method is below the average hourly wage for skilled labour, but above that when using the longline method. We conclude that green mussel culture using the longline system is feasible as an alternative to less sustainable forms of livelihood for the local communities in mangrove areas.     

Correction to: Effect of three types of liquid compost combined with Avicennia marina leaves on growth and survival of tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon)

International Aquatic Research - Due to the author’s omission to check the corrections by the journal’ imposed reviewer of English style.     

Effect of three types of liquid compost combined with Avicennia marina leaves on growth and survival of tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon)

International Aquatic Research - The sustainability of prawn farming in brackish water ponds is controversial because of low yields and a history of mangrove clearing. Low yields are due largely to...