The Department of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs (DKP) of Simeulue Regency, Aceh, stated that the island district in Indian Ocean has promising potential for grass cultivation. Head of the Simeulue Regency DKP Isdawati in Simeulue, Monday, said that this potential is supported by adequate natural resources such as clear sea waters. "The support of natural resources makes the potential for seaweed cultivation on Simeulue Island promising. If this cultivation is developed, it can improve the economy of the community, especially fishermen," he said. He admitted that so far, fishermen in Simeulue Regency are less interested in seaweed cultivation. The reason fishermen are not interested in cultivating seaweed is because it is constrained by marketing. Apart from marketing, said Isdawati, another obstacle is pests. Pests of seaweed cultivation include fish and turtles. Usually, fish and turtles eat seaweed during harvest time. "Indeed, seaweed cultivation requires large capital. Of course, the presence of these pests is quite disturbing, especially when the harvest arrives," said Isdawati. He said the process of cultivating seaweed is fast, in one to two months it can be harvested. However, fishermen on Simeulue Island are more interested in lobster and grouper cultivation. "Cultivation of lobster and grouper is preferred by fishermen because it is easy and marketing is also better. However, we continue to encourage fishermen to cultivate seaweed," he said.

Source: https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3113301/dkp-simeulue-miliki-potensi-budi-daya-rumput-laut-menjanjikan