Preserving Eel Aquaculture from the Cibuni River Estuary, Sukabumi

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and developing eel aquaculture, IPB University lecturers conducted the Homecoming Lectures (Dospulkam) program in Tegalbuleud Village, Sukabumi, West Java (6/17).

The event, titled “Empowerment of the Eel (Anguilla spp.) Fishermen Village at the Cibuni River Estuary,” was attended by Leni Lidiatwati, SPi from the Sukabumi Regency Fisheries Office, the Tegalbuleud Subdistrict Secretary, the Tegalbuleud Chief of Village, aquaculture practitioners, fishermen, and the local community.

During the event, the lecturers provided education regarding eel characteristics, environmentally friendly aquaculture techniques, and feed requirements. Specifically, the team also presented various types of feed for several phases, ranging from glass eels, elvers, fingerlings, to eels ready for harvest.

“Not only did we discuss aquaculture, we also explained the economic and ecological benefits of developing eel farming. Hopefully, this activity will be the beginning of a long-term collaboration between academics and the community in developing sustainable eel aquaculture in Sukabumi,” explained Dr RA Hangesti Emi Widyasari, the team leader.

In addition to the material presentation and live demonstrations, the team, consisting of Dr drh Erni Sulistiawati, Ika Sartika, S.Sn, M.Sn, and Firman Muhammad Bassar, S.Pd, M.Pd, also invited participants to get involved in the practical session of making aquaculture ponds. A lively discussion ensued, highlighting the potential of eels as a sustainable alternative protein source.

The Chief of Tegalbuleud Village, Ramdan Arif Firmansyah, welcomed this event as a strategic step in improving the local economy and preserving natural resources.

“We hope this activity can open up new business opportunities for the community and enhance knowledge about eel aquaculture,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ANF)