A PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
OF SHELLFISH FARMING IN INDONESIA

by

R.N. Pagcatipunan¹, P. Tortell² and J. Silaen³

Abstract

Technical assitance on shellfish farming was rendered as requested by the Government of Indonesia. The authors surveyed nineteen areas in nine provinces and identified four areas as suitable sites for pilot demonstration of the culture of the species of Anadara, Mytilus, Crassostrea and Pinctada. A summary proposal for the development of shellfish farming in Indonesia is presented.

¹ Shellfish Culture Specialist (INS/80/005). Present address: 3270 Zapote Street, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

² Senior Seafarming Adviser and Team Leader (INS/80/005). Present address: New Zealand Commission for the Environment, P.O. Box 10241, Wellington, New Zealand.

³ Fishery Biologist, Directorate of Resources Management, Directorate General of Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia.

1. INTRODUCTION

This report covers the result of shellfish surveys undertaken in connection with the UNDP/FAO project of Preparatory Assistance in Seafarming in Indonesia (INS/80/005) from 11 November 1980 to 10 February 1981.

The terms of reference are:

1. to select suitable sites for the development of pilot demonstration farms for the cultivation of commercially important shellfishes (including cockles, mussels, oysters and clams);

2. to identify the species of culture value; and

3. to determine facilities, equipment and training needs required for the development of shellfish culture in the country.

There has recently been an increasing interest in the development of shellfish culture. This has led to studies undertaken by the Marine Fisheries Research Institute (MRFI), Agency of Agricultural Research and Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, on the culture of Mytilus viridis, and surveys of shellfish resources. Technical assistance has also been requested from international organizations including UNDP/FAO and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).