Pertumbuhan rumput laut hijau (Caulerpa sp.) pada media kultur (trays) di perairan Pulau Barrang Caddi, Kota Makassar The growth of green seaweed (Caulerpa sp.) in culture media (trays) on Barrang Caddi Island, Makassar

Abstract

Sea grapes (Caulerpa sp.) are commonly known as lawi-lawi to locals in South Sulawesi and several other areas. This species can be consumed directly (edible seaweed) without requiring processing. Lawi has become a leading commodity for farmers in several coastal regions. This commodity can serve as an alternative livelihood for the island’s people. This study aims to look at the growth of lawi-lawi in cultural media (trays) in the coastal area of Barrang Caddi Island, Makassar. The trial took place from August to November 2024, and growth data were collected monthly on each tray, with four iterations, while also recording water quality data at regular intervals. The heavy metal content was analyzed in two seasons, namely the dry season and the rainy season. Data on water quality parameters, such as Temperature, Salinity, pH, Phosphate, and Nitrate, are within the optimal range. This shows that the surrounding water conditions can support the growth of the lawi-lawi seaweed species on the island. The specific growth rate (LPS) of lawi–lawi ranges from 0.1 to 0.5%/day. This is close to the value of LPS lawi-lawi, which is cultivated in ponds using trays. Meanwhile, the results of the heavy metal content test on the lawi–lawi sample showed a number that was far below the SNI threshold, so it was very safe to consume.