Coastal ecosystem model based on environmental suitability and carrying capacity of the fishpond in Banyuwangi Region, East Java, Indonesia

Banyuwangi coastline (175.8 Km) is the longest coastal area in East Java. There are various potential coastal resources, one of them is aquaculture. Unfortunately, the utilization of the fishpond is not optimal and most of the fishpond areas were abandoned. The main cause is a decline in water quality and/or changes in coastal habitats. This study aims: (1) to identify the suitability and the carrying capacity of the fishpond and (2) to determine the coastal ecosystem model in Banyuwangi based on the spatial analysis. A descriptive method was used and direct observation and interview survey were conducted for collecting primary data. The data were analyzed according to the suitability and carrying capacity of the study area. A GIS analysis was used to determine the coastal ecosystem model. The results showed that Banyuwangi has suitable coastal areas for developing aquaculture is 1,220.535 Ha with a carrying capacity of 898.71Ha. Therefore, Banyuwangi coastal area facing critical problems due to ecological constraints of exceeding its carrying capacity limit for about 26.43% or 322.827 Ha.