Antara News, Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Baubau, S.E.Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The seaweed production of Baubau city in South East Sulawesi reached 2,563.7 tons during the planting season in 2010, head of aquaculture of Baubau city`s marine and fishery office, Ahman, said here Wednesday.
Baubau city`s seaweed production in 2010 increased from last year`s 2,261.2 tons, he added.
"Of this volume, the highest production is reached in Lea-lea sub district and the second largest in Kokalukuna sub district," Ahman said.
He added, the seaweed potential areas in Baubau covered 660 hectares in five districts, namely Murhum, Betoambari, Kokalukuna, Bungi and Lea-lea.
"Of the big potential of seaweed farming areas, approximately 111.6 hectares have come to advantage," Ahman noted.
He said in 2009 however seaweed production dropped due to bad weather conditions in Baubau, causing ce-ice disease and a loss.
"This year, on the contrary, despite rainfalls throughout the year, seaweed production increased," Ahman said.
He added that after harvest, the seaweed farmers sold their commodity to collectors in Baubau, who sold it to Surabaya in East Java for processing.
