The Fisheries Department of Batam, Kepulauan Riau, has reported that the daily demand for freshwater fish in the region now exceeds five tons, reflecting a significant consumption requirement that local fisheries need to address.
Batam’s increasing demand for freshwater fish, primarily consumed by the local population, underscores the critical role of the fisheries sector in supporting food security and economic activity in the region.
Cicik Kurniawati, the Head of Aquaculture at the Batam Fisheries Department, noted that fish types such as catfish, silver barb, tilapia, gourami, and freshwater pomfret are predominantly cultivated to meet local demands.
To enhance freshwater fish production, the department has implemented biofloc technology, which optimizes water quality and fish health, enabling higher productivity without the need for additional land. This technology also receives financial support from the local government budget (APBD), indicating a strong commitment to technological adoption in agriculture.
In 2024, 79 biofloc units were distributed to local farmers and groups involved in fish cultivation, with plans to expand by over 100 units in 2025. This expansion reflects the government’s strategy to increase fish production and support local aquaculture businesses.
Batam practices three types of aquaculture: marine, freshwater, and brackish water, each serving distinct markets. Freshwater fish cater to local consumption, while marine and brackish water species largely target the export market, contributing to the regional economy.
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From January to June 2024, the total aquaculture yield (marine, freshwater, and brackish water fish) was approximately 5,000 tons. Monthly freshwater fish production alone averages 200 tons, demonstrating its vitality to Batam’s food supply chain.
The burgeoning demand for freshwater fish in Batam highlights the challenges and opportunities within the local aquaculture sector. With strategic investments in innovative aquaculture technologies like biofloc, Batam is poised to enhance its fish production capabilities, thereby supporting both local consumption and broader economic goals.
Batam’s daily demand for freshwater fish exceeds five tons, driving the local fisheries department to adopt innovative technologies and expand production to meet local needs effectively.
Sources: Antara News, Borneo News (2024)
