5 P roposed management plan for the site in Bali

5.1 Priority Issues

Relocation of farms to suitable areas is at the top of the agenda to enhance environmental sustainability of fish farming activities in Pegamentan Bay. Besides, as there are clear signs of sediment deterioration underneath farms numbered 21 and 30 (see Figure 6), fish of fish mortality for the identification of sources of fish diseases. To facilitate the enforcement of regulations the current regulatory framework should be improved.

In particular the requirements for EIA and associated environmental monitoring and licensing should be modified. Due to the relatively small size most farms are exempt of EIA. However the cumulative effect of farms in the site and the expanding size of farms could lead to significant environmental impacts. Therefore a precautionary approach concerning the increase in farm production based on regular environmental monitoring is recommended.

5.2 Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs)

Three AMAs were designated for the Pegametan Bay.
AMAs were defined mainly on the basis of the distinct environmental settings in the bay (Figure 9). AMA1 and AMA2 encompass respectively the western and central tidal channels where marine finfish farming takes place. As the current velocities in AMA2 are much higher than in AMA1, larger farms should be placed there. Both AMA1 and AMA2 are well protected by the outer reef belt so that agitation is reduced. AMA3 covers the adjacent area to the east of the bay. This area is more exposed to the open sea and currently dedicated exclusively for pearl culture.
The impacts of the regional navigation channel and backyard hatcheries on the levels of water quality should be investigated.

5.3 Management Plan

Recommendations for improving operations of marine finfish farms in Pegametan Bay were made separately for the three AMAs. In AMA1 emphasis shall be placed on the relocation of farms to suitable areas. Farms numbered 10, 11 and 12 shall be moved to suitable areas and minimum distances among farms of about 100 m should be kept. Moreover buffer zones between the edge of the farms and the shoreline shall be

Figure 9. Aquaculture management areas for the Pegametan Bay.

maintained. Attention should also be given to periods of strong runoffs, and shrimp ponds should not be drained under east-west longshore currents due to the risks of pollution. Excess of fish farm production at farms 21 and 30 is the most relevant issue to account for in AMA2. Significant deterioration of sediment quality was observed underneath these farms. Therefore reduction of fish farming production is at the top of the agenda. As farms 21 and 30 comprise of several units for nursery and on-growing, the units should be separated to keep the total production within carrying capacity of the location in question. There is currently a concentration of farms on the western part of AMA2 (see Figure 9). It is recommended to spread farms throughout the entire suitable area. To avoid interactions, minimum distances among farms should be about 200 m. AMA3 is currently being used primarily for cultivation of pearl oysters. As the area is exposed to waves, the suitability of the area for cultivating pearls should be checked. Besides, the relevance of the impacts of the releases from backyard hatcheries and the regional navigation channel should be investigated.

5.4 E nvironmental Monitoring and Precautionary Approach

Continuous environmental monitoring is currently in place. Sediment monitoring is done every six months underneath farms in which, according to predictions, current standing stocks are close or exceed estimated ECC (see Table 5). The levels of DO along depth profiles, in the vicinity of the farms, are monitored every other month. Rates of fish mortality are being monitored regularly at several farms.

5.5 Evaluation System

The most relevant issues to improve fish farm operation in the bay and the proposed management plan have been discussed with the Farmer’s Association.
The plan is currently being evaluated by MSF of the Regency in Singaraja. It is envisaged to start implementing the proposed measures in 2016. An assessment of the effectiveness of the adopted measures should be done about a year later. RDIM/ CARD will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation progress and outcomes. From now on, it is recommended to adopt a cautionary approach regarding the increases in standing stocks of the farms. On the basis of the results of monitoring, adjustments to the farm locations, to limits of fish farm production and to the biosecurity framework shall be proposed. Based on the results, further assessments of the management plan will be made.