SECURE Shrimp Pond Harvest in Berau Demonstrates Success of Ecosystem-Based Aquaculture

The harvest of Shrimp Carbon Aquaculture (SECURE) ponds on 3 June 2026 in Pegat Batumbuk and Suaran villages, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, has shown positive results from the implementation of environmentally friendly aquaculture. This activity is supported by the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) in collaboration with the Berau Regency Fisheries Office under the framework of the Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle (SOMACORE) program.

One of the harvest sites was the pond owned by Abdul Rahman in Pegat Batumbuk Village. The pond produced 115 kilograms of black tiger shrimp, 141 kilograms of speckled shrimp, 1.9 tons of milkfish, and 50 kilograms of mangrove crabs.

“This harvest shows that pond management with greater attention to environmental conditions can provide good results. In addition to shrimp, we also harvested milkfish and mangrove crabs,” said Abdul Rahman.

Abdul added that before applying the SECURE approach, his pond’s black tiger shrimp harvest averaged around 100 kilograms. With the latest result of 115 kilograms, production increased by approximately 15 percent, even though the farming area had been reduced to only 20% of its original size.

He explained that assistance through the SECURE program not only focused on increasing production but also strengthened farmers’ capacity to manage ponds more efficiently and sustainably. This included training in making compost and local microorganisms (MOL) to maintain pond environmental quality.

The harvest demonstrates that ecosystem-based aquaculture not only supports the production of main commodities but also encourages fisheries diversification, providing additional economic value for coastal communities.

SECURE is an initiative developed by YKAN, the local government, and various partners to transform traditional pond practices into sustainable aquaculture systems.

This approach dedicates about 20% of the area to aquaculture activities and allocates around 80% to mangrove restoration and protection.

Mangroves serve as carbon sinks, provide natural coastal protection, and maintain water quality that supports long-term pond productivity. Therefore, fisheries production and ecosystem recovery can progress together.

Capacity Building and Sustainability

In the villages of Pegat Batumbuk and Suaran, field schools serve as learning hubs that strengthen the implementation of SECURE by encouraging farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.

Through the field school, farmers are introduced to composting and MOL techniques using organic materials available around the ponds.

actively improves the fertility of the pond ecosystem and supports natural feed growth, while MOL maintains the balance of aquatic microorganisms and ensures sustainable pond environmental quality.

The field school also introduces nursery techniques as part of the acclimatization process for black tiger shrimp and milkfish seeds before being released into grow-out ponds. This method aims to increase seed resilience and survival rates.

Jumardi, a SECURE partner farmer in Suaran Village, experienced the direct benefits of these techniques.

“Nursery is a new and very useful knowledge for us. Previously, black tiger shrimp and milkfish seeds were directly stocked into the pond, and success rates were not always optimal. Through the field school, we learned to perform nursery and acclimatization first so the seeds can adapt to the pond environment. As a result, the seeds are stronger, survival rates are higher, and we are more confident in running our aquaculture process,” he said.

The adoption of these practices resulted in a promising harvest. The pond managed by Jumardi with his father Satar, harvested on 3 June 2026, produced 284.2 kilograms of black tiger shrimp and 120 kilograms of speckled shrimp.

Berau Fisheries Office Head Abdul Majid appreciated the SECURE approach, which aligns with the sustainable development goals of Berau Regency.

“This approach proves that aquaculture and environmental preservation can go hand in hand. In addition to increasing yields, the SECURE model also supports the sustainability of coastal ecosystems, which are the backbone of the local economy,” he said.

Integrating mangrove restoration with environmentally friendly aquaculture practices has tangible impacts on enhancing pond resilience to environmental risks while helping reduce production costs.

This approach aligns with the Blue Economy principle, which establishes the health of coastal ecosystems as the foundation for the sustainable development of the marine and fisheries sectors.

YKAN Marine Program Director Muhammad Ilman stated that program success is measured not only by production yields but also by the community’s ability to sustainably manage coastal resources.

“SECURE is not only about shrimp production but also about how communities rebuild their relationship with coastal ecosystems. When mangroves are restored, and farmers’ capacity is strengthened, we can see a more resilient management system, both economically and ecologically,” he concluded.