The Density Of Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus Padangensis BLKR.) And Their Growth Patterns In The Waters Of Haranggaol Lake Toba

by ADMIN 124 views

The Density of Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus Padangensis BLKR.) And Their Growth Patterns in the Waters of Haranggaol Lake Toba: A Study of the Impact of Human Activity

Introduction

Lake Toba, a stunning natural wonder, is home to an abundance of biological wealth, including the Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus Padangensis BLKR.). Located in the heart of Indonesia, Lake Toba is a vital source of livelihood for the local community. However, the increasing human activity in the lake's waters has raised concerns about the impact on the Bilih Fish population. This study aims to investigate the growth pattern and density of Bilih Fish in different locations around Lake Toba, with a focus on the influence of human activity.

Background

Lake Toba, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, is a vital source of freshwater and a popular tourist destination. The lake's waters are home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including the Bilih Fish. However, the increasing human activity in the lake's waters, such as the cultivation of floating net cages, pier, tourism, and free activities, has raised concerns about the impact on the Bilih Fish population. This study aims to investigate the growth pattern and density of Bilih Fish in different locations around Lake Toba, with a focus on the influence of human activity.

Methodology

The study was conducted in December 2014 to January 2015 in the waters of Haranggaol, Lake Toba. The sampling method used was "purposive sampling," which involved selecting four locations that represent community activities around Lake Toba: Cultivation of Floating Net Cages, Pier, Tourism, and Free Activities. Fish collection was done using "doton" with a size of 25 x 2 meters. The results showed that the density of the highest Bilih Fish population was found at the location of floating net cages, with a value of 2.37 individuals per square meter, and the lowest at the pier location with a value of 1.44 individuals per square meter.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the density of Bilih Fish varies significantly in different locations around Lake Toba. The highest density was found at the location of floating net cages, while the lowest density was found at the pier location. The gonad maturity level (TKG) IV was found to be different in each location, with locations 1 and 4 showing TKG IV, while locations 2 and 3 showing TKG I, II, and IV. This study also shows that the penetration of light, TSS, COD, ammonia, and phosphate has a very strong correlation with the density of Bilih Fish.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that human activity, especially the cultivation of floating net cages, has a significant influence on the density of the Bilih Fish population. Floating cages, although it provides economic benefits, also has a negative impact such as increasing nutritional levels in water, which can interfere with the balance of ecosystems. This can be explained through a strong correlation between Bilih Fish density and water quality parameters such as TSS, COD, ammonia, and phosphate. Increased nutritional levels in water due to the activity of floating cage cultivation can trigger excessive algae growth (blooming algae), reduce light penetration into water, and ultimately affect the survival of Bilih Fish.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This study shows that the management of Haranggaol waters, Lake Toba, must be carried out by taking into account the balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability. The need for efforts to minimize the negative impact of human activity on the population of Bilih Fish. Some recommendations that can be applied include:

  • Application of environmentally friendly cultivation systems in floating net cages.
  • Increasing public awareness about the importance of maintaining environmental sustainability.
  • Monitoring and controlling water quality regularly.

With an integrated effort, it is expected that the population of Bilih Fish in the waters of Haranggaol, Lake Toba, remain sustainable and provide benefits to the community and future generations.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the need for further research on the impact of human activity on the Bilih Fish population in Lake Toba. Future research should focus on the development of environmentally friendly cultivation systems for floating net cages and the implementation of effective monitoring and controlling measures for water quality. Additionally, research on the impact of tourism and free activities on the Bilih Fish population is also necessary to ensure the sustainability of the lake's ecosystem.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a limited area of Lake Toba, and the results may not be representative of the entire lake. Secondly, the study only focused on the impact of human activity on the Bilih Fish population and did not consider other factors that may affect the population, such as climate change and natural disasters. Finally, the study relied on a single sampling method, which may not be representative of the entire population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering the impact of human activity on the Bilih Fish population in Lake Toba. The results of this study indicate that the cultivation of floating net cages has a significant influence on the density of the Bilih Fish population. Therefore, it is essential to implement environmentally friendly cultivation systems and effective monitoring and controlling measures for water quality to ensure the sustainability of the lake's ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Density of Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus Padangensis BLKR.) And Their Growth Patterns in the Waters of Haranggaol Lake Toba

Q: What is the Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus Padangensis BLKR.)?

A: The Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus Padangensis BLKR.) is a species of freshwater fish that is native to Lake Toba in Indonesia. It is a small fish that is an important food source for the local community.

Q: What is the significance of the study on the density of Bilih Fish in Lake Toba?

A: The study on the density of Bilih Fish in Lake Toba is significant because it provides valuable information on the impact of human activity on the population of this species. The study highlights the importance of considering the balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability in the management of Lake Toba.

Q: What are the main findings of the study?

A: The main findings of the study are that the density of Bilih Fish varies significantly in different locations around Lake Toba. The highest density was found at the location of floating net cages, while the lowest density was found at the pier location. The study also shows that the penetration of light, TSS, COD, ammonia, and phosphate has a very strong correlation with the density of Bilih Fish.

Q: What are the implications of the study for the management of Lake Toba?

A: The study has significant implications for the management of Lake Toba. The results of the study indicate that the cultivation of floating net cages has a significant influence on the density of the Bilih Fish population. Therefore, it is essential to implement environmentally friendly cultivation systems and effective monitoring and controlling measures for water quality to ensure the sustainability of the lake's ecosystem.

Q: What are some of the recommendations that can be applied to minimize the negative impact of human activity on the population of Bilih Fish?

A: Some of the recommendations that can be applied to minimize the negative impact of human activity on the population of Bilih Fish include:

  • Application of environmentally friendly cultivation systems in floating net cages.
  • Increasing public awareness about the importance of maintaining environmental sustainability.
  • Monitoring and controlling water quality regularly.

Q: What are some of the limitations of the study?

A: Some of the limitations of the study include:

  • The study was conducted in a limited area of Lake Toba, and the results may not be representative of the entire lake.
  • The study only focused on the impact of human activity on the Bilih Fish population and did not consider other factors that may affect the population, such as climate change and natural disasters.
  • The study relied on a single sampling method, which may not be representative of the entire population.

Q: What are some of the future research directions that can be explored?

A: Some of the future research directions that can be explored include:

  • Development of environmentally friendly cultivation systems for floating net cages.
  • Implementation of effective monitoring and controlling measures for water quality.
  • Research on the impact of tourism and free activities on the Bilih Fish population.

Q: What are some of the benefits of the study?

A: Some of the benefits of the study include:

  • Providing valuable information on the impact of human activity on the population of Bilih Fish.
  • Highlighting the importance of considering the balance between economic interests and environmental sustainability in the management of Lake Toba.
  • Informing the development of effective management strategies for the lake's ecosystem.

Q: What are some of the challenges that need to be addressed in the management of Lake Toba?

A: Some of the challenges that need to be addressed in the management of Lake Toba include:

  • Balancing economic interests with environmental sustainability.
  • Implementing effective monitoring and controlling measures for water quality.
  • Addressing the impact of human activity on the population of Bilih Fish.

Q: What are some of the recommendations for future research?

A: Some of the recommendations for future research include:

  • Conducting further research on the impact of human activity on the population of Bilih Fish.
  • Developing and implementing effective management strategies for the lake's ecosystem.
  • Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of management strategies.