Integrating Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing for Monitoring Seaweed Aquaculture in South Sulawesi, Indonesia M. Akbar AS (a,d*), Nurjannah Nurdin (b,c,d), Aswar Anas (c)
(a) The Environmental Science Study Program, Doctoral Program, Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245. Indonesia
*akbarmuhammad.1818[at]yahoo.com
(b) Department of Marine Science, Marine Science and Fisheries Faculty, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245. Indonesia
(c) Department of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, Vocational Faculty, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245. Indonesia
(d) Research and Development Center for Marine, Coast, and Small Islands, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245. Indonesia
Abstract
South Sulawesi is the leading seaweed-producing province in Indonesia, significantly contributing to the national and global supply chains of tropical seaweed, particularly Kappaphycus alvarezii. Despite its importance, the spatial and seasonal dynamics of seaweed aquaculture in this region have been poorly documented. This study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of seaweed cultivation patterns across the four leading seaweed-producing regencies in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, using multitemporal high-resolution satellite imagery spanning the rainy, first transitional, dry, and second transitional seasons. PlanetScope satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 3 m was utilized to capture seaweed farm dynamics across four seasonal periods commonly recognized in the Indonesian monsoon cycle: rainy season, first transitional season, dry season, and second transitional season. Through image preprocessing, classification, and time-series comparison, this study identified variations in seaweed cultivation areas and temporal planting patterns across the study sites. The results revealed that the planting intensity and spatial coverage of seaweed aquaculture varied significantly by season. The highest cultivation extent typically occurs during the dry season, whereas the lowest is observed during the peak of the rainy season, likely due to unfavorable environmental conditions such as high wave energy and reduced water clarity. Each regency exhibits distinct cultivation rhythms influenced by local environmental conditions and farming practices. This study demonstrates the potential of multitemporal remote sensing as an effective and scalable method for monitoring seaweed farming activities. These findings provide essential insights for regional aquaculture planning, seasonal risk management, and optimizing planting cycles to increase productivity. Moreover, this approach offers a scientific basis for policy interventions aimed at enhancing sustainable seaweed aquaculture practices in Indonesia^s coastal zone
Keywords: Seaweed aquaculture- Multi-Temporal- Remote Sensing- South Sulawesi
