Udayana University Initiates Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Efficient and Sustainable Catfish Farming in Bali

• Posted by: Admin
• Rabu, 13 Agustus 2025
• Has been read 18 time(s)

Jimbaran, Bali – August 11, 2025 – The Faculty of Marine and Fisheries (FKP) at Udayana University (Unud) hosted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Towards Efficient and Sustainable Catfish Farming in Bali”. The event, held at the Living Lab, Baruna Building, Bukit Jimbaran Campus, brought together various stakeholders to discuss challenges and formulate strategic solutions for the catfish farming industry in Bali.

The FGD was attended by representatives from the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), fisheries extension officers, catfish farming practitioners, representatives from feed industry PT Cargill Indonesia, and academics from FKP Unud.

In his remarks, the Dean of FKP Unud, Prof. I Wayan Nuarsa, emphasized the importance of sustainable catfish farming to meet the high demand in Bali. This aligns with data presented by the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency, which shows a significant gap between local catfish supply (3,919 tons) and the total provincial demand of 50,495 tons.

“We hope that catfish farming can be carried out sustainably to meet the demand for catfish products in Bali Province,” said Prof. Nuarsa.

The in-depth discussions addressed various key challenges faced by farmers. Critical issues raised included high feed prices while market selling prices for catfish remain low and unstable due to middlemen’s manipulation, difficulties in accessing structured markets, declining broodstock quality, and negative public perceptions regarding catfish feed.

In response, the FGD resulted in several agreements and follow-up plans involving active collaboration among all parties:

• Academic Role: FKP Unud will serve as a breeding center to produce superior catfish broodstock, conduct research on alternative feeds such as Tubifex worms and maggots, and provide assistance to 130 fish farming groups in Badung Regency.

• Government Support: A standard reference price for catfish is expected to be established to protect farmers. Relevant agencies are also encouraged to continue providing SNI-certified quality broodstock and to oversee the certification of Good Fish Farming Practices (CBIB).

• Innovation and Marketing: Efforts will be made to improve branding to counter negative perceptions and integrate with digital platforms for direct selling of processed products such as frozen catfish.

• Data Management: Spatial mapping of catfish farmers will be conducted to facilitate information dissemination and the development of long-term strategies.

This initiative is expected to strengthen the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency and Udayana University and serve as a concrete first step towards creating a more productive, efficient, and sustainable catfish farming ecosystem in Bali.