BUSINESS ANALYSIS OF GIANT TREVALLY (Caranx sp.) CULTIVATION USING A FLOATING NET CAGE SYSTEM IN THE WATERS OF LAUTAKA HAMLET, BANDA NEIRA, CENTRAL MALUKU

Abstrak

This study aimed to analyze the technical performance and economic feasibility of giant trevally (Caranx sp.) cultivation using a floating net cage (FNC) system in the waters of Lautaka Hamlet, Banda Neira, Central Maluku. The study was conducted for two months, from November to December 2025, using observation, interviews, documentation, and literature review to collect technical and economic data. The data were analyzed descriptively. The cultivation system used three traditional floating net cage compartments, each measuring 3 × 2 × 2 m, with a stocking density of 250 fish per compartment. The fish were fed trash fish at approximately 40 kg day⁻¹. The survival rate was 83%, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 1.2, and specific growth rate (SGR) was 0.59% day⁻¹. Total production cost was Rp 18,540,000, while total revenue reached Rp 25,800,000, resulting in a profit of Rp 7,260,000 per production cycle. The reported Return Cost Ratio (RCR) was 1.3, indicating that the enterprise was economically feasible. The reported payback period was 2.5 years, while the break-even point (BEP) was 309 fish. Overall, giant trevally cultivation using the FNC system in Lautaka Hamlet has potential for development as a sustainable source of income for coastal communities, provided that technical and financial management is improved.