keramba

Keramba, in Indonesian aquaculture, refers to floating net cages used to rear fish and other aquatic organisms in natural water bodies such as coastal seas, bays, lakes, and reservoirs. The system consists of buoyant floats that support a frame and a surrounding mesh enclosure, which is anchored to the bed by mooring lines. Keramba are typically placed in sheltered waters and can be arranged singly or in clusters, allowing scalable production.

Stocking and management involve introducing fingerlings or juveniles, providing formulated feed (or, where appropriate, natural feed), and monitoring water quality, stocking density, and fish health. Water exchange occurs mainly through currents. Harvesting is carried out by removing the fish from the cage or draining the enclosure for transfer to holding facilities. Species raised vary by location and water conditions, including marine species such as groupers and sea bass, and freshwater species such as tilapia and carp.

Advantages of keramba include efficient use of water surface area, relatively low land requirements, and the ability to operate in areas unsuitable for pond culture. They offer flexibility for smallholder and commercial operations and can be expanded by adding more cages. Disadvantages include potential environmental impacts from waste and uneaten feed, risk of disease and parasite transmission, chance of stock escape, and vulnerability to storms and severe weather. Regular maintenance, careful siting, and adherence to regulations are important for sustainable operation.

In Indonesian context, keramba jaring apung is the common term, with regional variations such as keramba terapung. They are a key component of coastal and inland aquaculture and are often integrated with broader farming systems to improve sustainability.