Sustainable Vannamei Shrimp Farming in Bonorowo, Indonesia Wetlands: Growth Performance, Land Suitability, and Ecological Challenges

This study evaluated the land suitability, ecological sustainability, and growth dynamics of vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture in the Bonorowo wetlands of Lamongan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The research examines three topographical zones—shallow depression, middle valley, and deep swamp—across eight districts from October 2023 to January 2024, employing Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) through the RAPFISH methodology and analyzing length-weight relationships (LWR) to assess growth patterns. Results revealed predominantly positive allometric growth (b > 3) across all wetland types, indicating that shrimp weight increases faster than length, though with varying degrees of correlation. Shallow wetlands demonstrated moderate correlation (R²= 0.03–10%), middle wetlands showed more stable correlation (R²= 2.8– 3.2%), and deep wetlands exhibited high variability (R²= 0.2–20%), reflecting diverse environmental conditions and resource competition. Land suitability analysis classified most regions as Very Suitable (S1) for aquaculture, with total scores ranging from 30 to 34, supported by favorable water quality parameters and suitable substrate conditions. However, ecological sustainability analysis revealed concerning trends, with sustainability indices falling below 50 points across all zones and cropping patterns. The fish-paddy-fish rotation system performed marginally better than other cropping patterns, though it was still categorized as unsustainable. Key factors influencing sustainability included feed availability, plant management, electrical energy access, stocking density, and disease management. The study identifies the need for wetland-specific interventions, including improved feed distribution systems in shallow depressions, enhanced pollution control in middle valleys, and better disease management strategies that balance productivity with ecological preservation—contributing to sustainable development in Indonesia’s emerging aquaculture sector.