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This study aims to evaluate the level of heavy metal pollution and the potential ecological and human health risks in the waters of Selangan, Bontang City. The research focuses on analyzing the concentrations of iron (Fe) and mercury (Hg) in sediment, considering that both elements are toxic, persistent, and capable of bioaccumulating within the food chain. The study was conducted over six months, from January to June 2023, at four sampling stations representing the environmental conditions of Selangan waters. The methodology included sediment sampling, sample preparation through drying and grinding, and laboratory analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) to determine Fe concentrations. The results were then compared with quality standards established by the Washington Annotated Code 173-204-320 and Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) Regulation No. 5 of 2018. The findings indicate the presence of heavy metal contamination across all sampling stations. Fe concentrations ranged from 2.35 mg to 6.308 mg, significantly exceeding the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L. Meanwhile, Hg concentrations ranged from 0.015 mg to 0.028 mg, also surpassing the standard threshold of 0.001 mg/L. These results clearly demonstrate heavy metal pollution in the Selangan waters, posing potential threats to marine ecosystem health and coastal communities. Regular monitoring and mitigation measures are urgently recommended to prevent further environmental degradation.

The practice of fishing using bombs (blast fishing) presents a serious threat to marine ecosystems and the sustainability of coastal communities' livelihoods. Law enforcement against these violations faces complex challenges, especially in large areas of water with limited fleet and patrol personnel. Perpetrators who move quickly and change locations, coupled with the lack of reports from the public due to fear or social ties, further complicate enforcement efforts. In addition, access to hidden locations and coordination between law enforcement agencies that are not optimal are also the main obstacles. Global studies confirm that the lack of effective law enforcement and adequate governance is a significant driver of these destructive practices, even beyond socio-economic factors. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy is needed that includes strengthening integrated marine patrols on a regular basis, imposing strict sanctions, increasing socialization of the dangers of fish bombs, and the active involvement of coastal communities as supervisors. A synergistic approach between law enforcement officials and local communities, combining prevention and joint management measures, is key to achieving effective marine conservation and sustainable management of fishery resources.

This study aimed to analyze the implementation of policies prohibiting illegal fishing practices involving the use of explosives, poisons, and electric shock devices in Sanga-Sanga District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Although regulations and extension activities related to the prohibition have been established, illegal fishing practices continue to occur as of 2025. The findings reveal that some fishermen still use poison and electric shock due to economic reasons and the perception that these methods yield greater catches. However, such actions cause losses to other fishermen by reducing the quality of the catch and damaging the aquatic ecosystem. The community is aware of these violations but is reluctant to report them due to fear of threats from the perpetrators. Efforts by fisheries extension officers to establish community-based surveillance groups (Pokmaswas) have not been optimal due to low public participation. Collaboration between provincial fisheries supervisors and the local marine police (Polairud) has resulted in joint patrols that successfully apprehended two perpetrators of illegal fishing, yet law enforcement has not produced a deterrent effect. Moreover, the program to replace destructive fishing gear with environmentally friendly alternatives for fishermen willing to transition has not been realized due to budget constraints. Based on these findings, it is necessary to strengthen integrated surveillance, provide legal protection for whistleblowers, accelerate the implementation of sustainable fishing gear programs, and enhance public awareness of legal and ecological issues.

This study examines the implementation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 7 of 2024 concerning the Management of Lobster, Crab, and Blue Swimming Crab in East Kalimantan. As a strategic policy, the regulation aims to ensure sustainable fisheries management through provisions on minimum catch sizes, restocking mechanisms, traceability systems, and law enforcement against illegal fishing and trade. Using an empirical juridical approach, this research collected primary data through questionnaires distributed to fisheries officers, coastal communities, fishers, and aquaculture business actors in East Kalimantan. The results show that the implementation of Regulation No. 7/2024 is generally categorized as moderately effective, with an average Likert score indicating limited but positive compliance. Respondents acknowledged the importance of sustainability principles embedded in the regulation; however, significant challenges persist, including insufficient formal socialization, weak field monitoring, lack of supporting facilities, and inconsistent coordination among implementing agencies (BARANTIN, PSDKP, and local fisheries officers). Qualitative responses highlight that many stakeholders still lack understanding of technical provisions such as minimum size requirements and restocking obligations. The study concludes that while the regulatory framework is normatively comprehensive and aligned with sustainable fisheries principles, its practical effectiveness remains constrained by institutional and socio-cultural factors. Strengthening community engagement, increasing inter-agency coordination, and enhancing enforcement capacity are crucial to optimizing the policy’s impact on the sustainable management of lobster, crab, and blue swimming crab resources in East Kalimantan.

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of students from various majors regarding the urgency of legal protection for the Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), a rare and endangered marine species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of coral reef ecosystems. This fish faces serious pressure due to overexploitation and illegal trade, thus requiring special attention from a legal and conservation perspective. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach with purposive sampling technique, involving students from marine, fisheries, environmental, and legal departments. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire designed to elicit respondents' insights, level of understanding, and recommendations regarding the protection of this species. The data obtained were then analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns of perception and key ideas. The results showed that the majority of students considered legal protection for the Napoleon wrasse to be very urgent. They advocated for strengthening regulations, stricter law enforcement, increased surveillance in water areas, education for coastal communities, development of conservation and cultivation programs, and strengthening international cooperation. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of a comprehensive and collaborative protection strategy to support the sustainability of marine resources.

This study examines the impact of industrial activities in Bontang City, a major center for natural gas processing and fertilizer production, which potentially increases heavy metal contamination in coastal waters. Specifically, the research focuses on the accumulation of lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) in Anadara granosa, a benthic bivalve selected as a bioindicator due to its capacity to accumulate pollutants. The study aims to analyze Pb and Cu concentrations in Anadara granosa tissues collected from the waters of Selangan Hamlet, Bontang City, as an indicator of local environmental quality. The research was conducted over a six-month period, involving shellfish and water sampling from four observation stations. Heavy metal analysis was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, and the results were evaluated against relevant environmental quality standards, including Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2021. The findings revealed the presence of Pb and Cu at all sampling stations, with varying concentrations. The highest Pb and Cu levels were recorded at the South Station, while the lowest concentrations were observed at the East and North Stations. Overall, the measured concentrations of both metals significantly exceeded established safety limits, indicating serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These results confirm Anadara granosa as an effective bioindicator of heavy metal pollution and highlight the urgent need for further studies and mitigation efforts.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the social and economic characteristics of fishing households in Muara Telake Village and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors affecting fishermen. This research employs a quantitative descriptive method with a descriptive analysis approach and purposive sampling technique, involving 24 respondents. Data were analyzed using percentage techniques to illustrate the overall social and economic conditions of the fishermen. The results indicate that the social condition of fishermen falls into the “moderate” category, with an average percentage of 67.29%, covering indicators such as education, age, number of dependents, and health. Meanwhile, the economic condition is also categorized as “moderate,” with an average percentage of 53.70%, encompassing income, expenditure, housing conditions, and asset ownership. Supporting factors include good health, government assistance, family support, and the fishermen’s experience. Conversely, inhibiting factors include low education levels, unpredictable environmental conditions, limited capital, fluctuating fuel prices, and restricted market access, which affect productivity and the welfare of fishing households. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance both social and economic well-being.

Fisheries extension services play a strategic role in strengthening the capacity of fish farmers and accelerating the development of sustainable aquaculture businesses. The effectiveness of extension activities is strongly influenced by how fish farmers perceive the roles performed by fisheries extension workers. This study aims to analyze the level of fish farmers’ perceptions of the role of fisheries extension workers in developing aquaculture businesses in Loa Kulu District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. In addition, this research examines the characteristics of fish farmers and analyzes the relationship between internal and external factors and the level of perception toward extension roles. This study employed a descriptive and correlational research design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 42 respondents were selected from 719 fish farmers using the Slovin formula with a 15% margin of error and proportionate stratified random sampling across 10 villages. Data were collected through structured questionnaires using a Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation analysis. The results indicate that the overall perception of fish farmers toward the roles of fisheries extension workers—namely as educators, facilitators, motivators, innovators, advocates, organizers, and evaluators—falls within the high category. Among these roles, the organizer and facilitator roles received the highest perception scores. Internal factors such as age, income, and land area showed significant correlations with certain extension roles, particularly the roles of educator, motivator, and evaluator. External factors, including interaction with extension workers, interaction with traders, availability of market information, and access to aquaculture science and technology, were also significantly correlated with perception levels. These findings suggest that strengthening both socio-economic conditions and access to information and technology can enhance positive perceptions of extension services, ultimately contributing to more effective aquaculture development programs. The study highlights the importance of optimizing extension performance to sustain fish farmers’ productivity and welfare improvement.

The aimed of this research was to analyzing the problems and income of fish farming businesses in Loa Kulu District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. This study used qualitative descriptive analysis methods and income analysis. The results of the study showed that the problems faced by fish farmers in Loa Kulu District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency related to fish farming (tilapia fish breeding and enlargement) were the problem of uncertain water quality in the Mahakam River, flooding in fish seed cultivation ponds, and lack of information on disease control in cultivation activities and complaints about slow fish growth in several cultivation locations. The amount of income from 19 fish farmers who carried out seed farming businesses was in the interval of IDR 48,131,090.48 / year to IDR 767,232,756.71 / year with an average of IDR 260,778,413.40 / year per respondent or IDR 21,731,534.45 / month per respondent. The amount of income from 23 fish farmers who run fish farming businesses is in the interval of IDR 81,245,257.14/year to IDR 2,908,679,785.71/year with an average of IDR 1,153,670,371.64/year per respondent or IDR 96,139,197.64/month per respondent.

This study aims to determine the adaptation strategies carried out by kja farmers in ex-mining ponds, to see the social conditions of kja farmers and to find out the problems faced by kja farmers. The research location was chosen in the ex-mining pond of Bangun Rejo Village, Tenggarong Seberang District. The type of research data used in this study uses primary data and secondary data. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling. The data analysis used is qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that there are several adaptation strategies carried out by kja farmers in ex-mining ponds so that the business continues to be sustainable, namely, selecting the right fish species, collaborating with related parties, managing water quality, making independent feed and expanding marketing networks. The social conditions of kja farmers can be seen from the aspects of education, livelihoods and cooperation between networks. Problems faced by kja farmers include difficulties in obtaining activity permits, lack of support from the government, rising feed prices and irregular payment of results.

This research was conducted with the aim of understanding Consumer Perception of Crispy Anchovy Products from the Fishing Village of Maju Rawa Makmur, Palaran Subdistrict, Samarinda City. The research was carried out in the Fishing Village of Maju Rawa Makmur, Palaran Subdistrict, Samarinda City. The sampling methods used were purposive sampling and accidental sampling with 25 consumers. The data analysis method used was qualitative analysis, which is structured, focused, and specific, yet flexible and subject to change as needed.Based on the research findings, it was found that concerning the taste of crispy anchovies, the majority of consumers (80%) rated it as "quite liked," indicating that most consumers find the taste of crispy anchovies to be quite enjoyable, with only a small portion finding it very delicious. Regarding the color of crispy anchovies, the majority of consumers (84%) rated it as "quite liked," suggesting that most consumers have a positive view of the product's color. As for the packaging of crispy anchovies, the majority of consumers (84%) rated it as "quite liked," showing that most consumers find the product's packaging to be quite good, with a small portion finding it very good. Regarding the price of crispy anchovies, the majority of consumers (76%) rated it as "liked" or even "very liked," indicating that most consumers have a positive view of the product's price. Although there is a small portion that only finds it "quite liked," the satisfaction level with the price appears to be relatively high based on consumer evaluations.