STRATEGI KONSERVASI PULAU KECIL MELALUI PENGELOLAAN PERIKANAN BERKELANJUTAN (STUDI KASUS PULAU NIAS, SUMATERA UTARA)

Abstract

Small islands in Indonesia play a strategic role as providers of fishery resources and as a source of livelihood for coastal communities. However, limited resources, exploitation pressures, ecosystem degradation, and the impacts of climate change have made the sustainability of small islands increasingly vulnerable. This study aims to analyze conservation strategies on Nias Island, North Sumatra, through a sustainable fisheries management approach. The research method used is qualitative with a case study, involving in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, participatory observation, and secondary document analysis. The results of the study show that Nias Island has significant fisheries potential, particularly pelagic fish and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. However, this potential faces major challenges in the form of overfishing, habitat destruction, fisher poverty, and weak institutional capacity. Conservation strategies that have been implemented, such as the Sawo Lahewa Marine Conservation Area and ecosystem restoration programs, have proven to have a positive impact, although their effectiveness is still limited. The role of local communities, including the application of traditional fangowai wisdom, is an important factor in supporting conservation, although participation still needs to be improved. This study concludes that conservation strategies on small islands must be integrative, adaptive, and participatory, combining ecological, social, economic, and institutional aspects to ensure the sustainability of resources.