Seasionality of Kappaphycus alvarezii production trends in South Sulawesi using UAV monitoring

Climate change poses significant challenges to seaweed farming, particularly in South Sulawesi, where seasonal variations influence the production dynamics. This study examined the impact of climate variability on Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed farming by analyzing production trends across four key seasons: the west monsoon, east monsoon, transition from east to west monsoon, and transition from west to east monsoon. Using satellite and UAV imagery, we assessed environmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity, and eutrophication levels, to understand their effects on seaweed growth. Our findings indicated that seasonal fluctuations significantly affected seaweed productivity, with environmental stressors leading to variable growth rates and production yields. A predictive model integrating geospatial data and climate variability from 2019 to 2024 illustrates production trends and their spatial patterns. These insights contribute to climate adaptation strategies, allowing policymakers and farmers to optimize farming schedules based on changing environmental conditions. In addition to economic benefits, aligning seaweed farming with ecosystem dynamics supports sustainable coastal management by improving nutrient regulation and aiding marine ecosystem recovery. This study underscores the importance of integrating geospatial technology into aquaculture practices, offering a scalable approach to enhance the resilience of coastal communities to climate change.