The Thousand Islands Regency administration is ready to support the development of sea tilapia fish farming carried out by residents of Kelapa Island, North Thousand Islands, as an alternative to fish cultivation in floating net cages (KJA).

Iwan P. Samosir, Assistant for Thousand Islands Economic and Development Administration said, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the grouper and sea pomfret farming businesses run by residents had experienced a drastic decline due to the lack of orders.

"Sea tilapia can be an alternative and the potential is on Kelapa Island for its cultivation," he expressed, Wednesday (9/9).

He explained sea tilapia was an alternative choice as this type of fish reproduces quickly and the risk of disease and death is quite small. His side had helped the Maritime, Agriculture and Food Security (KPKP) Sub-agency to supervise and coach locals, starting from fish care to harvesting, as well as monitoring their development.

"If it matches the natural conditions of Thousand Islands, we will develop it further," he concluded.