Improving the Quality of Dried Seaweed (Gracilaria sp.) Through the Implementation of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAP) in Brebes, Central Java

This study aims to identify the quality of dry seaweed Gracilaria sp. cultivated in Brebes, West Java, Indonesia, and determine strategies to improve its quality through applying good aquaculture practices (GAP). The research methods used include field surveys, data collection, laboratory analysis, and application of good cultivation practices. The results showed that most of the required parameters met the specifications, except for moisture content, impurities, heavy metal Pb, microbial contamination (TPN), and mold/yeast contamination. Parameters that do not meet this requirement are related to aspects of GAP implementation that still need to be appropriate and need some improvement, especially in determining production locations, water management, product recording, and storage. Applying GAP also helps reduce negative impacts on the aquatic environment and increases the sustainability of seaweed farming. This research provides recommendations for seaweed farmers in Brebes Regency to implement GAP in cultivating Gracilaria sp. seaweed. This is expected to increase the quality of seaweed production, increase farmers' income, and maintain the sustainability of seaweed cultivation. Further research can be conducted to deepen the understanding of applying GAP in seaweed farming and its long-term effects on the environment and the sustainability of seaweed farming.