THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND SUITABILITY FOR PEARL OYSTER (Pinctada maxima) CULTIVATION IN BARRU REGENCY

The coastal waters utilization that has potential to be developed in Barru regency is the cultivation of pearl oysters (Pinctada maxima). However, get maximum results, site selection through inventory activities and mapping an important early stage do. purpose this study was assess suitability for maxima) farming. method used current were characteristics analysis, plankton abundance SID analysis (Simpson's index diversity), oyster farming by weighting. Conditions physical parameters i.e tidal characterized a mix or semidiurnal tides which two high low each day. ranged from 14 until 69 cm/s. Water depths contour 5 >200 meters water temperature relatively at first transitional season (May) 30.1 31.6 0C. Chemical parameters, such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate still met quality standard marine waters. posphat concentration estuary had exceeded level , >0.015 mg/L. with very appropriate status area 3,201 ha.
 Keywords: Coastal, Pearl farming, Suitability, Environmental