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1st Int. Transborder Conf. of the Timor Island: Timor %u2013 Science without borderDili, 7-8 May 202561Seaweed Cultivation Practices in East Sumba District, East Nusa Tenggara Province in Supporting Coastal Ecosystem HealthAde Y. H. Lukas1,*, Victor P.H Nikijuluw2, Marcelien Dj. Ratoe Oedjoe1, Kiik G. Sine3, and Alexander L. Kangkan11Aquaculture Study Program at Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia2Senior Ocean Program Advisor, Konservasi Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia 3Aquatic Resources Management Study Program, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia*Corresponding author: ade.yulita@staf.undana.ac.idAbstractEast Sumba Regency is one of the largest centres of seaweed production in East Nusa Tenggara Province. With a cultivated area of 583.70 hectares, approximately 65.55% of this land is located in the eastern part of the regency. This study focuses on four specific locations within that area. The research uses a survey method with a quantitative approach, collecting data directly from respondents. Seaweed cultivation in the region is primarily conducted using the off-bottom method, which is implemented with consideration for the preservation of seagrass beds and coral reef ecosystems. This method minimizes the use of plastic bottles as floats, thereby reducing plastic waste. However, cultivators still rely heavily on nylon or PE rope, as there are currently no viable alternatives. To extend the rope's durability against ocean currents and wave action, farmers employ a spiral tying method for attaching seaweed seedlings.Challenges in seaweed cultivation in East Sumba include the lack of high-quality, superior seed stock and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The seeds currently in use have been recycled for approximately 15 years. Despite these challenges, coastal communities in East Sumba demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving coastal and marine ecosystems.Keywords: Cultivation Techniques, Seaweed, environmentally friendly, cultivation waste