A community training program on the Utilization of Suckerfish into Processed Fish Floss Products for Household Industries was held in the communities around Lake Soppeng from August 31 to September 1, 2024, and was attended by 30 housewives. The initiative responded to the growing concern over the presence of suckerfish, which has become a serious problem for local fishermen. This invasive species not only damages fishing nets but also threatens the aquatic ecosystem by consuming the eggs and larvae of endemic fish, thereby reducing biodiversity in the lake.
The training aimed to transform this challenge into an opportunity by introducing methods to process suckerfish into economically valuable products. Participants learned how to prepare fish floss from suckerfish meat, which could serve as a nutritious food item for household consumption and as a potential product for small-scale industry. In addition, the remaining parts of the fish were processed into animal feed for poultry such as chickens and ducks, creating a sustainable cycle of utilization. Through this approach, fishermen are expected to bring suckerfish ashore rather than discarding them back into the waters, turning a destructive species into a source of income. Ultimately, this initiative not only provided an alternative livelihood for local families but also contributed to improving household nutrition and strengthening community food security.
