The Effect of Tin Mining on the Diversity of River Fish and Indigenous Knowledge of Local Community in Bangka Island.

Abstract

Tin mining operation in Bangka significantly damages the aquatic environment, especially the water quality, river fish habitat, and diversity of fish resources. The objective of the research is to analyze the effects of tin mining operations on water quality, fish species diversity, and indigenous knowledge related to the protection and use of river ecosystem. The research was conducted from February to May 2013 in two rivers, the Menduk River - represent river under influenced of tin mining operation - and the Jeruk River represent without tin mining operation. Water quality parameters that measured among others were stream velocity, temperature, brightness, turbidity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), TSS (Total Suspended Solids), pH, alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), and heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Sn). Fish sampling was carried out by using gill nets with mesh sizes ¾ inch, 1 inch and 1½ inch. Further, a ladle, tangkul and traps are also applied for enriching the fish biodiversity data. Based on water quality data, a Pollution Index (PI) was calculated. Furthermore, a habitat index was analyzed to measure the disturbances of the river habitat. Social aspects are measured through interviews and observations to community leaders and relevant stakeholders. The result shows that, first, the tin mining operations affects is significantly the water quality of the upstream of Menduk River where the mining site are located. The quality of brightness, turbidity and TSS of the upstream river are lower compare to the downstream areas. Furthermore, the water quality along the upstream to downstream of Menduk River is significantly lower than the Jeruk River as shown in the Menduk’s PI that reach 4.2 meanwhile the Jeruk’s PI 1.2. Second, those mentioned habitat changing of the Menduk River, more over affect to the fish diversity. Under disturbed habitat, the fish diversity of Menduk’s river comprise only of 21 species from 10 families. It is different significantly with the relatively undisturbed habitat of Jeruk River where the fish diversity reached 36 species from 16 families. Third, the local community surround both rivers are still maintaining the indigenous knowledge and rules for protecting and sustainable use of rivers and its fish aquatic resource. The elder (dukun) has authority to enforce rules and sanctions and the community members complies the rules. However, since most of the illegal tin mining operated by migrants from outside Bangka Island, the local knowledge, wisdom and local rules are not obey by the migrants.