Location Characteristic of Seaweed Cultivation Based on Image Processing and People Perception in Amal Coast, Tarakan Island

Amal coast in Tarakan Island famous for seaweed production. This research aims to know the location characteristic of seaweed cultivation from people perception, and to know the connection of the people perception with certain factors such as: the family income, the length of stay, and the impact of seaweed cultivation on society and environment. Research location was based on the purposive sampling in Amal Coast which was the main location of seaweed cultivation. Furthermore, searching for additional data from informant who's recommended by key informant. This method based on snowball sampling. Location characteristic of seaweed cultivation seen based on Landsat 8 image processing. The data were compiled and validated by survey using question-answer method which was based on the research variables. Data analysis in this research was qualitative descriptive method, to provide a description and explanation of research variables. Interactive data model analysis from Miles and Huberman, which started with data collection process, data simplification, data presentation, and conclusion of research. Results from this study showed that people's perception determine characteristics of location for seaweed cultivation in Amal Coast, East Tarakan. Location that provide more income and more long-term business will be increasingly in demand.