Potential Carbon Stock of Seagrass Biomass in Malang Regency

Abstract

Research on blue carbon content in seagrass beds also has important implications for coastal ecosystem management. The goals of this research are: (1) To determine the composition of seagrass species; (2) to analyze the health of the seagrass ecosystem; and (3) and to analyze the carbon content stored in seagrass biomass on the coast of Malang Regency. This research was conducted in 2018 at five stations, namely: Kondang Merak Beach (St 1), Balekambang Beach (St 2), Gatra Beach (St 3), Sendangbiru Beach (St 4), and Waru-Waru Beach (St 5) of Malang Regency. The method used to collect data refers to Seagrass Watch. The biomass value of seagrass species can be estimated by measuring the wet weight and dry weight of seagrass. Analysis of carbon content in seagrass biomass can be calculated using a method that refers to The First Nation-Wide Assessment Identifies Valuable Blue-carbon. There are five types of seagrasses found on five beaches in Malang Regency, namely: Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isotifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii. This seagrass meadow ecosystem is in an unhealthy condition, with a small biomass value. Seagrass beds that are formed only in the form of small spots (1.19 Ha) are known to be able to store carbon of 0.0544 Mg C.