Status of seagrass beds in Ternate and surrounding areas

Abstract

Seagrass bed is one of important ecosystems usually located adjacent to coral reefs and serves several important ecological roles such as feeding and nursery ground for several marine biotas. Physically, seagrass bed protects the reef from inland sedimentation. The status of seagrass beds, therefore, becomes an important thing in protecting the coral reef ecosystem. The study was conducted on July 2018 with the objective to analyze the current status of seagrass bed at Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (COREMAP) site in Ternate Island. Ten stations were chosen for this study and linear transect method was used to analyze species composition and canopy coverage. The result showed that there are 8 species found in this area with 5-7 species commonly found at each station. Among 8 species found, Thalassia hemprichii being the most common species inhabiting all of the sites. Average canopy coverage in seven stations was below 59.9% which considered as less healthy, whilst at other three locations was below 29.9% which considered as poor status. Overall, the status of seagrass beds in this area is less healthy with moderate canopy cover. This status has remained the same since 2015 to the present time.

Comparison of Macrozoobenthos Community Structure on Seagrass Ecosystems in the Waters of Nirwana Coast and Pulau Panjang of West Sumatra

“…This is presumably because the environmental conditions at each station support some macrozoobenthos species to adapt. This is by Rahmawati et al 5 The macrozoobenthos diversity index is influenced by the surrounding environmental conditions so that macrozoobenthos can adapt have a high diversity index, while macrozoobenthos that are unable to adapt have a low diversity index.…”

“…According to Rahmawati et al 5 , the optimum temperature for the development of macrozoobenthos ranges from 20-30 °C. High temperatures ranging from 33-50°C can disrupt the development of the life cycle of organisms, while a decrease in temperature can cause an extension of the generation change time.…”