Biodiversity, community structure and potential uses of seaweeds and seagrass in transition zone of Taka Bonerate Kepulauan Selayar biosphere reserve, Indonesia

Abstract

Macroalgae and seagrass play an important role in marine ecosystems. These organisms have important ecological roles that include primary producers, food sources for other biota, shelters and carbon sinks. Economically, many macroalgae and seagrass species can be exploited as commodities due to their nutritional values and benefits. In Indonesia, macroalgae is traditionally used as food and medicines, especially by communities living in coastal areas. This study aims to unravel the diversity and potential uses of seagrass and macroalgae in Polassi and Tambolongan islands, which is part of the transition zone of the Taka Bonerate Kepulauan Selayar Biosphere Reserve. Identification was performed to analyse several parameters, such as: frequency, density, closure, IVI, dominance and diversity index. Based on the identification results, 7 species of seagrass and 17 species of macroalgae were obtained. Five seagrass species and five algae species are known to contain compounds that are beneficial to humans such as antibacterial, antifungal, and bioactive compounds. Four algae species are used for consumption. The diversity index values of seagrass and macroalgae obtained were categorized as low-medium, with H’ 1.05 - 1.55 for seagrass and H’ 1.22 - 1.56 for algae. This study provides information that are useful for future utilization of marine resources.