Diversity of Echinoderms in the Subtidal Zone of Sintok Island, Karimunjawa National Park, Jepara, Indonesia

Abstract

Aims: To determine the diversity of Echinoderms in the subtidal zone of Sintok Island.
 Study Design: This study applied a purposive sampling method.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sintok Island, Jepara, Indonesia, November 2019.
 Methodology: The belt transect method was used. The transect was drawn 200 m perpendicular from the coastline to the sea. The echinoderms in the 2m area along the transect line are observed for their diversity, the number of individuals from each species is counted, and the substrate is observed.The diversity index of Shannon-Wiener, evenness (uniformity), and dominance indices were analyzed.
 Results: The results showed 11 species belonging to 3 classes of Echinoderms found in Sintok Island. Holothuroidea class consisted of Holothuria atra, H. coluber, H. edulis, H. impatiens, Pearsonothuria graeffei, and Synapta maculata. Asteroidea class consisted of Culcita novaeguineae, Linckia laevigata, and Protoreaster nodosus. The Echinoidea class consists of Diadema setosum and Laganum laganum. H. atra was the most abundant species (0.70 ind.m-2). The diversity index value (H') of Echinoderm was in the range of 1.21 to 2.01, classified as a moderate condition.
 Conclusion: The echinoderm species in subtidal areas on Sintok Island could be a good tourist attraction in this national park.