Abstract
<p>The occurrence of sea cucumber, <em>Holothuria atra,</em> was assessed in the seagrass area of the Bama beach, Baluran National Park in East Java. The study investigated the frequency and early stages of seagrass association preference of <em>H. atra</em>. Survey was conducted in May 2011 using belt transect (1m x 100m with three replicates). Frequency of <em>H. atra</em> and their association with seagrass were recorded. Furthermore, length and wet weight of each individual of <em>H. atra</em> were measured. The total of 146 individuals of <em>H. atra </em>were observed in which 37.67% associated with <em>Enhalus acoroides </em>(EA), 23.29% associated with <em>Cymodocea rotundata </em>(CR), 23,29% associated with mixed seagrass species of <em>E. acoroides</em> and <em>C. rotundata, </em>and 15.75% associated with no seagrass habitats. The results suggested that small size <em>H. atra</em> might prefer to live under the taller seagrass stands such <em>E. acoroides</em>, which could be morphologically benefits the <em>H. atra</em> by providing better protection and shelter area.</p> <p>Keywords: <em>Holothuria atra</em>, <em>Enhalus acoroides</em>, <em>Cymodocea rotundata</em>, Baluran National Park</p>
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