Ecological potential of giant clams in Ambon Island waters, Eastern Indonesia

Abstract

Giant clams are protected marine organisms universally, thus information on giant clams is important for management purposes. This research was conducted in July to August 2021 in Morella and Suli, Ambon Island Maluku Province to get information on ecological potential which consist of species composition, density, occurrence frequency and diversity of giant clams. Sample was collected by using linear quadrat transect line. As many as 25 quadrants (10x10m) were used in both locations. Every individual of giant clams found in the quadrant was identified, photographed and counted. There were three species of giant clams found in Morella namely Tridacna crocea, T. maxima, and T. squamosa while four species were found in Suli i.e. those three species mentions earlier and Hippopus Hippopus. Totally, T. crocea had more individuals followed by T. squamosa and then T. maxima while the lesser belonged to H. Hippopus with one individual. Density of giant clams in Morella (428 ind./ha) was much higher than density of giant clams in Suli (48 ind./ha). Giant clams in Morella can be found in 16 - 19 quadrants of 25 quadrants used while in Suli only found in 1 - 6 quadrants. Ecological indexes for diversity, evenness and dominance showed that giant clams in Morella and Suli had moderate diversity, high evenness and low dominance.