Environmental suitability and detection of cnidarian invasive species at Dumai and Kuala Tanjung Port using eDNA

Abstract

The Malacca Strait is Indonesia’s most strategic traffic lane to support ship logistics activities. Ships with ballast water transfer systems can raise water quality issues, distribute foreign microorganisms, or introduce invasive species globally. Phylum Cnidaria has a strong potential to invade waters because all species in this phylum have nematocysts that function to penetrate toxins. This study aimed to determine oceanographic conditions and identify invasive species in the phylum Cnidaria based on eDNA approaches in the waters of the Rupat Strait and Kuala Tanjung Port. Sample identification found 114 species of Cnidaria at Dumai Port and 112 species at Kuala Tanjung Port. Fertility waters were detected to have mesotrophic status at Dumai Port and Eutrophic at Kuala Tanjung Port. Based on the Global invasive species database, we found Ectopleura crocea and Pelagia noctiluca, native to the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. Environment parameter conditions support the existence of invasive species in both study sites.