Seagrass conservation needs based on the assessment of local scale economic value on the diversity of its associated biota in the South Coast East Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

The existence of seagrass has strategic value for the economic sustainability of small fishermen, especially in providing fish and related economic biota. This research aims to show the economic value provided by seagrass ecosystem services in providing biota associated, both as a primary or secondary source. Field surveys and analysis of effects on production (EOP) show that capture fisheries and other marine biota collectors, both crustaceans and mollusks associated with are directly utilized by local communities on the southern coast of the island of Lombok, Indonesia. The estimated economic value of fish and marine biota used in the Seagrass Ecosystem area is US$ 40,669.00 and US$ 21,105.00 per hectare per year or a total of US$ 61,774 per hectare per year. This value demonstrates the potential importance of seagrass ecosystems so that seagrass conservation is needed for the sustainability of coastal communities and for the sustainability of marine biota in the future.