Study of giant clam resources for potential marine tourism in Morella Waters, Central Maluku

Abstract

The giant clam is marine mollusk that lives in the coral reef ecosystem and is protected by CITES Appendix II has the high potential object as marine tourism. This study aimed to analyze the potency of clams, which are part of the coral reef ecosystem for the use of diving and snorkeling ecotourism with clams, as the main object in Morella. The parameters used for the analysis of the clam population are 1) density of clams; 2) diversity index and Tourism Suitability Index. There were five species of clams in Morella, such as Tridacna maxima, T. squamosa, T. gigas, T. crocea, and Hippopus hippopus. The widest distribution was shown by T. maxima. The highest population of clam in Lettang Beach was T. squamosa. The highest percentage of coral reef coverage was found at Lubang Buaya Beach at 81.10%, and the lowest was at Hallasy Beach at 55.53%. The highest diversity of reef fish species was found in Lettang Beach, with 197 species. All areas were suitable to be used as tourist attractions for snorkeling activities of clams and reefs. Whereas, Hallasy Beach, Lubang Buaya Beach, and Lettang Beach were suitable to be used for clam and coral attractive object of diving activities.