Abstract
The seagrass ecosystem has ecological and economical functions, which can provide benefits to the surrounding community as a conservation area and marine tourism. Studies on the suitability of seagrass ecosystems for marine tourism, especially snorkeling, on Tunda island are needed to support their use. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the suitability and carrying capacity of seagrass ecosystems on Tunda Island, Banten for marine tourism snorkeling. The research was conducted in March - July 2019. The research method carried out was a survey with five observation stations in the seagrass area on Tunda Island. The parameters observed are seagrass cover, seagrass type, fish type, brightness, temperature, depth, current speed, substrate type, salinity, pH, DO, facilities, and infrastructure as well as accessibility. Data analysis was performed in a comparative description between five observation stations. The result of this research showed that station 1 (in north area) and station 4 (in southeast region) had a value of the Tourism Suitability Index in the range of 73.15% - 77.78% and included in the Suitable category, which are potential stations to be developed as snorkeling marine tourism areas. The carrying capacity of the seagrass area for snorkeling tours on Tunda Island, Banten with an area of 11,197 hectares is 44 people per day. Keywords : Marine tourism, regional carrying capacity, regional suitability, seagrass, snorkeling.
Highlights
INTRODUCTION* Ecotourism in Indonesia has been studied extensively because of its economic benefits and contributions to local development
Water quality assessed from the results of measurements of several physical and chemical parameters, which play roles in supporting the life of seagrass biota, as stated in Indonesia’s Indonesia’s Minister of Environment Decree No 51 of 2004 about Sea Water Quality Standards for Marine Biota
The different types of substrates will affect the type of seagrass that grows on it
Summary
INTRODUCTION* Ecotourism in Indonesia has been studied extensively because of its economic benefits and contributions to local development In this case, tourism to natural environments, especially coastal and beach areas in small islands. Seagrass ecosystem is a place to live and breed for various marine biotas, such as sea turtle, dugongs, fish, echinoderms, and invertebrate biota. It makes seagrass beds have functioned as a nursery ground, feeding ground, and spawning ground. Fine seagrass conditions and the many associated biotas in the seagrass beds make the seagrass ecosystem on Tunda Island interesting to be developed as a marine tourism object. This research was aimed to evaluate the suitability and carrying capacity of seagrass ecosystems on Tunda Island, Banten for marine tourism snorkeling
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