The Evidence of Seagrass Environmental Support for Local People’s Economic on the South Coast of Lombok Island

Abstract

The richness of marine biota associated with seagrass has many economic values and has been used by the community as a source of livelihoods such as fish, mollusks, bivalves, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the contribution of seagrass and its surrounding environment as a source of livelihood for local communities in the study area. This research method uses observation, interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth discussions. Furthermore, the number of samples was determined by purposive sampling, 265 fishers, 128 local non-fishermen, and 125 tourism service providers. The analysis of the average income of respondents (fishermen) based on animal groups obtained from seagrass and surrounding areas is U$16167.5. Meanwhile, the average income of respondents (local non-fishermen) from seagrass areas, especially housewives, is US$3401.63/season (full moon and dead moon) at low tide. Furthermore, the average income of respondents from providers of tourist services (especially for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and transportation services) is U$19353.85/month. The conclusion is that seagrass conservation can be an economical solution for local communities in a global climate change situation.