The potential of seagrass beds on the coast of Putri Menjangan as a carbon sequestration ecosystem on Bali Island

Abstract

Seagrass beds are one of the coastal ecosystems with high productivity. Seagrass beds have also an ability to absorb carbon then store it as carbon stock. One of the potential seagrass beds located on the coast of Putri Menjangan, Regency of Buleleng, Province of Bali. This research aims to assess 1) the value of carbon sequestration, 2) the potential of carbon stock, and 3) carbon stocks value differences between below ground (Blg) and above ground (Abg). Collecting data includes measuring seagrass density, leaves productivity, dry biomass, and carbon content. There were 5 species of seagrasses, i.e., Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, which exists in the area. Species of Cymodocea rotundata and Thalassia hemprichii dominate the seagrass beds on the field. Carbon sequestration by seagrass on the coast of Putri Menjangan was 1.45 gC/m2/day. Total carbon stocks (Abg + Blg) was 52.06 gC/m2 which the Blg carbon stocks was twice greater (67%) than the Abg carbon stocks (33%). These results suggested that the potential of seagrass beds in absorbing and storing carbon on the coast of Putri Menjangan was quite vast; therefore it is necessary to protect and preserve seagrass vegetation following the land use change and local development.