Seagrass Diversity Research Articles

Komposisi Jenis dan Tutupan Lamun di Perairan Dusun Pandanan, Sekotong, Lombok Barat

Seagrasses can live on muddy, sandy and broken coral or rock substrates. Seagrass ecosystems are often found in areas with thick sandy mud substrates. Seagrass beds are one of the aquatic ecosystems that have high water productivity, and have a vital role for the associated biota that live around them, both as a feeding ground, nursery ground, and spawning ground. The purpose of this study was to see the species composition and cover of seagrass species in the waters of Pandanan Hamlet, Sekotong, West Lombok. Seagrass data collection was carried out at low tide, using the line transect method by making the observation path into three replicates with a length of 100 m each, a distance of 50 m each transect. The 50 cm quadrat frame is placed on the right side of the transect with a distance of 10 m between one quadrant and the other so that the total quadrant on each transect is 11 quadrants. The results showed that the composition of seagrass species found in the waters of Pandanan Hamlet, Sekotong, West Lombok as many as 7 (seven) seagrass species, namely: S. isoetifolium, C. rotundata, E. acoroides, T. hemprichii, H. ovalis, H. uninervis and H. pinifolia with Seagrass Cover in the Waters of Pandanan Hamlet Sekotong, Lombok is included in the category of moderate and rare with the percentage of seagrass species S. isoetifolium (2.78%-9.36%), C. rotundata (1.39%-6.91%), E. acoroides (7.03%-14.75%), Thalassia hemprichii (2.31%-9.66%), H. ovalis (2.5%-0.98%), H. uninervis (0.038%) and H. pinifolia (4.64%). The index of importance at the 2 stations had different values. The type of E. acoroides has the highest INP value at both stations, with values of 61.54% and 62.06% respectively. Ecological Index in the Waters of Pandanan Hamlet, Sekotong, West Lombok includes: Seagrass Diversity Index with the value obtained (1.43 and 1.65). Diversity Index with values (0.8 and 0.92) and Dominance Index with values (0.26 and 0.22).

Seagrass Biodiversity and its Drivers in the Kepulauan Banyak Marine Nature Park, Indonesia

Seagrasses are important marine plants that provide a variety of ecosystem services, including food and shelter for marine life, and protection from coastal erosion. This study investigated the biodiversity (alpha and beta diversity) of seagrass in the Kepulauan Banyak Marine Nature Park, Indonesia, with a specific focus on eight sites. Alpha diversity was calculated using Shannon's index, Simpson's index, and Pielou evenness. Beta diversity was determined using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity and Jaccard dissimilarity allowing us to examine the variations in species composition among different sites. Principal coordinate analysis and Partial distance-based redundancy analysis was used to visualize and investigate the impact of constraint variables to the structure of the seagrass communities. Alpha diversity varied among the sites, with the highest alpha diversity found at the Orongan and Matahari site and the lowest at the Ujung Lolok and Balai sites. The dominant substrate type (mud or sand) was found to be a significant (P≤ 0.01) determinant of seagrass alpha diversity, with mud substrates supporting higher diversity than sand substrates. The relationship between alpha diversity and constrain variables was only significant with closest distance to forest lost and longitude variables. The analysis found that water pH, closest distance to forest lost, mean distance to tourism spots, and closest distance to settlement collectively explained a significant (P≤ 0.001) portion (88.48%) of the variation in beta diversity of seagrass across the sites. The results of this study can be used to develop management strategies for the conservation of seagrass meadows in the park.

Seagrass diversity in Pulau Banyak, Aceh Singkil District, Indonesia

Abstract. Erniati, Andika Y, Imanullah, Imamshadiqin, Erlangga, Rahmad, Tauladan TA, Siregar FR, Fitri A, Ritonga GH. 2023. Seagrass diversity in Pulau Banyak, Aceh Singkil District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6621-6628. Seagrass is a high-level plant where life activities are submerged in seawater. Currently, the seagrass ecosystem is threatened with destruction and disappearance. The extent of seagrass ecosystems globally was estimated to have declined by about 58%. The solution to this problem is to balance local communities' utilization of biological resources and biodiversity maintenance. The biodiversity aspect of seagrass is key to the sustainability of seagrass ecosystems. Banyak Island is one of the sub-districts in Aceh Singkil Regency, which consists of a cluster of small islands and has rich fisheries and marine potential, one of them is seagrass, where station 1 is Balong Island, Stasion 2 is Balong Island, Stasion 3 is Lamun Island and Stasion 4 is Rago-Rago Island. This study aimed to assess the diversity of seagrass beds, including seagrass species composition, density, percentage cover, and water quality that affect the existence of seagrass ecosystems. This study used a purposive sampling method with 3 transect lines spaced 50 m perpendicular from the shoreline to the sea. Each transect line has 5 plots with a distance of 10 meters measuring 50 x 50 cm2, and the water quality parameters were measured in situ. This research found 5 seagrass species, namely T. hemprichii, C. rotundata, E. acroides, S. isoetifolium, and H. ovalis. C. rotundata is the species with the highest density on Matahari Island, but seagrass diversity is low, and no species were dominant in the groups. The results of PCA analysis showed that the environmental factors that most influenced the pattern of seagrass distribution and density were nitrate, phosphate, and substrate. The conclusion revealed that seagrass diversity on Banyak Islands is relatively low.

Diversity of Seagrass Along Two Coast Line Villages in The Regency of Biak Numfor: A Comparative Study

The Biodiversity Assessment of Seagrass Ecosystem in Orwer and Ambroben Waters, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province is very important for a baseline study of the ecosystem health of seagrass beds. The ecological function of seagrass ecosystems is to stabilize the seabed, provide food and habitat for other marine life, and maintain water quality. The research conducted aims to (1) determine the types of seagrasses, density, and percentage of seagrass cover in Orwer and Ambroben waters, and (2) find out the characteristics of aquatic environmental parameters that play an important role in determining the health status of seagrass meadow ecosystems. Based on the results of the research has been found as many as four types of seagrasses are in Orwer waters, namely Halodule pinifolia, Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, and Halophila ovalis. In Ambroben waters have been found as many as 7 types of seagrass, namely Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii and Halophila ovalis. The average density per seagrass species in Orwer waters is higher (2101 ind/m2) compared to Ambroben waters (1553 ind/m2). The percentage of seagrass ecosystem cover in Orwer is higher (94.44%) than in Ambroben waters (91.53%). The characteristics of aquatic health indicators for seagrass ecosystems in Orwer and Ambroben waters show almost the same range of values, namely temperatures ranging from 29.47-29.97, salinity 33.27-33.97 oo/oo, and pH 7.57-8.46, the dissolved oxygen parameter shows different values between the two waters. Oxygen levels in Orwer waters are 10.47-14.37 mg / L, while Oxygen levels in Ambroben waters are 7.47-11.10 mg / L. Based on these results, it shows that both waters are still included in the category of healthy waters and meet the quality standard criteria for life requirements for seagrass ecosystems.

PROFIL STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS LAMUN DI PERAIRAN PANTAI KELAPA INDAH DESA MAHU KECAMATAN SAPARUA TIMUR SEBAGAI SUMBER PEMBELAJARAN BIOLOGI

Background: Seagrass is a higher plant (Anthophyta) that lives and grows immersed in the marine environment; have vessels, have rhizomes, have roots, and reproduce generatively (seeds) and vegetatively. Seagrass is one of the natural resource ecosystem plants that lives in shallow waters and has many benefits for biota associated with the surrounding environment. Several studies related to seagrass ecosystems have been carried out in Maluku waters, but there are no records regarding the structural profile of seagrass communities on Saparua Island. Methods: This research is descriptive research. Descriptive research is used to reveal information about hydrological conditions, species composition, species diversity. This research was conducted in the waters of Kelapa Indah Beach, Mahu Village, Saparua District Results: The conditions of environmental physical and chemical factors with a temperature of 280C, salinity 31 ‰, pH 7.3, and Dissolved Oxygen 6 mg/L in the waters of Mahu village are sufficient to support the growth and spread of seagrass. Composition of the types of seagrass found in the coastal waters of Mahu village are 5 types and Conclusion: The level of seagrass diversity in Mahu village waters is classified as moderate.

Meadow trophic status regulates the nitrogen filter function of tropical seagrasses in seasonally eutrophic coastal waters

AbstractThe nutrient filter function is an important ecosystem service of seagrass meadows that mitigates the consequences of coastal eutrophication. In northeast Hainan in China, large seagrass areas were lost due to chronic eutrophication induced by untreated pond aquaculture effluents. However, in adjacent areas, seagrasses could survive due to seasonal exposure (i.e., not chronic) to eutrophication only. In a way, the conditions in these areas represent a transitional environment which allows investigating the effect of eutrophication on seagrass performance and their nitrogen uptake capacity. We tested how a 4‐week in situ nutrient enrichment affected inorganic nitrogen uptake rates of a multispecies seagrass meadow in eutrophic and non‐eutrophic seasons, in light and in darkness. All species maintained nitrogen uptake in the dark and preferred ammonium over nitrate. In the eutrophic season, the seagrass leaf biomass and growth were lower resulting in a lower nitrogen filter capacity. Among the species present, Cymodocea rotundata and Cymodocea serrulata covered 48% and 45%, respectively, of their daily nitrogen demand for leaf growth through leaf uptake from the water column, while it was only 30% for Thalassia hemprichii, the last remaining species in meadows degraded by eutrophication, as deduced from previous studies. It indicates that a multispecies seagrass meadow has a higher nitrogen filter capacity than a monospecific T. hemprichii meadow. By reducing seagrass diversity and, hence, the nitrogen filter function, eutrophication triggers a self‐reinforcing process. Once the nitrogen filtering capacity of a seagrass meadow is exhausted, further eutrophication and seagrass loss are expected.

Pola Distribusi Tumbuhan Lamun di Perairan Pantai Sejuk Kabupaten Lombok Utara dalam Upaya Pengembangan Modul Ekologi

Seagrass plays an important role in the life of living things. However, the existence of seagrasses in every area is damaged due to pollution and human activities. One of the areas where seagrass has not been studied is Sejuk Beach Waters in North Lombok Regency. This study aims to determine the types of seagrass, dominating species population, population density, distribution pattern, diversity of seagrass, and development of ecological modules. The type of research used is descriptive exploratory, with data collection techniques namely observation and documentation. Data analysis techniques used include: 1) diversity index; 2) dominance index; 3) population density; 4) moricita index; and 5) test the validity of the module. Based on the results of the study it was found that there were 4 types of seagrass in Sejuk Beach Waters, North Lombok Regency, namely; Enhalus acoroides, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea rotundata, and Halophila minor. The population of seagrass species that dominates the highest is found at station III of 0.2476, the population of seagrass species that dominates at each station is Syringodium isoetifolium. The highest population density was found at station I with a value of 47.1, but the one with the highest population density was Syringodium isoetifolium. The highest seagrass distribution pattern was found at station III with an Id value of 2.9608, the seagrass that had the highest Id value was Syringodiun isoetifolium. The highest diversity of seagrass species was found at station I with an H' value of 0.3637, but the one with the highest diversity was Cyromocea rotundata. Meanwhile, the seagrass that grew the lowest at each observation station was Enhalus acoroides. The results of the study were then made in the form of modules and validated by 3 experts, scores obtained from content/content experts were 80%, linguists were 86%, and visual experts were 90%, these scores stated that the developed module was valid. Then it was tested for readability on 20 students of the Biology Education Study Program, FSTT, Mandalika University of Education semester IV, the scores obtained ranged from 80% -96%, indicating that the developed module was highly legible.

Diversity and phylogeny of seagrasses in Singapore

Seagrasses are vital to the health of coastal marine ecosystems and are threatened with habitat destruction as well as other anthropogenic pressures, but their diversity and taxonomy remain poorly studied. Seagrasses can exhibit large morphological variation in response to environmental variables, resulting in field observations being unreliable for identification. Therefore, molecular phylogenetic approaches can be informative in delimiting and identifying seagrass species. In this study, molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological examinations of nearly 100 seagrasses collected from six sites distributed across Singapore’s northern and southern coasts were integrated to assess their diversity and phylogeny. The nuclear ITS and plastid matK loci were amplified and sequenced for phylogenetic analyses. Our analyses and morphological examinations recovered 10 well-supported lineages corresponding to 10 seagrass species in Singapore (Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, Halophila beccarii, Halophila spinulosa, Halophila major, Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, Oceana serrulata, Syingrodium isoetifolium, and Cymodocea rotundata), including one new local record of Halophila major. Although Halophila ovata, Halodule pinifolia and Halophila decipiens are reflected in historical local records, they were not found in the field, hence raising the possibility that these species could have been locally extirpated. The molecular markers used here, ITS and matK, could clearly delineate most seagrass species but some species-level clades within Halodule and Halophila remain unresolved. Continued work on seagrass phylogenetics will help resolve species complexes and provide more precise species richness estimates, which are critical for seagrass meadow conservation and management.

Seagrass diversity and dugong observation in North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi

Dugong is a marine mammal that only eats seagrass. Feeding tracks of dugongs in the seagrass beds indicate their presence. The dugong population is currently experiencing a decline due to habitat destruction and other anthropogenic factors. This study aimed to determine the seagrass diversity and their relationship to the presence of dugongs. The research was conducted in villages of Bahoi, Tarabitan, Bulutui, and Gangga I Island using the seagrass-watch method. Analysis of the data used was the percentage of seagrass cover, density of seagrass species, and indicators of the presence of seagrass, which was carried out by interviewing fishermen and surveying their feeding tracks. The results showed that the waters in the North Minahasa Regency had seven seagrass types. The average percentage of seagrass cover was 61.73% and the density of seagrass species was 766.88 shoots/m2. Feeding tracks observed in three locations, in Bahoi, Tarabitan, and Bulutui villages. The most tracks of feeding tracks were in Bahoi Village, with the type of seagrass that dominated being eaten by dugongs was Halodule pinifolia. Based on the results obtained, it concluded that certain types of seagrass are related to the location of the emergence of dugongs in the North Minahasa Regency.

KEANEKARAGAMAN, KERAPATAN DAN PENUTUPAN JENIS LAMUN DI PANTAI KASTELA, TERNATE SELATAN, MALUKU UTARA

Kastela coastal waters are one of the tourist attractions in the coastal area of ​​Ternate city where seagrass is found. Information related to diversity, density and, the diverse cover is still lacking and has not been supported by previous scientific research, especially in the area of ​​Kastela Beach. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the diversity, density and, cover of seagrass species on the Kastela coast, South Ternate. Seagrass diversity in Kastela Beach includes 6 types of seagrass, namely: Halodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium and, Enhalus acoroides. Based on the Shannon-Wienner index, the diversity of seagrass on the beach is classified as moderate with a value of 1.42 (station 1), 1.46 (station 2), 1.29 (station 3). Seagrass species Thalassia hemprichii has the highest density among seagrass species found on Kastela Beach with a density value of 580.27 individuals/m². At station 1, 358.27 individuals/m². At station 2, and station 3 it was dominated by Halodule pinifolia species as many as 326.53 individuals/m². For total seagrass closure at each station, especially station 1 and station 2, it was classified as rich or healthy (>60 %), where the value of station 1 was 124.16%/m², and station 2 was 95.2%/ m². Station 3 is classified as less healthy or less rich with a value of 59.79%/m².

Diversity, distribution, and habitat association of seagrass in Calatagan, Batangas, Philippines

Seagrass is an important component of coastal ecosystems. It contributes nutrients to coastal water productivity due to its high biodiversity as it provides food and shelter to marine organisms and supports local economies. This study measured the diversity and determined the environmental factors affecting seagrass distribution in five selected barangays in Calatagan, Batangas: Balibago, Gulod, Bagong Silang, Barangay Tres, and Sta. Ana. Ten 50cm x 50cm quadrats were placed on both sides of the 50m transect line at 5m intervals. Eight seagrass species have been documented: Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninerves, H. pinifolia, Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila minor, and H. ovalis. The Shannon diversity index was calculated using Estimate S software to measure the species diversity. Results showed a diversity index of 1.82, implying a moderate to high seagrass species in the area with a maximum diversity index of 2.08. The barangays with the most seagrass species documented are Balibago and Bagong Silang with both seven species. Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis were utilized to relate the abundance of seagrass species to temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids (TSS). Our preliminary results showed that E. acoroides, H. pinifolia, H. uninerves, H. minor, and H. ovalis were found to be associated with higher temperatures. Thalassia hemprichii and S. isoetifolium prefer lower temperatures and showed a negative correlation to TSS. Cymodocea rotundata can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions. However, further studies are needed to identify the most important factors that determine the abundance and distribution of seagrasses in Calatagan, Batangas. The high seagrass diversity in Calatagan, Batangas needs to be protected to improve its cover and enhance its many ecological functions and services.

Diversity, Ecological Index, and Distribution Pattern of Seagrass in Coastal Waters of North Bali

The coastal ecosystem that has high biological productivity is seagrass. Seagrass has ecological functions, namely as nursery, foraging, and spawning areas for organisms. Identification of seagrass species using the transect method in the waters of Penimbangan Beach, North Bali, was conducted in 2020, aiming to identify seagrass species and seagrass cover conditions in the coastal waters of Penimbangan, North Bali. The method used in this activity was the quadratic transect method, which consisted of a transect (straight line) and a quadratic frame (a rectangular frame placed on a line). The seagrass species found consisted of six species, which belonged to two families: the Hydrocharitales family with three species, namely Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, and Halophila decipiens, and the Potamogetonaceae family with three species, namely Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, and Syringodium isoetifolium. The density of seagrass varied but did not exceed 25 stands/m2, indicating very rare density of seagrass in these waters. Halodule uninervis species played an important role in seagrass communities in the waters of Penimbangan Beach with an Important Value Index of 89.36% at station I and 73.43% at station II. The novelty of this research is that there has not been any research on seagrass at the coast of Penimbangan, North Bali.

Diversity of seagrasses and site-specific strategy for their restoration in Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park—Gujarat, India

Diversity of seagrasses and site-specific strategy for their restoration in Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park—Gujarat, India

Seagrass Diversity and Distribution in Maribojoc Bay, Bohol, Philippines

Seagrasses are major parts of coastal and marine biodiversity. Unfortunately, these aquatic plants and their ecological values are virtually unknown to many Filipinos. This study assessed the seagrasses in Maribojoc Bay, particularly in the coastal areas of the three municipalities, namely Maribojoc, Dauis, Panglao, and the City of Tagbilaran. Ecological assessments were conducted to determine the composition, abundance, distribution, percent cover, diversity, dominance, and evenness of seagrass species. Eight sampling sites were surveyed from October to December 2020. Seven seagrass species were identified, with Thalassia hemprichii as the most abundant (52.79%). There was a significant difference (p>0.05) in seagrass species relative abundance. The Shannon diversity index implies low diversity (H’=1.40) of seagrass species. High dominance (2.98) and low evenness (0.72) were attributed to the high abundance of T. hemprichii in the seagrass beds. The seagrass coverage was characterized by patchy and continuous meadows, with percentage cover ranging from 17.45% (poor) – 60% (good). Maribojoc Bay had a seagrass percentage cover of 38.65%, which can be classified under “fair” conditions. Seagrass community structure implies sparse coverage and low diversity, probably due to the deterioration of once-continuous meadows. However, further studies concerning seagrass communities are recommended in order to implement rehabilitation program or improve current management in Maribojoc Bay.

Community Structure of Seagrass in Harapan Island, Seribu Islands, Indonesia

Seagrass is an aquatic biota that is ecologically and economically beneficial. This study aims to determine the community structure of seagrass in Harapan Island, Seribu Islands, Indonesia. The research was conducted using purposive sampling method, that divided into two sites which is considered to represent the ecology’s condition of Harapan Island. The site 1 was located adjacent to the mangroves area, while the site 2 was placed near a reclamation development and ship anchoring. Every site had three subsites as replications, each was 50 meters apart. Water parameters temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), depth, and organic compound of each site were measured. The results showed that coverage of seagrass in site 2 is higher than site 1 that categorized as frequent-common coverage. The site 2 had the density of 220 individuals seagrass per square meter that dominated by Cymodocea rotundata. The highest diversity index was found in the site 1 at 1.15, with the lowest dominance index being 0.39. The distribution pattern in site 1 is clustered and uniform, while site 2 is uniform. The Importance Value Index in site 1 was 114,8 by Halodule uninervis, while site 2 was 125,5 by C. rotundata. It is thought that the low diversity of seagrass at the site 2 due to it was near a reclamation development and ship anchoring that disturb the abundance and community structure of seagrass in Harapan Island. Habitat destruction and anthropogenic impact of seagrass need to be minimized to support environmental coastal and fisheries sustainability.

Mapping the distribution and occurrence of four newly recorded species of seagrasses in the North-West Arabian Gulf

For a long time the Iraqi regional waters of north-west Arabian Gulf were classified as free of seagrasses due to the absence of the information concerning these important angiosperms. During the survey carried out by scientist of the Marine Science Center and German divers in 2013-2014 to study the Coral reefs distribution and occurrence in this area, the divers with the help of underwater camera caught photos indicates the existence of seagrass meadows in different places of the north-west Arabian Gulf, so the efforts were made to examine this issue and a work were carried out in April 2017 to study the existence, species composition, occurrences and distribution of seagrass species in the Iraqi marine waters of the north-west Arabian Gulf for the first time. Six sites were chosen distributed along the north-west of Arabian Gulf where the depth was ranging from 0.5 to 15.0 m. Six meadows of seagrass were identified, classified, mapped and seagrass diversity and abundance were investigated. Four species of seagrass namely Halophila stipulacea (Forsskal) Ascherson, Halophila ovalis (R. Brown) Hooker f., Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld and Halodule uninervis (Forsskal) were recorded for the first time in Iraq. Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld was recorded as a new to the whole area of the Arabian Gulf and the Iraqi marine waters and found at a depth of 12-15 m. Halodule uninervis was found to be the most dominant species at all the studied sites followed by Halophila stipulacea. The total seagrass area estimated at all the stations was about 678 hectare fluctuated at different stations. Higher Seagrass total coverage area (240 ha) was found at shallower waters (0.5-3.0 m) compared with 60 ha at deeper waters (12-15 m). The exposed locations showed low seagrass coverage of 35 % comparing with sheltered sites (65 %). The relationship between depth and total coverage of seagrass was significant, while it was not significant with sites. Highest richness value was found in the Alkheran area (Khor Al-Zubair) at a depth of 0.5 m. The relative evenness of the seagrasses species, with different depths showed that the depth 0-3 m has the highest value. The distribution of seagrasses in Khor Al-Zubair and Khor Abdullah down to the open area of Khor Al-Omaya was mapped by using the GIS and Arc Map version 10.5 applications.

Diversity, coverage, distribution and ecosystem services of seagrass in three small islands of northern Papua, Indonesia: Liki Island, Meossu Island and Befondi Island

Nugraha AH, Tasabaramo IA, Hernawan UE, Rahmawati S, Putra RD, Darus RF. 2021. Diversity, coverage, distribution and ecosystem services of seagrass in three small islands of northern Papua, Indonesia: Liki Island, Meossu Island and Befondi Island. Biodiversitas 22: 5544-5549. Papua waters are one of the hot spot areas with high marine biodiversity in the world. Yet, the less accessible location and varying geographical conditions become the significant constraints of biodiversity study in this region, resulting in limited information about the diversity of marine resources, including the seagrass ecosystem. This research aims to investigate the diversity, coverage and distribution of seagrass in three small islands in the northern waters of Papua, namely Liki Island, Befondi Island, and Meossu Island, as well as to study the ecosystem services provided by the seagrass. This research is part of the Nusa Manggala Expedition, which was carried out in November 2018, consisted of seven observation stations. Data collection was conducted using the transect line method combined with plot quadrat. Information regarding seagrass ecosystem services was gathered through observation and direct interviews to the community. The results showed that there were seven species of seagrass in the studied sites, namely Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, Halodule uninervis, Halodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii, and Syringodium isoetifolium. Liki Island had the highest seagrass cover value of 82.24%, followed by Meossu Island and Befondi Island with seagrass cover of 63.23% and 31.25%, respectively. There were 13 seagrass ecosystem services identified in this research. The people of Liki Island and Meossu Island get the benefits of the existence of the seagrass ecosystem. The direct benefits are the presence of seagrass is associated with biota commonly used as food sources such as Siganus sp and sea cucumbers. There are efforts made by the community to maintain the sustainability of the seagrass ecosystem, which is known as sasi.

The sustainability of the diversity of marine macrofauna associated with seagrass through ecotourism in The Mandalika Exclusive Economic Zone Lombok Island, Indonesia

Ecotourism activities play an essential role in protecting and managing natural habitats and the species found in the habitat and creating economic benefits for the surrounding community. However, some parties state that ecotourism has a negative effect on the environment if it does not correctly follow the area’s rules and the ecotourism activities are not monitored and appropriately assessed. The objective of this study were : (i) to evaluate the diversity of seagrass and associated macrofauna at the Kuta ecotourism site in the Mandalika area of Lombok Island Indonesia and (ii) to know the response of the surrounding community and stakeholders in terms of the role of ecotourism in supporting the sustainability of the seagrass ecosystem in its function as an important factor in maintaining the diversity of marine macrofauna in the area. Data collection methods related to seagrass diversity and associated biota (Bivalves and Echinoderms) were carried out using the line transect method and the quadrat method. Meanwhile, the perception and response data of the community was obtained through observation and interviews. Data analysis was carried out in a qualitative descriptive manner. The results showed that there were 8 species of seagrass found. Seagrass species Syringodium isoetifolium and Cymodocea rotundata have the highest density of about 18.48 ind/m2, and Enhalus acoroides has the highest area of coverage, which is around 16.41 ind/m2. The highest macrofauna diversity was fish (10 families with 16 species) followed by Echinoderms (7 families with 9 species), and Bivalves (5 families with 7 species). Respondents in the fishermen category showed their understanding that ecotourism in their area plays an important role in supporting the sustainability of seagrass ecosystems, and this condition affects maintaining the diversity of associated marine macrofauna. This is supported by the findings that there has been a transition in the use of marine biota fishing gear, namely from the use of tools/methods that are not environmentally friendly to the use of tools/methods that are environmentally friendly. The most encouraging thing is that the use of bombs has completely stopped after ecotourism started in their area. Thus, it can be concluded that the existence of ecotourism in the Mandalika has had a positive influence on the behavior of fishing communities, especially in maintaining the seagrass ecosystem which is important in supporting the sustainability of marine macrofauna biodiversity in the Mandalika, South Coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

Distribution, Temporal Change, and Conservation Status of Tropical Seagrass Beds in Southeast Asia: 2000–2020

Although Southeast Asia is a hotspot of global seagrass diversity, there are considerable information gaps in the distribution of seagrass beds. Broad-scale seagrass distribution has not been updated in the global seagrass database by UNEP-WCMC since 2000, although studies on seagrasses have been undertaken intensively in each region. Here we analyze the recent distribution of tropical seagrass beds, their temporal changes, causes of decline and conservation status in Southeast Asia (plus southern mainland China, Taiwan and Ryukyu Island of Japan) using data collected after 2000. Based on the 195 literature published since 2000, we identified 1,259 point data and 1,461 polygon data showing the distribution of seagrass beds. A large discrepancy was found in the seagrass bed distribution between our updated data and the UNEP-WCMC database, mostly due to inaccurate and low resolution location information in the latter. Temporal changes in seagrass bed area analyzed for 68 sites in nine countries/regions demonstrated that more than 60% of seagrass beds declined at an average rate of 10.9% year–1, whereas 20% of beds increased at an average rate of 8.1% year–1, leading to an overall average decline of 4.7% year–1. Various types of human-induced threats were reported as causes for the decline, including coastal development, fisheries/aquaculture, and natural factors such as typhoons and tsunamis. The percentage of seagrass beds covered with existing marine protected areas (MPAs) varied greatly among countries/regions, from less than 1% in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore to 100% in southern Japan. However, the degree of conservation regulation was not sufficient even in regions with higher MPA coverage. The percentage of seagrass beds within EBSAs (Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area determined by the Convention of Biological Diversity) was higher than that within MPAs because EBSAs cover a greater area than MPAs. Therefore, designating EBSAs as legally effective MPAs can greatly improve the conservation status of seagrass beds in Southeast Asia.

Carbon Storage on Different Species of Seagrass on Tourist Destination Areas: A Measure of Disturbed and Undisturbed Environments

Carbon absorption and storage, known as carbon sequestration, have reduced global warming through photosynthesis. Seagrass beds in coastal ecosystems have high plant productivity and are found to have the ability to reduce the effect of global warming due to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Due to the anthropogenic effect, decreasing environmental quality, such as tourism, may affect seagrass diversity and growth, therefore its carbon contents. This study investigates the ability of seagrass species as carbon storage and their diversity in a common tourist destination area referred to as disturbed habitat, located at Sanur and an area that is less disturbed, referred to as undisturbed habitat. Samples were collected from 3 transects 50m in length that were placed on each site. Three plots, each measuring 0.5 x 0.5 m, were employed on each transect. The number of individuals of each species and the percent plant coverage were measured on each plot. Plant biomass and carbon content were extracted in the Lab and divided into below- and above-ground. The result shows that eight species were found at Sanur and only four from Samuh sites. On average, the percentage of plant coverage was higher at the Samuh site. Samuh site. The plant biomass and carbon storage were lower at Samuh than at the Sanur site. Species differences from each site affect the plant biomass, so the carbon content. Anthropogenic activities are not the only ones to determine the carbon storage of seagrass, but rather the species morphology.