Enhalus Research Articles

Segmentation of Enhalus acoroides seagrass from underwater images using the Mask R-CNN method

Seagrass is a Spermatophyta plant that has many roles, including as a primary producer in the food chain in the waters. Monitoring of seagrass meadows and conditions needs to be done in order to achieve a healthy marine ecosystem. The steps taken in monitoring seagrass are by detecting and segmenting it. The purpose of the study is to implement and get information about the performance of the Mask R-CNN algorithm in detecting and segmenting the Enhalus acoroides. The dataset consists of 500 Enhalus acoroides images that had gone through a color correction and labelling process. The training process was performed with the configuration of 0.001 learning rate, batch size of 4 and some image augmentation was used to avoid overfitting. The optimum weight value was obtained after conducting the learning process with 100 epochs. A confusion matrix was used to evaluate detection performance, and linear regression was used to evaluate the segmentation produced by the model. The model evaluation results showed an accuracy value of 0.9246, a precision value of 0.9507, a recall value of 0.9712 and a correlation coefficient value of 0.8771. The value indicates that the model can detect and segment the seagrass Enhalus acoroides well and accurately.

Segmentation of seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) using deep learning mask R-CNN algorithm

Seagrass is an Angiosperms that live in shallow marine waters and estuaries. The method commonly used to identify seagrass is Seagrass-Watch which is done by sampling seagrass or by carrying a seagrass identification book. Technological developments in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0 made it possible to identify seagrass automatically. This research aims to apply the deep learning algorithm to detect seagrass recorded by underwater cameras. Enhalus acoroides seagrass species identification was carried out using a deep learning method with the mask region convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNN) algorithm. The steps in the research procedure include collecting, labeling, training, testing models, and calculating the seagrass area. This study used 6000 epochs and got a measure of value generated by the model of ± 1.2. The Precision value, namely the model’s ability to correctly classify objects, reached 98.19% and the model’s ability to find all positive objects, based on system testing was able to perform recall is 95.04% and the F1 Score value of 96.58%. The results showed that the MASK R-CNN algorithm could detect and segment seagrass Enhalus acoroides.

Epifauna Pada Ekosistem Lamun Di Kawasan Pantai Sumberkima dan Pantai Karang Sewu, Bali

The seagrass field in the Sumberkima and Karang Sewu Beach are two of the habitats that support epifauna life. Epifaunas benefit the seagrass field by using it as a habitat, food supply source, and shelter from predators. This research aim to understand the epifauna density in the seagrass ecosystem, its correlation with seagrass density, and their condition in the Sumberkima and Karang Sewu Beach. This research was conducted in January – March 2020, which used the purposive randomize sampling method. Results show that Karang Sewu Beach only has the seagrass Enhalus acoroides, while three species, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii dan Cymodocea rotundata where found in Sumberkima Beach. Epifauna density in Sumberkima range between 933.33 ind/m3 – 2400.00 ind/m3. Meanwhile, epifauna density in Karang Sewu range between 1311.11 ind/m3 – 2544.44 ind/m3. The epifauna that is mostly encountered is Smaragdia rangiana. Correlation analysis result using the Pearson Product Moment shows a positive correlation between epifauna and seagrass density, r = 0.55, which means that there is enough relation between both variables. The epifauna community has a variety value of 1.60 – 2.19 in Sumberkima, and 1.26 – 2.14 in Karang Sewu, which both count as moderate. The uniformity values 0.74 – 0.96 in Sumberkima and 0.65 – 0.85 in Karang Sewu, which both count as high. Dominance value range from 0.14 – 0.28 in Sumberkima and 0.17 – 0.42 in Karang Sewu, which count as low. Overall, the epifauna community is classified as moderate, where if there is a change in the environment, the community will quickly change too.

Estimation of soil carbon storage under mono-specific Enhalus acoroides meadows in Pari Island, Indonesia

Large seagrass meadows in Indonesia are predicted to have a significant ability in capturing and storing carbon and are useful to mitigate global climate change. However, most of the available data are derived from short-term carbon storage of living biomass, whereas data on long-term carbon storage in the soil is still limited. This study, therefore, aims to measure soil carbon storage in mono-specific Enhalus acoroides meadows in Pari Island. A total of nine soil cores was collected in a 100×100 m2 area. The parameters were soil depth, dry bulk density (DBD), and Corg content. We applied a PVC corer with 7.4 cm in diameter and 80 cm in length to collect the soil. The length of the soil core varied between 8 and 67 cm. The mean (±SE) of soil dry bulk density is 0.98±0.04 gr/cm3 and the median is 1.1 gr/cm3, while Corg content is 2.1±0.1% soil DW (mean±SE) and 1.9% (median). E. acoroides vegetation in Pari Island stores around 63 Mg Corg/ha organic carbon in 8-67cm or 34cm (mean depth) of topsoil. Carbon storage of these mono-specific meadows is comparable to soil carbon storage in the seagrass ecosystems per hectare areas on national, regional, and global levels.

Estimation of carbon stock in seagrass communities in Central Tapanuli

This study aims to determine the carbon stock in seagrass communities in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera, Indonesia. The research was conducted from July to August 2020 in the coastal areas of Hajoran and Jago Jago. The parameters measured in this study were density, coverage, biomass, carbon content, and carbon stock in seagrass. Biomass analysis and carbon measurement are divided into the top (above-ground biomass) and the bottom substrate (below-ground biomass). Carbon measurements are conducted using the loss on ignition (LOI) approach. The results showed that the seagrass ecosystem on the coast of Central Tapanuli Regency, which was covered by monospecies Enhalus acoroides, was in a less healthy condition with a cover percentage of 30.3-33.3% and a density of 59-67 shoots/m2. Above-ground and below-ground seagrass biomass reached 140.19-188.72 g/m2 and 368.13-423.69 g/m2 respectively, while carbon stock reached 70.57-94.86 g Corg/m2 and 18731-19603 g Corg/m2 and total standing stock range 257.87-290.90 g Corg/m2. The data obtained from this research can be used as a database to see the potential of seagrass beds as storage of CO2 and as an effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Rate and Efficiency of Organic Carbon Assimiliation by Aquacultured Juvenile Sandfish Holothuria scabra

Diet assimilation rate is crucial to the growth and survival of Holothuria scabra juveniles during culture. To understand the assimilation rate and efficiency we assess organic carbon assimilation, which is closely related to the growth and source of variations in diet. We conducted a two-factor experiment, i.e., juvenile origin (cultured and wild H. scabra juveniles), and diet treatment (one control with no additional diet, and three additional diets, i.e., rice bran, dried cow manure, and seagrass Enhalus acoroides extract). We monitored the amounts of each diet that the juveniles consumed and the fecal pellets they egested. The diet, sediment, body walls, and organic carbon content of the fecal pellets were measured using an elemental analyzer combined with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Exponential growth was seen in the juveniles fed with rice bran, which had a fecal pellet egestion of 0.12–0.21 gC/d. Stable isotope analysis showed that the contribution of the diet proportion to the growth of the sandfish did not exceed 30%. The range of the assimilation rate was 35.3–62.4 gC/d. The average assimilation efficiency of organic carbon was 43.6 ± 27.7% (max 57.9%). Considering the assimilation rate and efficiency, we suggest a feeding interval of once every two days or twice per week at a rate of 3–5% of the total H. scabra biomass for a juvenile culture system.

Heavy metal accumulation and ecological risk on four seagrass species in South China

Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Cd concentration and ecological risk were studied in three bays to evaluate the heavy metal (HM) contamination of seagrasses. Seasonal HM accumulation varied according to locations, seagrass species and tissues. Halophila beccarii had much higher HM concentrations except for Cr in Zhelin Bay, however, bioconcentration factors (BCF) of Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn were higher in Liusha than Zhelin Bay. Cr was much enriched in Thalassia hemperichii and Enhalus acoroides than Halophila beccarii and Halophila ovalis. Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb were easy to accumulate in belowground tissues in Halophila ovalis. In contrast, almost all HM were more enriched in aboveground tissues in other species. Generally, BCF exceeding 1 and high metal pollution index suggested HM had potential ecological risk on seagrasses. The results provide the reference for managing and protecting seagrass ecosystem in South China, and are significant to expand the global seagrass detection network.

Sosialisasi penyemaian bibit dari buah Enhalus acoroides untuk menjaga keberlanjutan ekosistem Lamun di Desa Pengudang Pulau Bintan

Seagrass ecosystems contribute to food security, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity, yet they are vulnerable to changes in the environment. Environmental factors, both natural and human-caused, are the primary cause of the loss in the area of seagrass ecosystems. Transplanting or sowing seagrass is one method for addressing this issue. The goal of this project is to maintain the seagrass environment and give coastal people with knowledge so that they may contribute to the conservation of coastal habitats, particularly seagrass ecosystems, in Pengudang Village, Bintan. The seeding process starts with a search for seagrass in areas with a dense seagrass habitat. Enhalus acoroides was chosen as the seeding object in this investigation. The findings revealed that 78% of respondents were highly aware of the existence of seagrass ecosystems (perception), 28% were very aware of the function and existence of seagrass ecosystems (understanding), and 86% significantly participated in seagrass ecosystem conservation (participation).

Ecological Conditions of Enhalus acoroides (Linnaeus f.) Royle, 1839 and The Influencing Factors at Sari Ringgung Beach, Pesawaran District, Lampung

This research was conducted from May to June 2020, located at Sari Ringgung Beach, Pesawaran District, Lampung Province. This study aims to assess the ecological conditions of Enhalus acoroides seagrass and to analyze the relationship between Enhalus acoroides ecosystem and water quality. Determination of observation points using purposive sampling method. Data on seagrass conditions and measurement of water quality parameters were carried out using a quadratic transect measuring 50 cm x 50 cm. The relationship between seagrass density and coverage with water quality parameters was tested using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the type of seagrass vegetation at Sari Ringgung beach was single with the type of seagrass Enhalus acoroides. The highest average density value of Enhalus acoroides was at station 3 with a range of 76 individuals / m2 and the lowest density was at station 1 with a range of 36 individuals / m2. Meanwhile, the highest average value of Enhalus acoroides cover was at station 3 with a range of 48.48% / m2 and the lowest was at station 1 with 25.0% / m2. Seagrass density and cover have a positive correlation with phosphate, temperature, depth, brightness, and current and negatively correlated with parameters TDS, TSS, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and nitrate.

Effect of Hypoxia on Photosystem II of Tropical Seagrass Enhalus acoroides in the Dark.

Hypoxia induced by eutrophication has become an important factor threatening the survival of coastal life such as Enhalus acoroides. The purpose of the current study was to explore the effect of hypoxia on photosystem II (PSII) of E. acoroides in the dark. The results showed that long-term dark hypoxia damages PSII activity of E. acoroides. The lower the oxygen content and the longer the hypoxic duration, the more seriously PSII was damaged and the less light-independent recovery parts of the damaged PSII. The damage to PSII caused by hypoxia was unrelated to ROS but related to respiration, because the respiration rate decreased with the decrease of oxygen content and PSII activity decreased significantly even at a normal oxygen content after the inhibition of aerobic respiratory pathway. Hypoxia reduced energy fluxes between the antennas and the RCs, and generated many inactive RCs, which significantly reduced the electron transfer efficiency of PSII. Severe hypoxia (2.65 mg L-1 oxygen content) caused chlorophyll degradation. The study demonstrated that hypoxia damages PSII of E. acoroides and inhibits PSII recovery in the dark. We suggested that hypoxia together with other environment stressors would be the key reason for the decline of E. acoroides meadows.

Local Victory: Assessing Interspecific Competition in Seagrass From a Trait-Based Perspective.

Tropical seagrass meadows are formed by an array of seagrass species that share the same space. Species sharing the same plot are competing for resources, namely light and inorganic nutrients, which results in the capacity of some species to preempt space from others. However, the drivers behind seagrass species competition are not completely understood. In this work, we studied the competitive interactions among tropical seagrass species of Unguja Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania) using a trait-based approach. We quantified the abundance of eight seagrass species under different trophic states, and selected nine traits related to light and inorganic nutrient preemption to characterize the functional strategy of the species (leaf maximum length and width, leaves per shoot, leaf mass area, vertical rhizome length, shoots per meter of ramet, rhizome diameter, roots per meter of ramet, and root maximum length). From the seagrass abundance we calculated the probability of space preemption between pairs of seagrass species and for each individual seagrass species under the different trophic states. Species had different probabilities of space preemption, with the climax species Thalassodendron ciliatum, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, and the opportunistic Cymodocea serrulata having the highest probability of preemption, while the pioneer and opportunistic species Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule uninervis, and Cymodocea rotundata had the lowest. Traits determining the functional strategy showed that there was a size gradient across species. For two co-occurring seagrass species, probability of preemption was the highest for the larger species, it increased as the size difference between species increased and was unaffected by the trophic state. Competitive interactions among seagrass species were asymmetrical, i.e., negative effects were not reciprocal, and the driver behind space preemption was determined by plant size. Seagrass space preemption is a consequence of resource competition, and the probability of a species to exert preemption can be calculated using a trait-based approach.

Phytochemical profiles and ethnomedicine preliminary studies on seagrass species in the Southern Coast of Lombok Island Indonesia

Seagrass is a coastal plant that is not only important in maintaining the stability of coastal ecosystems, but also provides many benefits in daily life. Seagrass has long been used as traditional medicine by coastal residents in South Lombok. The purpose of this study was to screen the main types of secondary metabolites contained in seagrass in the southern coast of Lombok Island and to obtain information about the species of seagrass used as traditional medicine for certain types of diseases in local residents. Seagrass samples were taken from the south coast and the extraction process was carried out by maceration method using 96% ethanol as solvent. The crude extract obtained was then subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests. The phytochemical qualitative test showed that Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Halophila decipiens, Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea cerulata contain compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenols. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that E. acoroides had the highest total flavonoid content (3.7 mg QE/g) compared to that of other species, while the highest total phenolic content was indicated by T. hemprichii (33 mg GAE/100 g). The results of interviews related to the ethnomedicinal aspects of seagrass indicate that four species commonly used by local residents in healing diseases are E. acoroides, S. isoetifolium, T. hemprichii, and C. cerulata. They are widely used both as an external medicine (itching-skin diseases and external wounds) and internal medicine, such as heart, cancer, and kidney disease. Based on the phytochemical profile and ethnomedicine studies, the four seagrass species can be an alternative source in obtaining bioactive compounds for the development of specific drugs in the future.

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.

Interspecific differences in root exudation for three tropical seagrasses and sediment pore-water dissolved organic carbon beneath them

Seagrass beds act as blue carbon sinks globally; however, little attention has been given to carbon dynamics in the seagrass rhizosphere. Hence, in this study, the quantity and characteristics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from root exudation of the three dominant tropical seagrasses (Thalassia hemprichii, Enhalus acoroides, and Cymodocea rotundata) and sediment pore water beneath them were compared, to examine their interspecific differences, and to establish a connection between seagrass root exudation and sediment carbon. The rate of root-exuded DOC from T. hemprichii (2.15 ± 1.06 mg g DW root-1 h-1) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that from E. acoroides (0.72 ± 0.39 mg g DW root-1 h-1) and C. rotundata (0.46 ± 0.25 mg g DW root-1 h-1). Root exudation rates were more affected by root hair density and root hair length than by root carbon, nitrogen, and soluble sugar content. Simultaneously, DOC concentrations of the sediment pore water beneath T. hemprichii, E. acoroides and C. rotundata were 22.05 ± 11.61 mg l-1, 15.55 ± 2. 66 mg l-1, and 14.32 ± 1.82 mg l-1, respectively. The corresponding absorption coefficients at 254 nm (a254) were 30.53 ± 18.00, 17.31 ± 2.24, and 14.07 ± 2.03, respectively, while the relevant specific ultraviolet absorbances at 254 nm (SUVA254) were 1.38 ± 0.29, 1.19 ± 0.26 and 1.03 ± 0.28, respectively. Therefore, the roots of T. hemprichii exuded DOC at a higher rate, leading to a higher pore-water DOC pool in the sediment. This suggests that T. hemprichii played a greater role in the sediment carbon pool through root exudation. Thus, it can be considered as the priority species for transplantation to promote the carbon sink function of seagrass beds.

STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS DAN PERSENTASE TUTUPAN LAMUN DI MARINE FIELD STATION UNIVERSITAS SAM RATULANGI

In the world there are 60 species of seagrass, and 12 types are found in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the results of the description of the community structure and the percentage cover of seagrass in the waters of the Marine Fields Station, observations were made at 2 (ST.1 &amp; ST.2) stations using themethod seagrass watch and the results of data analysis of the community structure using the equation formula from Cox, 1967. In the waters of the Marine Fields Station, there are 6 species, namely Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule pinifolia, and Halophile ovalis. The results of the percentage of seagrass cover at ST.1 were 58.85% and ST.2 53.13% and the average value obtained from these 2 stations was 55.99%. Overall, the community structure of ST.1 species Thalassia hemprichii has the highest important value index of 80.66%. And in ST.2 Syringodium isoetifolium which has the highest important value index is 93.27%. Parameters in the waters of Maine Field Station, namely pH, salinity, temperature, substrate are good. Keywords: Seagrass, Percentage Cover, Community Structure

KAJIAN KONDISI KESEHATAN PADANG LAMUN DI PERAIRAN MOKUPA KECAMATAN TOMBARIRI KABUPATEN MINAHASA

Seagrass ecosystems services in the coastal waters are included as primary producers, nutrient recycler, bottom stabilizers, sediment traps, and erosion barriers. Gleaning fisheries in seagrass bed in Mokupa waters could cause damage on seagrass, that can be marked by changes in seagrass cover. The purposes of this study were to identify the types of seagrasses and to determine the health condition of seagrass bed ecosystem in Mokupa waters. The research method used in this study is quadrat transect method. Data collection was carried out by laid three transects (100 m) with distance between each transect was 50 m. A square frame (50×50 cm2) which is divided into 4 squares is placed on the right side of the transect, with 10 m distance between frame. This study found four types of seagrasses, namely Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule pinifolia and Halophila ovalis. E. acoroides have the highest percentage cover (16.19%) followed byT. hemprichii (6.91%), H. pinifolia (4.50%) and H. ovalis (1.56%) respectively. Seagrass cover in the study area is considered medium (26-50%) while the health condition was poor (29.25%).

The antibacterial activity of seagrass Enhalus acoroides against Staphylococcus aureus

Enhalus acoroides is a type of seagrass found in the waters surrounding the Morotai Islands but has not been economically exploited. Enhalus acoroides can be used to treat ulcers, acne medications, and cosmetics, among other things, due to their antibacterial activity against a variety of bacteria, one of which is Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections. Staphylococcus aureus can infect any tissue in the body, causing damage to skin tissue. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of E. acoroides against S. aureus and characterize the group of bioactive compounds found in the E. acoroides extract. This study took place between September and October of 2018. Enhalus acoroides samples were collected from the waters surrounding Morotai island. Extraction of E. acoroides in maceration using methanol and n-hexane solvents and qualitative identification of bioactive compounds including alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. The results indicated that the yield of E. acoroidesn-hexane extract was 0.35 percent and Methanol extract was 5.91 percent. Methanol extract E. acoroides (5.9 mm in diameter)1000 ppm is more antibacterial than n-hexane extract E. acoroides (5.6 mm in diameter). The Methanol extract of E. acoroides contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, whereas the n-hexane extract of E. acoroides contains steroids and flavonoids.

Seagrass carbon stock estimation in Panrangluhu coastal waters using remote sensing technology

Seagrass has many important roles, including in storing carbon in their biomass. However, information on carbon stock in seagrass in Indonesian waters is still very little, including the Panrangluhu coastal waters. This study aims to estimate the carbon storage of seagrass in Panrangluhu coastal waters using remote sensing technology and Level 1C Sentinel-2A imagery. The image was initially processed before unsupervised classification and a map of seagrass conditions classficiation (poor, unhealthy and healthy) was produced. Based on the map, field observation was conducted by choosing a random sampling location to estimate seagrass conditon and sample biomass. Measurement of oceanographic parameters (temperature and salinity) were also conducted. Samples were taken to the laboratory to calculate biomass and carbon content in order to estimate carbon stocks and create carbon stock maps. The results showed that the highest carbon stock for aboveground biomass of was Syringodium isoetifolium (7.16 gC / m2) and the lowest was Halophila ovalis (1.24gC / m2). Meanwhile, the highest belowground biomass was Enhalus acoroides (26.50 gC / m2) and the lowest was Halophila ovalis (5.56 gC / m2). The total carbon stock in Panrangluhu coastal waters was 19.97 tonnes.

Impact of water turbidity to Seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) morphology

Seagrass meadows provide a range of important ecosystem functions that can be influenced by both natural and anthropogenic pressures. One water quality that important for seagrass growth and survival is turbidity. A study to observe impacts of high turbidity to seagrass morphometry was conducted in two islands i.e., Sabutung and Bangko-Bangkoang of Pangkep Regency. These two islands are influenced by sediment load from several rivers in Pangkep Regency. Water column turbidity impacts seagrass by reducing the quantity and quality of light available for photosynthesis. However, dense population of seagrass Enhalus acoroides was found buried under turbidity regimes in both Islands. Some seagrass morphological characteristics such as leaf sheath length, leaf length and width, rhizome diameter and internode length were varied among locations. This suggested that seagrass developed morphological plasticity in responding to reduced light. Seagrass may establish morphological acclimatization to respond to the minimum light availability.

The Status of Seagrass Health: Supporting Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in Misool Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Seagrass plays an important role in aquatic resources, such as to support the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries, ensuring the availability of seagrass stocks for generations of local communities to cultivate in a sustainable manner. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the seagrass health status to support sustainable small-scale fisheries in the South Misool Regional Waters Conservation Areas which is located within the Raja Ampat Marine Protected Area of West Papua. The research was conducted in January 2019 in the Yefgag, Yellu and Harapan Jaya island. A total of ten quadratic transects measuring 1x1 m were laid perpendicularly to the coastline adapted from the seagrass watch method to collect the seagrass data, i.e. the species and the frequency of seagrass found, the dominance and the percentage of seagrass cover. Additional data on fish species were collected by interviewing the local fishermen directly. The relationship between seagrass cover and the number of fish species was analyzed. Th results showed that there were eight species of seagrass found in three observation stations, i.e. Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, Halodule pinifolia, Halophila minor, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata and Enhalus acoroides. According to the standard criteria for the health status of seagrass beds, the three locations are classified as less rich/less healthy. It because the seagrass coverage was in the range of 30-59%. The relationship between the percentage of seagrass cover and the number of fish species resulted equation of Y = 15,923x + 0,3174 with R2 = 0,763. It means that the percentage of seagrass cover affects the abundance of fish species by 76,3% with the remaining being influenced by other variables, such as water quality.