Teluk Bakau Research Articles

Cadangan Karbon di Area Padang Lamun Pesisir Pulau Bintan, Kepulauan Riau

<strong>Carbon Stock in Seagrass Meadows of Bintan Island, Riau Archipelago.</strong> Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) is the main component of greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. About 40 Tt CO<sub>2 </sub>was accumulated in the ocean plays an important role in the oceans’s carbon cycle. The ocean can absorb CO<sub>2 </sub>through photosynthesis by the planktonic community or coastal vegetations (i.e. seagrass and mangrove) to reduce atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub>. As a study case, we assessed Bintan Island that has the extensive area of seagrass meadows. The potential of seagrass meadows, especially in the absorption of CO<sub>2 </sub>can be estimated by determining the carbon stock. The dominant species of seagrass in Bintan Island are <em>Enhalus acoroides</em> and <em>Thalassia hemprichii</em>. The objectives of this study are carbon stock assessment of the sediment and seagrass habitus (i.e above substrate (AS) consist of leave blades and fronds and Below Substrate (BS) consist of roots and rhizomes). We compare carbon stock between AS and BS, as well as between two species. The result of the research show that carbon estimation value in Pengudang Station (PS) (68.398,47 g C/m<sup>2</sup>) is higher than Teluk Bakau Station (57.763,47 g C/m<sup>2</sup>). The carbon estimation value of <em>E. acoroides</em> is higher that others either in TBS of PS. The carbon stock in BS is higher than AS. While the estimated carbon stock in the sediment in PS was higher than in TBS.

Human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) in seagrass ecosystem: an example from the east coast of Bintan Regency, Kepulauan Riau Province, Indonesia

Seagrass ecosystems have a role as providers of ecosystem services and have been used by fisherman for a long time. Information about the connectivity between seagrass ecosystems and fishermen in Indonesia is limited; therefore, this study aims to measure the relationship between the seagrass ecosystem and fishermen in Bintan Regency, Kepulauan Riau Province, Indonesia. The research was conducted from December 2014 to May 2015 in the villages of Teluk Bakau, Malang Rapat, Berakit and Pengudang. The human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) approach was used to measure that connectivity. Seagrasses, planktons, fishes, crabs, squids and mollusks were observed during the East and North seasons. The results showed that HANPP in the East season (March–May) is 62.8 Gg (77.1%) and in the North season (December–February) is 68.8 Gg (84.5%) with an efficiency of, respectively, 77.7 and 79.7%. The traditional fishermen are highly dependent on the seagrass ecosystem. They use the seagrass ecosystem in both the East and North seasons. The proper management of seagrass ecosystem is needed in order to make the life of a traditional fisherman in the Bintan Regency sustainable.

Assessing the Potential of Mangrove Educotourism to Marine Protected Area: A Case of Tioman and Tulai Islands, Pahang, Malaysia

Mangroves composition and species are richly diverse in Tioman and Tulai Island. A total of 23 mangrove species have been found consisting of exclusive and non-exclusive species in Kg. Juara, Kg. Nipah, Kg. Paya, Kg. Genting and Tulai Island. The abundance mangrove species are Rhizophora X lamarckii, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata and Brugueira gymnorrhiza. From supervised classification, total of 59.90 hectares mangrove covers have been identified in both islands, with 86.49% in Tioman Island (52.76 hectares) and 13.51% in Tulai Island (7.14 hectares). A new hybrid species has been found (Rhizophora X lamarckii) dominated in Tulai Island, combination between Rhizophora stylosa and Rhizophora apiculata. At the mean time only mangrove area in Teluk Bakau, Tulai Island is considered as the focal destination of tourists to the area. However, other mangrove areas in Tioman Island are also potential to be promoted as tourist destination areas. Although the mangrove area is only a part of the scenery, its presence obviously enhances tourist attraction. The basic facilities such as information counter, walking trails, garbage boxes and toilets are considered necessary. The main information panel and site map should be provided on the mangrove sites. Boardwalks may be constructed for visitor to access the mangrove area without destroying the root system and stand. The actual site of these facilities and on-site information guides should be strategically placed in order to provide beneficial information and as well as to sustain the biophysical stability of the sites. Since mangroves provide various important functions in nature, it hopes that the mangrove educotourism activity will influence the people and community’s attitudes to the environment, conservation and sustainable development in a very positive way.