Weda Bay Research Articles

Entangling global chains of wealth and value through CSR-ization: A critical Polanyian perspective on Weda Bay Nickel

Recent contributions to Global Value Chain studies have cast the intertwining of global finance and production in a new light, through the concept of entanglement of Global Wealth Chains (GWCs) and Global Value Chains (GVCs), and their uneven social consequences have been questioned. The paper contributes to this emerging debate through a critical Polanyian perspective on GVCs/GWCs where the processes of fictitious commodification pertain not only to money, labor, and the land as theorized by Polanyi, but also to ethics, which is commodified via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) standards and discourses. Our contribution is based on a grounded research study of Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), a mining project that unfolded over two decades of exploration and across the intertwined scales of financial markets, multinationals, government, activists, and the villagers residing in Weda Bay, on the Indonesian island of Halmahera. We show how “CSR-ization” was orchestrated by lead corporate and financial players to obtain the World Bank’s ethical approval and financial guarantee for the project. Standardized ethicality was granted to WBN even though high social and environmental risks were acknowledged, and several contestation movements had to be erased, discredited, and/or physically repressed for the mine to see the light of day. We contend, in Polanyian terms, that fictitious commodification leads to the destruction of people and nature—and not simply inequality—in the deployment of GWCs/GVCs where CSR-ization is closely intertwined with contestation and repression.

Determination of Water Quality Status Using the STORET Method and Identification of Pollutants in the Kobe River, Central Halmahera Regency

The Kobe River is one of the rivers in Central Halmahera Regency which is used for households, irrigation, fisheries, animal husbandry, and plantations. The Kobe River is located around the mining area which causes the condition of the Kobe River to decline. This study aims to determine the quality status of the Kobe River and identify the pollution that occurs in the river. The study began by collecting primary data in the form of water quality tests with parameters of temperature, DO, TSS, and Ammonium at 5 sampling locations. This study determines the Quality Status using the STORET method which refers to the Decree of the Minister of the Environment No. 113 of 2003 based on the value system of the US-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). The results showed that the determination of the quality status of the Kobe River was getting a score of 0 which was included in class A in the very good category with the status of the Kobe River meeting the quality standards so that it could be used according to its designation. Then obtained sources of pollution in the form of domestic waste and mining activities from PT Weda Bay Nickel and PT Tekindo Energy. Pollution control strategies that need to be carried out are determining the Pollution Load Capacity (DTBP) of the Kobe River, making communal wastewater treatment, making the study of the Kobe River DTBP as a basis for granting permits, and increasing law enforcement for activities/businesses that violate.

Characteristics of mangrove ecosystems in Weda Bay: Environment, Vegetation, and Aboveground Carbon Stocks

Weda Bay is one of the largest mangrove habitat in North Maluku and one of mega-biodiversity spots in Indonesia. However, data and information of mangrove vegetation and its ecosystem services particularly carbon stocks were limited. Mangroves were mapped using GIS-remote sensing and vegetation were sampled using transects in five sites of mangroves across Weda Bay. Tansects were extended from seaward to landward to cover all vegetation variation and hydrodynamic conditions. Environmental data (water and substrate): temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), particle size of sediment, and nutrient (phosphate and nitrate) were collected. The objective is to identify characteristics of mangrove landscape and vegetation, it is environment, and it ecosystem services in term of aboveground carbon stocks. The study showed that the characteristics of landscape and vegetation of mangrove varied among hydrodynamic conditions. The bay is important habitat for 8.5% (17 species) of mangrove species in Indonesia. Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza were the most dominant mangroves. The environmental conditions of Weda Bay particularly northern part of the bay were suitable for mangrove growth. Substrate of mangrove did not vary significantly with distance from the seaward which was mainly dominated by mud and clay (3.9 - 63 μm). Mean water temperature in the mangrove area was 29.3°C, salinity 34.1 psu, mean water suspension was 46 mg l−1, mean dissolved oxygen was 3.2 mg l−1, and water current was 10 m s−1. Aboveground carbon stock was considerable (752 ± 17.6 Mg C ha−1). Change in aboveground carbon stocks over the distance from the seaward edge to landward edge was not significantly different. In contrast, aboveground carbon stocks varied among hydrodynamic conditions: estuarine, delta, and riverine mangroves. Delta mangrove contained the highest carbon stock (993 ± 27.7 Mg C ha−1), followed by estuarine mangroves (645 ± 12.2 Mg C ha−1) and riverine mangroves (244 ± 8.6 Mg C ha−1). However, this ecosystem faced some threats such as mangrove extraction and plastic pollution. Better mangrove management e.g. reducing mangrove extraction and pollution are required to protect the functions and ecosystem services of mangroves. In addition, conserving mangrove forests will allow the government to achieve blue economy goals and to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration.

Weda, a new genus with two new species of Euphorbiaceae‐Crotonoideae from Halmahera (North Maluku, Indonesia) and phylogenetic relationships of the Australasian tribe Ricinocarpeae

AbstractDuring the environmental impact study for a proposed nickel mine near Weda Bay on Halmahera in North Moluccas (Maluku Utara Province), Indonesia, two unknown Euphorbiaceae were discovered. Morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses using four markers (plastid trnL‐F and rbcL, and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and external transcribed spacer) indicated that they should be recognized as constituting a new, distinct genus of two species, which are described and illustrated here as Weda fragarioides and Weda lutea. The new taxa are members of the Australasian tribe Ricinocarpeae in subfamily Crotonoideae, and they are most closely related to Alphandia. In contrast with the otherwise mostly sclerophyllous Ricinocarpeae, Weda possesses stellate to dendritic hairs, large, long‐petiolate, glandular leaves, and inflorescences with a pair of large, leafy, subopposite bracts. The two narrowly distributed species are distinguished from each other by vegetative and floral features, molecular data, and elevational preferences. Leaf elemental analysis of Weda indicated manganese, but not nickel, accumulation. Newly resolved generic relationships and potential morphological synapomorphies within Crotonoideae are discussed, and the circumscription of Ricinocarpeae is expanded from 7 to 11 genera.

Biogeochemistry of the flora of Weda Bay, Halmahera Island (Indonesia) focusing on nickel hyperaccumulation

Indonesia has one of the largest surface expressions of ultramafic rocks on Earth and in parallel hosts one of the most species-rich floras. Despite the extensive knowledge of the botanical diversity and the chemistry of these substrates, until recently the records for nickel hyperaccumulator plant species in the region have been scant. Identification of native local hyperaccumulator species is the critical initial step for developing local phytomining as these species naturally match ambient bioclimatic, geochemical and physiological conditions. Prior to this research just 11 nickel hyperaccumulator plant species were known from the whole of Indonesia. This field-based investigation at Weda Bay on the Island of Halmahera in the North Maluku Province revealed the existence of 13 nickel, two cobalt, one manganese and 10 aluminium hyperaccumulator plant species. Phylogenetic affinity for nickel hyperaccumulation is diverse and spans several orders, but was most frequent in the Malpighiales, as in other ultramafic regions of Southeast Asia. In contrast to global patterns, hyperaccumulation was infrequent in the Phyllanthaceae.

Rhizosphere chemistry and above-ground elemental fractionation of nickel hyperaccumulator species from Weda Bay (Indonesia)

The identification and use of hyperaccumulator plants in mining projects has been recognized as an important component of mine planning at several sites around the world. The objective of this research was to provide information on relevant plant tissue chemistry and an indicative assessment of the potential for phytomining at Weda Bay Nickel (WBN), Halmahera. The first stage was the identification of native nickel hyperaccumulator plants. In total, 280 plant tissue samples from 10 nickel accumulator species and 46 matching rhizosphere soil samples were collected. Chemical analyses of plant tissue samples were performed and physico-chemical parameters of the rhizosphere soils were also measured. A total of three species were considered as metal crops: Rinorea aff. bengalensis (up to 22,200 mg kg−1 dry weight at 2 m above ground level), Ficus trachypison (1060 mg kg−1) and Trichospermum morotaiense (5180 mg kg−1), but only R. aff. bengalensis has sufficiently high Ni concentrations in biomass to warrant field trials. Utilising a successional planting strategy, F. trachypison and T. morotaiense could be used to facilitate site conditions, followed by the metal crop R. aff. bengalensis. Using this design, a nickel yield of 330 kg per hectare would be possible every 4 years. In addition to allowing the recovery of nickel, this approach could be an integrated mine site rehabilitation strategy to mitigate environmental impacts, improve soil quality and facilitate transition to other land-uses such as native forest.

Characterization of Weda Bay nickel laterite ore from Indonesia

The association of fine grained MgNi silicates with oxy-hydroxides in laterites and saprolites represents challenges for ore processing, in particular, in nickel enrichment. The Weda Bay nickel deposit in Indonesia is a typical example of these complex ores, where clays such as nontronites develop on polyphase serpentinite as protolith. Thus, ores at Weda Bay have a very fine textured and complex mineralogy, which requires a comprehensive mineralogical identification through the use of a series of different types of analytical approaches (i.e. macroscopic and microscopic methods including SEM equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Infrared and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and QEMSCAN® mapping). Nickel rich saprolites were found to be principally composed of several types of MgNi serpentines, quartz, clays (nontronite in particular) and little amounts of iron hydroxides. Besides, some parts of the deposit were characterized by the development of nontronites at the interface between the saprolite and the limonite zone. Above this zone, the limonite zone is dominated by iron hydroxides as expected, which replace all earlier silicates including serpentine, and contains a significant amount of nickel. The representative composite ore sample contains several nickel bearers with variable nickel grade of 2 to 3%. Exceptionally richer phases such as polygonal Fe (Ni)-rich serpentine were also found with nickel grade of 5 to 10%. Serpentine types as well as other newly formed silicates such as Fe-Mg-(Ni) smectites, are intimately mixed, preventing any mineral separation. Therefore, the only phases which can be separated are quartz and magnetite. This complicates the upgrading of nickel in Weda Bay laterite ore.

Mapping and Monitoring the Sea Surface Temperature in Weda Bay Using Terra and Aqua- Modis Satellites

Temperature is one of the principal controls on all physical, chemical and biological processes in the environment. Therefore, temperature data play an important role in earth resources management activities, including managing the effects of climate change. In this study, the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of Weda Bay, Halmahera Island, Indonesia were mapped and monitored, from January to November 2007, using thermal infrared (TIR) band 30 and 31 of Terra- and Aqua MODIS satellites. The empirical prediction SST model developed, using TIR band and in-situ measurement SST, showed that the model was sufficient to predict and to map the SST within the bias ranges of ± 0.5°C. Daily SST, averaged 10 days SST, and monthly SST maps were made using 109 available Terra- and Aqua- MODIS images. The ranges of daily and 10-day average SSTs in Weda Bay were narrow, about 2°C (28-30°C) throughout the year, while the range for monthly SSTs was only 1°C (28.75-29.75°C). Accordingly, no indication of upwelling phenomena occurred in this bay during the observation (2007), but it is possible that upwelling could have happened in the past or may in the future. Long-term monitoring from space should continue in order to get a clearer understanding of the water characteristics in Weda Bay, not only using TIR, but also using ocean color bands of MODIS.

Marine ecology conditions at Weda Bay, North Maluku based on statistical analysis on distribution of recent foraminifera

Analysis of foraminifera in geology,usually being used to find the age of rocks/ sediments and depositional environment. In this study, recent foraminifera was used not only to determinethe sedimentary environment,but also to estimate the ecological condition of the water through a statistical approach.Analysis was performed quantitatively in 10 surface seabed sediment samples in Weda Bay North Maluku. The analysis includes dominance (Sympson Index), diversity and evenness (Shannon Index), and the ratio of planktonic -benthic. The results were shown in the plotting diagram of M-R-T (Miliolid-Rotalid-Textularid) to determine the depositional environment. Quantitative analysis was performed using Past software (paleontological version Statistic 1:29).The analysis result showed there was no domination of certain taxon with a moderate degree of evenness and stable communities and considerably a moderate diversity. The results of this analysis indicated that research area had a stable water conditions with the optimum level of carbonate content, oxygen supply, salinity, and temperature. The ratio of planktonic and benthic indicate the relative depth, which was deeper the water increased the percentage of planktonic foraminifera. Based on M-R-T diagram showed the distribution of sediment deposited on exposed carbonate (carbonate platform) environment with normal saline.

Influx Policy Recommendation: An Integrated Strategy through Sustainable Livelihood Approach

This paper discuss about the influx policy that should be taken by the government. Project-induced-in-migration (or influx) is the movement of people from area outside project-impacted zone to the project-impacted zone. The aim of it is to find economic opportunities and improving quality of their life. Aldi et al. (2013) stated that the influx has many negative effects especially for the social and environmental aspects in the mining project areas and its surrounding.The three main negative effect that are materialized, (i) The increasing of crime rate; (ii) the marginalization of indigenous people by the immigrant communities; and (iii) the decreasing of public health quality since the mining operation. Three important actors in development, which are the government as policy makers, the companies as capital modals, and society as the object who affected both directly or indirectly; each of them has their own role play and perception of influx. They also have own solution to cope with the impact of influx in the project areas. Their role, influence and relation will be reviewed and analyzed with the concept of sustainable livelihood framework.There are five capitals within concept of livelihood assets, which are, (1) Human capital; (2) social capital; (3) natural capital; (4) physical capital; and (5) financial capital. By taking the study cases from Weda Bay Nickel in Eastern Indonesia, this paper found that the main development goals for all of the development actors are to achieve sustainable development. Unfortunately, technological development in the mining enterprise is leading discrimination and huge gap between immigrant workers and local communities in managing and accessing their assets. The government as a policy maker tends to prioritize the companies as the capital modals.Therefore the process in achieving the sustainable development goals was blurred. Based on the sustainable livelihood approaches, this paper discuss about how do the local communities strengthen their potential aspects to reduce the negative impacts of influx. They also need to compromise in how to focus on their potential assets and cover the underperformance from the other stakeholders. It expected to provide a new integrated approach for influx-migration policymakers, especially in mining industry areas

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF NUTRIENTS ON TRANSITIONAL SEASON IN WEDA BAY, NORTH MALUKU

A vertical distribution of nutrient shows an interaction of physical processes, source, and uptake along the water column. These interactions can occur along the water column with different processes in each layer. Water samples from 17 stations were collected for nitrate, phosphate, and silicates concentration analyses during the transitional season in the Weda Bay. During the transitional season, the Weda Bay was characterized by low salinity (33.55-34.10), relatively warm temperature (30.87°C), and the relatively low nutrient concentrations (nitrate=0.03-4.87 µg at/l, phosphate=0.011-0.852 µg at/l, and silicate=0.04-1.21 µg at/l). The present of Western North Pacific Ocean (WNPO) watermass and the influence of Southern Subtropical Lower Water (SSLW) producing high salinity (>35) at the depth of 130-300 m were observed along the Weda Bay. Nutrient geochemical processes in this region were shown by nutrient utilization and regeneration across the water columns. Nutrients utilization was relatively high in the surface layer. Meanwhile, nutrients regeneration and remineralization were more dominant in the thermocline and deeper water layers. Analyses of nutrients showed that nitrate was more dominant than other nutrients with N/P ratio was 3.83-37.99 and N/Si ratio was 0.12-10.98. The effectiveness of silicate (0.25 μg at/l) that was used by phytoplankton found at a depth of 200 m when its concentration decreased at N/P ratio (16:08) close to the Redfield ratio. Due to an uptake, remineralization, and regeneration processes in each layer, a nutrient distribution pattern was formed which the nutrient concentrations decreased in mixed layer and increased in the deeper water.Keywords:nutrien, pattern, Weda Bay, transitional season

DENSITY AND DIVERSITY OF SEAWEED IN WEDA BAY WATERS, NORTH MOLLUCAS PROVINCE

The study on seaweed density and diversity in many substrates was conducted in Weda Bay waters, North Mollucas in 2013. The objectives of this research was to determine the density and diversity of seaweed in many different substrates and to determine the relationship of substrate types and seaweed density and diversity in Weda Bay waters. Data were collected using quadrate transect method and collections. The result showed that the coastal area of Batlol, Weda Bay contained higher density and diversity of macroalgae than other locations with 35 species of 24 families consisting of 14 species of red macroalgae, 12 species of green algae, and 9 species of brown algae. The dominan families of macroalgae were Gracilaria, Acanthophora, Caulerpa, Halimeda, Sargassum, and Turbinaria. The dominant difference of macroalgae in each location was caused by differences in habitat type, e.q., habitat in Batlol consisted of fragments of dead coral, sand, little living coral with vegetation seaweed that dominated by Thalasia hemprizii and Symodacea rotundata. While habitat conditions at other locations experienced severe damage that dominated by chunks of dead coral, dead coral rubble, and sand. Environmental conditions in study regions were considered to be in a good condition to support macro-algae growth.Keywords: seaweed, macro algae, substrate, density, diversity, Weda Bay

DENSITY AND DIVERSITY OF SEAWEED IN WEDA BAY WATERS, NORTH MOLLUCAS PROVINCE

<p><em>The study on seaweed density and diversity in many substrates was conducted in Weda Bay waters, North Mollucas in 2013. The objectives of this research was to determine the density and diversity of seaweed in many different substrates and to determine the relationship of substrate types and seaweed density and diversity in Weda Bay waters. Data were collected using quadrate transect method and collections. The result showed that the coastal area of Batlol, Weda Bay contained higher density and diversity of macroalgae than other locations with 35 species of 24 families consisting of 14 species of red macroalgae, 12 species of green algae, and 9 species of brown algae. The dominan families of macroalgae were <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gracilaria</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Acanthophora</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Caulerpa</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Halimeda</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sargassum</span>, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Turbinaria</span>. The dominant difference of macroalgae in each location was caused by differences in habitat type, e.q., habitat in Batlol consisted of fragments of dead coral, sand, little living coral with vegetation seaweed that dominated by <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thalasia</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">hemprizii</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Symodacea</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">rotundata</span>. While habitat conditions at other locations experienced severe damage that dominated by chunks of dead coral, dead coral rubble, and sand. Environmental conditions in study regions were considered to be in a good condition to support macro-algae growth.</em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords:</em></strong><em> seaweed, macro algae, substrate, density, diversity, Weda Bay</em></p>

<I>Nepenthes</I> (<I>Nepenthaceae</I>) of Halmahera, Indonesia

Two new paniculate species of Nepenthes, N. halmahera and N. weda, both allied to N. danseri Jebb & Cheek, are described respectively from lowland and lower montane forest on ultramafic substrate. Nepenthes weda appears to be unique in the genus due to the adaxial tepal surfaces which in the distal portion are hairy and lack nectar glands. This species is also unique among paniculate members of the genus in its forward-facing, concave subapical lid appendage. Both species are currently only known from the Weda Bay Nickel Project concession area in Halmahera, Indonesia, and are assessed as Critically Endangered using the 2012 IUCN standard. Two character states are formally described and named for the first time in Nepenthes: nanophyll rosettes and multiseriate fringed pitcher wings. Stage-related heteromorphy in lid appendages is documented for the first time in the genus. Keys to the species of Nepenthes of Halmahera, and to the paniculate species of SE Asia are presented.

DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF ECHINODERMS AT WEDA BAY WATERS, NORTH MALUKU

<p>Weda Bay located at Halmahera Island, North Maluku was rich in fishes, sea cucumbers, crabs, shrimp, and alge resources. Research on diversity and density of echinoderms at Weda Bay, North Maluku was limited and therefore it was lack on data and information of the biota. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity and density of echinoderms at Weda Bay, North Maluku. This research was conducted in March 2013 including transects and free collection of 6 stations contained echinoderms. The results showed that the overall echinoderms were found 23 species of 17 generas, 12 families, 10 orders, and 5 classes. Based on classes, the highest density of echinoderms was Asteroidea of 0.0456 ind/m<sup>2</sup> (43.76 %) foundin the seagrass sand habitat. Meanwhile, the lowest density was Crinoidea of 0.0002 ind/m<sup>2 </sup>(0.19%) found in corals habitats.</p> <p>Keywords: diversity, density, echinoderms, Weda bay, North Maluku.</p>

DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF ECHINODERMS AT WEDA BAY WATERS, NORTH MALUKU

Weda Bay located at Halmahera Island, North Maluku was rich in fishes, sea cucumbers, crabs, shrimp, and alge resources. Research on diversity and density of echinoderms at Weda Bay, North Maluku was limited and therefore it was lack on data and information of the biota. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity and density of echinoderms at Weda Bay, North Maluku. This research was conducted in March 2013 including transects and free collection of 6 stations contained echinoderms. The results showed that the overall echinoderms were found 23 species of 17 generas, 12 families, 10 orders, and 5 classes. Based on classes, the highest density of echinoderms was Asteroidea of 0.0456 ind/m2 (43.76 %) foundin the seagrass sand habitat. Meanwhile, the lowest density was Crinoidea of 0.0002 ind/m2 (0.19%) found in corals habitats. Keywords: diversity, density, echinoderms, Weda bay, North Maluku.

SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION BASED ON GRAIN SIZE ANALYSES IN WEDA BAY, NORTHERN MALUKU

An integrated study of sediment distribution was conducted in Weda Bay, Northern Maluku to provide general information on transportation and deposition process based on sediment grain size distribution. The study was conducted during the Weda Bay Expedition using the “Baruna Jaya VII” research vessel in March 13th –22th 2013. Sieving method (granulometric) was used to analyze the grain size. The results indicated that in general the pattern of sea floor sediment distribution was dominated by clay – sand grain-sized. The current speed influenced the sediment transport, deposition, and distribution. Larger fractions of sediment were quickly settled on the sea floor due to stronger currents around Southern area (Widi islands), meanwhile the lesser fractions of the transported away into other places with weaker currents conditions. Keywords: current, the Weda Bay expedition, granulometric, grain size, sediment distribution

SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION BASED ON GRAIN SIZE ANALYSES IN WEDA BAY, NORTHERN MALUKU

<p>An integrated study of sediment distribution was conducted in Weda Bay, Northern Maluku to provide general information on transportation and deposition process based on sediment grain size distribution. The study was conducted during the Weda Bay Expedition using the “Baruna Jaya VII” research vessel in March 13<sup>th</sup> –22<sup>th</sup> 2013. Sieving method (granulometric) was used to analyze the grain size. The results indicated that in general the pattern of sea floor sediment distribution was dominated by clay – sand grain-sized. The current speed influenced the sediment transport, deposition, and distribution. Larger fractions of sediment were quickly settled on the sea floor due to stronger currents around Southern area (Widi islands), meanwhile the lesser fractions of the transported away into other places with weaker currents conditions.</p> <p>Keywords: current, the Weda Bay expedition, granulometric, grain size, sediment distribution</p>

Perencanaan Kawasan untuk Pengembangan Ekowisata Perairan di Teluk Weda Maluku Utara

Weda Bay is a bay area which several resources likes renewable resources and unrenewable resources. This condition makes to develop Weda Bay as potential area, need zonation to arrange and make sustainable development. Water ecotourism as sustainable development is one of activity which can combine ecology and economic aspect. Based on this fact to development water ecotourism in Weda Bay, need to estimating suitablity area. Referring to Yulianda et. al (2010), suitabilty analysis for water ecotourism has done.Result showed Weda bay has suitable area for diving tourism as 488,8427 Ha; snorkeling tourism as 551,3737 Ha; beach tourism as 151,1329 Ha; mangrove tourism as 620,1251 Ha and seaweed tourism as 32,1399 Ha.Weda Bay is a bay area which several resources likes renewable resources and unrenewable resources. This condition makes to develop Weda Bay as potential area, need zonation to arrange and make sustainable development. Water ecotourism as sustainable development is one of activity which can combine ecology and economic aspect. Based on this fact to development water ecotourism in Weda Bay, need to estimating suitablity area. Referring to Yulianda et. al (2010), suitabilty analysis for water ecotourism has done.Result showed Weda bay has suitable area for diving tourism as 488,8427 Ha; snorkeling tourism as 551,3737 Ha; beach tourism as 151,1329 Ha; mangrove tourism as 620,1251 Ha and seaweed tourism as 32,1399 Ha.

WATER MASSCHARACTERISTICS OFWEDA BAY,HALMAHERA ISLAND, NORTH MALUKU

<p>The water quality parameters at 23 observation points in Weda Bay were collected using the Sea-Bird's Conductivity Temperature and Depth (CTD) 911 and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) meter ARO-USB 66 during Weda Expedition in 13 – 23 March 2013 (transition monsoon) with research vessel Baruna Jaya VII. The main goal of this research was to identify characteristics of water masses in Weda Bay. The results showed that the thickness of mixed layer in Weda Bay was about 40 m with the average levels of temperature, salinity, and oxygen at about 29.2 °C, 34.0, and 7.0 mg/L, respectively. Within thermocline layers, it was observed that there was the water type of Southern Subtropical Lower Water (SSLW) identified by the presence of salinity maximum above 35.0 occupied between 25.7 and 24.5 sigma-theta (16,2 °C < < 20,5 °C). Furthermore, there were oxygen homogenous layers at 5.1 mg/L situated at between 26 and 24.7 sigma-theta (15°C < < 20°C). In addition, oxygen inversion was found at 0.15 mg/L in the layer of between 26.8 and 26.0 sigma-theta (10°C < < 15°C). In the intermediate layer (>500 m), the temperature and salinity tended to be constant at 7.8 °C and 34.7, controlled by the sill separating Halmahera sea and Western North Pacific Ocean (WNPO). These water mass characteristics revealed the strong influences from WNPO to Weda Bay. The water, driven by Indonesian throughflow (ITF), flowed into Halmahera Sea before turned into Weda Bay.</p><p>Keywords: temperature, salinity, oxygen, SSLW, Weda bay</p>