Association Analysis of Seagrass Coverage and Human Activities in Nusa Lembongan

Abstract

Nusa Lembongan has high marine biodiversity, including seagrass. Seagrass is a plant that lives submerged in a marine or estuary water that functions as a nursery ground, trapping sediment, and beach protector, so it is important to know the condition of seagrass coverage, especially in Nusa Lembongan for managing the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area. This study aimed to understand the condition of seagrass coverage and the factors influencing the existence of its ecosystem in Nusa Lembongan. According to reslut in two stations, it was found that six of the twelve types of seagrasses in Indonesia, namely Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, and Halophila ovalis. From the two stations (LMB01 and LMB02), the total seagrass coverage was 38.10±30.98% or the medium category. The seagrass communities in the station areas were generally formed by 3 types of seagrasses; Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea serrulata, and Cymodocea rotundata. LMB02 has higher seagrass coverage than LMB01. The seagrass coverage is inversely proportional to the intensity of human activity.

Analyzing seagrass species and distribution for sustainable management of coastal areas and small islands: A case study of Java Island, Indonesia

“…One worrying trend that could affect the general health of coastal ecosystems is the decrease in seagrass coverage [9]. Seagrass coverage can be greatly impacted by human activity, especially when it comes from the mainland, which emphasizes the susceptibility of these ecosystems to outside impacts [10].…”