Mapping Seagrass Distribution and Cover in Morotai Island District, North Maluku Province | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||
| Article 21, Volume 28, Issue 6, November 2024, Pages 373-398 PDF (1.09 M) | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.392241 | ||
| Author | ||
| Nur et al. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Seagrass is a type of marine plant that offers significant ecological and human benefits. It is found in many tropical waters, including those around Morotai Island. However, reliable scientific information about the condition of seagrass beds in Indonesia, particularly in Morotai Island Regency, still needs improvement. This research analyzed the distribution and coverage of seagrass in Morotai Island Regency, conducted from June to September 2024. Seagrass samples were collected from six sub-districts: South Morotai, East Morotai, North Morotai, Morotai Jaya, Southwest Morotai, and Rao Island. Observations were conducted in situ, and distribution maps were created using ArcView GIS. Seagrass coverage was assessed using the transect plot method. The results revealed 12 species of seagrass in Morotai Island Regency. Out of 81 observation points, seagrass was found in 64 locations across the six sub-districts. The distribution of specific species is as follows: Enhalus acoroides at 37 points (45.68%), Thalassia hemprichii at 46 points (56.79%), Cymodocea serrulata at 34 points (41.98%), Cymodocea rotundata at 43 points (53.09%), Halodule uninervis at 25 points (30.86%), Halodule pinifolia at 37 points (45.68%), Thalassodendron ciliatum at 2 points (2.47%), Halophila minor at 16 points (19.75%), Halophila ovalis at 18 points (22.22%), Halophila spinulosa at 5 points (6.17%), Halophila decipiens at 1 point (1.23%), and Syringodium isoetifolium at 27 points (33.33%). The seagrass coverage in Morotai Island ranges from sparse to dense. Overall, the water conditions in Morotai Island Regency are still relatively good for supporting seagrass growth. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Seagrass; Seagrass distribution; Seagrass cover; Seagrass mapping; Morotai island | ||
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