Analysis of Seagrass Biodiversity and Carrying Capacity of Coastal Waters at Bama, Baluran National Park, East Java

Abstract

Seagrass ecosystems serve as protective areas and habitats for marine flora and fauna. Bama Beach in Baluran National Park, East Java, has become a popular tourist destination. Consequently, research on the condition of the seagrass and its ecosystem is necessary to recommend. This study aimed to inventory seagrass biodiversity and assess ecological conditions. Measured parameters included seagrass species, absolute and relative density, absolute and relative frequency, absolute and relative cover, and the Importance Value Index (IVI) of seagrass species, alongside aquatic environmental parameters such as substrate type, temperature, transparency, turbidity, pH, salinity, DO, CO2, and BOD. An exploratory method was employed. The exploration and sampling of seagrass and the measurement of physical and chemical parameters using a transect method; this comprised 10 stations, with each station consisting of 10 plots, each containing 3 subplots. Station coordinates ranged from 7°50'27"S to 7°50'42"S and 114°27'43"E to 114°27'47"E. Seagrass species identification and data analysis, conducted at the Taxonomy and Ecology Laboratories of the Biology Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, State University of Surabaya. The results showed that nine seagrass species were found at Bama Beach. The highest relative density was observed in Enhalus acoroides (33.8%). Regarding relative frequency, the highest value was recorded for Enhalus acoroides (44.17%). The highest relative cover was observed for Cymodocea serrulata (46.65%). The highest Importance Value Index was 96.47% (Enhalus acoroides). Mean water parameters were: temperature 29.26°C, transparency 0.40 m, depth 0.45 m, dissolved solids 37.9 mg/L, current velocity 0.24 m/s, turbidity 4.09 NTU, muddy sand substrate, pH 7.83, salinity 31‰, DO 6.80 ppm, CO₂ 10.55 ppm, and BOD 16.41 ppm; these values generally fall within optimal ranges. It can be concluded that the ecological conditions of the intertidal waters at Bama Beach remain within the optimal range to support seagrass life.