Diversity and Density of Seagrass Meadows on Tunda Island

Abstract

Tunda Island is an island with many potential resources that can be utilized as a conservation area such as seagrass beds. Seagrass meadows are one type of marine plants that live in shallow waters, have an important role for fish because of the source of food providers and also as a place for fish to shelter from predatory animals. The purpose of this research is to determine the condition of seagrass diversity and density located on Tunda Island, Serang Regency. This research uses provocive sampling method with quantitative approach and analysis using descriptive method. The results of the diversity analysis based on the data obtained are that there are 8 different seagrass species on Tunda Island with a total of 2751 individuals, which include individuals of Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea serulata, Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea rotundata, Halophila minor, Halophila spinulosa, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Enhalus acoroides. Seagrass density of each individual shows a difference in each station. At station 1, the seagrass density was 27 ind/m² with the highest density of 11 ind/m² by Thalassia hemprichi species, station 2 obtained seagrass density of 44 ind/m² with the highest seagrass density of 20 ind/m² by Thalassia hemprichi and Halophila ovalis species. Station 3 obtained seagrass density of 39 ind/m² with the highest seagrass density of 17 ind/m² by Thalassia hemprichi species. All research stations are included in the sparse density category due to various factors including environmental pressure and human activities around the research site. Seagrasses that have a high dominant index value have good growth and defense power in the aquatic environment, while seagrasses that have a low diversity index have less resistance in the environment. Because each station has different substrate areas, some are sandy, muddy, and craggy.