The Condition of Megabenthos in the Coral Reef Ecosystem on Salawati-Batanta Island, West Papua | Chapter 4 | Advanced Research in Biological Science Vol. 1

 This study investigates the rank of the megabenthos population in the underwater or partially submerged ledge ecosystem of Salawati-Batanta Island in West Papua. Salawati-Batanta Island is known for allure extensive pink reefs and rich variety of megabenthos, including polychaetes, crustaceans, echinoderms and mollusks. The study tries the abundance, difference, and distribution of megabenthos species in this place region. Data on megabenthos was calm from transects conducted along the coast at wisdoms of 3 to 7 meters. Observations were conducted middle from two points 2015 and 2019, with additional dossier collected in 2021 to guarantee a comprehensive analysis. The results usually showed a fixed diversity of eight megabenthos class, which could be top-secret into different environmental groups based on their importance. These groups contain indicator class, coralivorous species, and economically valuable species. It has happened found that the allocation of certain species, to a degree L. laevigata and Tridacna spp. is widespread during the whole of the study area, indicating a athletic population. Species like Panulirus sp. and A. planci granted a more restricted distribution. The study still found that pink-eating groups were low in number and formal no significant warning to the coral communities. The density of L. laevigata and Tridacna spp. remained approximately stable during the whole of the observation period, while Holothuria spp. displayed a declining style, particularly in commercially valuable species, suggesting attainable overexploitation. Overall, the study suggests that the megabenthos society in the coral reef ecosystem of Salawati-Batanta Island is now in good condition. However, it stresses the importance of implementing persuasive conservation measures to guarantee the long-term sustainability of these coral reefs and bar over-exploitation of economically valuable variety.

Author(s) Details:

Hendrik A. W. Cappenberg,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

U. Y. Arbi,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

J. Souhoka,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

N. W. P. Sari,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

E. Widyastuti,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

Susetiono,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

F. D. Hukom,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

T. Sidabutar,
Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ARBS-V1/article/view/11466