Fione Y. Yalindua, Marenda P. Rizqi, Ayuningtyas Indrawati, Putri S. Ibrahim, Rikardo Huwae, Aser Yalindua
Seagrass meadows play a significant role in coastal ecosystems by providing ecosystem services such as supporting biodiversity, ensuring food availability, and serving as shelter for marine life. They also contribute to the reduction of carbon in the ocean. This study assessed the current status of seagrass meadows and their association with fish in East Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, at six sites. We employed the linear transect method to collect seagrass data and the swept area method to assess fish assemblage. A total of eight seagrass species were identified, with Enhalus acroides and Thalassia hemprichii found in all sites, exhibiting the highest coverage compared to other seagrass species. The seagrass cover ranged from 12.59 to 38.26%, indicating a poor and unhealthy status overall. We collected fifty-three fish species belonging to 22 families using beach seine. Siganus canalicullatus and Atherinomorus endractensis were the most abundant fish species observed. Our findings regarding habitat status and trophic groups highlight the crucial role of fish species in seagrass meadows as feeding grounds for visitor fish species, including economically valuable ones. Additionally, these meadows offer protection and serve as permanent habitats for specific fish species, thereby contributing to the fisheries potential in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency. Overall, the low seagrass cover in East Bolaang Mongondow highlights the necessity for monitoring and conservation of seagrass in this area, notwithstanding the importance of this area as a nursery ground. © 2023, BIOFLUX SRL. All rights reserved.
Research Center for Oceanography-BRIN, Ancol Timur, Jakarta Utara, DKI, Jakarta, Indonesia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Manado State University, Manado, Indonesia