Species composition, diversity, and the benefit of macroalgae to increase food security in Ambon Island

Abstract

Macroalgae is very important in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems and as a producer in the food chain. Besides having a high ecological value, macroalgae are also very important economically. This study aimed to determine the species composition, diversity, and benefits of macroalgae in Ambon Island. Macroalgae sampling was carried out at intervals of 10 m from the shoreline with 50 cm×50 cm quadrat randomly. The identified macroalgae were 23 species from Rhodophyceae, Phaeophyceae, and Chlorophyceae, with a high species composition of 61% (station 1). Rhodophyta macroalgae species had a high diversity of 39% compared to Phaeophyta and Chlorophyta. The most dominant macroalgae was Ulva fasciata, genus Chlorophyta (22.02%). Station 1 had a higher concentration of phosphate nutrients compared to other stations. Macroalgae have important economic value as functional foods such as Gracilaria, Ulva, Sargassum, and Turbinaria. Macroalgae biodiversity has provided economic benefits as a functional food to increase food security.