Analyzing seagrass species and distribution for sustainable management of coastal areas and small islands: A case study of Java Island, Indonesia

Abstract

Seagrass beds are essential components of coastal communities globally, as they support productive fisheries and coastline stabilization. In view of its numerous ecosystem services, the coverage of seagrass is an important indicator of ecosystem health. However, there are conflicting data regarding Indonesia’s seagrass coverage. Some research indicates that seagrass bed areas have declined, with significant damage observed on Java Island. The objective of this study are to provide an inventory of the various species of seagrass found; present their distribution on a map; and assess the extent of seagrass cover. This seagrass study was conducted from 2014 to 2021 on the java Coast. Data were collected using a systematic literature review. The distribution of seagrass species was processed using QGIS. The coverage of seagrass analysis was conducted descriptively by considering the categories listed in the Decree of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia 200/2004. There are 11 types of seagrass found in 13 districts along the Java Coast. Seagrass coverage are varies 3% to 80%. The health status of seagrass beds on the north coast of Java is moderate to good, while the condition of seagrass beds on the south coast is poor to moderate.