The Potential Threats to Seagrass in the Waters of Tanah Bumbu Regency South Kalimantan
Dafiuddin Salim1, Rohani Ambo-Rappe2*, Supriadi Mashoreng2, Nadiarti Nurdin3

1Doctoral Program of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
2Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
3Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

*Corresponding Author: rohani.amborappe[at]mar-sci.unhas.ac.id

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the potential threats to seagrass due to increased turbidity, the occurrence of invasive species, macroalgal and epiphytic cover on seagrasses. In situ observation and literature studies were conducted to collect data on sedimentation rate, level of turbidity, the occurance of invasive species, percentage of macroalgae and epiphyte cover. The results obtained were a sedimentation rate of 46.66 mg/cm2/day and turbidity in the range of 0.83-774.8 mg/l. These parameters are strongly influenced by changes in land cover, sediment load from surrounding rivers, climate, and port activities, specifically for coal and palm oil terminals. The occurrence of an invasive species on seagrasses is thought to be the zebra mussel (Dreissena spp.) and this is the first time this has occurred on seagrasses. The average percentage cover of macroalgae and epiphyte cover in the three coral reefs (Anugerah, Katoang, and Penyulingan) was 3.65% and 69.42%, respectively. The implication of this study is that seagrass plants might negatively responded to increased turbidity, minimum light penetration, fluctuations in salinity, and adaptation from competitors (invaders and macroalgae).

Keywords: Threats, Seagrasses, Turbidity, zebra mussels, South Kalimantan

Topic: Aquatic Ecology and Conservation