Mangrove Forest Ecosystem in Polewali Mandar:Hopes or Challenges?
B. A. J. Gosari, A. Baso, S. Made, Amilluddin, A. Wahid, A. Amri

Universitas Hasanuddin

Abstract

Mangrove forest ecosystem is an important habitat for marine organisms and provides great economic potential. This article aims explaining the role of mangrove forest ecosystems and their economic potential using descriptive analysis. Data taken from related literatures which is then described further. The location of the mangrove is in Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi Province. Observation of mangrove species was carried out in situ in March 2023 and identification of species was carried out at the water quality laboratory, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University. The results showed that there were two dominant types of mangroves, namely: Rhizophora stylosa and Sonneratia alba. Economic potential directly by utilizing mangroves as food and boards, while indirectly utilized as a tourist destination. Recently, the extent of mangrove forest in this area was decreasing due to the conversion of mangrove into human settlement, fishpond and uncontrolled mangrove exploitation.

Keywords: Mangrove forest, economic potential, Polewali Mandar

Topic: Aquatic Biodiversity