Potential Impact of Ports on Seagrass Ecosystems in Palu Bay, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Musayyadah Tis^in1, Rohani Ambo-Rappe2*, Supriadi Mashoreng2, Ahmad Faizal2

1Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Tadulako University, Indonesia
2Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
1musayyadahtisin[at]gmail.com
2*rohani.amborappe[at]mar-sci.unhas.ac.id
2smashoreng[at]gmail.com
2ahmad.faizal[at]unhas.ac.id

Abstract

Coastal development, including port construction and operations, is a growing threat to coastal ecosystems including seagrass meadows. For several decades now, coastal development in Palu Bay has included the construction or extension of single-purpose privately owned port facilities as well as public or general shipping ports. The majority of private port terminals are owned by mining companies exporting rock and aggregate from around Palu Bay. There are many quarries in the mountains along the western coast of Palu Bay, and alluvial materials around several rivers along the eastern shore are also exploited. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of ports on seagrass meadow ecosystems in Palu Bay, especially the private port terminals. Data and information were collected through field surveys, interviews with fishing communities, and from secondary data. This study found about 66 ports around Palu Bay, the majority privately owned by mining companies operating in Palu City and Donggala Regency. Mining activities have expanded greatly since around 2014. The effects of port development and operations in Palu Bay, especially the private terminals owned and operated by the mining companies, include reduced seagrass ecosystem extent, decreased water quality, with negative impacts on the incomes of fishermen.

Keywords: Seagrass extent, private port terminals, port development, anthropogenic activities, Palu Bay

Topic: Aquatic Ecology and Conservation