Analysis of the Role of Seagrass Biodiversity in Supporting the Conservation of Marine Ecosystems in the Nias Islands, North Sumatra

Nistiarni Zebua; Ratna Dewi Zebua; Betzy V. Telaumbanua; Destriman Laoli; Januari Dawolo; Okniel Zebua

doi:10.35800/jip.v14i1.65990

Authors

Nistiarni Zebua University of Nias Indonesia
Ratna Dewi Zebua University of Nias Indonesia
Betzy V. Telaumbanua University of Nias Indonesia
Destriman Laoli University of Nias Indonesia
Januari Dawolo University of Nias Indonesia
Okniel Zebua University of Nias Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35800/jip.v14i1.65990

Keywords:

coastal ecosystem, marine conservation, Nias Islands, seagrass biodiversity

Abstract

Seagrass ecosystems are essential components of coastal environments and play a strategic role in maintaining the stability and sustainability of marine ecosystems. This study aimed to analyze seagrass species diversity and the role of seagrass biodiversity in supporting marine ecosystem conservation in the Nias Islands, North Sumatra. The research was conducted at three locations: La’aya Village (North Nias Regency), Fodo Waters (Gunungsitoli City), and waters near Sirombu Port (West Nias Regency), using the quadrat transect method during the lowest low tide. Data analysis included density, frequency, cover, Important Value Index (IVI), and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′). The results identified five seagrass species, namely Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, and Thalassia hemprichii. Syringodium isoetifolium was the dominant species with the highest IVI across all study sites. The seagrass diversity index values ranged from 1.55 to 1.57, indicating a moderate level of diversity and a relatively stable community structure. These findings suggest that seagrass ecosystems in the Nias Islands are still functioning effectively and play a crucial role in supporting coastal stability, marine biodiversity, and as a scientific basis for sustainable marine ecosystem management and conservation.

Keywords: coastal ecosystem; marine conservation; Nias Islands; seagrass biodiversity

Abstrak

Ekosistem lamun merupakan salah satu komponen penting ekosistem pesisir yang memiliki peranan strategis dalam menunjang keberlanjutan dan konservasi ekosistem laut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat keanekaragaman jenis lamun serta peranan biodiversitas lamun dalam mendukung upaya konservasi ekosistem laut di Kepulauan Nias, Sumatera Utara. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada tiga lokasi, yaitu Perairan Desa La’aya (Kabupaten Nias Utara), Perairan Fodo (Kota Gunungsitoli), dan Perairan dekat Pelabuhan Sirombu (Kabupaten Nias Barat). Metode yang digunakan adalah metode transek kuadrat pada saat surut terendah, dengan analisis struktur komunitas meliputi kerapatan, frekuensi, penutupan, Indeks Nilai Penting (INP), serta indeks keanekaragaman Shannon–Wiener (H′). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat lima jenis lamun, yaitu Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, dan Thalassia hemprichii. Syringodium isoetifolium merupakan spesies dominan di seluruh lokasi dengan nilai INP tertinggi. Nilai indeks keanekaragaman lamun pada ketiga lokasi berada pada kategori sedang, dengan nilai H′ berkisar antara 1,55–1,57. Kondisi ini menunjukkan bahwa struktur komunitas lamun relatif stabil dan masih mampu menjalankan fungsi ekologisnya secara optimal. Keanekaragaman lamun yang masih terjaga berperan penting dalam mendukung stabilitas ekosistem pesisir, penyediaan habitat biota laut, serta menjadi dasar ilmiah dalam perencanaan pengelolaan dan konservasi ekosistem laut di Kepulauan Nias secara berkelanjutan.

Kata kunci: Kata kunci: biodiversitas lamun; ekosistem pesisir; konservasi laut; Kepulauan Nias

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