Status of seagrass beds in Ternate and surrounding areas

Seagrass bed is one of important ecosystems usually located adjacent to coral reefs and serves several important ecological roles such as feeding and nursery ground for several marine biotas. Physically, seagrass bed protects the reef from inland sedimentation. The status of seagrass beds, therefore, becomes an important thing in protecting the coral reef ecosystem. The study was conducted on July 2018 with the objective to analyze the current status of seagrass bed at Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (COREMAP) site in Ternate Island. Ten stations were chosen for this study and linear transect method was used to analyze species composition and canopy coverage. The result showed that there are 8 species found in this area with 5-7 species commonly found at each station. Among 8 species found, Thalassia hemprichii being the most common species inhabiting all of the sites. Average canopy coverage in seven stations was below 59.9% which considered as less healthy, whilst at other three locations was below 29.9% which considered as poor status. Overall, the status of seagrass beds in this area is less healthy with moderate canopy cover. This status has remained the same since 2015 to the present time.