The community structure of giant clam in the waters of Morella village, Leihitu region, Central Mollucas Regency

Abstract

Kima (giant clams) are molluscs that inhabit the ocean floor on the reef and sand substrate. There are 7 species found in the waters of Indonesia namely Tridacna maxima, T. squamosa, T. gigas, T crocea, T derasa, Hippoppus hippoppus and H. porcelanus. Kima are included among the protected biota, both nationally and internationally. This research was conducted on the waters of Morella Village, Leihitu Region, Central Mollucas Regency. The study sites are divided into two stations: Station 1 is the waters of Mahiwa Bay and Station 2 is the waters of Tihlepuai Bay. Station 2 is a Kima farm established in December 2016 by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Samples were collected by using the belt transect method. The results obtained are as follows. In Station 1, the 2 species found are T. maxima and T. squamosa, while the 4 species found in Station 2 are T. maxima, T. squamosa, T crocea and H. hippoppus. The highest value, abundance, density, and frequency of occurrence were represented by T. squamosa. The diversity and homogeneity indexes in the waters of Morella village were in the high and medium levels, respectively. The result of this research will add data contribution in determining strategies for kima conservation in Mollucas.