The assessment of benthic ecosystems and substrate profile of Bawean Island East Java Province

Abstract

Bawean Island is located 80 km north of the East Java mainland. This island is known to have a natural coral reef ecosystem that is still preserved. However, the condition of the coral reefs on the island has not been widely studied and documented. This study aims to determine in detail the substrate profile and to analyze the condition of the coral reefs that are scattered along the coast of Bawean Island. Profiling of the bottom substrate and benthic habitat was carried out using the Line Intercept Transect method at 14 dive points. Furthermore, the percentage of coral coverage and other types of substrates is calculated. The results showed that in general the condition of coral reefs in Bawean Island was in the range of poor to good conditions (% living coral cover <25% - 74%). However, the condition of coral reefs and benthic habitats on Bawean Island is threatened by sea sand mining and the use of destructive fishing method. Based on the condition of the coral reefs, the waters of Bawean Island was recommended as one of the marine protected areas in East Java.