Suitability Index of Snorkeling Tourism in Sepulu District, Bangkalan, Indonesia

Abstract

Bangkalan is one of the districts in Madura with a coastal area that can be developed as a marine tourism location for snorkelling, and their northern coast facing the Java Sea has only been used for coastal tourism. This research aimed to assess the suitability index of snorkelling tourism in Sepulu waters, Bangkalan. The research was carried out during September-October 2021. Coral cover, fish diversity, water conditions, and an analysis of tourism suitability and the carrying capacity of snorkelling tourism were assessed. Hard coral cover in Sepulu waters ranges from 22-38%, while the per cent of coral cover (including soft corals) ranges from 34-55.5%. The number of coral growth forms found in Sepulu waters ranged from 6-8 forms. Reef fish found in Sepulu district water were between 7-12 species. The tourism suitability index of Sepulu Waters, Bangkalan, which ranges from 61.40-75.44%, is included in the category of quite suitable. The area's carrying capacity for snorkelling tourism activities is 152-500 people daily. Sepulu waters, especially Tengket and Labuhan waters, have a high potential to be used as snorkelling tourism objects.