Distribution pattern of macroalgae community in Pecaron Beach, Kebumen Regency

Abstract

Macroalgae have a high species diversity but are very susceptible to environmental changes or ecological pressures that can affect their existence. Pecaron Beach conditions have a substrate type of sand and coral fragments. This study aims to determine the pattern of macroalgae distribution in the waters of Pecaron Beach Kebumen. The research method uses a survey method with a purposive random sampling technique. Variables observed in this study are macroalgae distribution patterns. The observed parameters consist of the main parameters and supporting parameters. The main parameters consist of macroalgae biomass, while the supporting parameter consists of depth values at low tide, salinity, temperature, acidity degree (pH), wave height, phosphate levels, and nitrates of water. The data obtained were then analyzed for distribution patterns using calculated of the Morisita index. The results of the study on Pecaron Beach found 12 species, i. e. Valoniopsis pachynema, Chaetomorpha antenina, C. crassa, Ulva lactuca, U.  rigida, U.  fasciata, Chondracanthus harveyanus, Tricleocarpa fragilis, Gelidium rigidum, Palmaria palmata, Eucheuma spinosum, Callophyllis crispata, and Sargassum crassifolium, with distribution patterns at clustered species, with the highest distribution pattern values in Ulva lactuca, U. rigida, and U. fasciata species (12,000), and the lowest distribution pattern in Chondracanthus harveyanus (2,121).