Impact of Coastal Reclamation on Seagrass Habitat in Palu Bay, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Coastal development by conducting reclamation for various uses, for example port construction and operations, is a growing threat to coastal ecosystems including seagrass meadows. For several decades, reclamation for coastal development in Palu Bay has included port construction or extension of single-purpose privately owned port facilities as well as public shipping ports. In addition, reclamation was carried out to provide land for the construction of hotels, housing, recreational areas and coastal protection. The majority of private port terminals are owned by mining companies exporting rock and aggregate from around Palu Bay. There are many quarries in the mountains along the western coast of Palu Bay, and alluvial materials around several rivers along the eastern shore are also exploited. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of reclamation on seagrass habitat in Palu Bay, especially the private ports, which the dominant reclamation purposes conducted in this area. This study found about 66 ports around Palu Bay, the majority privately owned by mining companies operating in Palu City and Donggala Regency. The effects of reclamation include reduced seagrass habitat and decreased water quality.