Sumbawa (UTS) – The Bentang Foundation (Bentang Foundation) collaborates with BRIN Jakarta, the Center for Oceanography, seagrass researcher Wawan Kiswara and Fisheries Science Study Program Student Diso Rahmat Jondani, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology (FITH) University of Technology Sumbawa (UTS) to carry out ecosystem monitoring activities seagrass in the Salah Bay area, Sumbawa Regency. Monitoring activities were carried out on 22 July 2023 – 1 August 2023. The sampling locations were carried out at two (2) location points, including Labu Terata and Labu Jambu. The measurement method used to determine the condition of seagrass beds is the Transect and Sample Plot method. The transect and sample plot method is a method of sampling the population of a community using a sample plot approach located on a line drawn through the ecosystem area. This is done to determine the density and percent cover of existing seagrass.
The seagrass ecosystem has an important role in the survival of various types of aquatic biota because it functions as a feeding ground, spawning ground and nursery ground. Apart from that, this ecosystem also has other roles such as recycling nutrients and absorbing carbon, which is more commonly known as blue carbon. Unfortunately, even though it provides many benefits, seagrass ecosystems are still not a priority when compared to other coastal ecosystems, namely mangroves and coral reefs. In Indonesia, there is still no national level program that specifically protects seagrass ecosystems. This fact is very sad considering that Indonesia is home to the world’s largest seagrass ecosystem.
Muh. Fahrudin, S.Pi., M.Si as Deputy Dean and Lecturer of the FITH Fisheries Science Study Program gave the message “Students who are involved in this activity will gain knowledge and experience as well as an overview of the research topic/final assignment. We hope that this collaborative activity or program will provide capital to continue to campaign for the importance of protecting the seagrass ecosystem so that the benefits of its existence will be increasingly felt by all levels of society and as part of our efforts to participate in environmental conservation. “Another hope is that the campus will continue to be able to build synergies and connections with both foundations and government institutions which can have a positive impact on all parties.”
