CHARACTERISTICS OF PLANKTON ABUNDANCE AND BIODIVERSITY IN SAPA BATU TAMUN SEAGRASS BEDS, BONTANG CITY

Abstract

The characteristics of abundance and biodiversity of plankton are related to their interactions in the seagrass ecosystem which forms the characteristics of the physical, chemical and biological parameters of the waters. The Sapa Batu Tambun seagrass is a seagrass meadow formed from the dredging activity of shipping channels. This study aims to determine the characteristics of abundance and biodiversity of plankton that interact with the Sapa Batu Tambun seagrass meadow in Bontang City. This study was conducted in May 2025 - January 2026. The research method used was a purposive sampling method at three research stations, namely the plankton community Before Seagrass Meadows (SPL), in Seagrass Meadows (PL), and After Seagrass Meadows (STPL). Data analysis included composition, plankton abundance, and community structure, seagrass composition and density, as well as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Correspondence Analysis (CA). The results of the study showed 5 classes of Phytoplankton with 15 species and 2 classes of Zooplankton with 14 species. Plankton abundance reached 91 Individuals/l or in moderate criteria. Seagrass meadows contribute to increasing plankton abundance by 15.39%.