BIODIVERSITY OF MARINE TUNICATES IN SAMALONA WATERS, SANGKARANG ARCHIPELAGO, INDONESIA

The study aims to know the biodiversity and community structure of marine tunicate in Samalona waters. The present study is part of biodiversity assessment for marine resources of Sangkarang Archipelago SW Makassar Indonesia. Field campaign was conducted from October to November 2016. Sample collection was done at 3 and 7 m depth by using Line Intersection Transect (LIT) method combined with a quadrat (plot). Two 50 m transects were placed parallel to a shore line at three stations (sta.) at Samalona waters. A quadrat (plot) (2.5 m x 2.5 m) was placed side by side of the line transect and all tunicates in the transect was recorded, identified, counted and photographed. Samples were collected by using SCUBA and under water camera. Environmental parameters including water temperatue, salinity, dissolved oxygen, clarity, current and wind speed, were measured in situ. Data were analysed using ecological indices including species composition and density, Shanon Wienner species diversity, Evenness, and Morisita Indices. The result indicates that there are 18 species of tunicates present at 3 m as well as 7 m depth of Samalona waters.. Result of the ecological analysis shows that species diversity can be categorized as moderate and there were no dominant species. Environmental parameters indicates that water quality at Samalona waters was in good condition to support tunicates

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF MICRODEBRIS CONTAMINATION IN SEDIMENT FROM THREE ESTUARIES ON THE PANGKAJENE RIVER

Studies on microdebris contamination in sediments at the estuary of the Pangkajene River were carried out at three stations. This study aims to observe the abundance and characteristics of microdebris in the estuary sediments of the Pangkajene River. The samples of sediment were collected using a core sampler with a diameter of 8 cm. Microdebris was extracted using the flotation method and vacuum filtration system. The particles were observed with a stereomicroscope then classified based on shape (form), size, and color. The number of particles found ranged from 2.83±2.04-4.00±1.87 item/100gr. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed p>0.05, therefore the abundance of microdebris between the three stations did not show a significant difference. Microdebris in Fragment form had the highest percentage compared to fibers and granules. Blue and black particles of microdebris were the most common colors. The dominant size of particles was found in the size class <100µm and 100µm-500µm. This preliminary study revealed that the microdebris occurs in the Pangkajene estuary sediments. Currently, we have not classified the types of microdebris found as microplastic, semi-synthetic debris, or natural origin. Therefore, further research is needed to verify particles using an FT-IR Microscope to determine the type of microdebris polymer

Biodiversity of Marine Tunicates at Samalona Waters, Sangkarang Archipelago, Indonesia

The study aims to know the biodiversity and community structure of marine tunicate of Samalona waters. The present study is part of biodiversity assessment for marine resources of Sangkarang Archipelago SW Makassar Indonesia. Field campaign was conducted from October to November 2016. Sample collection was done at depth of 3 m and 5 m by using Line Intersection Transect (LIT) method combination plot. Two transects size of 50 m were placed parallel to a shore line at three stations (sta.) at Samalona waters. Plot size 2.5 x 2.5 m was placed side by side of transect and all tunicate inside plot was noted, identified, counted and photographed. Sample collection was collected by using SCUBA and under water camera. Environmental parameters including water temperatue, salinity, dissolved oxygen, clarity, current speed, and wind speed were measured in situ. Data were analysed using ecological indices including species composition and density, Shanon Wienner species diversity, Evenness, and Morisita Indices. The result indicates that there are 18 species of tunicates present at depth of 3 m and 7 meters of Samalona waters, respectively. The result of the ecological analysis shows that species diversity is categorized moderate and no dominant species. Environment parameters indicatess that water quality at Samalona waters is in good condition to support tunicates