A study on the density and the cover of seagrass species along the West Coast of Natal

The objective of the research was to analyze the condition of seagrass ecosystem in the waters of Natal coastal area. The research was conducted from April until July, 2017. The research location was divided into four areas: Pantai Galon, Pantai Sikara-kara, Pantai Buburan, and Pantai Bintuas. The observation on the seagrass was done by using transect quadrate 1m × 1 m with 5 repetitions. The measurement of density and the percentage of the cover was done in each transect. The result of the research showed that there were four seagrass species which grew along the coastline of Natal: Enhalus acoroides, Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea rotundata, and Halodule pinifolia. E. acoroides was a type of seagrass with the highest density. The highest percentage of seagrass cover in the Buburan coastline area was 89% and the lowest one was in Galon coastal area (51.2%). In general, the condition of seagrass in the waters along the coastal area of Natal is in good/health category. The intensity of light and the velocity of current are the most influencing factor which influences the density and the percentage of seagrass cover along the Natal coastal area.