Study of plankton in Jakarta Bay and surrounding Java Sea: a comparison of community and water quality

Jakarta Bay is a pivotal national water area in Indonesia, experiencing intense anthropogenic pressure from the surrounding lands. As a result, numerous scientists have conducted studies on the water of Jakarta Bay to observe marine life, including plankton. However, most studies have focused solely within the Jakarta Bay area, resulting in a lack of comprehensive ecological information beyond its boundaries. This study aims to bridge this gap by expanding the plankton investigation beyond Jakarta Bay. It focuses on the waters of the Java Sea that border it, while also examining their relationship with water quality. Plankton samples were collected in June 2019 at fifteen stations—eight located in the Jakarta Bay area and seven in the adjacent Java Sea. Water quality data, such as temperature, salinity, pH, and nutrient levels, were also gathered. The study revealed that phytoplankton abundance in Jakarta Bay was six times higher, and zooplankton density was 2.6 times higher than in the adjacent Java Sea. However, both phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity were slightly lower in Jakarta Bay compared to the Java Sea, though not significantly. Despite this, the study offers valuable new insights into the plankton community beyond Jakarta Bay.