The Management of Seagrass Ecosystem as an Attractive Object of Ecotourism in the Coastal Areas of Yensawai and Arefi, in Dampier Strait Marine Protected Area, Raja Ampat

Abstract

The seagrass ecosystem and ecological interaction between the components of ecosystem and dugongs (Dugong dugon) have potentials to be utilized for marine ecotourism objects in the coast of Yensawai and Arefi in Dampier Strait marine protected area of Raja Ampat. This objective of the research was to identify the characteristics and ecologycal interaction in the seagrass ecosystem with the emergence and presence of dugongs that can be developed as the potential ecosystem for the attractive object of marine ecotourism in a specific ecotourism destination. The data were collected and consisted of the bioecology of the seagrass ecosystem as a result of dugongs’ monitoring from their emergence and presence in the seagrass ecosystem and feeding grazing. The research results showed that seagrass biodiversity consists of 4 species: Enhalus acroides, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii.The condition of seagrass ecosystems in Yensaway showed that Thalassia hemprichii had the highest frequency of presence in this area, and Syringodium isoetifolium was most frequently found in the coastal area of Arefi. The width of the utilization areas recommended for seagrass ecotourism based on the ecosystem preservation and migration of biota is 103,575.00 m2. The strategy for the effectiveness of seagrass ecotourism management is to allocate the area as much as 25%, the carrying capacity as many as 104 people/day (9,581 people/year), and in 50% of the area, the carrying capacity is 207 people/day (7,665 people/year). The development of seagrass ecotourism must be managed, synergized, harmonized with the management of the conservation area, and it should guarantee and maintain the sustainability of ecological process that supports the system of life, conserve the biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use of species and ecosystem contributing to the welfare of the community.