Student Observation of Mangrove and Coral Reef Ecosystems at Awerange Port, Barru
Keywords:
Mangrove Ecosystem; Coral Reef, Coastal Ecosystem, Field Observation, Awerange PortAbstract
Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs play important ecological roles in maintaining marine biodiversity, providing habitats for aquatic organisms, and supporting sustainable coastal resource management. However, information on the ecological characteristics of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems in Awerange Port, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, remains limited. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems at Awerange Port based on field observations. A descriptive observational method with a field survey approach was employed. The field activity involved six students who conducted direct observations, identification of ecosystem components, documentation, and assessment of observable environmental conditions. Data were collected using observation sheets, field documentation, and supporting literature, and were analyzed descriptively. The observations identified mangrove vegetation and coral reef habitats within the coastal area of Awerange Port. The mangrove observations focused on vegetation characteristics, species identification, and distribution patterns, while the coral reef observations focused on the presence and characteristics of reef habitats and associated marine organisms. Field observations also documented various ecological components that indicate the role of these ecosystems as coastal habitats supporting aquatic biodiversity. The findings provide preliminary information on the ecological characteristics of mangrove and coral reef ecosystems in the study area and can serve as baseline information for further ecological assessment and conservation planning. The study also demonstrates that field observation can provide students with direct experience in identifying and documenting coastal ecosystem components. Further research using quantitative ecological measurements, including mangrove density, species composition, coral cover percentage, and associated organism abundance, is recommended to provide a more comprehensive assessment of ecosystem conditions at Awerange Port.
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