Mapping Indonesian seagrass quality to target blue carbon conservation

A new study has mapped the health of seagrass meadows across central and eastern Indonesia, identifying areas that need conservation or restoration efforts. Seagrass meadows are essential ecosystems that provide habitat for marine life, support fisheries, store carbon, and protect coastlines. Indonesia, a global seagrass hotspot, has over 660,000 hectares of these meadows, but their ecological condition varies significantly across the country's diverse coastal regions.

Researchers from several Indonesian institutions, led by Professor Rohani Ambo-Rappe from Hasanuddin University, developed the Seagrass Ecological Quality Index (SEQI) to assess these differences. The SEQI integrates five ecological indicators, including seagrass species richness, seagrass cover, water clarity, macroalgae cover, and epiphyte cover.

By applying this index to 21 seagrass meadows, the researchers discovered substantial variation in seagrass condition, with values ranging from 0.39 to 0.88. Some areas, like Pasi-Gusung, Parak, and Maharayya, showed high SEQI values, indicating healthy seagrass meadows with high species richness, extensive cover, and clear water.

In contrast, Lae-Lae had the lowest SEQI value, reflecting poor seagrass cover, low species richness, and reduced water clarity.

The study revealed that these differences were not random but formed a spatial mosaic of hotspots, coldspots, and outliers. High-quality hotspots, such as Pasi-Gusung, Liukangloe, Maharayya, and Parak, have healthy seagrass ecosystems surrounded by similarly healthy areas. These locations can benefit from conservation to maintain existing ecological resilience.

Conversely, several areas, including Sekotong, Lanjukang, Badi-Alami, Badi-Restorasi, Waboela, and Lapandewa, were identified as coldspots, characterized by degraded ecosystems that may require restoration or measures to reduce environmental pressures.

The analysis also identified spatial outliers, such as Bone Batang and Barrang Lompo, where relatively healthy ecosystems exist within less healthy surroundings. These areas may serve as ecological refugia and warrant protection. Meanwhile, Lae-Lae and Bonto Bahari are degraded sites surrounded by healthier seagrass systems, suggesting opportunities for targeted restoration efforts.

The researchers emphasize that seagrass conservation policies should not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, understanding the spatial context of seagrass meadows can help prioritize protection, restoration, or targeted interventions to maximize their benefits for marine biodiversity and blue carbon storage.

This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By providing a spatially informed framework for identifying areas to protect, restore, or buffer, the study offers practical guidance for conservation practitioners to prioritize conservation efforts before further degradation makes recovery more challenging.