Comparative analysis of morphological traits in Cymodocea rotundata Asch. & Schweinf. From Yenkarwar Beach and Rawar Beach, Indonesia

¹ Universitas Papua, Department of Biology, 98314 Jalan Gunung Salju Amban, Manokwari, Papua Barat, Indonesia
² Universitas Papua, Department of Biology Education, 98314 Jalan Gunung Salju Amban, Manokwari, Papua Barat, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Intensive coastal development and human transport activities are increasingly threatening seagrass ecosystems, which can change seagrass morphometries. This study compares the morphological characteristics of Cymodocea rotundata Asch. & Schweinf. at two sites: the traditional ports in Yenkarwar beach, Manokwari, West Papua (PY), and Rawar beach in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua (PR). Fieldwork conducted in mid-2023 used transect and quadrat sampling. The measured traits included leaf length and width, rhizome length and diameter, average maximum length of individual roots (root length), and number of leaves per individual, along with environmental parameters. The results showed that leaves in PY were longer and wider than those in PR, although not significantly different (p>0.05). In contrast, rhizome length, diameter, root length, and leaf number showed significantly differences (p<0.05) between the sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a clear separation of the two locations: temperature most strongly influenced morphometric traits at PY, while oxygen levels and pH were more influential at PB. The PCA model explained 53.3% of the total variance, suggesting the presences of additional unmeasured factors. Significant differences in below ground traits imply that seagrass root systems are more susceptible to human disturbance, highlighting the need for further research on below ground biomass.