Mangrove community structure, biomass estimation, and carbon stock in the Ecotourism Area of Pantai Mekar Village, Muara Gembong Subdistrict

Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Indonesia

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

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems, including habitat providers, erosion barriers, and carbon sinks, play an important role in supporting coastal environmental sustainability. This study aimed to analyze the community structure, estimate above-ground biomass (AGB), and assess the carbon stock potential of mangrove vegetation in the Pantai Mekar Village Ecotourism Area, Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency. Data collection methods used perpendicular transects along the coastline to measure parameters such as density, frequency, cover, and Importance Value Index (IVI). Biomass estimation was conducted using species-specific allometric equations based on diameter at breast height (DBH) values, whereas carbon stock was calculated from biomass using a conversion factor of 0.47. The results showed that Avicennia marina and Avicennia alba dominated the community structure at each observation station, with the highest INP value of 242.48%. The highest total biomass was recorded at Station 2 at 298.90 tons/ha, contributing to a 140.48 tons/ha carbon stock. Differences in biomass and carbon stocks between locations are influenced by stand structure, species composition, and local ecological conditions. These findings emphasize the importance of mangrove vegetation as a natural carbon sink and support the urgency of sustainable mangrove ecosystem conservation based on ecotourism.