Hubungan Struktur Komunitas Echinodermata Dengan Habitat Bentik di Pantai Nyang Nyang, Pulau Bali

Abstract

Echinoderms play an important role in maintaining the balance of benthic ecosystems through bioturbation, nutrient recycling, and regulating populations of other marine organisms. Substrate types and benthic cover, including seagrass, sand, rocks, and macroalgae, influence the distribution of echinoderms. This study aimed to analyze the community structure of Echinoderms at Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali Island, assess the condition of benthic cover and water quality, and examine the relationship between echinoderm community structure and benthic cover. The study employed a quantitative descriptive method with sampling conducted in the intertidal zone using 1×1 m² quadrat transects along a 50-meter line. The results showed that the Echinoderm community was dominated by the class Ophiuroidea, particularly Ophiocoma scolopendrina and O. erinaceus. The diversity index (H') value of 0.75 indicated a low level of diversity, the evenness index (E) of 0.42 indicated a moderate level, and the dominance index (C) of 0.49 showed moderate dominance. Macroalgae and sand-dominated benthic cover, while water quality parameters remained within standard limits for marine biota. The rubble category had a strong positive correlation with echinoderm community structure (r = 0.6), whereas rock showed a strong negative correlation (r = –0.6). These findings indicate that substrate conditions and water stability influence Echinoderm distribution, providing essential baseline information for the sustainable management of benthic ecosystems at Nyang Nyang Beach