Ecological Status and Community Structure of Mangroves in East Siantan, Anambas Marine Tourism Park: A Baseline Study for Sustainable Management

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting the economic resilience of coastal communities. This study investigated the community structure of mangroves, evaluated water environmental parameters, and reviewed current management practices in the Siantan Timur ubdistrict. Field surveys were conducted from August to October 2023 across three stations using the transect-quadrat method. Plot sizes were 10×10m for trees, 5×5m for saplings, and 2×2m for seedlings. Nine mangrove species from four families were identified: Rhizophoraceae (Rhizophora stylosa, R. mucronata, R. apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, B. cylindrica, Ceriops tagal), Sonneratiaceae (Sonneratia alba), Myrsinaceae (Aegiceras floridum), and Meliaceae (Xylocarpus granatum). Tree density ranged from 2,482 to 2,890 individuals per hectare. Dominant species by Importance Value Index (IVI) were R. mucronata (143.23%) at Station 1, R. stylosa (105.34%) at Station 2, and R. apiculata (127.70%) at Station 3. Molluscs dominated the associated fauna. Water quality parameters indicated healthy conditions. The substrate consisted of muddy sand and sandy mud, with a single daily tidal cycle. Mangrove management follows Ministerial Decree No. 53/2014 on the zoning of the Anambas Marine Tourism Park. The study provides essential baseline data for sustainable mangrove conservation in small island regions.