Identification of Marine Borer Species on Ternate Beach, North Maluku, Indonesia

Farjun Lahiaro; Arinana Arinana; Achmad Farajallah

doi:10.18343/jipi.31.4.801

Authors

Farjun Lahiaro Master’s Program, Department of Forest Products, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Arinana Arinana Department of Forest Products, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Achmad Farajallah Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18343/jipi.31.4.801

Keywords:

bait wood, crustaceans, mollusca, observation

Abstract

The Ternate coast is a tropical marine area characterized by warm temperatures and high salinity, supporting various marine organisms, including borers that cause wood biodeterioration. These organisms inflict severe damage on wood-based coastal infrastructure, including piers, stilt houses, and vessels. This study aimed to identify marine borer species in Ternate and determine the infested coastal wood types. The research was conducted from March to June 2024 using wood baiting and direct observation methods. The baiting test was performed at Dufa-dufa and Falajawa Beaches using tusam (Pinus merkusii) and rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), assembled according to SNI 7207:2014 and submerged in the sea. Direct observations were carried out across nine beaches in Ternate City by collecting wood samples showing signs of attack. Specimens were preserved in 70% alcohol and identified under a microscope in the laboratory. The study identified four marine borer species: Bankia carinata (Mollusca), alongside Chelura insulae, Sphaeroma terebrans, and Cenoloba obliteralis (Arthropoda). B. carinata infested the bait wood, whereas the other three species were present in wood collected during coastal observations. Damage levels on tusam and rubberwood were higher at Falajawa Beach than at Dufa-dufa Beach. Marine borer activity was supported by aquatic conditions featuring temperatures of 20–31°C, salinity of 30–35 ppt, and pH levels of 7.9–8.4. Infested coastal wood species included mangrove apple (Sonneratia sp.), beach calophyllum (Calophyllum sp.), and sea hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.).

Keywords: bait wood, crustaceans, mollusca, observation

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