Characteristics of Marine Mammal Habitat in Bintuni Bay

Ari Gunawan Wardhana(1) , Yonvitner(2) , Surya Gentha Akmal(3)
(1) Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University, Bogor 16127, Indonesia,
(2) Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University, Bogor 16127, Indonesia,
(3) Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat 10710, Indonesia
https://doi.org/10.29244/coj.v9i2.363696

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Issue
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): COJ (Coastal and Ocean Journal)
Submitted
June 2, 2025
Accepted
December 20, 2025
Published
December 20, 2025
Keywords:
    Bintuni Bay, marine mammal, habitat, environmental key parameter
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Abstract

Bintuni Bay is one of the most important areas in Eastern Indonesia with high ecological potential, especially for marine mammals. This study aims to observe the presence of marine mammals and analyse water quality characteristics in Bintuni Bay to understand the environmental dynamics that affect the presence of marine mammals. Marine mammal observations were conducted along a predetermined pathway and seawater quality sampling was conducted at 16 points. Environmental parameters analysed included temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), chlorophyll-a and depth. Parameter determination was based on previous studies of key environmental parameters for marine mammal habitat and available data. Results showed that marine mammals in Bintuni Bay were found in the turbidity interval of 0.2 -16.7 NTU, temperature 24.7-27.4 0C, salinity 21.9 - 29.3 ppt, dissolved oxygen 4.10 - 6.30 mg/L, chlorophyll-a 5.38-49.10 µg/L and depth 10-51 m. This data can be utilized to conduct better environmental management for marine mammals as economic activities in Bintuni Bay increase in the future.

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Authors

Ari Gunawan Wardhana
Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University, Bogor 16127, Indonesia
arigunawan@pksplipb.or.id (Primary Contact)
Yonvitner
Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies, IPB University, Bogor 16127, Indonesia
Surya Gentha Akmal
Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat 10710, Indonesia
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