ANALYSIS OF WATERS SUITABILITY FOR SNORKELING AND DIVING MARINE TOURISM IN WATERS OF NUSALAUT ISLAND, CENTRE MALUKU REGENCY

Abstract

The Maluku Islands have the potentials of marine resources, including marine tourism which is currently a priority for the government to develop. But in reality, the development of marine tourism in Maluku faces various obstacles, such as determining the appropriate location to be a tourist destination. This study intends to see the suitability of the tourism area, especially snorkeling and diving in Nusalaut Island. Sampling was carried out in 2014 and 2015 in 6 different locations. Retrieval of coral data using the Line Intercept Transect method and analyzed using the "Life Form Program". Observation of reef fish was done by Underwater Visual Census and transects. Environmental parameters are taken by direct measurement in the field. Coral reefs are categorized as "Good" and "Very Good". A total of 217 types of rock corals belonging to 52 genera from 16 families occupy reef flats. Reef fish biodiversity is in a fairly good condition with a diversity index ranging from 3,046-4,089. There are at least 2,838 individual reef fishes from 25 families and 170 species. Waters' transparency ranges from 8-12 m with a current velocity between 1.6-18.5 m/s. Based on the results of the tourism suitability analysis, all research locations are categorized as "Very Appropriate" to be used as a snorkeling and diving tourist destination with a Tourism Suitability Index between 81.25-95.83%.