Identification of Potential Area and Biophysical Conditions for Mangrove Rehabilitation in Muara Sekampung

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Mangrove ecosystems in the Muara Sekampung Protected Forest have experienced degradation due to sedimentation, hydrological changes, and anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to identify potential rehabilitation areas and analyze the biophysical conditions of candidate mangrove rehabilitation sites. The study used NDVI analysis, vegetation and fauna surveys, soil and water analysis, and oceanographic measurements. The results showed a potential mangrove rehabilitation area of approximately 474.47 ha dominated by very low to non-vegetated classes. The study focused on approximately 20 ha with NDVI values of −1 to 0.25 and muddy substrates influenced by tidal inundation. No living mangrove vegetation or natural regeneration was found in all observation plots. Soil conditions were dominated by clay texture with salinity of 5.0–10.5 ppt and very high Fe content. Water quality showed low salinity with an average of 1.63 ppt and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Oceanographic conditions indicated a diurnal tidal type, inundation depths of 42–95.5 cm, and current velocities of 0.18–0.53 m/s. In general, the biophysical conditions still support mangrove rehabilitation despite hydrological disturbances and sedimentation pressures.

Keywords: mangrove rehabilitation, biophysical conditions, coastal ecosystem, degradation