Characteristics of mangroves and carbon stocks estimation in Sampang and Pamekasan Districts, Madura Island, Indonesia
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Abstract
Abstract. Ainindya DG, Rarasti KA, Farikha KN, Wiraatmaja MF, Yap CK, Setyawan AD. 2024. Characteristics of mangroves and carbon stocks estimation in Sampang and Pamekasan Districts, Madura Island, Indonesia. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 14: 19-24. Mangrove forests represent unique coastal ecosystems with inherent characteristics and substantial biological diversity. Flourishing in tidal regions submerged during high tide yet devoid of puddles during low tide, mangroves exhibit remarkable salt tolerance. This complex, diverse, and heterogeneous ecosystem serves diverse functions concerning physical, biological, and socio-economic aspects. Madura Island, Indonesia has extensive mangrove forests, especially along the southern coasts of Sampang and Pamekasan, which serve as centers of robust economic activity. This study aims to elucidate the characteristics and assess the carbon storage and absorption capacity of mangroves in Sampang and Pamekasan Districts, Madura, Indonesia. Employing direct observational methods, this study established plots measuring 10×10 m at four stations in December 2023. The average carbon stock in the study area stands at 42,605 tons/ha, with an estimated sequestration value averaging 1,5625 tons/ha. These findings align with the range prescribed by the IPCC for tropical wet areas, falling between 8.7 and 384 tons/ha. Among the three extant mangrove species, Sonneratia alba Sm. emerged as the primary contributor to the high carbon sequestration observed in the region. The study area hosts three mangrove species: Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., Rhizophora stylosa Griffith, and S. alba. The Importance Value Index (IVI) of R. stylosa was 111.91%, S. alba was 56.52% and A. marina was 25.32%. Mangrove stands with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of less than 10 cm predominate across all stations, comprising 80% of A. marina, 98% of R. stylosa, and 63% of S. alba.