Potensi Spesies Teripang (Hollothuroidea) di Pantai Otan dan Uiasa, Pulau Semau

Abstract

This study aimed to identify sea cucumber species (Holothuroidea), analyze habitat conditions, and evaluate the potential for sea cucumber aquaculture development at Otan Beach and Uiasa Beach on Semau Island, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Data collection was conducted using the transect-quadrat method across six observation stations, utilizing a total of sixty 1 × 1 m quadrats. The results revealed the presence of two sea cucumber species Holothuria atra and Holothuria scabra. Otan Beach was characterized by sandy and sandy-coral substrates and Sargassum macroalgae, whereas Uiasa Beach was dominated by muddy-sand substrates and seagrass beds. Based on habitat conditions, water quality, the presence of seagrass, and the dominance of the economically valuable Holothuria scabra, Uiasa Beach offers greater potential for sea cucumber aquaculture development than Otan Beach. These findings are expected to serve as a scientific basis for the sustainable management and development of sea cucumber aquaculture on Semau Island.

Keywords: sea ​​cucumber cultivation, Holothuria atra, Holothuria scabra, aquatic habitat, Uiasa Beach, Semau Island