Tunicates composition and distribution assessment in the northern waters of Ambon Island
Fismatman Ruli, Yosmina Tapilatu
Center for Deep-Sea Research, Indonesian Institute of Sciences
Abstract
Updated information regarding tunicates distribution and diversity in the northern waters of Ambon Island is scarce, if any. We carried out an assessment using underwater census approach in June 2018 to obtain the said information. Tunicates composition and distribution were described based on six sampling stations observations. Their average density in five of six stations was less than one individual per meter square. Predominant species observed were Didemnum molle, followed by Polycarpa aurata. Tunicates belong to Didemnum molle were highly abundant in three stations (Morella, Hitu and Larike). Those identified as Polycarpa aurata were predominant only in two stations (Mamala and Wakal). Further studies are needed to investigate the anthropogenic pressure effect on these tunicates, as they were known as biomarkers in ecotoxicological studies.
Keywords: tunicates, Banda Sea, ecology
Topic: Marine Resources, Conversation and ICZM