Data of the species scientific name is required to study biodiversity and conservation of local fish species. Nike and hundala are the local names for fish found in Gorontalo whose scientific names are unknown and recognized by local people as two different species of fish. This study aims to identify the genetic and species of nike and hundala fish. Nike and hundala specimens were collected using a fish net from the estuary of Gorontalo Bay and Bone River, Gorontalo, Indonesia in April 2018. Molecular analysis of fish over sequencing methods shows that nike and hundala at Gorontalo waters are alleged as Sicyopterus longifilis.

Coastal tourism is progressing rapidly along with the development of digital technology, especially the development of social media. Various information on newly opened beach tourism locations was introduced on social media, thereby attracting tourists to visit and ultimately opening up business opportunities for local communities in tourist areas. This study aims to determine the impact of Minanga Beach tourism on the people's economy of Kotajin Utara Village. A total of 99 tourist respondents, 32 business unit owners, and 24 workers were interviewed to see the impact of tourism on the community's local economy. Keynesian Income Multiplier and Multiplier analyses were used to determine the direct, indirect, and continued impact of Minanga beach tourism. The results showed that Minanga Beach tourism had an impact on the local economy of the people of Kotajin Utara Village, Atinggola District, Gorontalo Utara Regency, with the Keynesian Income Multiplier value of 1.77, Ratio of Income Multiplier Type I of 1.13, and Ratio of Income Multiplier Type II of 1.70.

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

The study aims to determine the suitability and carrying capacity of mangrove ecotourismin the Tambatan Hati Pelangi area Pentadu Timur Village, Tilamuta District, Boalemo Regency Gorontalo Province. The research was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022 using quadrant method with a size of 10×10 m. The data was analyzed using the Tourism Suitability Index (TSI) analysis matrix and the carrying capacity of the Area (CCA) assessment to determine the maximum number of visitors that can be accommodated. The criteria for tourism suitability observed were mangrove thickness, mangrove density, mangrove species, tides and biota objects. The results showed the TSI on each line transect was in a suitable category with TSI value 2.02-2.27. The area that can be used for tourism is 19,320 m². The Tambatan Hati Pelangi mangrove area in East Pentadu Village as a whole is included in the appropriate category for mangrove ecotourism with a visitor capacity of 1546 people/day. Keywords: Mangrove ecotourism, suitability, carrying capacity, Pentadu Timur, Gorontalo ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kesesuaian dan daya dukung ekowisata mangrove di kawasan Tambatan Hati Pelangi Desa Pentadu Timur Kecamatan Tilamuta Kabupaten Boalemo Provinsi Gorontalo. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Desember 2021 sampai Januari 2022, menggunakan metode kuadran dengan ukuran 10×10 m. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan matriks analisis Indeks Kesesuaian Wisata (IKW) dan penilaian Daya Dukung Kawasan (DDK) untuk menentukan jumlah maksimum pengunjung yang dapat ditampung. Kriteria kesesuaian wisata yang diamati adalah ketebalan mangrove, kerapatan mangrove, jenis mangrove, pasang surut dan objek biota. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan IKW pada masing-masing transek garis berada pada kategori sesuai dengan nilai IKW 2,02-2,27. Luas area yang dapat dimanfaatkan untuk kawasan wisata 19.320 m². Kawasan mangrove Tambatan Hati Pelangi Desa Pentadu Timur secara keseluruhan termasuk dalam kategori sesuai untuk ekowisata mangrove dengan kapasitas daya tampung pengunjung 1546 orang/hari. Kata Kunci: ekowisata mangrove, kesesuaian, daya dukung, Pentadu Timur, Gorontalo

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research 1. The potential of coral reefs for marine tourism has been calculated. 2. The potential of coralfish for marine tourism has been identified. 3. Water quality parameters are supporting factors for the sustainability of marine tourism. 4. The suitability of snorkeling and diving tourism has been mapped. Abstract The waters of Tomini Bay, which boast the longest coastline in Gorontalo Province at 572.5 km, hold significant marine tourism potential, warranting further study and development. This research evaluated the potential and suitability of marine tourism in the Tomini Bay Gorontalo area, specifically snorkeling and diving. Data were collected on coral reef conditions, reef fish communities, and water quality parameters from six locations, including Pinomontiga, Kurenai, and Kaisomaru Beach, as well as Dulanga, Bitila, and Lahe Islands. Coral reef conditions were assessed using the underwater photo transect method, while reef fish data were collected using the underwater visual census method. Physical water parameter data measured were temperature (°C), salinity (‰), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg/L), current speed (cm/s), and brightness (m). The analysis of coral cover was conducted using Coral Point Count with Excel extensions (CPCe), while the suitability for snorkeling and diving tourism was assessed using the Tourism Suitability Index. The results showed that most locations had moderate to excellent coral reef conditions, high coral and fish diversity, and water quality that supported marine tourism activities. Among the six locations studied, two, namely Pinomontiga Beach and Lahe Island, were rated highly suitable for snorkeling and diving, while Kaisomaru Beach was not suitable. Other places, including Kurenai Beach and Bitila Island, were rated as suitable. These results provide essential information for developing sustainable marine tourism in Tomini Bay Gorontalo and can serve as a reference for local government in planning environmentally friendly tourism activities.

Lamun memainkan peran vital dalam ekosistem pesisir, termasuk sebagai penyedia jasa ekosistem, habitat berbagai organisme laut, serta indikator kesehatan lingkungan perairan. Banyaknya peranan lamun tidak diiringi dengan penambahan luasannya. Luas lamun secara global mengalami penurunan, terutama karena dampak aktivitas manusia. Teluk Tomini Gorontalo, yang memiliki garis pantai sepanjang 572,5 km, menyimpan potensi sumber daya lamun yang cukup besar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji sebaran, kerapatan, dan status kesehatan lamun di Perairan Teluk Tomini Gorontalo. Penelitian dilakukan di enam lokasi, tiga di perairan Teluk Tomini Kota Gorontalo dan tiga di Kabupaten Gorontalo. Tahapan penelitian terdiri dari dua tahapan yakni identifikasi dan pencatatan lamun menggunakan metode kuadrat pada transek sepanjang 100 m sejajar garis pantai dan kajian status kesehatan lamun melalui analisis tutupan lamun. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat sepuluh jenis lamun yakni Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Enhalus acoroides, Halophilla minor, Halophilla ovalis, Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Thalassodendron ciliatum, Thalasia hemprichi, dan Syringodium isoetifolium, dengan C. rotundata memiliki kerapatan tertinggi (110,42 tegakan/m2). Tutupan lamun di perairan Teluk Tomini Gorontalo tergolong jarang-sedang, dengan kondisi kesehatan bervariasi dari rusak/miskin hingga rusak/kurang kaya/kurang sehat. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa meskipun potensi lamun besar, kondisi ekosistemnya memerlukan perhatian serius untuk menjaga keberlanjutan ekosistem dan kualitas lingkungan perairan.