Conservation and Rehabilitation Strategies of Mangrove Ecosystems to Support Fish Biodiversity in the Coastal Area of Banten Bay

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining coastal biodiversity, particularly as essential habitats for fish communities. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures have led to significant mangrove degradation in many coastal areas, including Banten Bay on the northern coast of Java, Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze conservation and rehabilitation strategies of mangrove ecosystems and their role in supporting fish biodiversity in the coastal waters of Banten Bay. Field surveys were conducted in conserved, rehabilitated, and degraded mangrove areas to assess mangrove vegetation structure and fish assemblages. Mangrove conditions were evaluated based on tree density, diameter at breast height (DBH), and canopy cover, while fish biodiversity was analyzed using species richness, abundance, and ecological indices. The results showed that conserved mangrove areas had the highest vegetation complexity and supported greater fish species richness and diversity compared to rehabilitated and degraded sites. Rehabilitated mangroves exhibited moderate biodiversity levels, indicating partial recovery of ecological functions. A positive relationship was observed between mangrove structural complexity and fish biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of effective conservation and ecosystem-based rehabilitation strategies. These findings highlight the necessity of protecting existing mangrove forests and improving rehabilitation practices to sustain fish biodiversity and support sustainable coastal management in Banten Bay.