Assessing the environmental quality status of two coastal areas at Bangkalan Regency using the appearance of macrozoobenthos

Macrozoobenthos are considered aquatic invertebrates that may possess morphological and physiological adaptations enabling them to survive in dynamic environments, such as intertidal zones. These traits are thought to make them useful as bioindicators for assessing environmental conditions. This study aimed to assess and compare environmental conditions on Goa petapa and Ko’ol coast, Bangkalan regency, using macrozoobenthos as indicators. Sampling was conducted during low tide in October-November 2024, and ecological status was evaluated based on tolerance levels using AMBI and M-AMBI indices. A total of 50 species were recorded at Goa petapa coast and 27 species at Ko’ol coast. The higher diversity at Goa Petapa may be due to the rocky-reef substrate offering varied microhabitats and protection from both predators and fluctuating environmental stress, in contrast to the sandy-type coast of Ko’ol. AMBI evaluation indicated disturbance levels ranging from undisturbed to slightly disturbed on both coasts. Slightly lower AMBI values were recorded at Goa Petapa (0.925-1.316) compared to Ko’ol (0.969-1.485), suggesting that tourism activity at Goa Petapa has little influence on environmental conditions. Meanwhile, M-AMBI values were higher at Goa Petapa, consistent with its greater diversity. These findings highlight the influence of habitat characteristics on macrozoobenthos community structure and environmental quality.