Aggregation of Holothuria (Metriatyla) albiventer Semper (1868) (Echinodermata: Aspidochirotida) on Seagrass Area of Medana Bay, West Lombok

Mapping technique has not been popular in holothurian monitoring procedures. We introducedthe use of global positioning system to determine the local distribution pattern and estimate theindividual number of Holothuria albiventer at Medana Bay, West Lombok, Indonesia. During ebb tidein the afternoon, when Holothuria albiventer were exposed, each individual found was marked andtheir positions were subsequently overlaid on a thematic map of Medana Bay. The results showedthat 408 individuals of the species aggregated on a specific site of 894,47 m2, where coverage area ofthe sea grass reached 90 persen. Map of the distribution of holothurian populations in particular areasfacilitated accuracy in estimating the potential of any holothurian species, and efficiency in monitoringefforts. INDONESIAN FISHERIES RESEARCH JOURNAL Volume 14 Number 1 Juni 2008