BIOPROSPEKSI JENIS GASTROPODA DI PESISIR PANTAI PULAU KERASIAN KABUPATEN KOTABARU

Abstract

Indonesia's coastal regions possess biological resources with the potential for development through bioprospecting activities. One group of organisms holding such potential is gastropods; they play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystem balance and offer economic value and potential utility as sources of food, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds. This study aimed to identify gastropod species found on the coast of Kerasian Island, Kotabaru Regency, and to assess their bioprospecting potential based on existing literature. A quantitative descriptive method involving field observation was employed. Sampling was conducted using the quadrat transect method combined with purposive sampling across 10 observation stations on the northern coast of Kerasian Island. Collected specimens were documented and subsequently identified based on shell morphological characteristics, including shape, color, size, and structure. The results revealed the presence of 11 gastropod species belonging to six families: Trochidae, Neritidae, Planaxidae, Cerithiidae, Muricidae, and Turbinidae. The identified species were Monodonta labio, Nerita chamaeleon, Planaxis sulcatus, Nerita albicilla, Nerita plicata, Nerita undata, Nerita costata, Clypeomorus bifasciata, Nerita polita, Semiricinula konkanensis, and Lunella cinerea. The Neritidae family was the most dominant, represented by six species. The bioprospecting assessment indicates that the gastropods in this area have potential as sources of nutritious food, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds applicable to the fields of health and biotechnology. Furthermore, the local community of Kerasian Island traditionally utilizes these gastropods through a practice known as mesepu' as a coastal food source. This study is expected to serve as a foundation for future bioprospecting initiatives and the sustainable management of gastropod resources.