ASSESSMENT OF SEAWATER LEVEL, INUNDATION DURATION AND SUBSTRATE ELEVATION FOR MANGROVE REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN THE SPERMONDE ARCHIPELAGO SOUTH SULAWESI INDONESIA

Assessments of seawater level, substrate elevation, and inundation duration are known to contribute to the success of mangrove rehabilitation programs. However, the majority of such programs have disregarded the need for these assessments. The objectives of this study are to assess seawater level and inundation duration, and subsequently determine suitable substrate elevation ranges for specific mangrove species used at a mangrove rehabilitation program in the Sagara Island of Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. During field surveys, substrate elevation and seawater levels were measured, and inundation patterns observed for 24 hours. The mangrove species found at each elevation level were identified. To predict seawater levels during 2016, tidal prediction data for the area were obtained from the Hydro- Oceanographic Department (DISHIDROS) of the Indonesian Navy. The seawater inundation frequency varied between once and twice a day, with the highest inundation duration (21-24 hours) at the Mean Lower Low Water Spring (MLLWS) level. The appropriate planting range for most mangrove species, concerning seawater level and seaward to landward substrate elevation, were between Mean Lower Low Water Spring (MLLWS) and Mean Highest High Water Spring (MHHWS) tidal levels.