The hundreds of small islands are separated by small straits widespread throughout Aru Island, Maluku. The coastline’s length allows mangroves to thrive and grow, becoming a natural barrier and breakwater. It also prevents abrasion and ocean water intrusion through mangrove substrates.
The Dobo settlement adjacent to mangrove forest.
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
The size of Aru Islands mangrove forest is 156.5 ha (KLHK, 2018). It serves as a living resource and food alternative for most people who live in the Aru Islands. Traditional fishermen use fishing traps to catch mangrove crabs (Scylla serrata) in the mangrove forest. Besides that, shrimp and demersal fish are the main commodities caught by small-scale fishermen in the Aru Islands.
Besides fisheries, mangroves are also an alternative food resource. Tongki, or mangrove fruits such as Bruguiera gymnorhiza, are processed into a traditional food known as Yongki. Meanwhile, tambelo worms (Bactronophorus thoracites), which live in mangrove trees, can be processed into snacks.
The canopy of Aru Island Mangrove Forest
Credit: Ady Candra / Shutterstock.com
