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Field Survey and Data Collecton a Guidebook for Mangrove Health Index (MHI)
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Field Survey and Data Collection i
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ii Field Survey and Data Collection

Field Survey and Data Collection iii
 Field Survey and Data Collecton
a Guidebook for Mangrove Health
Index (MHI) Training

I Wayan Eka Dharmawan

- Makassar : © 2020

Copyright © I Wayan Eka Dharmawan 2020

All right reserved

Layout : Rizaldi Salam

Design Cover : Muhammad Alim

Cetakan Pertama, November 2020

x + 34 hlm; 14.5 x 21 cm
ISBN 978-623-6714-81-2
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iv Field Survey and Data Collection

FOREWORDS
Indonesia has the largest mangrove forest in the world,
with 22.6% of the total global mangrove area. This leads to
the potential functioning and services of the ecosystem both
on the national and regional scales. Mangrove absorbs and
stores significant amounts of carbon, act as habitat from the
biodiversity of flora-fauna, and delivers highly economic value
for the surrounding communities. Mangrove forests also provide
coastal protection from abrasion threats, waves, and storms and
reduce tsunami power.
Since 2014, the Research Centre for Oceanography,
Indonesian Institue of Sciences (RCO-LIPI), has developed a
mangrove monitoring system consisting of much competent
personnel, a practical and efficient methodology, and digital
applications (Spreadsheet Template and MonMang) through
the COREMAP-CTI project. The system has provided enough
data, which is implemented directly by mangrove forest area
managers or analyzed internally to obtain a value or metric in
determining mangrove health. This metric is called Mangrove
Health Index (MHI),
Regional Training and Research Center on Marine
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health (RTRC-MarBEST) as a part
of UNESCO and IOC WESTPAC tries to facilitate the success
story of MHI development in Indonesia either regionally or
globally. Therefore, RTRC MarBEST is proud to present the
first Mangrove Health Index (MHI) training with interactive
training materials. This book is one topic that will be taught
in MHI training, where each subject as a whole will be very

Field Survey and Data Collection v v

interconnected. In addition to books, RTRC MarBEST also
prepares an online learning system supported by video tutorials,
interactive teaching materials, and competent trainers. Finally,
I congratulate you on the training and all topics can be adopted
for your home region/country and for personal development in
the future.

Cibinong, November 2020

Acting Director of Pusbindiklat LIPI

Raden Arthur Ario Lelono, Ph.D.

vi vi Field Survey and Data Collection

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORDS....................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................... vii
LIST OF FIGURE............................................................... viii

Chapter 1 : Mangrove Community Structure

Parameters.............................................................................. 1
A. Canopy Coverage (C) of the Mangrove
Community......................................................................1
B. Species Identification......................................................... 3
C. Girth at Breast Height (GBH) and Diameter at
Breast Height (DBH)........................................................ 15
D. Community Height (H)..................................................... 17
E. Frequency (F).................................................................... 17
F. Density (N)........................................................................ 18
G. Basal Area (BA) dan Dominance (Dom).......................... 19
H. Relative Values (RF, RN dan RD).................................... 19
I. Importance Value Index (IVI)........................................... 19

Chapter 2 : Data Collection................................................. 21

A. Research Plot Point Tracking............................................. 21
B. Research Plot Construction................................................ 22
C. Data Collection................................................................... 23

REFERENCE........................................................................ 31
APPENDIX............................................................................ 33

Field Survey and Data Collection vii vii

 LIST OF FIGURE

Figure 1. The distribution percentage of the mangrove community

canopy cover in Indonesia, a result of COREMAP
CTI monitoring in the year 2015-2020
Figure 2. The stilt root system on genus Rhizophora
Figure 3. The root system of Bruguiera (up) and Ceriops (down),
which is a combination between small stilt roots and
knee roots.
Figure 4. The breathing roots of three different groups: Avicennia
(1), Sonneratia (2), and Xylocarpus moluccensis
(3).
Figure 5. Plank roots of Xylocarpus granatum.
Figure 6. Leaf morphological shape of Rhizophora apiculata
(left), R. mucronata (middle), and R. stylosa (right).

Figure 7. Leaf morphological shape of Bruguiera (1), Ceriops

(2), a leaflet of Xylocarpus moluccensis (3), and X.
granatum (4); and the compound leaf of Xylocarpus
(5).
Figure 8. Leaf morphological shape from the three most Avicennia
group: A. marina (left), A. alba (middle), and A.
lanata (right).
Figure 9. Leaf morphological shape from Sonneratia ovata (left),
S. caseolaris (middle), and S. alba (right)

viii viii Field Survey and Data Collection

Figure 10. The differences in propagules and flowering of genus
Rhizophora: R. apiculata (a); R. lamarckii (b); R.
mucronata (c); R. stylosa (d). Source: Yong and
Sheue (2014).
Figure 11. The differences of propagules’ shape in Bruguiera
group: 1) B. hainesii; 2). B. sexangula; 3) B.
gymnorrhiza; 4) B. cylindrica; and B. parviflora.
Source: Sheue et al. (2005).
Figure 12. The dynamics of the propagules morphology on
Ceriops tagal (left), C. zippeliana (middle), and C.
decandra (right).
Figure 13. Flower and fruit of Sonneratia ovata (left; Yong and
Sheue, 2014), S. alba (middle), and S. caseolaris
(right).
Figure 14. Flowers (left) and fruit of X. moluccensis (upper right)
and fruit of X. granatum (lower right).
Figure 15. The flower and fruit morphological differences in
several species of the genus Avicennia. Source: Yong
and Sheue (2014).
Figure 16. The average trunk diameter of mangrove stands
at the research and monitoring locations of LIPI
(Indonesian Institute of Sciences) for the 2015-2020
COREMAP-CTI
Figure 17. Mangrove density (stands/100 m2) at the research and
monitoring locations of LIPI (Indonesian Institute of
Sciences) for the 2015-2020 COREMAP-CTI

Field Survey and Data Collection ix ix

Figure 18. Dominant species at the research and monitoring
locations of LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences)
during 2015-2020 (within and outside of the
COREMAP-CTI locations)
Figure 19. The use of GPS receiver to record points using the
ENTER button (orange) and to track with the FIND
button from the data collection point (green)
Figure 20. The division scheme of research plot into 4-9 quadrants
to capture hemisphere photograph depending on the
density of the mangrove community canopy
Figure 21. The height range of the camera position to take
hemisphere photographs which indicated by a red
box (left); and a cross-section of mangrove stands,
colored in red, to illustrate the correct position to take
the photograph in a quadrant (right).
Figure 22. Other guidelines for taking hemisphere photographs

Figure 23. Positions for the measurement of mangrove trunk’s

circumference on several types of trunks, which is
influenced by its root and branching systems (the
Decree of the Minister of Environment of the Republic
of Indonesia No. 201 of 2004 about Standard Criteria
and Guidelines for the Determination of Damage in
Mangrove Forests).
Figure 24. A data collection principle and technique for estimating
tree stand height within a community where H = H0
+ H1 and H1 = d x tan Ɵ

x x Field Survey and Data Collection

 1
Mangrove Community
Structure Parameters
Analysis of the mangrove community structure is conducted
using the vegetation analysis approach (English et al., 1997;
Ashton & Macintosh, 2002; Joshi & Ghose, 2014). This approach
is done by measuring parameters of mangrove community
structure directly in the field. Vegetation analysis involves the
distribution of every mangrove species within the measured areas.
Measured areas are usually in the form of square or radial plots,
which are easy to calculate. There are several parameters used in
this approach, i.e.,
A. Canopy Coverage (C) of the Mangrove Community
The canopy is the most upper part of a stand, consisting of
branch/stem and foliage/leaves. Analysis of the percent canopy
coverage can represent the health condition of the mangrove

Field Survey and Data Collection 1

community (Dharmawan & Pramudji, 2017). As a foliage-
dominated structure, canopy coverage can also describe the
productivity of mangrove community, light penetration level, and
forest gap that affects seedling growth in a certain area. According
to Jenning et al. (1999), the forest’s canopy cover, also known as
canopy coverage or crown cover, is the percentage of the forest
floor covered by the stand’s canopy in a vertical projection. The
percentage of canopy cover is a two-dimensional projection of
the canopy’s length and width. The canopy’s height can not be
described by simply measuring its’ percent coverage.
Palleto & Tosi (2009) compared several techniques to
analyze the percent canopy cover, i.e., the GRS densitometer,
spherical densitometer, ocular estimate, and hemispherical
photographs with 30° and 60° fish eye lens angles. However,
Dharmawan & Pramudji (2014, 2017) mentioned that a simple
hemispherical photograph method is sufficient to collect data
to monitor the mangrove community health in the COREMAP
CTI project. This method only requires simple photography
equipment, making it easier to use by the people.

2 Field Survey and Data Collection

Figure 1. The distribution percentage of the mangrove community
canopy cover in Indonesia, a result of COREMAP CTI monitoring
in the year 2015-2020
The implementation of COREMAP CTI monitoring in all
locations uses pocket cameras or smartphones with a minimum
resolution of 3 MP. There were several options of usable cameras,
i.e., DSLR / SLR cameras, mobile phone cameras, action
cameras, and cameras with geotagging. Square photos/images are
preferable in applying this method since they have an equal range
from the center of the photo.

B. Species Identification
Indonesia has the world’s highest mangrove diversity. Noor
et al. (2006) listed 39 true mangrove species found in Indonesia.
Rhizophora or known in the local language as “bakau” is the most
common genus found in Indonesian mangrove forests. Thus, the

Field Survey and Data Collection 3

local people mainly called mangrove forests as “hutan bakau”
(hutan: forest, bakau: Rhizophora).
A more detailed mangrove species identification can
refer to the identification key by Noor et al., (2004), Giesen et
al., (2005), and Tomlinson et al., (1978). However, a rapid and
accurate identification technique is a necessity, especially when
working in the field. One of the feasible solutions is by observing
the key characteristics of each mangrove species. There are
several key characters to efficiently identify the general mangrove
groups (e.g., Rhizophoraceae, Sonneratiaceae, Avicenniaceae,
and Meliaceae), such as:
1. Root type
There are four main root systems commonly used as one
of the key characters on the early determination of mangrove
species, i.e., breathing/aerial roots (pneumatophore), stilt roots,
knee roots, and plank roots. Mangrove groups from the family
Rhizophoraceae (Rhizophora, Bruguierra, Ceriops) can be
identified with the presence of the stilt root system that differed
between each genus (Figure 2 and 3). Genus Rhizophora is easier
to identify due to their stilt root, which widely spread surrounding
the stand. The stilt root system in genus Brugueira and Ceriops
is not too visible since the tip of the roots attached and pinned in
the surrounding main stem. However, the stilt root from these two
genera is still distinguishable from the other root types, such as
the knee roots, which is the elongation of stilt roots supporting the
oxygen intake for respiration.

4 Field Survey and Data Collection

 Figure 2. The stilt root system on genus Rhizophora

Figure 3. The root system of Bruguiera (above) and Ceriops

(below), which is a combination between small stilt roots and
knee roots.
Breathing roots/pneumatophore is a typical characteristic
of the group Sonneratiaceae and Aviceniaceae. This type of
root appears aboveground vertically to support the respiration

Field Survey and Data Collection 5

process. The difference between the two groups lies in their root
texture and hardness. Genus Avicennia has a softer, smaller, and
pencil-like roots compared to genus Sonneratia with its harder
and sharp-tipped roots. Breathing roots are also characteristic of
Xylocarpus mollucensis, a species belongs to the Meliaceae group.
X. mollucensis has hard, flat-shaped roots with blunt and round
tip (Figure 4). Xylocarpus granatum, also from Meliaceae group,
has plank-like roots known as the plank root system (Figure 5).

Figure 4. The breathing roots of three different groups: Avicennia

(1), Sonneratia (2), and Xylocarpus moluccensis (3).

6 Field Survey and Data Collection

 Figure 5. Plank roots of Xylocarpus granatum.
2. Leaf morphology
The mangrove leaf morphology is another character that
differentiates mangrove species. For instance, the two genera of
Rhizophoraceae, i.e., Rhizophora and Brugueira tend to have
a similar shape (Figure 6, 7). However, a detailed observation
shows that the ratio of petiole to lamina is 1:2 or 1:3 in Brugueira
and way smaller in Rhizophora. The obovate leaf type of Ceriops
is easily distinguishable from the other Rhizophoraceae. It has a
small leaf with oval lamina, rounded tip, and narrow base (Figure
7).
The leaf morphology of genus Rhizophora varied on
their size and shape. For instance, R. stylosa has small-sized,
oval-shaped, and pointy leaf; R. apiculata has medium-sized,
elongated, and pointy leaf; while R. mucronata has big-sized,
elliptical-shaped, and pointy leaf.
The three common species from the genus Ceriops have a
similar leaf shape, but their leaf size differs. C. decandra and C.
zippeliana have similar leaf size, but larger compared to C. tagal.
Genus Brugueira also has species that differ in leaf size. Bruguiera
gymnorrhiza shared similar leaf shape with B. sexangular.

Field Survey and Data Collection 7

However, B. gymnorrhiza has the largest leaf compared to other
species in the same genus. B. cylindrica, B. parviflora, and B.
exaristata shared a similar leaf morphology: white-yellowish
petiole and smaller leaf size compared to B. gymnorrhiza and B.
sexangula.

Figure 6. Leaf morphological shape of Rhizophora apiculata

(left), R. mucronata (middle), and R. stylosa (right).

8 Field Survey and Data Collection

Figure 7. Leaf morphological shape of Bruguiera (1), Ceriops
(2), a leaflet of Xylocarpus moluccensis (3), and X. granatum (4);
and the compound leaf of Xylocarpus (5).
Genus Avicennia has a smaller leaf compared to Rhizophora
and Brugueira. The ventral (upper) leaf surface of Avicennia has
a softer texture and darker green color compared to its dorsal
surface. Avicennia leaf contains the salt gland to excrete the
excess salt in their system. The most prominent feature from the
three most common Avicennia species is their leaf lamina and tip
shape (Figure 8). Sonneratia group has succulent, thick leaves
which differs in each of its species (Figure 9). Each species
of the Xylocarpus group has a different leaf tip and color. X.
granatum has a rounded tip with pale green color, while X.
moluccencis has a pointy tip with a bright green color.

Field Survey and Data Collection 9

Figure 8. Leaf morphological shape from the three most Avicennia
group: A. marina (left), A. alba (middle), and A. lanata (right).

Figure 9. Leaf morphological shape from Sonneratia ovata (left),

S. caseolaris (middle), and S. alba (right)

10 Field Survey and Data Collection

3. Reproductive organs (flower and fruit)
Flower and fruit or propagules are the structure that
differentiates the species in the family Rhizophoraceae. For
example, the three species from the genus Rhizophora (i.e., R.
apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa) differ in their number
of flowers in the inflorescence. R. apiculata has 2 flowers, R.
mucronata has 3-8 flowers, and R. stylosa has 8-16 flowers (Figure
10). Their propagules (fruit) size can also differ, depending on the
habitat type and the nutrient availability.
R. mucronata has the longest propagules compared to
R. apiculata and R. stylosa. Species from the genus Brugueira
differ in the shape, color, and petal number of their flower and
fruit (Figure 11). The propagules in genus Ceriops mostly differ
on each species. C. tagal has the longest propagules that hang
in the direction of gravity. Propagules of C. zippeliana dan C.
decandra are shorter and hang in the opposite direction of gravity.
The difference between C. zippeliana and C. decandra lies in the
color of their propagule’s base color (red in C. zippeliana and
white-yellowish in C. decandra, Figure 12).

Field Survey and Data Collection 11

Figure 10. The differences in propagules and flowering of genus
Rhizophora: R. apiculata (a); R. lamarckii (b); R. mucronata (c);
R. stylosa (d). Source: Yong and Sheue (2014).

Figure 11. The differences of propagules’ shape in Bruguiera

group: 1) B. hainesii; 2). B. sexangula; 3) B. gymnorrhiza; 4) B.
cylindrica; and B. parviflora. Source: Sheue et al. (2005).

12 Field Survey and Data Collection

Figure 12. The dynamics of the propagules morphology on
Ceriops tagal (left), C. zippeliana (middle), and C. decandra
(right).
Groups other than Rhizophoraceae have different flower
and fruit characteristics. The differences in the flower and fruit is
also observed in species of Sonneratia group. Fruits of S. ovata
is partially covered by the calyx lobes that bend towards the fruit.
On the other hand, the calyx lobes of S. alba and S. caseolaris are
open and did not cover the fruit (Figure 13). S. ovata and S. alba
flower have a similar white filament in full bloom. In the other
hand, S. caseolaris flower has a red filament color. Species of
Xylocarpus group share an almost similar flower shape. Another
morphological character that distinguishes the species in this
group is their fruit color. X. granatum has a green-colored fruit
and X. moluccensis has a brown-colored fruit (Figure 14).

Field Survey and Data Collection 13

Figure 13. Flower and fruit of Sonneratia ovata (left; Yong and
Sheue, 2014), S. alba (middle), and S. caseolaris (right).

Figure 14. Flowers (left) and fruit of X. moluccensis (upper right)

and fruit of X. granatum (lower right).

14 Field Survey and Data Collection

Figure 15. The flower and fruit morphological differences in
several species of the genus Avicennia. Source: Yong and Sheue
(2014).

C. Girth at Breast Height (GBH) and Diameter at Breast

Height (DBH)
The cross-section of a mangrove trunk is assumed to be
circular with a circumference and diameter. Girth at Breast Height
(GBH) is a term used to define the circumference of a tree trunk
measured at the height of an adult’s breast. GBH values ​​can be
converted to Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) using a general
formula to convert the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
Mangroves on small islands commonly have smaller trunk
diameters than mangroves on the larger islands, and therefore
strongly influenced by its substrate conditions. Mangrove
communities with high anthropogenic risks also tend to have
smaller average trunk sizes than pristine mangrove communities.

Field Survey and Data Collection 15

The maximum trunk diameter found in COREMAP CTI
monitoring activity was 241 cm on Sonneratia alba species.
The size of a trunk can describe the age of the stands in
a community, which consists of three classes, i.e., tree (mature
stand), sapling (juvenile stand), and seedling. This classification
is based on the size of the trunk diameter. The tree has a trunk
diameter with a minimum size of 5 cm, while a multi-branched
trunk with a diameter smaller than 5 cm is classified as a sapling.
Seedling is a trunk with a height under 1.5 cm and not branched.
Trees tend to dominate natural mangrove communities, while 5
years old secondary/rehabilitated/planted mangrove forests tend
to be dominated by saplings.

Figure 16. The average trunk diameter of mangrove stands at the

research and monitoring locations of LIPI (Indonesian Institute of
Sciences) for the 2015-2020 COREMAP-CTI

16 Field Survey and Data Collection

D. Community Height (H)
Tree height is positively correlated with its diameter under
natural conditions. This correlation indicates that tree height can
be used to determine the age of mangrove stands and communities.
However, the correlation between the two variables varies on
different mangrove species since the habitat of each species also
differs. The maximum tree height of Brugueira gymnorrhiza can
reach 30-35 meters, while Sonneratia alba can grow to a height of
15-30 meters (Duke 2006).

E. Frequency (F)
The frequency of a mangrove species is the number of plots
where a mangrove species present compared to the total number
of plots. For example, Rhizophora apiculata was found in 90
plots out of 100 plots and the frequency of this species would be
0.9 or 90/100.
Frequency value can be used to describe the distribution
pattern of a species within the research location. For
example, Sonneratia alba and Avicennia marina are commonly
found in research plots made in areas near the sea, whereas in
plots near to land, these species are rarely present. Species with a
high salinity tolerance tend to have a high-frequency ratio.

Field Survey and Data Collection 17

F. Density (N)
Density is the number of stands for each species found in the
area of measurement. This parameter describes the abundance of
a species within a research location and can be used to determine
the health of a mangrove community. If there are 15 mangrove
stands within a 100 m2 plot, then its density is 15 stands/100m2
or 1500 stands/ha. Conversion from 100m2 to hectares is done
by multiplying the density value by 100. Density indicates
competition for space and abiotic resources between stands and is
closely related to diameter size. The density is generally smaller
in bigger stands.

Figure 17. Mangrove density (stands/100 m2) at the research and

monitoring locations of LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences)
for the 2015-2020 COREMAP-CTI

18 Field Survey and Data Collection

G. Basal Area (BA) dan Dominance (Dom)
As the name implies, basal means base and area indicates
units of land area, the basal area is the area of stand base found
from a measurement location. This parameter projects the cross-
sectional area of a trunk over its substrate. The basal area is
calculated from the sum of the cross-sectional area for each stand,
assumed to be a circle. Therefore, to get basal area value for each
stand, the circle area formula is used.

H. Relative Values (RF, RN dan RD)

Relative values are the proportion of the frequency,
density, and dominance of each species to the overall value in the
community. Relative frequency (RF) describes the proportion of
frequency and distribution or distribution of each species to the
frequency of all species on the plot measured. Relative density
(RN) provides information on the percentage of the number of
species found compared to the total number of stands. Relative
dominance (RD) is calculated using the total basal area for each
species divided by the total basal area of all stands and then
multiplied by 100%.

I. Importance Value Index (IVI)

This value summarizes the level of distribution, abundance,
and dominance of each species as a number which then provides
an idea about the magnitude of influence or importance of a
species in the community measured. Importance Value Index
is calculated from the sum of all relative values, which are:
relative frequency, relative density, and relative dominance. In a

Field Survey and Data Collection 19

healthy mangrove ecosystem, this parameter is a representation
of the habitat conditions (substrate and waters) with its dominant
species. The highest IVI for sandy/rocky substrates and high
salinity is generally Sonneratia alba. Mangroves can grow in bay
areas or river estuaries, but the species that has the highest IVI will
vary from sea to land. Therefore, the species that has the highest
IVI in a mangrove community is the most adaptive species to its
environmental conditions.

Figure 18. Dominant species at the research and monitoring

locations of LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences) during 2015-
2020 (within and outside of the COREMAP-CTI locations)

20 Field Survey and Data Collection

 2
Data Collection
Analysis of satellite imagery in the previous phase has
produced potential points/locations that can be used to represent
the entire research area even with a limited research period. These
potential points have geographic locations (coordinates) that
are used as research plots and data collection locations for the
required parameters. The steps conducted include:

A. Research Plot Point Tracking

Tracking is done to confirm potential research plots using
a GPS receiver device. The identity of each of these potential
points (name/label, latitude, and longitude) can be recorded
into the device. The skills in using GPS have become crucial
in conducting research. Mistakes in recording the identity

Field Survey and Data Collection 21

of potential points will cause errors in the measurements of
research objects and will impact on the data interpretation and
draw inaccurate conclusions.

Figure 19. The use of GPS receiver to record points using the
ENTER button (orange) and to track with the FIND button from
the data collection point (green)

B. Research Plot Construction

Research plots are sample repetitions in a study and
provide a limit for the measurement area of a mangrove
community structure at one potential point. The number of plots
made is expected to provide an overview of the entire mangrove
community in the research area. The total area of measurement
in several studies is varied, using both quadratic and radial plots.
For the implementation of COREMAP-CTI project, the research
plots area is made uniformly with a 10m x 10 m square-shaped
area. This area is used to measure all levels of stands, trees,
saplings, and seedlings.
For monitoring activities, each plot is labeled to facilitate
the tracking process at the next monitoring period. The purpose
of labeling is to preserve the measured mangrove community

22 Field Survey and Data Collection

so that in the next monitoring period, measurements will
be conducted in the same community. The labeling can use
fluorescene spray paint and nylon rope, or other label materials
provided it lasts the required period.

C. Data Collection
Within each plot constructed, measurements for each
parameter of the mangrove community structure are conducted
using their specific requirements, which are:
1. The recording of basic information about data collection
includes a recording of date, name of a location, strata-
plot number, and GPS coordinates. Substrate types are
qualitatively identified based on three classifications,
which are: sandy mud, muddy sand, and hard/rocky/
rubble mixture sand.
2. The percentage of canopy cover of the mangrove
community is analyzed using samples of hemisphere
photos captured with special requirements. Each plot is
divided into 4-9 quadrants, depending on the community’s
canopy density (Figure 20). Only one hemisphere photo
is taken from each quadrant (without repetitions for each
quadrant) by vertically photographing the sky and the
canopy at 1/3 of the stand’s height within the plot. For
stands taller than 4 meters, a photograph is taken at chest
level. If the stand’s height is lower than 4 meters, then
the camera is adjusted to a proportional 1/3 of its stand’s
height. These guidelines aimed for the photograph to
always taken from under the community canopy.

Field Survey and Data Collection 23

Photographs are taken by taking into account several other
requirements, including: 1) reducing the penetration of direct
sunlight onto the camera lens to assist analysis; 2) avoiding wet
or damp lenses which could cause the photograph to become out
of focus; 3) avoid photographing other objects (Figure 21).

Figure 20. The division scheme of research plot into 4-9 quadrants
to capture hemisphere photograph depending on the density of the
mangrove community canopy

24 Field Survey and Data Collection

Figure 21. The height range of the camera position to take
hemisphere photographs which indicated by a red box (left); and
a cross-section of mangrove stands, colored in red, to illustrate the
correct position to take the photograph in a quadrant (right).

Figure 22. Other guidelines for taking hemisphere photographs

3. Trunk circumference measured using a diameter tape
with variations in the measurement location based on
English et al. (1997) and the Decree of the Minister of
Environment of the Republic of Indonesia No. 201 of
2004 about Standard Criteria and Guidelines for the

Field Survey and Data Collection 25

 Determination of Damage in Mangrove Forests as shown
in Figure 23.

Figure 23. Positions for the measurement of mangrove trunk’s

circumference on several types of trunks, which is influenced
by its root and branching systems (the Decree of the Minister
of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia No. 201 of 2004
about Standard Criteria and Guidelines for the Determination of
Damage in Mangrove Forests).
4. The identification of mangrove species is conducted
for each measured stand based on the knowledge and
comprehension of certified experts/researchers/staffs
in the research activity. Identification can also use
identification books such as Tomlinson (1986), Giesen et
al. (2006), or general knowledge books such as Noor et
al. (1999) and Pramudji 2018. In the case of unidentified
mangrove species, each plant parts (i.e., root, stem, leaf,
fruit, and flower) photographed, and samples of those

26 Field Survey and Data Collection

 parts collected for further identification.
5. The number of stands measured by the determination
of its circumference used to analyze tree and sapling
densities. Measurement and identification of individual
stand at the seedling level are carried out separately
within the coverage of the plot area.
6. Stand height (H) can be measured using the relationship
between the distance of the measurement (d), angle from
the eye to the top of the tree (Ɵ), and the observer’s eye
height (H0). An easy measurement is using a protractor
or a clinometer. Currently, there are Android/iOS-based
digital protractor applications that are widely available
for free and can be used to take angle measurements to
measure stand height. With sufficient time, the height
of each stand can be measured with very high accuracy.
However, the mangrove community health analysis only
requires selected stands that comprise the maximum
height of the community within the plot.

Field Survey and Data Collection 27

Figure 24. A data collection principle and technique for estimating
tree stand height within a community where H = H0 + H1 and H1
= d x tan Ɵ
7. Other supporting data were also recorded during data
collection, including the percentage of waste cover
and the number of felled trees. Plastic/inorganic waste
is one of the threats that cover the forest floor and can
reduce the regeneration ability of the community in
the area. The estimation of the plastic waste cover was
conducted in all research plots using five categories,
which are: 0% (no waste cover); 1-25% (little waste
cover or sparse amount); 25-50% (waste covers almost
part of the substrate); 50-75% (waste covers more than
the substrate); and 75-100% (waste covers almost the
entire substrate). Logging data is obtained by recording

28 Field Survey and Data Collection

 the number of felled trees and saplings cut in one
measurement area.

Field Survey and Data Collection 29

30 Field Survey and Data Collection
 REFERENCES

Ashton, E.C. & Macintosh, D.J., 2002. Preliminary assessment

of the plant diversity and community ecology of the
Sematan mangrove forest, Sarawak, Malaysia. Forest
Ecology and Management, 166(1-3), pp.111-129.
Dharmawan, I.W.E. & Pramudji, 2014. Panduan Monitoring
Status Ekosistem Mangrove di Indonesia. PT. Sarana
Komunikasi Utama. Jakarta. 47pp
Dharmawan, I.W.E. & Pramudji. 2017. Panduan Pemantauan
Komunitas Mangrove (Edisi 2). PT. Media Sains
Nasional. 70pp
English, S., Wilkinson, C. & Baker, V. 1997 Survey Manual
for Tropical Marine Resources. ASEAN-Australian
Marine Science Project: Living Coastal Resources by
the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville,
Australia, 390 pp.
Giesen, W., Wulffraat, S., Zieren, M. & Scholten, L. 2006.
Mangrove Guidebook for Southeast Asia. Bangkok:
FAO and Wetlands International, 769pp.
Joshi, H.G. & Ghose, M., 2014. Community structure, species
diversity, and aboveground biomass of the Sundarbans
mangrove swamps. Tropical Ecology, 55(3), pp.283-303.
Noor, Y.R., M. Khazali & I.N.N. Suryadiputra. 1999. Panduan
Pengenalan Mangrove di Indonesia. Bogor: PHKA/Wi-
IP. 227pp

Field Survey and Data Collection 31

Paletto, A. & Tosi, V., 2009. Forest canopy cover and canopy
closure: comparison of assessment techniques. European
Journal of Forest Research, 128(3), pp.265-272.
Tomlinson, P.B. 1986. The Botany of mangroves. Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, U.K. 413 pp.

32 Field Survey and Data Collection

Appendix: Example of Data Collection Sheet
Appendix 1. Example of Data Collection Sheet for Each Plot

Field Survey and Data Collection 33

34 Field Survey and Data Collection