Integrating Benthic Macrofauna Biodiversity Mapping Into Muck Dive Ecotourism Development in Penuktukan, Buleleng, Bali

This study assesses the biodiversity of benthic macrofauna in the coastal waters of Penuktukan Village, Tejakula District, Buleleng Regency, Bali, to evaluate ecosystem health and identify its potential for sustainable muck-dive ecotourism. A total of 80 species representing 16 taxonomic groups were recorded, including Calcarea (sponges), Platyhelminthes (flatworms), Sabellidae (fan worms), Gastropoda, Cypraeidae, Chromodorididae (nudibranchs), Cephalopoda, Echinodermata, Stenopodidae, and Palinuridae. The dominance of ecologically sensitive groups such as sponges, nudibranchs, fan worms, and cowries indicates high water quality and a stable benthic substrate, reflecting a well-functioning marine ecosystem. Functional communities contributed to key ecological processes including filtration, detritivory, nutrient cycling, and bioturbation. Charismatic species such as Chromodoris annae, Pseudoceros imitatus, Stenopus hispidus, and Panulirus versicolor enhance the aesthetic and educational value of the site, strengthening its appeal for underwater macro-photography. Habitat characteristics, including black-sand substrates, moderate visibility, and diving depths of 5– 20m, further classify Penuktukan as a high-suitability zone for muck-dive tourism. The integration of biodiversity mapping with community-based management, spatial zoning, and routine ecological monitoring provides a strategic foundation for ecotourism development that simultaneously supports conservation and local economic growth.