DENSITY ANALYSIS AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF THE RANGA SNAIL ( SPIDER CONCH ) LAMBIS LAMBIS AND UTILIZATION BY THE COMMUNITY IN THE WATERS OF ABANG ISLAND, BATAM.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the population structure, density, and distribution pattern of Lambis lambis as well as its utilization by the local fishing community on Abang Island, Batam. Data were collected using a 50-meter transect with 5 × 5 m quadrat plots, accompanied by measurements of key environmental parameters including dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and salinity. The results show that Lambis lambis exhibits low population densities (0.012–0.028 ind/m²) and a clumped distribution pattern indicated by a Morisita Index greater than 1. DO demonstrated a positive correlation with density, whereas higher temperatures were negatively correlated, suggesting sensitivity of the species to thermal fluctuations. Interviews with fishers indicated that harvesting pressure contributes to shifts in abundance and spatial patterns. These findings highlight the influence of environmental stress and exploitation on Lambis lambis populations and provide scientific considerations for community-based management, sustainable harvesting, and conservation planning on Abang Island.