Abstract:
Study of ecological carrying capacity had been done to design the management strategy of the effective utilization of ecotourism diving spots in Raja Ampat. The research was conducted at the utilization zones of the Dampier Strait marine protected area, Raja Ampat between November 2016 and May 2017. The data of this research consist of primary data and secondary data. The secondary data collected and compiled from the scientific journal, report, and the other source which is related with the objectives of this research. Data collection of the coral reef ecosystems was collected at 10 diving spots by using LIT (Line Intercept Transect) and the data of coral fish was collected by using UVC (Underwater Visual Census). The secondary data was compiled from various sources. The result of the suitability matrix of marine ecotourism for diving category analysis found that these areas were under the category of very suitable area (S1) i.e Five Rock, Melissa Garden, Lolosi Reef and Cape Kri. The areas which are under category of suitable (S2) were found in the Friwen Bonda, the Urun Island, the Wai Island, the Dayan Island, and the Cape of Raspapir and the Yensawai Coast. The carrying capacity of divers for diving ecotourism were found to be 1 834 divers/day. The analyzed number of divers for the utilization of the carrying capacity area has shown 183 divers/day, and 38 559 divers/year. The allocation for the utilization of the diving ecotourism area is proposed 50:50 for foreign tourists and domestic tourists. The total local revenue from the entrance fee to enter the Dampier Strait waters conservation area per day from foreign tourists is Rp917 000 000 whereas from the domestic tourists Rp458 500 000. The strategy of the effectiveness of dive spots utilizes marine ecotourism can be done by arranged distribution of divers according to the certification records.
