TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Raja Ampat islands, which have long been known as the center of the world's marine biodiversity, are now facing a serious threat due to nickel mining activities.
Meutia Samira Ismet, a marine science and technology lecturer at IPB University, expressed her concerns about the long-term impact of mining on the marine ecosystem, especially on vulnerable conservation species such as sperm whales, giant clams, and manta rays.
"These three species are highly dependent on the balance of the Raja Ampat aquatic environment," said the marine conservation and applied microbiology expert in a written statement on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
She explained that sperm whales, giant clams, and manta rays have very specific feeding habits. Sperm whales, for instance, are known to consume pelagic fish and cephalopods such as squid and octopus in large quantities.
Meanwhile, giant clams are filter-feeding organisms that filter planktonic microorganisms from the water, in addition to symbiotically interacting with photosynthetic microalgae to meet their nutritional needs. Manta rays are also known to have a diet dominated by plankton and small pelagic fish, all of which would be greatly affected by the conditions of their aquatic environment.
"And form the basis of the food chain for sperm whales and manta rays," she said, adding that disruption to the ecosystem will lead to the collapse of said food chain.
Meutia stated that nickel mining activities on the land of Raja Ampat could produce waste runoff that pollutes the waters. "This waste carries organic matter and heavy metal residues that can disrupt symbiotic microalgae and other planktonic microorganisms," she said.
She added that high concentrations of nickel can be toxic to marine microalgae and microorganisms. She mentioned a study in Vavouto Bay, New Caledonia, which showed that nickel concentrations exceeding the standard threshold (46 g/L) can harm photosynthetic microalgae that play a vital role in the primary productivity and biogeochemical cycle of the waters.
Meutia also said that the increase in heavy metals in the sea affects the quantity and composition of zooplankton such as copepods, the primary food for manta rays and pelagic fish as well as squid, the main prey for sperm whales.
Nickel mining can also affect benthic groups such as giant clams which are highly vulnerable to changes in environmental quality. "Several studies have shown that increased nickel concentrations reduce the reproduction rate and growth of benthic organisms," she said.
She added that this exacerbates the conditions of species that are highly dependent on plankton and other microorganisms. Not only that, nickel mining also poses significant indirect impacts on the environment, including reduced levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), increased carbon dioxide, and decreased water clarity.
"As a result, the marine ecosystem structure could change drastically, which threatens the existence of rare species in the area," she said.
Meutia emphasized that a thorough risk assessment is needed to determine the safe threshold concentration of nickel for the marine ecosystem. She urged the implementation of water quality monitoring and more responsible mine waste management.
"The balance between economic growth and environmental preservation is crucial to ensure that Raja Ampat remains a home to the world's marine biodiversity," she said.
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