The occurrence of sea cucumber, Holothuria atra, was assessed in the seagrass area of the
Bama beach, Baluran National Park in East Java. The study investigated the frequency and early
stages of seagrass association preference of H. atra. Survey was conducted in May 2011 using
belt transect (1m x 100m with three replicates). Frequency of H. atra and their association with
seagrass were recorded. Furthermore, length and wet weight of each individual of H. atra were
measured. The total of 146 individuals of H. atra were observed in which 37.67% associated
with Enhalus acoroides (EA), 23.29% associated with Cymodocea rotundata (CR), 23,29%
associated with mixed seagrass species of E. acoroides and C. rotundata, and 15.75%
associated with no seagrass habitats. The results suggested that small size H. atra might prefer
to live under the taller seagrass stands such E. acoroides, which could be morphologically
benefits the H. atra by providing better protection and shelter area.