Analysis of Fish Hematological Profiles as Bioindicators of Water Pollution in Fish Conservation Areas, East Java, Indonesia

Aquatic conservation areas are essential for the sustainable management of fish resources and ecosystems, especially in regions impacted by unsustainable fishing practices. The transformation of land use for ecotourism can yield mixed impacts. To ensure ecological integrity, monitoring tools like bioindicators such as fish species sensitive to environmental stressors are vital for assessing ecosystem health and informing conservation strategies. This study evaluates the health of aquatic conservation areas in East Java, Indonesia, through analyses of fish hematology and water quality parameters. Selected sites such as Iwak Kali, Boonpring, and Badherbank were chosen for their ecological and economic significance as well as the challenges posed by pollution. The aim was to assess ecological health by using hematological profiles and water quality indicators. Fish species including Tawes, Nilem, and Wader Cakul were sampled, and hematological tests measured erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, and other immune parameters. Simultaneously, water samples were tested for dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate, and other indicators of water quality. The findings revealed notable differences in fish hematology and water quality across the sites, with certain fish species demonstrating greater resilience to environmental stressors. High pollution levels detected at Badher Bank indicate a need for focused conservation interventions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that integrating fish hematology with water quality monitoring provides a comprehensive approach to managing aquatic conservation areas, promoting both ecological sustainability and community involvement. Summary: Fish blood biomarkers effectively indicate aquatic pollution levels in real-time environmental monitoring. Hematological changes in fish reflect water contamination from organic pollutants. Nonlethal blood sampling allows continuous, ethical monitoring of aquatic ecosystem health. Integrating fish blood analysis with water quality measurements can improve the accuracy of pollution assessments.