<![CDATA[Mangrove ecosystems and their associated macrobenthos interact closely through bioturbation, a key process that regulates sediment reworking, oxygen exchange, and nutrient cycling. This study examined how variations in mangrove and macrobenthos community structure relate to bioturbation among the studied mangrove ecosystems. Sampling was conducted across four mangrove ecosystems along the northern coast of East Java. A total of six mangrove species were recorded, dominated by Rhizophoraceae, along with 40 associated macrobenthos species dominated by Gastropoda and Malacostraca. Mangrove stand density ranged from 633.3 to 1300 ind/ha and did not differ significantly among sites, indicating relatively stable vegetation structure despite low diversity. Conversely, macrobenthos density varied significantly across sites, ranging from 7.44 to 26.56 ind/m². The macrobenthos community showed moderate diversity but generally reflected stable ecological conditions. Burrowing hole density differed significantly among sites, ranging from 34.11 to 70.44 holes/m², indicating spatial variation in potential bioturbation intensity. Correlation analysis revealed that Malacostraca abundance had the strongest relationship with burrow density, indicating a moderate positive association and highlighting the potential role of Malacostraca as the main contributors to bioturbation processes in mangrove ecosystems. Overall, this finding indicates that bioturbation potential does not depend on a single factor but rather arises from the interplay among vegetation structure, macrobenthos community composition, and environmental conditions. Maintaining habitat and ecosystem conditions is essential for supporting functionally important macrobenthos groups and sustaining sediment-related ecosystem processes. Conservation and restoration efforts should therefore consider both vegetation structure and associated faunal communities.]]>
