<![CDATA[Coastal development projects can influence marine ecosystems by modifying sediment dynamics, water quality, and habitat characteristics. This study evaluated the ecological condition of coastal waters in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa during the Bali Beach Conservation Project by assessing plankton and benthic communities as biological indicators. Community composition, abundance, and ecological indices were analyzed to characterize spatial variations in ecosystem conditions. Phytoplankton analysis identified 11 taxa, dominated by Bacillariophyceae, with higher abundance recorded in Nusa Dua (694.65 cells L?¹) compared with Tanjung Benoa (14.85 cells L?¹). Benthic assessment identified 22 taxa belonging to Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Polychaeta. Ecological analysis showed that Tanjung Benoa exhibited a higher Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H? = 2.30) and evenness (E = 0.95) than Nusa Dua (H? = 1.95; E = 0.68), indicating a more balanced distribution of benthic individuals despite lower species richness. These variations suggest that plankton and benthic assemblages reflect spatial changes in environmental conditions associated with coastal activities. This study highlights the value of biological monitoring as a complementary approach to conventional water quality assessments and provides scientific support for sustainable coastal management and infrastructure development. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 14: Life Below WaterSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals]]>
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