Coral reef condition at north coastal of Haruku Island Maluku Tengah

Abstract

This research was conducted in the waters on the north coastal of Haruku Island, in 2018, to analyze the condition of coral reefs in the area. The application of the manta-tow method was used as an initial survey of coral reef ecosystems at three research stations (Pelau, Waimital, and Hulaliu), and then the Point Intercept Transect (PIT) method approach was used to analyze the life form of benthic growth at each location at a depth of 3 and 10 meters. Analysis of the percentage of existing life forms was performed to determine the level of damage to coral reefs. The results showed that the percentage of hard coral cover at a depth of 3 meters for the three locations of Pelau, Waimital, and Hulaliu was 16.33%, 14.67%, and 65.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the depth of 10 meters is 40.67%, 35%, and 66.67%. The condition of coral reefs at Pelau and Waimital stations at a depth of 3 meters is classified as poor, and at a depth of 10 meters is classified as moderate. Meanwhile, at Hulaliu Station, the condition of coral reefs at both depths was classified as good.

Habitat suitability modeling of Acropora spp. distribution in Coral Triangle area of Maluku Waters, Indonesia under influence of future climate change and coastal pollution

“…Anthropogenic coral reef degradation has been observed on islands with higher population density within the Maluku Coral Reef archipelago. This degradation occurs indirectly due to land-based water pollution, as well as directly through activities, such as coral mining and destructive fishing practices (Titaheluw et al, 2020;Lessy et al, 2021;Limmon and Manuputty, 2021;Limmon et al, 2023). The habitat suitability model illustrated that the combined effects of future climate change dynamics and direct anthropogenic impacts, such as increased nutrient runoff in coastal waters, will substantially reduce habitat suitability for coral reefs.…”