Potential stock of stony corals in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is part of the coral triangle region which is known as the world's highest marine biodiversity, including stony corals. This situation used to benefit local people by trading ornamental corals. The aims of this study are to investigate the potential stock of ornamental corals as well as the reef conditions. The study took place in Kendari, Luwuk, Sumbawa and Belitung where the ornamental coral-collecting activities used to occur. The result indicates there were approximately 110 species of corals found with the majority of coral status are common (harvest limited) and uncommon (harvest with cautions). Based on the juvenile existence, only 66 corals have potential stocks. Euphyllidae (Euphyllia glabrescens and Plerogyra sinousa) had the highest potential stock in Kendari and Luwuk, while Fungiidae (Fungia spp) held the highest potential stock in Belitung and Sumbawa. This difference is likely related to different locality or habitat type. In general, coral reefs in Kendari, Luwuk and Belitung are in good condition, while fair condition occurs in Sumbawa. To conclude, the stock of ornamental corals is still high and the reefs are generally good, suggesting the collecting activities may be allowed with proper quota and continuous monitoring habitat condition to ensure the sustainability.