Assessment of coral reefs health in Nature Recreation Park (TWA=Taman Wisata Alam) Sangiang Island, Banten

Abstract

Sangiang Island had been established as a Nature Recreation Park (TWA) in Indonesia, that requires comprehensive data support for good management. The rise of marine tourism that increased in TWA Sangiang Island behoove to be a concern, especially in coral reef ecosystem. The study aimed to determined the condition of the coral cover and the biomass composition of coral reef fishes, then to identify parameters that affect coral health and the coral reefs health index in TWA Sangiang Island. The observation was carried out in area near to the estuary (Legon Waru), entry point for shipping (Tembuyung), and diving tourism (Legon Bajo). The highest of biomass of target fish was Legon Bajo (0.013 kg/ha) and the lowest was Tembuyung (0.002 kg/ha). Coral reefs health index values in each station varied from 1 (low) to 4 (high). Coral reefs health index in Legon Waru was strongly influenced by live coral cover, and also in Legon Bajo was influenced by live coral cover, rubble and biomass of target fishes, while in Tembuyung was much influenced by fleshy seaweed cover. The results indicated that the coral reef ecosystem on Sangiang Island wasn't in good condition as a whole.