Spatial Distribution of Coral Reef Degradation with Human Activities in the Coastal Waters of Samatellu Lompo Island, South Sulawesi

Abstract

A healthy coral reef ecosystem can be beneficial for the survival of fish habitats and aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the influence of human activities on the spatial distribution of coral reefs in the coastal waters of Samatellu Lompo Island, Pangkajene Islands Regency, South Sulawesi in 2000, 2014, 2018, and 2021. The spatial distribution of coral reefs was obtained through a field survey using the underwater transect photo method. Then, satellite images were processed by using the Lyzenga algorithm for water column correction, and aquatic objects were classified by using k-mean unsupervised classification. Human activities that affect coral reef destruction were obtained through interviews and it was strengthened with related literature studies. The results showed that the coral reefs in the coastal waters of Samatellu Lompo decreased from 2000-2021. In 2000, the live coral area was 13.53 ha, whereas in 2021 it was 8,031 ha. Destructive fishing activities such as using bombs and poison in catching fish are the main factors of coral reef destruction. In addition, destructive fishing activities commonly occur in the western and northern waters of Samatellu Lompo that causing the live coral into dead coral or rubble.