The abundance of coral diseases and compromise health in marine protected areas on Dampier waters, Raja Ampat

Abstract

The extent of coral reefs, coral biodiversity, and associated biota are known as high mega biodiversity in Indonesian waters, in other words, The Coral Triangle. Threats of coral damage have also been widely reported, including deaths due to natural factors. Coral disease is a natural factor that is not widely known for its existence around Indonesian waters. This study was conducted to obtain the abundance of coral disease by using a belt transect method of 20 m long with a width of 50 cm to the left and right of the transect line, then carried out three replications at ten observation stations in Dampier waters, Raja Ampat. The study obtained data on the abundance of coral diseases that infect eight coral genera ranging from 0-23 col/60 m2, the highest station at station 8 (23 col/60 m2). There were six types of coral disease found in the Dampier Strait MPA, including WS, BrBD, FB, AtN, Bleaching, and Tumor. The highest abundance was found in WS disease (65 col/60m2). Coral health confounding factors were found in 336 colonies with abundance at different stations ranging from 14-97 col/60 m2. The highest abundance was found at station 5 (97 col/60 m2), a high stressor due to being located at sub-zona Sasi and traditional use. The existence of the disease is not classified as an outbreak. However, it is necessary to be careful if there is an increase in the number of new infection cases in the exact location or other places in Indonesia.