Status of coral reefs conservation using coral morphological classification in Wakatobi National Park

Abstract

Coral reef ecosystems are one of the most productive natural resources of biodiversity in coastal areas. Estimates of the value of coral reef conservation can be used to select which areas are most suitable for protection within zones or zones of marine protection. This study aims to look at the protection status of coral reefs based on the coral morphology classification approach in Wakatobi National Park (WNP). Implementation of research in September 2016 to November 2017 in WNP, Southeast Sulawesi. This research method is built with a conservation classification based on three angles diagrams namely r (ruderals), K (Competitors), and S (Stress-Tolerators). The results of diagram analysis for 29 observation stations showed that the location was categorized into 11 locations for ruderal, 6 locations for competitors and 12 locations for mixed categories. The strategy for managing coral reefs in conservation areas can be done by looking at locations that are prioritized for protection, therefore morphology-based classification approaches can be applied in assessing the health conditions of coral reefs. For policy makers it is very helpful in determining the direction of area management, especially in the protection of coral reefs.