Spatial Patterns of Reef Fishes Relative to Coral Reef Conditions in Morowali Marine Protected Area, Indonesia

Abstract

The global environmental crisis has led to biodiversity loss and degradation of marine ecosystems. In response, conserving biodiversity and marine resources through the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) is recognized as one of the most effective tools to address environmental pressures. However, the effectiveness of Indonesia's MPA management remains weak, therefore, better coordination, monitoring, and improved governance are needed to achieve conservation goals. This study aimed to assess how variations in coral reef condition influence reef fishes in terms of diversity, structure, distribution, and biomass at Morowali MPA, Central Sulawesi, to enhance the effective management. The results reveal that the fish assemblages in Morowali MPA are characterized by high species richness and strong spatial structuring driven by species turnover. Families of Acanthuridae, Chaetodontidae, Labridae, Pomacentridae, Serranidae, and Siganidae form the most commonly reef fishes found in Morowali MPA, beyond that the small fish were dominant and larger species were herbivorous and carnivorous groups. Fish diversity and abundance might be driven by variation in benthic substrates. Moreover, the patterns of species dominance illustrate interplay between reef geomorphology, seasonal oceanographic processes, and life-history traits in shaping community structure.