Analysis of the Coral Reef Ecosystem Conditions in the Zoning of the Water Conservation Area of the Banda Sea Water Tourism Park

Abstract

Coral reefs are natural aquatic resources that provide benefits to ecosystems and the environment. A research study was conducted to analyze the condition of coral reefs in the Banda Sea TWP. Underwater Photo Transec (UPT) was utilized to observe coral reefs, which were then processed and analyzed using CPCe software based on COREMAP CTI guidelines. The results showed that the highest live coral, specifically branching Acropora and foliose coral, dominated the average coral reef coverage with a growth rate of 81.05%. Additionally, the coral condition was found to be in the excellent category, with an average percentage of 53.71% based on the Decree of the Minister of Environment No. 4 of 2001 concerning standard criteria for coral reef damage. This was supported by a zoning system for marine conservation areas, ensuring protection and preservation of coral reefs. It is crucial to prioritize safety and conservation efforts to enhance the coral reefs' condition, benefiting all living creatures that rely on these resources.