Coral Reef Ecosystem Conditions on Mambor Island, Mora District, Nabire Regency, Papua Province

Abstract

Mambor Island has relatively high coastal and marine resource potential, particularly coral reef ecosystems, which play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the waters and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. Therefore, this study aims to assess the potential and health status of coral reefs in the waters of Mambor Island. The study was conducted from August to September 2022 in Mambor Village, Moora Islands District, Nabire Regency, Papua Province. Observations were conducted at three stations representing the distribution of coral reefs on Mambor Island: Station I in the southern part of the island, Station II in the western part, and Station III in the eastern part of the island. Data collection on the percentage of coral cover was carried out using the Point Intercept Transect (PIT) method with a 50-meter transect installed parallel or horizontally following the coral reef expanse at each observation station. Objects observed included coral growth forms along the transect line, including hard coral, soft coral, dead coral, algae, sand, and other fauna. Data from coral growth observations using the PIT method were then processed using Microsoft Excel software to obtain coral cover percentages. The results showed that in the waters south of Mambor Island (Station I), the Non-Acropora group had the highest coral cover percentage, at 30%. At Station II, located on the western side of the island, live coral cover was dominated by Acropora, reaching 72%. Meanwhile, in the waters east of Mambor Island (Station III), coral cover was 22%, dominated by Acropora and soft corals. The health of the live coral reefs in Mambor Island waters showed the highest value in the western waters (Station II), with a live coral percentage reaching 84%. In the southern waters (Station I), the live coral percentage was recorded at 50%, while in the waters east of the island (Station III) the live coral percentage reached 40%