Distribution of Coral Life Forms Based on Sea Current Velocity on Mare Island, North Maluku, and Kei Besar Island, Maluku
Addiena Kesuma (ab), Lamona I. Bernawis (c*d), Beginer Subhan (e), Muhidin (f), Nuryani M. Sangadji (g)

a) Graduate Study Program of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
b) Fisheries Diving Club, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jalan Raya Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
c) Research Group of Oceanography, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
*lamona[at]itb.ac.id
d) Center for Coastal and Marine Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
e) Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Jalan Raya Dramaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
f) Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia Program, Jalan Malabar 1 No.11, Bogor City 16128, Indonesia
g) Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of North Maluku Province, Jalan Raya Tuna No.06, Sofifi 97827, Indonesia

Abstract

Diverse life forms found on coral reefs indicate resilience to environmental change, sustaining marine biodiversity and ensuring the stability of the coastal communities^ ecosystems. This study investigates the relationship between sea currents and the life forms of coral reefs in Indonesia and focuses on two primary locations: Kei Besar Island, Maluku, and Mare Island in North Maluku. Sea current data from global real-time ocean forecast and coral cover data were analyzed to assess the influence of current conditions on the percentage of hard coral cover and the morphological composition of corals. The dominant bottom substrate in both locations is hard coral, with varying percentages of cover. Thirteen distinct life forms of coral were identified in both study sites, with massive and sub-massive forms being the most prevalent on Kei Besar Island (41%) having mean current velocities of 0.159 m/s, and branching forms (40%) being dominant on Mare Island with mean current velocities were 0.103 m/s. According to Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), coral life forms ACD, CE, CM, CME, and CS are associated with the current in Kei Besar Island. Conversely, coral reefs characterized by life forms ACB, ACS, ACT, CB, CF, CHL, CMR, and CT are related to current conditions in Mare Island. The Massive and encrusting form is strongly positively (negatively) correlated with faster (slower) currents, with a correlation coefficient of 0.84 (-0.84) and 0.58 (-0.58). On the other hand, the branching form (ACB) is positively (negatively) correlated with slower (faster) currents, with a correlation coefficient of 0.59 (-0.59).

Keywords: Sea currents- Coral life forms- Mare Island- Kei Besar Island

Topic: Marine Resources, and Conservation