Coral recruitment at Gili Pandan Island, Gili Genting District, Sumenep Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Coral recruitment is a critical component in the management of coral reefs. Coral recruitment is the main factor in the recovery of the coral ecosystem, because of the addition of new individuals. The high recruitment of corals is an indication of natural recovery in the reef community. This study aims to determine the density of coral recruitment in Gili Pandan Island at a depth of 3 meters and 8 meters. Two sites were used as a sampling site. Juvenile corals with diameters less than 5 cm were observed in quadratic transects with 1x1 meter sizes randomly and performed with ten repetitions at each point. Coral density was calculated for the determination of recruitment rates. T-test was used to determine whether there is a difference in coral recruitment between 3 and 8 meters in depth. The results showed that the average density of coral recruitment of site 1 and site 2 at a depth of 3 meters was 5.9-7.6 individual/m2, categorized as high recruitment, while at a depth of 8 meters were 3.3-4.3 individual/m2, categorized as low recruitment. T-test results showed that there is a significant difference in coral recruitment density between 3 and 8-meter depth both at sites 1 and 2.