CORAL REEF CONDITION AND HARD CORAL (SCLERACTINIA) COMUNITY IN LOCAL MARINE CONSERVATION AREA, BENGKAYANG, WEST KALIMANTAN

Abstract

<p>Coral reef ecosystem has diverse shape and stunning beauty. It has high value on both ecological and economical aspect it has productivity greater than other marine life. Local Marine Conservation Area, Bengkayang, West Kalimantan (Lemukutan island, Penata Besar island, Penata Kecil island, Seluas island, Rahdayan island) has a high potential on coastal and marine natural resources especially coral reefs ecosystem. The study was purposed to determine the condition coral reef ecosystem and the diversity of hard corals (Scleractinia). Samples have been taking from 5-7 meters depth in every point using Line Intercept Transect method (LIT). The observation result from the coral reef in Local Marine Conservation Area showed as the followings varies from bad to good (13.82 – 69.00%), but biotic components were found in each area that consist of sediment with percentage of 4.32-37.68% and the rock of 2.57- 38.22%. Hard coral community consists of 35 species including seven families. Genus Acropora as hard coral species is dominating the five islands. The damage of coral reefs that occurs in most of the study area is due to increased suspended material (sediments). </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Coral reefs, Scleractinia, Acropora, LIT, Local Marine Conservation Area, Bengkayang, West Kalimantan.</p>