Distribution of Soft Coral Octocorallia (Alcyonacea) in coastal waters of Gonda, Polewali-Mandar, West Sulawesi

Abstract

The research on “Distribution of Soft Coral Octocorallia: Alcyonacea population in coastal waters of Gonda, Polewali-Mandar, West Sulawesi” has been done from August to December 2017. This study aims to determine the soft coral distribution and diversity at different depths in Coastal waters of Gonda, Polewali-Mandar, West Sulawesi. The data collection was performed by using the “Line Intercept Transect (LIT)” method with 50 meters transect at a depth of 3 meters and 10 meters at each station. The transect line was following the contour lines. Sample identification was performed by means of video recording. Environmental parameters including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, current, brightness, turbidity, and pH was measured during field campaign, respectively. Data analysis was done by using the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, Uniformity index, Dominance index and Morisita Index. The results showed that 16 species from four families of Soft Coral has been found in Gonda Beach, where the number of species found at 10m depth are higher than 3m depth, respectively. The average value of the diversity index at 3m depth (1.62) is higher than at 10m depth (1.34), but both are still classified in the moderate category. The pattern of population distribution in the overall site at this location tends to be random.