The success of coral Acropora sp. transplantation with various methods in Raja Ampat Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures have caused massive damage and degradation of coral reef ecosystem services in almost all countries in the Indian Ocean. The status of coral reefs at 1,067 sites in Indonesia is included in the poor category with 386 sites (36.18%) and the reefs in the moderate category with 366 sites (34.3%). The condition, area, and function of this coral reef ecosystem can be restored through rehabilitation activities using the transplant method. This study aimed to determine the success of coral Acropora sp transplantation in two different methods in Raja Ampat Regency, i.e., Yensawai Village. The research was conducted from September to December 2021 using PVC and iron racks. The increase in length of coral fragments was measured using a caliper and survival was calculated for the number of coral fragments at the end of the study. The results showed that coral fragments with PVC racks had a growth rate of 0.67±0.54 mm/day and a survival rate of 81.25%, while those on iron racks had a growth rate of 0.64±0,66 mm/day and a survival rate of 90%. Both methods showed a high coral survival rate (>80%). T-test statistical analysis revealed no apparent variance between the two approaches (p= 0.85). Our findings suggest that both methods are suitable for use in Yensawai Village.