Analysis Of Comparison Of Coral Reef Cover On Bakar Island And Kalimantung Island, Central Tapanuli Regency

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 108 views

Introduction

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and complex ecosystems on the planet, providing a home for a vast array of marine life. Located on the west coast of Sumatra, Central Tapanuli Regency is a region that stores a very rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs. The purpose of this research is to analyze the percentage of coral reef cover, life in it, and the coral reef mortality index on Bakar Island and Kalimantung Island. This study aims to provide an important insight into the state of coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency, as well as highlighting the need for conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems for a better future.

Research Methodology

This research was conducted at two stations, namely Bakar Island as the first station and Kalimantung Island as the second station. The determination of the research location using the Purposive Sampling method to ensure the chosen location is representative. Coral reef data is taken using a quadratic transect measuring 54 x 44 cm which is placed along 50 meters following the coastline. This method allows researchers to identify and measure the cover and health conditions of coral reefs efficiently.

Findings

The results of the study showed that the percentage of coral live on Bakar Island reached 52.81% which was classified in the good category. Meanwhile, the island of Kalimantung recorded a lower percentage, which is 40.36% which is included in the medium category. Types of coral reefs found include coral encructure, coral millepora, polyps, dead coral, coral submissive, massive coral, coral acropora, acropora submissive, and heliopora coral.

The coral mortality index (IMK) is also a focus in this analysis. On Bakar Island, IMK was recorded at 0.64, while on the island of Kalimantung it was 0.48. This value shows that the two islands experience varying mortality rates, where Bakar Island shows a slightly more vulnerable condition than Kalimantung.

Analysis and Discussion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that although the two islands have a significant coral reef cover, the conditions on Bakar Island need to get more attention. The high percentage of live coral cover shows success in maintaining coral ecosystems, but higher IMKs on Bakar Island show threats that must be watched out for, such as climate change, pollution, and human activity.

In addition, differences in the category of coral reefs between the two islands show differences in environmental conditions and the possibility of human intervention. Thus, sustainable conservation measures are needed to protect and improve the condition of coral reefs, including education to the local community regarding the importance of maintaining marine ecosystems.

Conclusion

The condition of coral reefs on Bakar Island and Kalimantung Island shows significant variations, which can be influenced by many factors. This study provides an important insight into the state of coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency, as well as highlighting the need for conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems for a better future. It is hoped that this information can be used as a basis for environmental management and protection policies in the coastal areas of North Sumatra.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct regular monitoring of coral reef health to track changes and identify areas that require conservation efforts.
Implement sustainable conservation measures, such as reducing pollution, protecting coral reefs from human activity, and promoting eco-tourism.
Educate the local community about the importance of maintaining marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on coral reefs.
Develop and implement effective management policies to protect and conserve coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the condition of coral reefs on Bakar Island and Kalimantung Island can be improved, and the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems can be maintained for a better future.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted:

Limited sample size: The study was conducted at only two stations, which may not be representative of the entire region.
Limited data collection: The study only collected data on coral reef cover and mortality index, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the coral reef ecosystem.
Methodological limitations: The study used the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method, which may have limitations in terms of accuracy and reliability.

Despite these limitations, this study provides an important insight into the state of coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency, and highlights the need for conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Conduct a more comprehensive study that includes a larger sample size and a more diverse range of data collection methods.
Investigate the impact of human activities on coral reefs, such as fishing, tourism, and pollution.
Develop and implement effective management policies to protect and conserve coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency.

By addressing these research gaps, it is hoped that a more comprehensive understanding of the coral reef ecosystem can be gained, and effective conservation efforts can be implemented to maintain the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

Q: What is the purpose of this research?

A: The purpose of this research is to analyze the percentage of coral reef cover, life in it, and the coral reef mortality index on Bakar Island and Kalimantung Island in Central Tapanuli Regency.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study provides an important insight into the state of coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency, as well as highlighting the need for conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems for a better future.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are:

The percentage of coral live on Bakar Island reached 52.81% which was classified in the good category.
The island of Kalimantung recorded a lower percentage, which is 40.36% which is included in the medium category.
The coral mortality index (IMK) on Bakar Island was recorded at 0.64, while on the island of Kalimantung it was 0.48.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

The conditions on Bakar Island need to get more attention due to the high percentage of live coral cover and higher IMKs.
Sustainable conservation measures are needed to protect and improve the condition of coral reefs, including education to the local community regarding the importance of maintaining marine ecosystems.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

Limited sample size: The study was conducted at only two stations, which may not be representative of the entire region.
Limited data collection: The study only collected data on coral reef cover and mortality index, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the coral reef ecosystem.
Methodological limitations: The study used the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method, which may have limitations in terms of accuracy and reliability.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are:

Conduct regular monitoring of coral reef health to track changes and identify areas that require conservation efforts.
Implement sustainable conservation measures, such as reducing pollution, protecting coral reefs from human activity, and promoting eco-tourism.
Educate the local community about the importance of maintaining marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on coral reefs.
Develop and implement effective management policies to protect and conserve coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to:

Conduct a more comprehensive study that includes a larger sample size and a more diverse range of data collection methods.
Investigate the impact of human activities on coral reefs, such as fishing, tourism, and pollution.
Develop and implement effective management policies to protect and conserve coral reefs in Central Tapanuli Regency.