Distribution of Coral Life Forms Based on Sea Current Velocity in Kei Besar Island, Maluku, and Mare Island, North Maluku

Abstract

Abstract Diverse life forms found on coral reefs indicate resilience to environmental change, sustaining marine biodiversity and ensuring the stability of the coastal community’s ecosystems. This study investigates the relationship between sea currents and the life forms of coral reefs in Indonesia and focuses on two primary locations: Kei Besar Island, Maluku, and Mare Island in North Maluku. Sea current data from the current real-time global forecasting and coral cover data were analysed to assess the influence of current velocities on the percentage of hard coral cover and the morphological composition of corals. The dominant bottom substrate in both locations is hard coral, with varying percentages of cover. Thirteen distinct life forms of coral were identified in both study sites, with massive and sub-massive forms being the most prevalent on Kei Besar Island (41%) having average current velocities of 0.159 m/s, and branching forms (40%) being dominant on Mare Island with average current velocities were 0.103 m/s. The massive form (CM) is strongly positively (negatively) correlated with faster (slower) currents, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81 (-0.69). On the other hand, several life form of fragile coral reefs particularly Acropora branching (ACB); Acropora sub-massive (ACS); and coral Tubipora (CTU) were found to be positively (negatively) correlated with slower (faster) currents, with a correlation coefficient of 0.55 (-0.63); 0.77 (-0.75); and 0.58 (-0.67).