The perspective of high coral growth rate on the artificial reef: what is causing enhancement of coral growth rate on Nyamuk Island, Anambas?

Abstract

Abstract The coral growth rate is affected by several ecological conditions, which could lead to enhancement or deceleration. Good marine habitat and water conditions would escalate coral fragment growth rate on rehabilitation sites. This study was assessed to determine the coral growth rate transplanted on artificial reef-building for rehabilitation purposes and indicated the main driving factors that enhance coral growth rate at Nyamuk Island, Anambas. Benthic communities, coral length, and coral growth rate compared through the year. Analysis of variances and Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to indicated differences between variables and analyse driving factors of coral growth rate. Hard coral and sand coverage increasing during observation. Coral length based indicated constant escalation. However, coral growth yearly showed fluctuation with peak growth from 2014 to 2015. PCA exhibited hard coral, dead coral with algae, sponge, and sand played an important role in supporting coral growth on rehabilitation at Anambas. Available niche for other marine faunas built by artificial reef-building could support to preserve of the coral fragments. Acquisitions of hard coral by coral fragments could be supported by good natural hard coral coverage in the habitat. Herbivorous is one factor that could support recent coral reefs.