Effectiveness of small-scale marine ornamental fish rearing and community-based coral transplantation technique in Tanjung Tiram, Tondonggeu and Mekar village, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is the second largest exporter of ornamental fish in the world, with the value more than USD 20.5 million in the first semester of 2023. Ornamental corals are also being traded under strict supervision since several coral species are listed in Appendix II of the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). To harvest these high-value commodities in sustainable manner, we designed a small scale of marine ornamental fish rearing and community-based coral transplantation techniques in coastal waters of Tanjung Tiram village, Tondonggeu village and Mekar village by utilizing its suitable natural habitat and involving coastal communities. A study then carried out to analyse the growth rate of 480 fragments of transplanted ornamental coral and survival rate of 200 reared Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) using fixed net cage in each site. This study reveals that the growth rate of ornamental corals in Mekar Village is better than in other sites. The survival rate (SR) of ornamental corals in Mekar Village is also higher than in Tanjung Tiram Village. This result indicates that the water quality conditions in Mekar Village are better for ornamental coral transplantation, then transplantation activities should be focused surround this island. This initiative looks promising and can also be developed further as marine tourism site that generate additional income for coastal communities.