Assessment of Coral Reef Conditions and Resilience in Eastern and Northern Bali, Indonesia
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Abstract
Across the Indo-Pacific, coral reef condition is increasingly affected by human pressures, land-based pollution, and climate-related stressors, including bleaching events. These challenges threaten biodiversity and the ecological services provided by coral reefs. This study aimed to assess coral health and recovery potential in East and North Bali and provide baseline data for conservation and management strategies. The research was conducted from June to November 2023 at seven reef sites, consisting of three sites in East Bali and four sites in North Bali. Benthic composition and live coral cover were assessed using the Underwater Photo Transect method, while reef fish abundance and biomass were evaluated using the Underwater Visual Census method. Site-level values were used to calculate coral cover, reef fish parameters, and Coral Health Index scores. Live coral cover ranged from 13.14% to 38.77% with regional means of 19.40% in East and 25.94% in North Bali; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.9998). A total of 380 reef fish representing 30 species and six families were recorded, comprising 85 individuals in East Bali and 295 in North Bali. Reef fish abundance also did not differ significantly between regions (p = 0.4277). Acanthuridae was the dominant family. Coral Health Index scores ranged from 3 to 6, while reef fish biomass was classified as low at all sites. These findings provide baseline information to support long-term monitoring, site-specific management, and conservation prioritization for Bali’s coral reef ecosystems.
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