Potential of Coral Resilience Post Bleaching in 2016 in the Water of Ujung Seuke East Coast of Weh Island, Indonesia
Aldyza, N1, Barus, T. A2, a), Mulya, M. B3, Sarong, M. A4

1, 2, 3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
4 Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
a) Corresponding author: ternala[at]usu.ac.id

Abstract

Mass bleaching had ever occurred in 2010 in Southeast Asia waters such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. One of the Indonesian waters experienced bleaching was Weh Island area, which then underwent bleaching again in 2016 and had impacts on the coral ecosystem. Substrate changes and coral cover conditions are noteworthy to determine the potential for coral recovery after bleaching. Therefore, the aim of the study is to measure the condition of coral cover and the potential for coral resilience after bleaching in 2016. Benthic data collection used the Point Intercept Transect method, while measuring coral resilience potential used the resilience index through coral cover indicators, fleshy seaweed, and rubble. The observation showed that the coral ecosystem in the waters of Ujung Seuke is in moderate condition, i.e. 34%. Coral resilience rates have a high recovery potential based on observed indicators, i.e. coral cover by 34%, fleshy seaweed by 2.83%, and rubble by 21.17%.

Keywords: Coral reef, Bleaching, Resilience, Turf algae

Topic: Biology