Jakarta, Thousand Islands, March 9, 2024 – A recent study analyzing the coral reef ecosystem of Bira Island in the Thousand Islands (Thousand Islands) has concluded that the reefs are in a "fairly damaged" condition, warning of an ecosystem imbalance and the need for urgent conservation measures.

The research, published in the journal Biodiversity, utilized substrate coverage as a key indicator to assess the health of this vital coastal ecosystem, which holds significant ecological and economic importance.

Key Findings Reveal Ecosystem Decline

The study, conducted by Komala R, Noer MI, Miarsyah M, Widyartini DS, and Handayani, employed a descriptive method with a survey design, using the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) sampling technique at various depths along the coastline. Data analysis, using the Coral Point Count with Excel extension (CPCe) software, yielded concerning results:

Substrate Coverage: The analysis identified nine categories of basic substrate cover. Critically, living hard corals constituted only 32.51% of the total substrate, which is the benchmark for classifying the ecosystem as "fairly damaged." Biodiversity: The study identified coral resources across 53 genera and 15 families. However, the Shannon-Wienner index calculated a medium diversity level across all sampled stations and depths, suggests a decline in coral biodiversity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the coral reef ecosystem in Bira Island is experiencing a decline in coral biodiversity, signaling an imbalance in the ecosystem.

The research underscores that environmental pressures are causing damage to these critical ecosystems and accelerating the decline in coral biodiversity.

Urgent Steps Recommended for Restoration

The authors stress the immediate need to monitor environmental threats that could further degrade the reefs. To address the current state of damage and prevent further decline, the study strongly recommends several actionable steps:

Implement Coral Restoration Programs: Actively introducing new, healthy coral fragments to degraded areas. Establish Critical Habitat Protection Zones: Designating specific areas as 'no-take' zones to allow for natural recovery. Monitor Coral Growth: Regularly tracking the health and recovery rate of both natural and restored coral populations.

This research serves as a critical update on Bira Island's ecological resources, providing necessary data for policymakers and conservation groups to establish effective protective measures.