Konservasi Indonesia
Wetar Island, located in the southern Coral Triangle, harbors highly diverse marine biodiversity; however, scientific knowledge of reef ecosystem conditions in this region remains limited. To support Indonesia’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) Vision 30×45, the Maluku Provincial Government proposed West Wetar Island as a marine protected area in 2022. This study evaluates the ecological condition of coral reef ecosystems in West Wetar Island to provide scientific evidence for MPA spatial planning and to identify areas most suitable for designation as no-take zones. Ecological surveys were conducted at 14 reef sites around West Wetar Island. Benthic components were assessed at depths of 8– 10m using underwater visual census, photoquadrat, and quadrat survey methods, while coral species composition was documented through random sampling at depths of 3– 20m. Fish diversity was analyzed using the Shannon diversity index. Benthic cover was quantified using CPCe software, and community patterns were examined using non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) in the West Wetar supports exceptionally rich and abundant reef fish communities, with species richness ranging from 31 to 72 species per site, consistently high abundances, and moderate to high diversity (H′ = 1.61–3.54). A total of 204 fish species and 10,629 individuals were recorded. Target fish biomass reached approximately one metric ton and was dominated by Pterocaesio tile. Coral reefs were generally in moderate to good condition, characterized by high live coral cover, strong habitat complexity, and benthic communities dominated by hard corals. nMDS results revealed clear spatial structuring of reef communities associated with coral dominance and habitat complexity. We recommend prioritizing no-take designation in the western region of Wetar Island, particularly at Gosong Nautilus, to maximize biodiversity protection and reef resilience while supporting long-term fisheries productivity.
Authors:
Simanjuntak P, Purnama R, Djakiman C, Nikijuluw V, Natan Y, Limmon GV
Keywords:
Coral triangle, Coral reef, Marine protected area Wetar Island, No-take zone
Year:
2026
