N, Rahanra A Comparative Analysis of Coral Reef Degradation in Nabire Bay, Indonesia, Using ROV-Based Quantitative Assessment: A Tale of Two Sites
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61942/msj.v4i3.656Keywords:
Coral Reef, Degradation, ROV, Comparative Analysis, Sedimentation, Nabire, Marine ConservationAbstract
Coastal marine ecosystems in the Coral Triangle are facing unprecedented threats, yet high-resolution data to guide management remains scarce. This study presents a comparative analysis of coral reef health at two contrasting sites in Nabire Bay, Indonesia, using quantitative data from a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Site 1 (Nabire) and Site 2 (Pulau Nusi) were surveyed to assess benthic composition. The results reveal a stark picture of degradation at both locations, but driven by different ecological dynamics. Site 2 (Pulau Nusi) is in a critical state, with live coral cover at a mere 3.13% and dominated by sand (61.73%) and rubble (21.20%), indicating chronic sedimentation stress. Site 1 (Nabire) shows slightly better but still poor conditions, with live coral cover at 6.64%, but with a higher proportion of dead coral (17.27%). The comparative analysis highlights that while both sites are severely degraded, the dominant degradation driver at Pulau Nusi is likely terrestrial runoff and sedimentation, whereas Site 1 may be experiencing a combination of stressors including a recent mass mortality event. This study underscores the utility of ROV technology for rapid, cost-effective, and quantitative assessment, providing crucial, site-specific data needed to develop targeted conservation and management strategies in a high-priority marine biodiversity region.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nicodemus Rahanra, Abdul Hamid Toha, Paulus Boli, Selvi Tebay
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