Coral Reef Coverage in the 17 Islands Marine Natural Tourism Park, Riung District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Abstract

The 17 Islands Marine Nature Tourism Park (TWAL), located administratively in Riung District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, has limited information regarding the diversity of its marine biota. Therefore, further research on its underwater potential, articularly coral reefs, is essential. This research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the richness of the marine ecosystem in the 17 Islands Marine Nature Tourism Park. The purpose of this study was to identify the types of coral reefs and assess the condition of coral cover in the 17 Islands Marine Nature Tourism Park (TWAL), Riung District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.This study employed data collection methods including observation and interviews with the local community and government. Coral reef data were collected using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method. The identification results show the presence of: (1) Four Acropora coral lifeforms, namely: Acropora Digitate Coral (ACD), Acropora Branching Coral (ACB), Acropora Tabulate Coral (ACT), and Acropora Encrusting Coral (ACE); (2) Six Non-Acropora coral lifeforms, including Branching Coral (CB), Massive Coral (CM), Encrusting Coral (CE), Foliose Coral (CF), Mushroom Coral (CMR), and Heliopora Coral (CHL); (3) One form of Dead Scleractinia, identified as Dead Coral with Algae (DCA); (4) Three types of Algae, consisting of Macro Algae (MA), Coralline Algae (CA), and Halimeda Algae (HA); (5) Four other faunal lifeforms: Soft Coral (SC), Sponges (SP), Zoanthids (ZO), and Others (OT). Additionally, two abiotic forms were identified: Sand (S) and Rubble (R). The condition of coral reef cover in the 17 Islands Marine Nature Tourism Park (TWAL), Riung District, Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, ranges from moderate to good.