24 Dec Reef Health Monitoring (RHM) Update: Exciting Gains and Crucial Next Steps for Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA)
CTC in collaboration with the Coastal and Marine Resource Management Center (UPTD), Denpasar Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL) and local volunteers from Temple Dive, Sanctum Dive and Legend Dive, successfully completed a Reef Health Monitoring and Coral Resilience Assessment across 14 sites in the Nusa Penida MPA.
This year’s monitoring focused on coral reef resilience, water quality, sediment, and algae, with benthic cover data collected using the Point Intercept Transect (PIT) and Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) methods. Early results show promising developments: coral cover has increased in Atuh, Suwehan, and Manta Point, while coral bleaching in Manta Bay and Crystal Bay has decreased. Fish populations have also increased, with surgeonfish and reef snappers being the most abundant species. Similarly, 36 turtles were observed, predominantly hawksbill and green turtles.
In terms of resilience, the overall resistance and recovery values for all RHM 2024 sites showed improvement, except for Ceningan Point. Mangrove Point recorded the highest resilience value at 65, while Manta Bay had the lowest at 48. Additionally, killer sponges and crown-of-thorns starfish (COT) were observed at several sites.
However, recovery values at Ceningan Point showed slower progress, highlighting areas for future focus. The data collected will be analyzed further to assess indicators of marine pollution and inform future conservation efforts.
This initiative emphasizes CTC’s on-going commitment to protect and preserve Nusa Penida’s rich marine ecosystem for future generations.
Writers: Kayla Azzahra, Wira Sanjaya, Evi Nurul Ihsan, Tabitha Rudang
Photos: Marshal Antoni
No Comments