Distribution of Coral Diseases and Compromised Health Abundance in The Eastern Coastal Water of Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku

Abstract

Coral diseases are caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses due to stress or compromised health in the aquatic environment. This study identifies the abundance of coral diseases and compromised health in Kei Besar Island, Southeast Maluku. Data was collected using the Belt Transect method at six locations. 224 hard coral colonies were affected by eleven life forms and nine genera of coral disease, while 2172 hard coral colonies were affected by eleven life forms and 47 genera of compromised health. Coral Massive (CM) life form and Porites genus were the most affected. Six types of coral diseases and nine types of compromised health were identified. Kilwait and Ngefuit Bawah had the highest abundance of hard coral colonies affected by coral disease and compromised health, respectively.