Analysis of Coral Life Form Based on Oceanographic Parameters in Ayer Island, Thousand Islands

Abstract

Coral reefs are aquatic ecosystems that play a crucial role in marine life. Coral reefs have a highly sensitive relationship with oceanographic parameters, which can influence the diversity of coral growth forms. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between lifeform diversity and oceanographic parameters in Pulau Ayer, Kepulauan Seribu. The Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method was used for data collection, and the CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel extensions) software was employed for data analysis based on observations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used in data processing and in analyzing the relationship between growth form diversity and oceanographic parameters. The data analysis results show that the most abundant or dominant growth forms in Pulau Ayer waters are the branching form with the genus Acropora (ACB), the encrusting form with the genus Acropora (ACE), and the massive form (CM). The diversity of these growth forms is influenced by oceanographic parameters; for example, ACB can thrive in clear waters with weak currents, while CM can live in areas with strong currents and high turbidity.