Threat of blast fishing on coral diversity in Peucang Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

A study on Peucang Island, part of Ujung Kulon National Parkreveals that coral coverage at 8-meter depths is significantly lower (44.02%) than at 2-meter depths, indicating severe damage likely caused by blast fishing. The research, conducted using the Point Intercept Transect method, found reduced Diversity Indices, Dominance Indices, and Evenness Index across all sites, suggesting low coral diversity without dominant species. Over three years, coral damage increased by 0.7% annually due to fish bombing, a persistent threat despite legal protections. The findings highlight the fragility of coral ecosystems and the urgent need for stronger conservation measures to mitigate human-induced disturbances.

GUMBIRA, R. W. W., RIZKIA, F., PRIBADI, T. D. K., & HIDAYAT, M. S. (2017). Threat of blast fishing on coral diversity in Peucang Island, Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. Indo Pacific Journal of Ocean Life, 1(1), 26–31. https://doi.org/10.13057/oceanlife/o010105