Increased Coral Cover in Komodo National Park, Indonesia : Monitoring for Management Relevance

Abstract

Komodo National Park (KNP). a World Heritage site in eastern Indonesia. has been seriously threatened by destmctivc fishing practices. This paper presents the design and results from the first two surveys (1996 and 1998) of a long-term coral reef monitoring program initiated and conducted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The objective of the monitoring program is to examine changes in coral cover, which can inform a recentlyimplcmcntcd management plan for the marine component of KNP. To this end, we broadly assessed the benthic cover of a large reef area. Timed survey swims at 3 depths (4, 8. and 12 m) were conducted at 185 sites in 10 regions throughout the Park, as well as in areas outside Park borders. Percent cover of live scleractinian coral, dead scleractinian coral, soft coral: and other cover was recorded, and an index of hard coral mortality calculated [% dead "100 1 (% dead + C/o live)]. Although there is extensive coral mortality in many areas of KNP, there has been a significant increase in live coral cover in some regions, primarily thosc with thc largest initial damage and located close to the center of Park management and protective activity. In six areas mosl likely to have had the highest protective activity. hard coral mortality decreased significantly. This monitoring program provides information relevant to Park managers on the kilometer-scalc variability in coral cover within KNP.