Application of Fishing Zones

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 88 views

Introduction

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and complex ecosystems on the planet, providing a home for a vast array of marine life, including coral fish. The coral reefs in Sitardas waters, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province, are no exception. However, the coral reefs in this region are facing numerous threats, including intensive fishing activities, pollution, and climate change. This study aims to investigate the relationship between coral reef cover and the abundance of coral fish in Sitardas waters, as well as to identify the factors that may affect the abundance of coral fish in the region.

Methodology

This study uses the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method to measure the percentage of coral reef cover and Underwater Visual Census (UVC) to calculate the abundance of coral fish. The UPT method involves taking photographs of the seafloor along a transect line, while the UVC method involves counting the number of coral fish in a given area. The study was conducted in July 2020, and the results show that there are 26 species of coral fish from 8 families, with a total of 759 identified individuals.

Results

The average percentage of coral cover in Sitardas waters reaches 44.91%, categorized as medium. However, statistical analysis shows a weak relationship between the percentage of coral reef cover and the abundance of coral fish, only 21.23%. This indicates that other factors besides coral reef cover may play an important role in determining the abundance of coral fish in the region.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that the abundance of coral fish in Sitardas waters is not solely dependent on the percentage of coral reef cover. Other factors, such as water quality, excessive fishing, and climate change, may also play a significant role in determining the abundance of coral fish in the region.

Water Quality

Pollution due to human activity, such as the disposal of domestic and industrial waste, can reduce water quality and have a negative impact on the life of coral fish. The presence of pollutants in the water can lead to the decline of coral fish populations, making it essential to implement measures to reduce pollution in the region.

Excessive Fishing

The practice of fishing that is not sustainable, such as the use of destructive fishing gear and fishing below the minimum size, can significantly reduce the population of coral fish. This can lead to the depletion of coral fish populations, making it essential to implement measures to reduce excessive fishing in the region.

Climate Change

Increased sea water temperature due to climate change can cause coral bleaching and coral reef death, which in turn can reduce the habitat of coral fish. This can lead to the decline of coral fish populations, making it essential to implement measures to reduce the impact of climate change on coral reefs in the region.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, it is essential to implement integrated conservation and management of coral reefs to maintain the abundance of coral fish and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in Sitardas waters. Some recommendations that can be done include:

Application of Fishing Zones

The division of waters into capture zones and conservation zones can help reduce the pressure of fishing in the coral reef area. This can help to maintain the abundance of coral fish and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in the region.

Increasing Public Awareness

Education and socialization to coastal communities about the importance of maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs and the negative impacts of activities that damage the ecosystem can help to reduce the pressure of human activities on coral reefs. This can help to maintain the abundance of coral fish and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in the region.

Periodic Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of coral reefs and abundance of coral fish can regularly help in evaluating the effectiveness of conservation and management programs. This can help to identify areas that require improvement and make necessary adjustments to the conservation and management programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs in Sitardas waters, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province. The results of this study suggest that the abundance of coral fish in the region is not solely dependent on the percentage of coral reef cover, but also on other factors such as water quality, excessive fishing, and climate change. Therefore, it is essential to implement integrated conservation and management of coral reefs to maintain the abundance of coral fish and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in the region. With joint efforts, it is hoped that the condition of coral reefs in Sitardas waters can be maintained and the abundance of coral fish can increase, so as to provide economic and ecological benefits for the surrounding community.

Q: What is the current condition of coral reefs in Sitardas waters?

A: The current condition of coral reefs in Sitardas waters is categorized as medium, with an average percentage of coral cover reaching 44.91%.

Q: What is the relationship between coral reef cover and the abundance of coral fish in Sitardas waters?

A: The results of this study show a weak relationship between the percentage of coral reef cover and the abundance of coral fish, only 21.23%. This indicates that other factors besides coral reef cover may play an important role in determining the abundance of coral fish in the region.

Q: What are the factors that affect the abundance of coral fish in Sitardas waters?

A: The factors that affect the abundance of coral fish in Sitardas waters include water quality, excessive fishing, and climate change. Pollution due to human activity, such as the disposal of domestic and industrial waste, can reduce water quality and have a negative impact on the life of coral fish. The practice of fishing that is not sustainable, such as the use of destructive fishing gear and fishing below the minimum size, can significantly reduce the population of coral fish. Increased sea water temperature due to climate change can cause coral bleaching and coral reef death, which in turn can reduce the habitat of coral fish.

Q: What can be done to maintain the abundance of coral fish and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in Sitardas waters?

A: To maintain the abundance of coral fish and the sustainability of marine ecosystems in Sitardas waters, it is essential to implement integrated conservation and management of coral reefs. Some recommendations that can be done include:

Application of fishing zones: The division of waters into capture zones and conservation zones can help reduce the pressure of fishing in the coral reef area.
Increasing public awareness: Education and socialization to coastal communities about the importance of maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs and the negative impacts of activities that damage the ecosystem can help to reduce the pressure of human activities on coral reefs.
Periodic monitoring: Monitoring the condition of coral reefs and abundance of coral fish can regularly help in evaluating the effectiveness of conservation and management programs.

Q: What are the benefits of maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs in Sitardas waters?

A: Maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs in Sitardas waters can provide economic and ecological benefits for the surrounding community. Coral reefs provide a source of income for local communities through fishing and tourism, and they also provide a habitat for a vast array of marine life, including coral fish.

Q: How can individuals contribute to the conservation of coral reefs in Sitardas waters?

A: Individuals can contribute to the conservation of coral reefs in Sitardas waters by reducing their impact on the environment. This can be done by reducing pollution, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and supporting conservation efforts. Individuals can also educate themselves and others about the importance of maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs and the negative impacts of activities that damage the ecosystem.

Q: What is the role of government and local authorities in the conservation of coral reefs in Sitardas waters?

A: The government and local authorities play a crucial role in the conservation of coral reefs in Sitardas waters. They can implement policies and regulations to reduce pollution, regulate fishing activities, and protect coral reefs from human impacts. They can also provide education and awareness programs to local communities about the importance of maintaining the sustainability of coral reefs and the negative impacts of activities that damage the ecosystem.

Q: What is the future of coral reefs in Sitardas waters?

A: The future of coral reefs in Sitardas waters is uncertain. However, with joint efforts from government, local authorities, and local communities, it is possible to maintain the sustainability of coral reefs and the abundance of coral fish in the region. It is essential to continue monitoring the condition of coral reefs and abundance of coral fish, and to implement measures to reduce pollution, regulate fishing activities, and protect coral reefs from human impacts.