Andi Arham Atjo, Rahmi Nur, Zulfathri Randhi, Muhammad Rais Abidin
Coral reef ecosystems provide significant ecological and social benefits, particularly for coastal communities. These ecosystems serve as essential sources of fish, bioactive compounds with potential medicinal resources, and marine tourism. However, numerous coral reefs have been damaged by destructive fishing practices, including the use of explosives and poison. The abundance of coral fragments in certain areas indicates that these locations have been repeatedly subjected to such harmful activities. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the level of coral reef damage and the damage factors, and map the condition of coral reef damage in Majene Bay. The methods applied include direct underwater observations, mapping using drones, observation of coral reef conditions, and analyzing the level of coral reef damage in relation to the damage factors, fish, and associated biota. Coral reef damage is spread across all stations with varying levels, and the level of damage reported in Majene Bay waters falls into the 'Moderate' to 'Very High' categories, with a damage percentage of 34.5% to 82.27%. Factors that cause damage to coral reef include plastic waste, fishing net waste, fish bombs, anesthetics, ship anchors, increased temperatures, and natural factors such as predation on biota such as Drupella cornus and Acanthaster planci. © 2026, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
Aquatic Resources Study Program, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, Indonesia; Capture Fisheries Study Program, Universitas Sulawesi Barat, Indonesia; Department of Geography, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia
