Comparative Evaluation of Coral Reef Health Assessment Methods: Insights from Indonesian and Mesoamerican Approaches for Indonesian Reefs
Sam Wouthuyzen *
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia and Centre for Collaborative Research on Aquatic Ecosystems in Eastern Indonesia, Ambon, Indonesia.
Daniel D. Pelasula
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia and Centre for Collaborative Research on Aquatic Ecosystems in Eastern Indonesia, Ambon, Indonesia.
Frensly D. Hukom
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia and Centre for Collaborative Research on Aquatic Ecosystems in Eastern Indonesia, Ambon, Indonesia.
Petrus C. Makatipu
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
G. Giyanto
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Jemmy Souhoka
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Muhammad Abrar
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Hendrik A.W. Cappenberg
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Abd. W. Rajab
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
E. Edward
Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Serpong, Indonesia.
Rikoh M. Siringoringo
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Teguh Peristiwady
Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Eghbert E. Ampou
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Tumpak Sidabutar
Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
Raden Sutiadi
Research Center for Ecology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Coral reefs provide essential benefits, but they are fragile and declining worldwide. Thus, reliable reef health assessments are crucial for guiding conservation efforts in Indonesia, a biodiversity hotspot. This study compares the methods of the Indonesian Reef Health Index (RHI_Indonesia) and the Mesoamerican Reef Health Index (RHI_Mesoamerican) to determine which method is more effective and suitable for Indonesian waters. Both methods were evaluated using data from 159 reef observation sites, focusing on live coral cover (LCC), fleshy algal cover (FAC), and reef fish biomass (RFB), including the herbivorous and carnivorous families. A t-test showed a strongly significant difference (p = 0.001) between the RHI_Indonesia and RHI_Mesoamerican methods. Additionally, multiple linear regression, Residual Sum of Squares (RSS), and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) indicated that the RHI_Mesoamerican method provided a better statistical fit and a stronger ecological response. The qualitative assessment also found that the RHI_Mesoamerican approach is easier to implement and more detailed, enhancing reef fish classification and field efficiency, especially with a few trained UVC experts. It incorporates adaptive management through three reference indicators: the benchmark, the target, and the red flag. In contrast, RHI_Indonesia provides an initial evaluation but lacks management guidance and clear targets, though it supports long-term monitoring, similar to the COREMAP program. This study also highlights the important role of herbivorous reef fish in maintaining the coral–algal balance and improving reef health. Therefore, it is recommended that future Indonesian reef assessments integrate herbivore indicators with benthic parameters to strengthen reef monitoring and conservation.
Keywords: Reef health index, Indonesia, method, herbivorous fish, reef resilience