The primary objective of this study was to investigate the densities and age structure of Christmas tree worms Spirobranchus sp. (Serpulidae, Polychaeta), on colonies of massive stony corals of the genus Porites, which have not been reported before in the region. Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia. Pulau Sempu is a small island and also the sole remaining nature reserve within the region of. This small island is encompassed by shallow and narrow fringing reefs, characterized by a composition of algae and an occurrence of hard corals, specifically from genera Porites, Pocillopora, and Coelastrea (formerly known as Goniastrea). The majority of Porites specimens creating a narrow reef encompassing the island is colonized by boring polychaets known as the Christmas tree worms, Spirobranchus sp., which inhabit the interior of coral skeletons. Studies were carried out in two specific locations within the nature reserve Pulau Sempu, i.e., Watu Mejo and Waru-Waru. Two species: Spirobranchus corniculatus and Spirobranchus cruciger, have been identified dwelling on corals. Our findings indicated that the density of the worms residing in large Porites was 8.62 individuals/ m2 in Watu Mejo and 9.02 individuals/m2 in Waru-Waru. The age of the worms found on Pulau Sempu, as determined by operculum size, ranged between 14 and 22 years. Worm age differ among study sites with older individuals observed at Waru-Waru.
Marine debris significantly impacts coral ecosystems, especially in regions with high biodiversity like the Sempu Island Nature Reserve in Malang, Indonesia. According to the guidelines of ReefCheck and KLHK 2020, this indepth study looked at the types, amounts, and impacts of marine debris on coral health at five different sites close to the Pondokdadap Coastal Fishing Port. This study employs a belt transect method measuring 100×5 meters to systematically collect data. The obtained results indicate that cloth refuse is the most substantial form of waste, accounting for 84.65% of the weight of marine waste. The primary locations for this form of waste are areas with high human activity, particularly those near fishing ports. The impact of marine debris on coral reefs depends on its proximity to human activity, as it exhibits a wide range of density and composition. Millepora, a coral species characterized by its branching structure, was the most severely impacted, with damage levels spanning from 12.07% to 48.65%. This indicates its vulnerability to debris accumulation. The study determined the prevalence of a variety of waste categories, with plastic being the most prevalent. The study also focused on other types of inorganic waste, such as packaging, fishing lines, raffia ropes, rubber (flip-flops and tires), fabric, metal (cans and metal cutlery), glass bottles, and other items, primarily in the port area. The density of debris is an important indicator of the environmental pressure exerted on coral ecosystems. Among the examined locations, the Jetty station displayed the highest concentration of inorganic debris, with a density of 0.100 items/m2. In contrast, Watu Meja Station had the lowest density of inorganic waste at 0.008 items/m2, but the highest concentration of organic waste at 0.066 items/m2. This indicates that there is less human impact but more accumulation of natural refuse. This study highlights the pressing necessity for effective marine waste management strategies, particularly near active ports like Pondokdadap, to mitigate the detrimental effects on coral reefs. The health and sustainability of this critical marine ecosystem can be ensured by reducing refuse accumulation through enhanced waste management protocols and community engagement.
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