Comparative Analysis of the Distribution and Composition of Grouper Fish (Family Serranidae) in the Coral Reef Ecosystems of Batanta and Salawati Islands, Raja Ampat

¹ Faculty of Engineering and Maritime Technology, Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji, Politeknik Senggarang Street, UMRAH Campus, Senggarang, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia.
² School of Environment and Natural Science, Newcastle University.
³ Reserach Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
⁴ 2Marine Science Department, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Politeknik Senggarang Street, UMRAH Campus, Senggarang, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia.
⁵ Master of Environmental Science Department, Graduate School of Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Politeknik Senggarang Street, UMRAH Campus, Senggarang, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia.
⁶ Marine Animal Ecology, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands

^* Corresponding author: risandi@umrah.ac.id

Abstract

The Coral Reef Ecosystems of Batanta and Salawati Islands, Raja Ampat is a critical habitat for grouper species (Family Serranidae), which play essential roles in coral reef ecosystems. This study assessed the species composition, abundance, and biomass of groupers across 12 sampling sites in the region. Using the Underwater Visual Census (UVC) method, we identified 14 grouper species, with Plectropomus areolatus classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Our results revealed an average grouper abundance 17.33 ind/350m² for Batanta and 18.33 ind/350m² for Salawati. An average biomass the mean biomass 4288.16 gr/350m² for Batanta and 1881.10 gr/350m² for Salawati, indicating substantial biomass within the area. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal-Wallis test and t- tests reveal no significant difference in abundance between the two locations, as indicated by the non-significant p-value (p = 0.87). Correlation analysis demonstrated a very strong positive relationship between grouper abundance and biomass, suggesting that the Anthropogenic activities have not yet significantly impacted the grouper populations in Salawati and Batanta. The study emphasizes the importance of habitat protection and sustainable fisheries management to support grouper populations. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies are necessary to ensure the long-term health of grouper populations and the coral reef ecosystems they inhabit.