Benthic foraminifera as an environmental indicator of coral reefs in the Tambelan Islands, Riau, Indonesia

This study focuses on determining the abundance of benthic foraminifera and its correlation with hydro-oceanographic conditions in the Tambelan Islands, Indonesia. The findings reveal that Assilina and Amphistegina , the two dominant genera found, are generally associated with coral reefs. The FoRAM Index ( FI ) values indicate a favorable coral reef environment. PCA analysis demonstrates that the abundance of benthic foraminifera in the Tambelan Islands, influenced by temperature parameters, is the most significant factor with a positive correlation. This research underscores the Tambelan Islands’ status as an excellent aquatic environment for coral reefs, with the abundance of benthic foraminifera serving as a key indicator of this status.