Analysis of the Suitability for Placing Interlocking Modular Hexareef Structures as an Environmentally Friendly Coastal Protection in the Gili Ketapang Probolinggo Marine Conservation Area

Abstract Coral reefs are well-documented as natural coastal protection structures, alongside mangroves and seagrass beds. Reports indicate that these artificial reefs (AR), following deployment, often suffer damage due to factors such as improper sinking techniques due to heavy structures, wave impacts, displacement, sediment burial, or current drag. To reduce physical damage and facilitate easier deployment and seabed arrangement, will design an interlocking modular hexagonal artificial reef (IMHAR). This study aims to assess the suitability of the deployment site for this structure of interlocking modular hexagonal artificial reef (SIMHAR) based on oceanographic parameters, including depth, slope, substrate, wave height, current speed, and water activity. The methodology involves an overlay analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the Gili Ketapang Marine Conservation Area, Probolinggo. The suitability assessment indicates that the northeastern part of the island is highly recommended for SIMHAR placement due to its relatively gentle slope (<5°), depth (>2 m), sandy coral substrate, extreme wave height of 0.69 m, highest current speed is 0.52 m/s, and minimal water activity such as boat mooring or aquaculture.