Coral Reef Diversity and Habitat Characteristics in the Waters of Nasi Island, Aceh Province, Indonesia

As benthic marine organisms within the class Anthozoa (Phylum Cnidaria), corals form the foundational structure of coral reef ecosystems.These ecosystems are vital marine habitats, supporting diverse aquatic species.This study aims to analyze the coral diversity index and habitat characteristics in the waters of Nasi Island, Aceh Province.The research was conducted in July and August 2024.The survey was conducted across three distinct research sites.Using a purposive sampling method, thirty coral samples were collected from a 2 2-meter plot at each location.The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used to analyze the diversity of coral species.The research identified 32 coral species belonging to 6 families.The diversity index analysis indicated that the coral diversity index ranged from 2.26 to 2.97, falling into the moderate category.Among the study locations, Pasie Janeung had the highest coral diversity, while the lowest diversity was observed at Dedap.In the Dedap and Alue Rieung areas, the decline of coral reef ecosystems is linked to community activities, particularly the use of boats and fishing vessels for fishing and docking.This highlights the urgent need for intensified conservation efforts, such as establishing no-anchoring zones, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coral reefs.