Evaluating annual severe coral bleaching risk for marine protected areas across Indonesia

Coral reefs face an uncertain future under global climate change, with thermal-induced bleaching increasing in frequency such that corals will soon experience annual severe bleaching (ASB). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are therefore becoming increasingly important as a conservation tool. Here we evaluate (i) Indonesia’s coral reefs’ spatial variation in ASB, (ii) whether reefs projected to have a later onset of ASB (i.e. possible climate refugia) are protected within MPAs, and (iii) the ASB risk profiles for reefs related to MPAs receiving priority investments. Our results highlight considerable variability across Indonesia’s reefs being at risk of ASB. The ASB risk before 2028 is greater for coral reefs protected by MPAs versus those outside MPA boundaries. The ASB risk before 2025 is greater for coral reefs protected by priority MPAs versus those protected by non-priority MPAs. Overall, our results show that only ∼45% of the coral reef areas that are currently located within MPAs will likely act as thermal refugia (ASB > 2044). This is unsurprising given that the MPA network in Indonesia has been established over many decades, with most MPAs designated before suitable bleaching risk projections were available to inform MPA placement. Our results highlight the scope to further incorporate potential climate refugia for reefs into new MPA designations. This study also provides strategic information, which can support the development of Indonesia’s long-term MPA and coral reef conservation strategy to effectively manage, mitigate, and adapt to the impacts of climate change on coral reefs

Evaluating annual severe coral bleaching risk for marine protected areas across Indonesia

Coral reefs face an uncertain future under global climate change, with thermal-induced bleaching increasing in frequency such that corals will soon experience annual severe bleaching (ASB). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are therefore becoming increasingly important as a conservation tool. Here we evaluate (i) Indonesia’s coral reefs’ spatial variation in ASB, (ii) whether reefs projected to have a later onset of ASB (i.e. possible climate refugia) are protected within MPAs, and (iii) the ASB risk profiles for reefs related to MPAs receiving priority investments. Our results highlight considerable variability across Indonesia’s reefs being at risk of ASB. The ASB risk before 2028 is greater for coral reefs protected by MPAs versus those outside MPA boundaries. The ASB risk before 2025 is greater for coral reefs protected by priority MPAs versus those protected by non-priority MPAs. Overall, our results show that only ∼45% of the coral reef areas that are currently located within MPAs will likely act as thermal refugia (ASB > 2044). This is unsurprising given that the MPA network in Indonesia has been established over many decades, with most MPAs designated before suitable bleaching risk projections were available to inform MPA placement. Our results highlight the scope to further incorporate potential climate refugia for reefs into new MPA designations. This study also provides strategic information, which can support the development of Indonesia’s long-term MPA and coral reef conservation strategy to effectively manage, mitigate, and adapt to the impacts of climate change on coral reefs

KONDISI TERUMBU KARANG DI PERAIRAN SEKITAR AREA BEROPERASINYA PERUSAHAAN TAMBANG BATU BARA (STUDI KASUS: PKP2B PT. KALTIM PRIMA COAL, KUTAI TIMUR) [Coral Reef Condition in Waters Surrounding Operational Site of Coal Mining Company (Case Study: PKP2B PT.

The condition of coral reefs is influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. Anthropogenic activities such as coal mining will eventually have an impact on the surrounding ecosystems including coral reefs. This study aims to determine the condition of coral reefs in the waters around the operating areas of coal mining companies. This study is a preliminary study as a database that provides data on the health of coral reefs in the vicinity of the operation of mining companies in East Kutai Regency. Data was collected at Bengalon Reef, Kellie’s Reef and South Marker in March 2019 using Reef Check method, focusing on three indicators namely substrate, fish, and invertebrate. The line transect used in this method is 100 m long and divided into 4 segments. Physical and chemical parameters of the waters measured are current speed, brightness, pH, salinity, and water temperature. The condition of coral reefs in the study location is in medium category. The quality of the waters is in tolerance range of life support and coral growth. Indicator fish found were Chaetodontidae, Lutjanidae, Scaridae and Serranidae. Indicator invertebrates found were Holothuria edulis, Panulirus sp. and Tridacna spp. The dominant coral reef damage was found in boat anchors and fishing nets rubbish. 

Shapefile with the average year of onset of annual severe bleaching (ASB) events in all the marine protected areas (MPAs) of Indonesia designated in January 2020

This shapefile/vector shows you the projected year beyond which a coral reef is expected to experience severe bleaching conditions annually based on the reef being exposed to at least 8 Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) (UNEP 2020). This vector allows you to identify which Indonesian MPAs might act as thermal refugia for coral reefs. More information can be found in De Clippele et al. (2022) Evaluating annual severe coral bleaching risk for marine protected areas across Indonesia, Marine Policy