M. Muliari, E. Erniati, M. Ulfah, I. Imamshadiqin, M. Rizki, I. Irfannur, Y. Akmal, A.S. Batubara, M. Yunus, E.M. Luqman
Coral reef ecosystems are among the most diverse and productive marine habitats, providing essential ecological functions and socio-economic benefits to coastal communities. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures and environmental changes threaten their biodiversity, including reef fish populations that serve as key bioindicators of reef health. This study aimed to identify and analyze the abundance and biomass of reef fish in the coral reef ecosystems of Aceh Island and Weh Island, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Fieldwork was conducted in 2025 using the Underwater Visual Census (UVC) method at ten sampling sites - three on Aceh Island (Breuh, Nasi, and Teunom Islands) and seven on Weh Island (Rubiah, Iboih, Gapang, Sumur Tiga, Anoi Itam, Keuneukai, and Gua Sarang) - across two depth ranges (3-5 m and 8-10 m). The highest fish abundance was recorded at Keuneukai (21,347 ind/ha), while the highest biomass occurred at Gua Sarang (730 kg/ha). Herbivorous families such as Acanthuridae dominated both regions, whereas Centriscidaeand Syngnathidae were least abundant. Based on trophic groups, mobile invertebrate feeders (26%) and detritivorous herbivores (20%) were most dominant. This study supports Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by providing baseline data for the sustainable management and conservation of coral reef. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Sains Veteriner Doctoral Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Malikussaleh University, Aceh Utara, Indonesia; Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Ocean Diving Club. Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Almuslim, Bireuen, Indonesia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
