Suitability Analysis of Coral Reef Resources for Development of Marine

Ecotourism at Kelurahan Pulau Abang Batam1

Budy Hartono2, Fredinan Yulianda3, Budy Wiryawan4

ABSTRACT

A coral reef ecosystem, as one of the main habitat on a coast, physically

serves to protect the beach from currents and waves. Ecologically, it serves as
habitat for marine life and as a protected, feeding, spawning, and nursing ground. In
addition to these qualities, the beauty of coral reef can be used as an attraction for
marine tourism. Coastal and marine tourism have become a big business that is a
significant part of the growing global tourist industry. For example, diving and
snorkeling are very popular. The main goals of this research are: 1) to explore the
condition and potential of the coral reef resources and fishes and the water quality of
the coast at Pulau Abang, Batam, 2) to analyze the environment and coral reef
ecosystem capacity for tourism development, 3) to create a development of
strategies. The survey from 18 stations, using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT)
method, shows that life cover coral from 38.8% to 84.9% of the stations. Generally,
the type of corals that is mostly found is Non-Acropora. The Acropora type is rarely
found. Approximately 6 to 14 species of coral life-forms and 6 to 19 fish families
which include 17 to 66 different species are found at each station.The result of
suitability analysis from 3 stations, snorkeling marine tourism is categorized very
suitable (S1). The rests of the stations are categorized suitable (S2). However the
other 3 station are categorized not suitable (S3). The results of suitability analysis of
marine tourism category diving from one station is considered very suitable to be
developed for diving interest. On the other hand the rest of the stations are
considered suitable category. The Carrying Capacity Area for snorkeling and diving
is anywhere from 25 to 493 persons per day. By using of Scenic Beauty Estimation
Method, in general 69.5 % has very high value. Residents and visitors alike have a
positive view for the marine tourism development. They would like to see the
conservation of the coral reef and economic benefits. The strategic plans for the
development of marine tourism at Kelurahan Pulau Abang, are as follow: 1) To
optimize the management and utilization of the coral reef, 2) To prevent coral reef
damage when using marine resources, 3) To control coral reef damage, 4) To
develop policies for the promotion of coral reef tourism in the Pulau Abang area, 5)
To follow rules and laws, 6)To improve community skills and build or provide
facilities to support marine tourism activities, 7) To develop an information system
and improve the infrastructure to manage marine tourism, 8) To develop and
strengthen structures that involves stakeholders.

Key words: coral reef, ecotourism, snorkeling, diving, carrying capacity,

management strategy.