Community Structure of Scleractinian Corals on Shallow Reef Flats at Mu Ko Surin, Phang Nga Province, Thailand
Keywords:
Shallow reef flats, coral bleaching, stress-tolerant species, Mu Ko Surin National ParkAbstract
Shallow reef flats serve as ecologically significant habitats within coral reef ecosystems, supporting a high diversity of scleractinian corals that contribute to reef accretion, structural complexity, and the provision of habitats for associated marine organisms. These areas are typically characterized by dynamic environmental conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, salinity, light penetration, and sedimentation. Such variability makes reef flats important indicators for assessing coral reef health and resilience, particularly in the face of climate change and local anthropogenic stressors. This study examines the community structure of scleractinian corals on shallow reef flats within Mu Ko Surin National Park, Phang Nga Province. The coral communities were examined using permanent belt transects to ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection. The highest percentage of live coral cover was found at Ao Mai Ngam (24.6%), while the lowest was observed at Ao Pak Kaad (17.8%). The most dominant coral species were Porites lutea, followed by Porites rus, Diploastrea heliopora, Montipora aquituberculata, Ctenactis echinata, Cyphastrea microphthalma, Leptoria phrygia, and Coelastrea aspera. The dominance of Porites lutea across all sites reflects its remarkable resilience to elevated temperatures, sedimentation, and reduced light conditions, making it a key species for reef stability in disturbed environments. These findings provide important ecological baselines for reef flat habitats in Mu Ko Surin and contribute to broader regional efforts to monitor coral reef health under changing environmental conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of shallow reef flats for monitoring reef health and guiding management. Using resilient coral species in restoration can enhance reef adaptability, supporting long-term conservation goals. These ecosystems are vital for biodiversity and local communities. Further research on their ecological processes and resilience will inform future conservation strategies.
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