The relationship between coral disease and abnormal symptoms with coral reef fsh in the inner Gulf of Thailand: Si Chang Island coral reefs and adjacent area in Chon Buri, Thailand
Keywords:
Coral disease, reef fish, species composition, environmental impact, Si Chang IslandAbstract
The coral reefs in Chon Buri province are prone to degradation, given their proximity to estuaries and the influence of widespread tourist activities. This research assesses the impact of coral diseases and abnormal symptoms on the composition and diversity of coral reef fish species. The study focuses on Si Chang Island and its surrounding coral reefs at six stations. A video census technique was used to collect data for fish species diversity along 50-meter survey lines, with three replicates. For coral disease and abnormal symptoms, a photo belt transect method was employed within 0.5 m² areas along 30-meter survey lines, with three replicates at each station. The relationship between coral disease and abnormal symptoms in coral reef fish was suggested. Abnormal symptoms were significant in 17 species of coral reef fish. In addition, it was found that the relationship could not be determined, and species richness, diversity, and functional groups were not found to be related to coral disease or abnormal symptoms in corals. However, there is a trend of an inverse relationship between the coral disease and coral abnormalities with fish. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship, it is imperative to gather more information on coral diseases that may affect coral reef fish. Future research should focus on expanding the study area and conducting a thorough examination of additional environmental factors.
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