Biodiversity and Existing Condition of Coral Reef Ecosystem in Kondang Merak Beach Malang

Coral reefs are one of the compilers of ecologically and economically important tropical marine ecosystems, but are very vulnerable to damage. Declining sea water quality due to climate change, coastal land use, and inaccurate coastal management patterns can threaten its sustainability. This study aims to determine the diversity and the condition of coral reefs in coastal Kondang Merak, Malang, East Java and external factor influence. The study used an observation method existing conditions in situ. Data was taken using the line transect method at 8 station, between stations 100 meters. Every one transect consist of 5 plots measuring 1x1 meter, 10-meter spacing plot. The research parameters measured included internal factors (type of coral reef, coral reef condition, total suspended solids, transparency, temperature, pH, and water salinity), external factors (existing conditions of the beach and tourist behavior). The coral reefs found were documented and identified in the Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, State University of Surabaya. Data diversity of coral reef are analyzed based on the calculation index diversity Shanon-Wiener and abundance relative Odum. Data water quality parameters and external conditions analyzed using descriptive qualitative. Based on the results of research known in the Kondang Merak beach, Malang found 28 species of coral reefs from 17 genera, diversity index of 1.99 including in the medium kategori. Oulophyllia bennettae is the most abundant coral reef species with a relative dominance of 34.61%, followed by Porites lutea 31.03%, Acropora robusta 6.18%, and Plerogyra simplex 5.69%. The majority of coral reefs are in damaged condition. Tourist stunt is an external factor causing dominant coral reef damage. Keywords—biodiversity, conditions and threats, coral reefs, kondang merak beach, malang