ARTICLE TYPE : RESEARCH ARTICLE
Published on : 19 Sep 2026,
Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Environmental Sciences
| WebLog J Environ Sci
| WJETS
Source URL:
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjets.2026.i1902
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :
Linking Benthic Condition, Reef Fish Biomass, and Coral Health Index in a Degraded Reef System of the Sembilan Archipelago
2Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
3Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
Abstract
The coral reef ecosystem of the Sembilan Archipelago was evaluated through an integrated ecological survey across eight islands. The study integrated benthic surveys using a point intercept transect method with underwater visual census techniques to evaluate coral reef condition, reef fish diversity, and ecosystem health. Findings suggest a fair ecological state of the islands’ reefs, with live coral cover averaging 26.05% and 46 hard coral species recorded. Diversity indices varied among islands, with Shannon-Wiener values ranging from 2.24 to 2.78. Evenness values (0.81-0.93) indicated relatively uniform species distribution, while elevated mortality indices at Pulau Buluh and Pulau Nipis reflected localised degradation. Coral assemblages were dominated by mixed and stress tolerant species, suggesting ongoing environmental stress. Fifty reef fish taxa were also recorded. Fish biomass was highest at Pulau Payung, while diversity peaked at Pulau Lalang. Variations in fish assemblages were likely driven by habitat quality, reduced coral cover, and anthropogenic pressures. The mean Coral Health Index was 0.39, indicating generally poor reef condition, although several reefs still exhibit moderate coral health. Collectively, the findings indicate deteriorating reef health alongside reduced fish populations, suggesting increasing ecosystem degradation across the archipelago. Given its ecological significance and strategic location, strengthened conservation measures, including designation as a protected area, are recommended to conserve biodiversity, enhance reef resilience, and support long-term ecosystem recovery.
Keywords: Benthic Cover; Fish Biomass; Species Diversity; CHI; Strait of Malacca
Citation
Ismail MS, Khoo ML, Ismail MN, Ilias Z, Suriyanti SNP, Zainee NFA, et al. Linking Benthic Condition, Reef Fish Biomass, and Coral Health Index in a Degraded Reef System of the Sembilan Archipelago. WebLog J Environ Sci. wjets.2026.i1902. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22952447