CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM'S ASSESSMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY IN MARINE CONSERVATION AREA PULO PASI GUSUNG, SELAYAR

<p><em>Coral reefs are one of the important ecosystems in coastal areas. Coral reefs have important values for coastal communities and their presence is particularly vulnerable to disturbance from both natural and anthropogenic activities. Establishment of a marine conservation area is essential to protect coral reefs from over-exploitation. This study aims to assess the condition of coral cover and sustainability status of coral reef ecosystem in Pulo Pasi Gusung Marine Conservation Area (KKPD) of Selayar district.</em> <em>The results of this study are expected to provide recommendation for government in policy making related to </em><em>better management to improve supervision of coral reef ecosystems in Pulo Pasi Gusung KKPD</em><em>. Data collection was conducted using line intercept transect (LIT) at 3 and 10 meter depth. Coral reef sustainability status was analyzed using Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) with Rap Insus COREMAG (Rapid Appraisal-Index Sustainability of Coral Reef Management) by comparing the management before the establishment of KKPD (Year 2010) and after the establishment of KKPD (Year 2015). Assessment is conducted on 5 dimensions namely ecological, economic, social cultural, technological and infrastructure dimensions </em><em>as well as legal and institutional dimensions</em><em>. The results of the analysis of the five dimensions in the assessment of coral reef sustainability status in Pulau Pasi after the establishment of KKPD on average experienced an increase in sustainable index than before the establishment of KKPD.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong><em>: coral reefs, conservation area, sustainability status, management</em>