Andik Isdianto, Fan Puji Ananda Musalima, Arief Setyanto, Rudianto, Aulia Lanudia Fathah, Uun Yanuhar, Nico Rahman Caesar, Alifiulahtin Utaminingsih, Mohammad Maskan, Berlania Mahardika Putri, Dwi Candra Pratiwi
This study assesses the current condition of the coral reef ecosystem, snorkelling tourism suitability, and restoration strategies at Kondang Merak Beach, Indonesia, to support sustainable marine tourism development. Field data were collected using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) surveys, Tourism Suitability Index (TSI) analysis, and carrying capacity evaluation. Results indicate a degraded reef state with an average live coral cover of 11.93%, dominated by massive corals and low fish diversity, classifying the ecosystem as poor. The snorkelling suitability index scored 0.74, indicating very low suitability due to limited coral cover, biodiversity, and reef complexity. Despite ecological limitations, the site can accommodate up to 187 visitors daily across various tourism activities. To address these challenges, a comprehensive five-year integrated management plan is proposed, combining physical restoration (artificial reefs, structural repairs), biological restoration (coral transplantation, reduced human pressure), and spatial zoning enforcement. Sustainable tourism measures such as designated snorkelling paths, visitor education, and no-anchoring zones are recommended to mitigate impacts and enhance reef resilience. This study provides a practical framework for balancing coral reef conservation with ecotourism development and offers insights for managing similarly degraded tropical coastal ecosystems toward sustainable marine ecosystem management. These efforts contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 14, supporting the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. © 2025 The authors. This article is published by IIETA and is licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license
Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Development (ICESSMENT) Research Group, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Master Program of Environmental Management and Development, Brawijaya University Postgraduate School, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Fisheries Marine Resources Management, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Doctoral Program in Sociology, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Business Administration, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Master of Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55284, Indonesia; Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E3, Canada