Potential, suitability, and carrying capacity of coral reef ecosystem in West Buleleng MPA

Abstract

Marine protected area (MPA) of West Buleleng, Pemuteran, Bali has the potential for the development of marine tourism activity through its coral reef ecosystem. Since 2011, the number of tourists visiting this area has been increasing every year and without proper management, it might harm the coral ecosystem. The purposes of this study are to analyze; the potential of coral reef resources based on the analysis of coral’s coverage area, the Tourism Suitability Index (TSI), and the carrying capacity to protect the coral reef ecosystem yet support the development of tourism activities in West Buleleng MPA. Data analysis methods consist of ecological analysis by measuring the potential and condition of coral reef ecosystems, the suitability index of tourism and the carrying capacity of the coral reef ecosystem. The results showed the potential of coral reef resources in West Buleleng MPA is fairly good with a percentage of coral cover about 57.08%. The suitability index of snorkeling and diving activities in the coral reef ecosystem was 76.9% with the carrying capacity of 36 tourists per day or 13.140 tourists per year for those tourism activities.