Coral Reef Monitoring in Bontang, Kutai Kartanegara Regency

Project Overview

The monitoring location this time is in the North Area around the islands in Bontang Regency and Tanjung Santan in Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Location of coral reef data collection in the North Area includes 17 points where 15 points are in Bontang Regency while 2 points are located in Tanjung Santan, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.

The Requirement

Conducting an exploration activities both routine activities or non-routine in oil and gas field will  affect the surrounding environment. Oil and gas company in Indonesia has the obligation to carry out environmental management programs in environmental monitoring in accordance with the environmental permits that have been obtained. One of the environmental monitoring conducted is monitoring coral reefs.

BMT assisted Chevron Indonesia Company to undertake the coral reef monitoring in North Area around the islands in Bontang Regency and Tanjung Santan in Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Location of coral reef data collection in the North Area includes 17 points where 15 points are in Bontang Regency while 2 points are located in Tanjung Santan, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.

What We Delivered

The coral data collection method uses line transects used to describe the structure of coral communities by looking at live coral cover, dead coral, substrate forms (sand, mud), algae and the presence of other biota.

Furthermore, the data obtained were analyzed to obtain the percentage of coral cover at the study site. Methods for collecting reef fish data at locations were collected using a visual survey method with belt transects. The transect at the data collection location is spread along 50 m parallel to the coast.

In contrast to coral reef data collection, reef fish data collection is done by transect observation with 2.5 m pseudo line right and left transect line. The data obtained were then analyzed to find out the target fish at the coral reef location as an indicator of productivity and health of the coral reef.

Service and Expertise Provided

• Experienced fishery specialist

• Fish acoustic specialist

• Hydro-oceanography specialist

• Marine biological specialist

• Expertise in GIS and Mapping