ASSOCIATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF CROWN OF THORNS (Acanthaster planci) ON THE REEF IN KASIAK ISLAND PARIAMAN MUNICIPALTY – WEST SUMATRA

Abstract

This research was done in June 2012 in Kasiak Island in West Sumatra Province. The research is aimed to analize the association of Crown of Thorns Acanthaster planci with the coral Foliose growthand the distribution os Crown of Thorns Acanthaster planci in the area of the research. The methods used in this reasearch is the survey methods. Transect was placed parralel with the coastal lineand placed on the square plot of (5x5 m) with five square plot in each station. The reasearch found that there are association between the two species of Acanthaster planci with the coral with Foliose growth in each of the research station, therefore, H0 received on the significant level of 0,05 (5%) (x(hitung) < x(tabel)), with the distribution pattern Acanthaster planci showing in groups, where MI > 1. On the station I with the depth 6, there were no Acanthaster planci found and the coral Foliose growth. This is influenced by the organic faktor for it’s need for nutrient as well as the environmental factors which are stabil and good which really support its growth.