Reef corals of the Togean and Banggai Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia (Marine RAP survey)

Reef corals were surveyed at 47 sites in the Togean and Banggai Islands of Sulawesi, Indonesia, using rapid assessment methods, in 1998. These surveys included 24 sites in the Togean Islands, 4 mainland shoals, 18 sites in the Banggai Islands and one site between the two island groups.

Sites surveyed included a diverse range of habitats encompassing reefs and sediments within and around reefs. Habitats included sandy areas, walls, overhangs, slopes and shallow reef areas. Areas where few or no corals were expected to be found, such as sea grass beds and mangroves were not surveyed.

Surveys were conducted using SCUBA to a maximum depth of 44m. The survey method consisted of direct underwater observation of corals, usually during a single 60-90 minute dive at each site. Corals were recorded on a slow ascent from the base of the reef, along a zigzag path to the shallowest part of the reef.

The primary group of corals surveyed were the zooxanthellate scleractinian corals. In addition, a small number of other coral taxa, which also contribute to the reef matrix were recorded. These include zooxanthellate non-scleractinian corals (blue coral, organ-pipe coral and fire coral), azooxanthellate scleractinian corals (Tubastrea and others) and azooxanthellate non-scleractinian corals (Distichopora and Stylaster).

Corals that could not be identified in the field were photographed in situ and representative samples were collected and labelled for later identification.