Reef-associated ichthyofauna from a marginal coral reef habitat along the west coast of India: Implication for management strategies

Abstract

Coral reefs harbour remarkable high biodiversity. Reef fishes are among the most important communities in the coral reef ecosystem, significantly contributing to ecosystem functioning and reef resilience. However, under the continuous effect of climate change and human activities, corals and reef fishes are in peril. For the first time, we documented coral reef-associated ichthyofauna from Malvan marine sanctuary (MMS) on the central west coast of India, an understudied marginal patch coral reef habitat. Experiencing severe stress due to concurrent coral bleaching, fishing, sedimentation, intensifying tourism, and coastal development activities. We reported the occurrence of 47 species of reef fishes belonging to 35 genera and 26 families from the MMS, also a list of hard corals from in the MMS, thus highlighting the biodiversity of reef building corals and reef fishes in the MMS. The coral habitat in the MMS is experiencing severe stress due to concurrent thermal coral bleaching, fishing, sedimentation, intensifying tourism, and coastal development activities. Therefore, urgent intervention with sustainable fishery management policies and long-term reef protection measures is a prerequisite for the persistence of the corals and the associated reef fishes in the MMS.