Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Abstract

Effects of Sand Mining on Coral Reefs in Riau Islands

Supriharyono

Effects of sand mining on coral reefs have been carried out in Riau Islands, from September to
November 2003. The study used was explorative method, while the data were collected both primary
through field observation and interview and secondary data obtained from related institutions.
The results showed that the reefs were in moderate to good conditions. Majority of the
moderate conditions were found in the deeper water (10 m depth). Similarly, the percentage of living
coral cover was also lower in the deeper water compared to the shallow one (3 m). It is believed that
this may due to light transparency. However, it is too early to say that the lower of light transparency in
the depth 10 m is due to sand mining activities. In addition, the fishing capture production was
significantly decreased after sand mining becoming intensive in study sites during autonomy era.