Corals of the Raja Ampat Islands, Papua Province, Indonesia (Marine RAP survey)

Reef corals were surveyed at 45 sites in the Raja Ampat Islands, Papua Province, Indonesia, using rapid assessment methods, in 2001. 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 50m. The survey method consisted of direct underwater observation of corals, usually during a single 70 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. Additional species were also recorded from outside the designated study sites.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 included azooxanthellate scleractinian corals and non-scleractinian species.Corals that could not be identified in the field were photographed in situ and representative samples were collected and labelled for later identification. Specimens of Porites and Montipora were also collected for molecular studies. The aims of this survey were:1. to compile an inventory of corals on the reefs of the Raja Ampat Islands of Papua Province, Indonesia.2. to use this information to compare the faunal richness of these islands with other parts of Southeast Asia and adjoining regions. The Marine Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) is an initiative of Conservation International (CI). This survey was a component of the project "A marine rapid assessment of the Raja Ampat Islands, Papua Province, Indonesia".