Benthic foraminifera as an environmental indicator of coral reefs in the Tambelan Islands, Riau, Indonesia

This study focuses on determining the abundance of benthic foraminifera and its correlation with hydro-oceanographic conditions in the Tambelan Islands, Indonesia. The findings reveal that Assilina and Amphistegina, the two dominant genera found, are generally associated with coral reefs. The FoRAM Index (FI) values indicate a favorable coral reef environment. PCA analysis demonstrates that the abundance of benthic foraminifera in the Tambelan Islands, influenced by temperature parameters, is the most significant factor with a positive correlation. This research underscores the Tambelan Islands’ status as an excellent aquatic environment for coral reefs, with the abundance of benthic foraminifera serving as a key indicator of this status.