It was observed on dives conducted by a team of field survey and mapping of potential identification of small islands in the South Coastal District and West Pasaman, Monday (04/07/2011). The team coordinator, Harfiandri Damanhuri from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences University of Bung Hatta, Padang, said the condition of coral reefs in the region in a bad state. "Because coral reefs cover less than 25 percent," said Harfiandri.
Dives conducted expert Samsuardi and coral reefs fisheries experts Yasser Arafat at the four points on the south side, west, north, and east of the island. On the south side, north, and east of the island's coral reefs cover less than 10 percent encountered.
"Surprise occurred in dives conducted on the west side. I do not think on the west side and is a common coral reef life, tutupannya between 25 percent to 30 percent," said Samsuardi.
He said it was probably due to sedimentation did not occur because the trigger diempas currents. Relatively strong currents in that part also makes coral reefs are formed into strong for not standing on the sand substrate.
Meanwhile, according to Yasser, the type of fish found in the region more widely known from the major groups in which there are diverse kinds of ornamental fish. "Fish are indicators that are closely related to the existence of coral reefs and fish targets found very little economic value," he said.
One resident on the island Pagang, Polin Pasaribu (54), said that the damage to coral reefs caused by the behavior of some fishermen catch fish. He said the fishermen catch fish by using the anchor at the bow and stern of the ship are tightened.
"If the strong currents and anchor it off, the coral becomes the stand also were destroyed," said Polin. He said it happened repeatedly in all parts of the island.
Head of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of West Sumatra Yosmeri on the same day said, so far it does not yet have a plan to revitalize the region's coral reefs. "For there is no special program. Therefore, coral reef program only on the Mentawai Islands," he said.