Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support a significant portion of global marine
biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services for human well-being. The
deterioration of the reefs, resulting from natural and human-induced disturbances, has
severe implications for associated fauna and the livelihoods of communities dependent
on these resources. In northwest Madagascar, coral reefs and associated fish species
exhibit high diversity but are vulnerable to collapse due to various local threats. This study
focuses on characterizing coral reef communities and associated fauna in Nosy Sakatia,
Madagascar. By employing the Reef Check Tropical protocol and Structure from Motion
Photogrammetry, a detailed baseline of coral community status is provided for future
studies. Five sites in the southeast of Nosy Sakatia were surveyed using the Reef Check
Tropical monitor protocol and photogrammetry methods. The results indicate
homogeneous fish assemblages and the presence of overfishing activities in the region
The limited records of sea cucumber species confirmed the poor status of their
populations and signs of overharvesting in giant clams. The implementation of
photogrammetry provided accurate information about benthic communities and a
heterogeneous composition with a dominance of hard coral, rock, and sand coverage
was observed. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in Nosy
Sakatia, emphasizing the presence of overfishing and the decline of certain species.
Further research should assess the impact of increasing tourism activities, considering
the importance of sustainable management practices for the region’s coral reefs.
