Three-dimensional (3D) modelling to determine the weight of massive corals in Gili Labak Island, Sumenep, Madura, East Java, Indonesia

This study aimed to non-destructively measure the weight of massive (live) corals through three-dimensional (3D) modelling. The 3D models were constructed using the volumes and weight of massive (dead) corals. The study was conducted through photographs, 3D analysis, and weighing 32 massive (dead) coral samples. Volume and weight were modelled using linear and non-linear regressions, and their accuracy was tested using root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). This study showed that the weight of massive (live) corals could be measured using a 3D model of the massive (dead) coral’s volume and the weight mainly through regression, polynomial, and geometric equations. The power/geometric equation is a more suitable approach for determining the actual value of coral weight. Linear regression obtained an average weight of 6.13 kg per plot. Three-dimensional modelling can be widely applied to measure the massive corals in the deep sea.