Indonesia’s coral reefs area reaches 75,000 km2 which is about 12-15% of coral reefs area in the world. In the last five decades, Indonesia coral reefs experience sharp degradation: 30% is in good condition, 37%in average condition, and the rest of it - 33% is severely damaged. The damages were usually caused by natural factors and human activities.

In areas with high activity intensity, chance of coral reefs damage increases sharply compared to those with less activity. Several case studies showed that coral reefs damage significantly and directly affected to the decline of surrounding resources and underwater aesthetic values. Whereas coral reefs existence, is supposed to add economic values through tourism services.

Coral reefs rehabilitation programs do not necessarily restore the existence of coral reefs, given the fact that coral reefs require more than 10 years to return to its original state with the same level of diversity. Therefore, mooring buoy installment becomes one of the solutions to preserve surrounding ecosystem.

Mooring buoy is needed to tie ship during anchoring in order to avoid shift due to waves, currents, and wind as well as a tool to turn ship. It is practical as one of many supporting tools to reduce coral reefs damage in Indonesia aquatics. With various types, designs, and purposes, mooring buoy is expected to be practitioners’ and aquatic resource users’ priority programs in terms of minimalizing the damage.

The concept of mooring buoy itself is not complicated. Otherwise, mooring buoy installment in targeted location where boat and ship dock and/or coral reefs protected, are actually effective on becoming the mark or barrier to cut area utilization conflicts. From installment side, mooring buoy can be installed, moved, or removed as needed.

Therefore, this guideline is important to help marine tour practitioners regarding standard comprehensions and guides during the using and installing process of mooring buoy, especially in national park area. This guideline was organized by Responsible Marin Tourism Program team from WWF-Indonesia, supported by marine practitioners and academics.