Abstract: In this study, we investigated the distribution, coverage, mortality, recruitment and diversity of scleractinian corals in Daya Bay and along the coast of Dapeng Peninsula in July 2020. Results showed that 44 species and 5 undetermined species of scleractinian corals, belonging to 17 genera and 9 families, were found at 24 sites. Among them, Merulinidae, including 27 species and 7 genera, had the most diversified species, and followed by Acroporidae and Poritidae, both including 6 species and 2 genera. The average coverage of scleractinian corals was 12.0%, 12.9% and 5.2% along the coast of Central Islands, Sanmen Island and Dapeng Peninsula, respectively. Porites solida, Montipora peltiformis, Favites pentagona and Plesiastrea versipora were the dominant species, and the species diversity of scleractinian corals was relatively high. Compared with the historical data, scleractinian corals in Daya Bay and along the coast of Dapeng Peninsula were severely degraded, the living coral coverage decreased sharply, and the dominant species gradually changed from branching corals to encrusting or massive corals. In addition, this study constructed an assessment system for the ecological vulnerability of scleractinian corals in these coastal areas. It showed that scleractinian corals around the coastal areas of Central Islands, Sanmen Island and east side of Dapeng Peninsula were in low or medium vulnerary state. The corals at Jiaochangwei, Yangmeikeng, Xichong and west side of Dapeng Peninsula were in high or very high vulnerary state, and they were more likely to be damaged under environmental pressure. With the frequent strengthened human activities such as mariculture, overfishing, coastal tourism and ship navigation, the scleractinian corals in Daya Bay and along the coast of Dapeng Peninsula become highly vulnerable. It is necessary to strengthen coral reef monitoring and take corresponding protection measures.