Science for Equitable Development

1. Conserving Manta Ray and Molidae

Both reef and oceanic manta rays occur in Indonesia. However, very little is known about their ecology, biology and movements; factors that need to be understood in order to properly assess the impact of threats and to successfully achieve conservation goals.

We are working to shed light on Indonesia’s manta populations and the threats that are impacting them. Using genetic analysis, photo-identification methods and field observations we are building a comprehensive database of individual manta rays which allows us to map the species movement, migration and distribution throughout Indonesia, estimates population size, and highlight trends in behavior, movements, life history and identify areas of critical habitat use. These information will be significant in the effort to build sustainable manta tourism in Indonesia.

Where: Lamakera of East Nusa Tenggara

Partner: Misool Baseftin

2. Developing Best Practices for Ocean Grow-Out for Aquarium Fisheries

We working with aquarium fishers (collectors) to develop sustainable capture of juvenile fish and develop grow out techniques that can increase economic benefits and create incentives for conserving coral reef. We are investigating supply chain and business process in the current practices of juvenile capture, underwater ocean grow-out, and floating ocean grow-out to  improve their productivity, boost their incomes, and increase their access to new markets.  In addition, we are investigating catch and population trend of some high demand species such as blue tang “dory”.

Where: Bali

Partner: Trust For Conservation Innovation/Olazul

3. Developing Best Practice for Reef Restoration

We working with  managers of local marine management area (LMMA) to study and develop best method of restoration- including coral nursery, coral transplantation and substrate stabilization- to restore damaged reefs due to impact of coral bleaching and cyanide fishing. In addition we conduct study to determine opportunity of restoration project to create a new potential tourism destination.

Where: Bali

Partner: Trust For Conservation Innovation/Olazul

4. Coral Bleaching and Reef Resilience

We are leading national effort to respond the increased sea surface temperature that caused mass coral bleaching in Indonesia in 2009 and 2016. With strong collaboration with Ministry of Marine and Fisheries of Indonesia, in 2016 bleaching season, we launched national monitoring network to map extent and severity of coral bleaching in the archipelago of Indonesia. Also, we are developing national working group consisting stakeholders and government to determine strategies post bleaching 2016.

Where: national

Partner: Ministry of Marine and Fisheries