Our Research
Our Research
Our research at Gili Matra Bersama is more than just science — it’s a commitment to safeguarding the future of our oceans.
Through a series of targeted projects, we aim to tackle key environmental issues, from coral reef restoration to shark conservation. By combining research with hands-on restoration efforts, we strive to make a tangible impact on marine ecosystems. Explore our research projects to learn how we are translating knowledge into action for the benefit of marine life and coastal communities.
Tracking Juvenile White Tip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus) - assessing residency duration and seasonal birthing patterns in Gili Matra Marine Reserve
Timeline 2024-2027 – Funded by Gili Shark Conservation
Description
Our research on juvenile White Tip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus) in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve focuses on understanding their residency duration, movement patterns, and seasonal birthing behavior. By monitoring these sharks, we aim to gather critical data that will help guide conservation efforts and ensure the protection of their habitats, which are essential for the survival of the next generation. This study will also help us identify seasonal birthing patterns, which are crucial for optimizing protective measures during key reproductive periods.
Objectives
Monitor juvenile White Tip Reef Shark populations around Gili Matra, focusing on individual residency duration, movement patterns, and habitat preferences. Gather critical data to assess habitat use and inform conservation strategies. Additionally, identify seasonal birthing patterns of White Tip Reef Sharks to determine if births occur during specific months, which will help optimize the timing of protective measures for these habitats.
Super Supplement: Boosting Coral Resilience through Nutritional Subsidies
Future Reefs Lab, University of Technology Sydney
Principal Investigator: Dr. Emma Camp,
Timeline 2025-2027 – Funded by CORDAP
(CORDAP Coral Accelerator Program Award )
Description
The global decline of coral reefs may be mitigated by enhancing the natural capacity of corals to tolerate stress. This project draws on recent findings in coral nutritional requirements under stress to assess the feasibility of providing nutritional supplements to increase their resilience and resistance to stress. The multidisciplinary team is aiming to create a supplement that is the ideal combination of micronutrients, antioxidants, and lipids that would be most likely to improve coral health and survival when under stress. In this project, the team is conducting lab and in situ experiments to optimize the supplement nutritional profile for general use, as well determining the delivery method that achieves the best results for increasing coral fitness under stress.
Objectives
Find the perfect mix of nutrients – Just like humans need the right vitamins to stay healthy, corals need specific nutrients too. We’re creating a special blend of important elements like minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants to help corals stay strong when the ocean gets too warm.
Figure out the best way to give it to the corals – We’re testing different ways to give corals this supplement, including when to give it, how much to give, and how to deliver it so it actually works.
Test it in the lab and in the ocean – After fine-tuning the supplement in controlled lab environments, we’re running small, carefully monitored tests in the ocean to see how well it helps real corals in their natural habitat.
Coral Research & Restoration in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve
Timeline 2022-2027 – Funded by Arthur M Blank Foundation and the DreAMBoat Community Fund, PADI Aware Foundation, Gili Shark Conservation, Coral Gardeners
Description
We’re on a mission to restore and protect the coral reefs in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve. Our work focuses on testing and comparing different methods for growing and transplanting corals to find the most effective techniques. By monitoring coral survival, growth rates, and resilience, we’re uncovering valuable insights into what helps corals thrive. Alongside this, we’re studying how these efforts benefit the overall health of the reef, including the fish and marine life that depend on it. This project isn’t just about rebuilding reefs—it’s about creating a stronger, healthier underwater ecosystem for the future.
Objectives
To restore and enhance coral reef conditions in the rehabilitation zone of the Gili Matra Marine Reserve, Indonesia, by identifying and evaluating the most effective coral restoration techniques. This will involve assessing coral growth and resilience, comparing survival and growth rates across various coral genera, analyzing the influence of nursery structures and environmental factors on coral fragments, and determining the impact of restoration efforts on fish populations and benthic organisms over a 24-month period.
Monitoring Sea Turtle Foraging & Nesting Populations in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve
Timeline 2022-2027 – Funded by Gili Shark Conservation
Description
To conduct photo identification and analysis of foraging Green and Hawksbill turtles in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve, aiming to provide an accurate assessment of foraging turtle populations. Additionally, collect data on nesting behaviour of Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Green Turtles on the Gili Islands. This will expand our understanding of turtle populations, migrations, and behaviour within the marine park.
Objectives
Our research focuses on understanding and protecting sea turtle populations in the Gili Marta Marine Reserve. We aim to assess the foraging populations in coastal waters, establish detailed population dynamics, and create a spatially accurate picture of where these turtles thrive. Additionally, we’re working to boost citizen science participation in data collection, ensuring the community plays an active role in conservation. Finally, we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of current conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable future for these incredible marine creatures.
Monitoring of Coral Health in Marine Protected Areas
Timeline 2022-2027 – Funded by Gili Shark Conservation
Description
This research project focuses on monitoring coral reef health in the Gili Matra Marine Protected Area (MPA), in collaboration with BKKPN Kupang. The monitoring will be carried out at several popular dive sites around the Gili Islands, which are frequently visited by tourists and represent important areas for both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
By collecting and analyzing this data regularly, the research will provide valuable insights into reef health trends and help inform effective management strategies within the MPA. The results will also be used to raise awareness among local communities and stakeholders about the importance of coral conservation and responsible marine tourism
Objectives
The main objective is to assess the condition of the coral reef ecosystem and detect any changes that occur over time due to natural and human impacts, especially from tourism activities. Monitoring will be conducted annually using standardized methods such as Underwater Photo transects, Belt transects, and Underwater Visual Census. Evidence of physical damage and key indicators include coral cover, fish biodiversity, and megabenthos.