Coral spawning plays a crucial role in reef regeneration, as corals release eggs and sperm into the water, allowing for fertilization and the continuation of healthy reef populations. By studying this natural event, we can monitor reef health, assess environmental conditions, and guide conservation efforts. Our project combines scientific research with community involvement, engaging local divers, researchers, and volunteers in data collection on spawning patterns and reef conditions. This valuable data informs sustainable reef management practices.

 

Since 2016, in collaboration with Uni Banda Naira (UBN), we have been tracking coral spawning times. Understanding when specific species spawn has enabled us to test a technique called larval enhancement, where controlled releases of coral larvae help repopulate damaged reef areas. This method has proven effective in several Indo-Pacific sites, typically using advanced scientific materials and facilities. In 2022, we began exploring whether students, with minimal scientific supervision and a budget of under $2,000, could successfully apply this technique. Our current lab coordinator and former UBN student, Rifaldy Kadir, dedicated his Bachelor’s thesis to this topic, and since then, several other students have completed similar research. Our findings confirm that successful larval enhancement projects can be conducted locally.

 

While the coral reefs of Banda remain in excellent condition, we are preparing for potential future challenges. Should a coral bleaching event occur, we will be ready to take action. One of the key benefits of larval enhancement is that it promotes genetic diversity among coral populations, strengthening their resilience against environmental threats. Unlike other restoration methods, larval enhancement does not require artificial materials or the fragmentation and removal of adult corals from the reef.

 

COSMARINDO: Expanding Knowledge and Collaboration in Indonesia

In 2024, we secured funding from the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) to expand knowledge on coral spawning and larval enhancement across Indonesia. This initiative, COSMARINDO (Coral Spawning Monitoring and Awareness for Restoration Network Indonesia), is a collaborative effort with Ruhr University Bochum (Germany), UNSEEN Expeditions (France), and the University of the Ryukyus (Japan).

 

The project focuses on three main goals:

- Establishing a network for coral spawning observations across Indonesia

- Training junior scientists and students from six universities in the Wallacea region on implementing larval enhancement as an alternative to traditional restoration techniques

- Investigating coral reproduction in mesophotic reefs

 

Collaboration is at the heart of COSMARINDO. If you are interested in joining the coral spawning monitoring network or learning more about larval enhancement, we’d love to hear from you!