Research Theme 1: Coral Reefs and Climate Change
Mechanisms of coral bleaching and Thermal tolerance of reef building species

IH220 The coupled effect of light and temperature on the thermal tolerance of Acroporids (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained if incorporating a diving element) 

Coral bleaching is a widespread and extensively studied phenomenon, yet many of the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In order to better understand and therefore implement more effective management plans it is imperative to investigate more in-depth the various factors and mechanisms involved in a thermal bleaching response. One of the most important reef building coral genus of the Indo-Pacific is Acropora which are generally fast-growing, highly fecund corals that typically invest energy into 'quantity' not 'quality'. One project could investigate the coupled effect of light and temperature on Acroporids collected across environmental gradients (mainly light). The research could determine whether Acropora obtained from shallower environments are more tolerant to thermal stress than conspecifics from deeper habitats. The experimental component of the research is laboratory based but opportunities exist for both diving and snorkeling elements to be included.

IH221 Thermal Induced Rapid Coral Mortality (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained if incorporating a diving element) 

The demise of coral reefs is one of the greatest environmental disasters Mankind is facing with some scientists predicting that 33 % of all coral species will be lost within the near future. It has been suggested that corals with a higher skeletal density are able to tolerate thermal stress through numerous mechanisms of acclimation thereby enabling the species to track environmental conditions (a sub-lethal response). However many other, often functionally important, species have limited acclamatory potential and rapidly die off during relatively small changes in temperature (just a few degrees above the long-term monthly average). One project could assess such rapid thermal mortality and compare the responses of a range of species collected from a range of sites to determine possible implications of environmental anomalies (e.g. elevated temperature common during El Niño events) on the biological and physical structure of reef systems. The experimental component of the research is laboratory based but opportunities exist for both diving and snorkeling elements to be included

IH222 Photoacclimation potential of reef building corals in response to sea level rise (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained if incorporating a diving element) 

The rate of sea level rise is predicted to increase as climate changes with potential implications to reef systems. Changes in sea level ultimately alter the light climate available for corals to grow and consequently the diversity and productivity they can support. Corals require sunlight to grow but are predicted to 'drown' unless key species are able to grow fast enough to keep up with the rate of sea level rise, or successfully acclimate to altered light climates until they can catch up. As yet, little is known of these fundamental properties for the range of reef building coral architect species that exist throughout the Indo-Pacific. One project could examine the rates and mechanisms of photoacclimation of coral species across natural light gradients and in particular focus on how corals acclimate (or coral communities adapt) to extremes of high and low light intensity. The experimental component of the research is laboratory based but opportunities exist for both diving and snorkeling elements to be included.

Understanding how coral communities are regulated by their growth environment is critical for informing how, and to what extent, climate change will ultimately affect reef systems. Examining coral species that persist in present day extreme (or "marginal") reef environments can yield clues as to which species have evolved tolerance and thus should become most dominant under future climate change scenarios. Light availability is fundamental for coral growth; however, too much light can be toxic (and ultimately mimic the affect of thermal stress) and cause corals to bleach. As reefs become warmer they are also predicted to become clearer; thus, understanding how species have adapted to tolerate light stress is a key issue in environmental and climate change research. One project could identify species most tolerant, as well as the physiological mechanisms that afford tolerance, to high light extremes that exist on reef flats. In particular, studies could focus on species of Acroporidae and Pocilloporidae that are known to occur in reef flats but are typically considered to be the most environmentally sensitive of all reef forming corals. This project is mainly laboratory based but will require sampling from shallow sub-tidal environments.

IH224 The importance of different coral growth forms to overall reef biodiversity and potential consequences of large scale changes to reef architecture (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained if incorporating a diving element) 

Corals grow in a variety of forms ranging from to smooth boulder-like colonies (termed "massive" growth form) through to highly complex heavily branched colonies. These different growth forms provide different levels of physical complexity (topographic diversity and spatial heterogeneity) and consequently support different levels of biodiversity. Recent research suggests that different growth forms, associated with different rates of growth, have different resilience levels to environmental change. This has led to many scientists suggesting that the physical structure of reefs of the future will be less complex, due to the loss of the architecturally complex but sensitive branching species. One project could assess the relative importance of different coral growth forms in adding to the overall physical complexity of reef systems whilst also identifying the levels of biodiversity different growth forms support. Only through such primary research will it be possible to predict the future form and function of coral reef systems impacted by climate change. This research requires in water activity and is suitable for those interested in diving or snorkeling based research.

IH225 Q10 relationships of fishes inhabiting Hoga's intertidal nursery areas (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)

What are the effects of temperature change on metabolic responses of juvenile reef fishes from nursery areas surrounding Hoga Island reefs? Tidepools, mangroves and seagrass beds serve as nursery areas to many important reef fishes. These areas have several characteristics in common: all are tidally influenced and experience rapid, sometimes extreme changes in depth, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen. While well adapted for current conditions, some fishes may be extirpated from traditional nursery zones if ocean temperatures increase. Current models predict a 1 to 2°C increase in surface sea temperatures over the coming decades, and it is likely that changes will be more extreme in shallow-water nurseries. A better understanding of how temperature change may affect metabolic responses can aid in identifying critical nursery habitat as well as in identifying species most or least at risk, should climatic conditions change. One project could examine changes to metabolic rates (using oxygen consumption) of key fish species in response to temperature. The research is primarily laboratory based but will also include intertidal based ecological surveys to assess the abundance and distribution patterns of the test species.

How does temperature affect distribution of fishes? Temperature is the overriding factor affecting animal behavior and physiological function. Understanding temperature preference profiles will provide important insights into current as well as potential distribution patterns of terrestrial and aquatic fauna. With the predicted increase in sea surface temperatures and general change in climate, shallow nursery areas such as mangroves and tidepools, as well as some terrestrial environments are likely to experience even greater temperature variations. Animals adapted to survive in these specialized habitats are likely to experience changes in distribution and behavior patterns. A better understanding of the effects of temperature on animal behavior and physiological processes will aid in developing effective conservation and management practices. One project that would be both laboratory and field based (intertidal) could develop thermal profiles across habitats frequented by key intertidal fish species. The overall thermal strategies of animals living in these habitats will also be examined along with the thermal niche of particular species through the construction of critical thermal polygons, a simple graphical representation of thermal tolerance and acclimation range.

Research Theme 2: Marginality and Life in Extreme Environments  
Thermal tolerance of intertidal fish living in Two Worlds - Evaporative Water Loss Adaptations of Amphibious Terrestrial and Intertidal Animals

IH227 Water loss resistance of intertidal crabs relative to intertidal distribution and inundation period (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) 

Does evaporative water loss resistance for intertidal or terrestrial amphibious animals of Hoga Island differ, and are there patterns associated with habitat use? Hoga Island hosts a large and diverse population of terrestrial and intertidal amphibious fauna including six species of crab (Uca and Ocapode genus). Indeed, virtually every aspect of their life history, behaviour and distribution is dictated by their degree of amphibiousness. Although uniquely suited to exploiting resources on land as well as water, drying during periods of emergence can be a major problem for these animals. Changing land use, habitat loss and shifting climate conditions threaten many of these animals in populated areas, but Hoga offers the opportunity to study amphibious adaptation in a relatively pristine habitat. One project could quantify rates of water loss of the key intertidal crabs of Hoga under controlled laboratory conditions. To contextualize water loss resistance ecological surveys could be conducted to identify distribution patterns of the different species.

IH228 Nocturnal and diurnal emergence patterns in air-breathing mudskipper and rockskipper fishes in relation to resistance to evaporative water loss (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)  Mudskippers and Rockskippers are common within the intertidal habitats of Hoga island. Both species are air-breathing and spend prolonged periods out of the water. Such behavior will undoubtedly results in severe desiccation stress but resistance to water-loss has not previously been quantified for these two species. One project could assess water-loss and calculate water-loss resistance under controlled laboratory conditions. Diurnal and nocturnal ecological studies could also be undertaken to determine if cycles in behavior, as well as underlying physiology, reduce the desiccation stress experienced by these species.

Terrestrial amphibians (especially anurans) have experienced rapid population declines worldwide, and some have been extirpated across much of their range. A better understanding of their physiological ecology and habitat requirements can provide useful insights into species management, preservation and restoration. Owing to their susceptibility to drying, many amphibians could show marked changes in distribution if current climate change models manifest themselves. One lab based project could quantify the water-loss resistance of tropical frogs common to Hoga island. There are also opportunities to include an ecological component to this research through the detailed investigation of abundance and distribution patterns of the key species.

IH230 Epifaunal diversity on mangrove prop-roots (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) 

Does a higher degree of complex root systems have a higher diversity of root fauna, and do epifaunal communities change with shore height/immersion times? Animals such as Oysters, Mussels, Littorina, Sesarmid crabs and Sponges are integral to the community structure of mangroves enhancing system diversity. Some of these animals filter the water, and some are important detritivores that process decaying leaf litter. Therefore, many of these species are important in the trophodynamics of mangrove energy pathways. These animals rely on hard surfaces at low tide such as prop roots. If wood harvesting continues, will these animal communities decline? One project could look at the diversity of fauna associated with prop-roots in different mangrove zones and could involve detailed ecological studies within the mangrove followed by sorting and identification at the marine facility

Coral communities that grow beyond the threshold of physico-chemical tolerance of reefal accretion (e.g. low aragonite saturation, high/low temperatures, high/low salinity, highly turbid environments or high light environments) are of high interest to the scientific community as these may inform us of the future of our coral reefs as increasingly reef environments become more marginal. These coral communities are not as diverse as those found on reefs with more optimal conditions, but they are important nonetheless, and have not been studied to the same extent as coral reefs. This research, involving detailed field surveys carried out by snorkeling through the mangrove, aims at increasing our understanding of the total community structure of coral but not reef habitats within these marginal systems. There are opportunities to compare such communities with reef environments through scuba diving.

IH232 Eco-physiology of mangrove corals (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) 

Mangrove systems are considered to be "marginal" reef environments and are characterized by environmental conditions that are sub-optimal for coral growth. Typically, light and calcium carbonate availability required for growth are low, whilst daily temperature fluctuations, which can inhibit growth, are high. However, corals do exist in mangrove systems thereby demonstrating that some coral species may be adapted to tolerate extreme environmental conditions, and thus could become the major reef formers as reef environments continue to rapidly change. Unfortunately, little is known about community structure (diversity) or the form and function (species diversity, life history strategy, growth rates, mechanisms of tolerance to marginal growth conditions) of the coral species found within mangrove systems. One project could therefore conduct community analyses and physiological examinations of mangrove corals through laboratory experiments and detailed snorkeling based surveys.

Macroinvertebrates of sedimentary shores

IH233 Behaviour of single species populations (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)

The behaviour of sympatric species of fiddler crab are under study at Ambeua, but the same species also occur in single-species populations, for example of Uca vocans on the Ambeuan mudflat, or U. tetragonon at the western end of Pantai Pogo (near the village of Furake) and U. mjoebergi at the eastern end of the same bay. Investigation of the ecology of such species in allopatry would provide valuable comparative information; i.e. for how long after the tide has receded do they feed?; what are the sizes of their feeding territories?; how much of the feeding period do they actually spend feeding?

IH234 Behavior in mixed populations of crabs (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)

Both mixed and single-species populations of two species of sentinel crab, Macrophthalmus convexus and M. serenei, occur, and occur in some numbers, at the top of the low tide sand flat on Pantai Kampoa. The mixed populations raise interesting questions related to potential competition, avoidance of competitive exclusion, etc. For example: do the two species feed at different times?, do the feeding individuals really feed together?, do they interact with each other, and if so is one species always apparently dominant?

IH235 Distribution of fiddler-crabs within the upper Pantai Pogo (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)

 Issuing landwards from the eastern end of Pantai Pogo is a high-level reef platform surrounded by mangroves. Several species of fiddler crab occur in the thin layer of soft sediment overlying this platform (probably with burrows extending down through holes in it), but the species present and the extent to which their distributions overlap are not yet known. One project could map the distribution of seemingly co-existing species.

The biology and ecology of shallow water patch reefs

IH236 Damselfish: Facilitators or Inhibitors (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained if including a diving element in the research)

Damselfish range in their behavior and feeding preferences, and through both aggressive as well as passive interactions affect the fish species in proximity to their home range. This can be a positive effect as some damselfish species may act as facilitators for certain fish groups by enhancing food availability through their algal farming techniques, or conversely, negative effects could occur as some damselfish are highly aggressive and/or may actually reduce food available. Further understanding of these relationships will allow a more comprehensive understanding of fish community dynamics on the reef flat. One project could determine how different damselfish species affect the community structure of fish through a series of ecological surveys and behavioral studies.

How stable are patch reef communities over time? What changes are occurring and over what time scales? What are the responses of fish communities to changes in benthic cover? Coral reefs are dynamic ecosystems and may actually exist in multiple stable states. Permanent transects have been used to successfully document changes in benthic cover, but assessing changes in mobile organisms are more difficult. However, smaller patch reefs or bommies provide a more ideal template to evaluate changes in mobile organisms, as they tend to house a greater number of resident species. One project using snorkel-based ecological surveys of a number of patch reefs of variable size, biological complexity and location within the reef flat - seagrass zone could help describe patch reef dynamics. Patch reefs could be repeatedly visited and variability in fish communities, at different states of the tide and lunar cycle assessed.

Resilience of Mangrove Systems

IH238 Mangrove Root-Tissue Re-Generation (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)

Do mangrove woody tissues have the ability to recover when damaged in their dynamic environment? Mangrove habitats are essential for the health of adjacent ecosystems such as sea grass beds and coral reefs; as the mangroves sequester and trap fine sediments within their root systems and for their role as vital nursery grounds for many juvenile crustacean and fish species located within the complex root systems at high tide. Anthropogenic activities such as mangrove wood harvesting, could be highly damaging but as yet the extent to which mangrove species can recover from such impacts has been little studied. One project could assess the regeneration potential of damaged mangrove root systems. Natural damage to root systems could be assessed at various zones and repeated assessments used to determine the rate at which tissue recovers. Snorkeling may be useful but this project will need only limited in-water activity.

To what extent does the harvesting of mangrove materials reduce the biodiversity of these important ecosystems? The majority of mangrove animals exploit the available hard substrates within these extreme environments. Areas such as mangrove prop roots and in particular large wood detritus (LWD) are a favored habitat for the majority of mangrove fauna. However exploitation of mangrove systems, and removal of both live tress and LWD will inevitable reduce available habitat. Limited information is available on extraction rates (live wood to LWD), natural levels of LWD and consequences of its removal for biodiversity. One project, which would require trekking through mangrove forests could examine the importance of LWD for system biodiversity and evaluate the consequences of its removal.

Does a reduction of mangrove habitat complexity result in a reduction of biodiversity? Much tropical research has examined the association between loss of structural complexity and loss of biodiversity, particularly on coral reef systems. Like coral reefs, mangrove forests are also in decline, and their habitat complexity is also under threat mainly through anthropogenic actions such as wood extraction and land clearance. However, unlike coral reef systems, very little is known about the association between habitat complexity of mangrove systems and associated biodiversity. One project, which would involve trekking through and sampling of the mangrove forest, aims at quantifying mangrove complexity and the association between complexity and species diversity across a range of spatial scales and disturbance levels.

IH241 Resource utilization of reef fish across environmental gradients (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained if including a diving element in the research)

As reef habitats become more degraded resident fish species will have to constantly adapt to the changing environment. Arguably it is the species that are most plastic in their behavior that will fare best. One project could use behavior based studies to examine the degree of plasticity that exists between two important, coral dependent butterflyfish species. This research could examine the feeding behaviour (selectivity and feeding type) of two species of corallivore (Chaetodon baronessa & Chaetodon lunulatus) across reef sites of varying qualities through the use of scuba, snorkeling or a combination of both to determine the extent to which they are able to change the way they utilise resources. To contextualize variation in resource use patterns, behavior studies will need to be supported by ecological surveys that examine variation in habitat quality and differences in the test species abundance.

IH242 Fish predation of barrel sponges (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

To what extent are barrel sponges predated upon by fish on reefs in the Wakatobi Marine National Park? In polar and temperate regions invertebrates are the primary predators of sponges, however, research in the Caribbean has shown that in the tropics fish can play an important role in determining the distributions of certain sponge species. Preliminary work has show that barrel sponges (of the genus Xestospongia) are predated upon by at least 10 different species of fish in the Wakatobi including a number of species which were not previously known to feed on sponges. One project could determine the number of fish species that feed on barrel sponges, the predation rate of different species, the impacts of predation on sponges and how all these vary with habitat quality and the availability of sponges across the different reef sites. This project will require scuba and will combine detailed behavioral studies with ecological surveys to assess the abundance and physical characteristics of the barrel sponges across reef sites.

One of the more conspicuous groups of fish on tropical reefs are the anemone fish. Anemone fish are heavily collected for the aquarium trade and have a mutualistic relationship with their host anemones. However preliminary investigations have shown that this relationship is much more plastic than first thought and may be dependent on the availability of different anemone species across different reef sites with more dominant anemone fish species being more selective than less aggressive species. Further investigations have also shown that some species co-inhabit single host anemones, but what dictates this dual association? Surprisingly little research has been carried out that adequately details the association between fish and anemones and at present it is not possible to identify the key ecological drivers of the partnership. One project could aim to fully characterize the association between host and fish using snorkeling, scuba or a combination of both.

Anthias are a hugely abundant and diverse group of reef fish but surprisingly it is not known whether different species of Anthias occupy different niches or whether they co-exist with limited competition and no niche separation. Anthias live in harems with a dominant male, several lesser males and a large number of females and juveniles. Detailed behavior based investigations, will provide important insights in to the social structure of a model fish group. This research, that is primarily scuba based, will examine the behavior of two abundant Anthia species (Psedanthias dispar and P. huchti), their fine scale distribution and within-harem interactions across reef sites of differing habitat quality.

IH245 The abundance and diversity of reef herbivores across environmental gradients (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

The removal of algae from coral reefs is an extremely important functional role and influences successful coral recruitment and coral growth. Herbivores are therefore considered a key functional group whose characteristics (e.g. species and abundance) influence the structure and biodiversity of coral reefs. In reefs of the Caribbean, removal of grazing fish (Parrotfish) following the demise of grazing Diadema populations, has resulted in a phase shift from a once coral dominated system to an algal dominated system with major consequences for biodiversity. Within the Indo-Pacific region, there are many more grazing species and consequently a higher degree of functional redundancy. However limited information exists on the relative importance of different herbivores. One project could identify the key grazers of coral reefs of the Wakatobi, and for the key species determine their abundance and biomass, in order to increase understanding of feeding behavior (e.g. rates) across sites of different habitat quality.

IH246 Morphological change and interactions between Gorgonians and Sponges (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

What is the incidence level of sponges growing over and within gorgonians and what are the implications for gorgonian morphology? Gorgonian corals and sponges are associated with, and attract a variety of, symbionts and commensals and therefore can enhance coral reef biodiversity. However, little is known about such associations; for example members of the gorgonian genus Bebryce are frequently overgrown by an unclassified encrusting sponge. It would appear that affected colonies have marked differences in morphology compared to those unaffected. One project could help increase understanding of the interaction between key gorgonian species and associated sponges through detailed scuba based field investigations to determine the frequency of occurrence, environmental regulation of incidents and implications of the association for growth morphology of the affected gorgonian.

IH247 Competition between hard coral species (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

Reef building corals are often the dominant component of reef systems providing both biological and physical complexity thereby greatly enhancing system biodiversity. Hard corals actively compete against each other for space which is often the limiting factor on crowded reefs of the Indo-Pacific. However relatively little is known about the methods and outcomes of competitive interactions between different coral species and whether environmental conditions (e.g. growth conditions) influences competitive outcomes and coral species dominance. This research aims at increasing the understanding of competitive interactions between reef building coral species which can be broadly classified in to passive (e.g. over growth) and active (e.g. digestion of neighboring live tissue). One project could produce a typology of interactions and determine competitive outcomes of different coral species interactions across environmental gradients. This research will include extensive field based studies that would be most suitable for scuba divers but may also include simple laboratory experimentation.

IH248 The abundance and impact of coral bioeroding invertebrates across environmental gradients (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

The growth of a coral reef is dependent on the balance between the process of accretion and erosion. In a healthy system there is generally net growth as those organisms contributing to the physical structure of a reef (e.g. hard corals, coralline algae) are more dominant than abiotic physical erosive forces (e.g. wave energy), anthropogenic destruction (mining, blast finishing and anchor damage) and bioeroding. Many species bioerode corals, either during predation activities (e.g. Parrotfish) or through burrowing activities (e.g. several species of molluscs). One scuba based project could assess levels of erosion by different molluscs species, levels of bioerosion caused by parrotfish and determine which coral species are most affected and whether the impact of bioerosion varies across environmental gradients .

IH249 The biology and ecology of coral reefs in turbid and highly sedimented environments (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

Under conditions of low light the growth of most coral species decreases, colony morphology changes and the diversity of corals may be reduced. Changes to the species composition of the coral community coupled with differences in colony morphology will have profound effects on associated biodiversity. This research aims at examining the ecology and biology of a turbid and highly sedimented coral reef. One project could include detailed study of environmental conditions coupled with ecological studies of habitat quality (e.g. benthic composition), reef architecture (e.g. colony formations) and associated biodiversity (fish and invertebrates). The research could also analyse previously obtained data so that rates of change in key reef characteristics can be ascertained and change observed within reefs of sub-optimal light conditions compared to rates of change observed in reefs of optimal light conditions.

IH250 Reef building coral morphology across environmental gradients and consequences for reef architecture: from the corallite to the colony (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

Calcification by reef building corals is a light enhanced process. Light quantity and quality will influence rates of calcification and also the morphology of coral colonies. In turn the morphology of colonies influences the architecture of a reef, a factor that directly affects associated biodiversity and productivity. The effects of light can be considered at different spatial scales: the corallite and the colony. This research aims at increasing our understanding of how reduced light, in an impacted reef environment (high turbidity) and with different optical depths (product of light attenuation and depth) influences the structure and arrangement of corallites and the overall structure of the colony. This research is ideal for scuba divers but could be modified for snorkeling based researchers. The colony formation of a number of species will be examined across environmental gradients and photography with subsequent image analysis software will be used to characterize corallite size, shape and arrangements.

IH251 Quantifying the resilience of marine dependent communities to climate change and resource depletion (Weeks 2 - 10; need to have completed IH008)

The traditional Bajo fishing community living on Sampela, a stilt island located 500 metres from the land, has been settled for over 70 years. Before the settlement period families were nomadic, moving between fishing grounds and trade points. Population levels are increasing year on year, with high levels of in and out migration and in recent years there has been an increase in social infrastructure including a new school and medical centre. The community traditionally lived a subsistence existence but due to the arrival of modern fishing techniques, extended access to markets and increasing aspirations, the Bajo fishing effort has increased dramatically. With a decline in fisheries and an increase in living costs the community have developed a number of livelihood strategies, which include a series of strategic livelihood diversifications. The Bajo have had to develop a flexible annual livelihood strategy not only to accommodate seasonal weather patterns, which significantly affect fishing outputs, but also to account for environmental resource use regulations, a marginal location and fluctuations in the market. Projects could be developed to investigate the growth of alternative incomes, including seaweed (Agar) farming and it's potential growth. There is also the possibility to consider external trade relationships in both fish and modern commodities, the popularity of short-term national and international migration, changes in community identity with regard to a change in aspirations, links to land and access to modern commodities. The processes behind infrastructure development and the success of such projects could also be considered. Interesting projects can be developed by comparing Bajo livelihood strategies to those of the Butonese communities on the main island of Kaledupa.

IH252 Size, diversity and abundance of groupers on coral reefs in the Wakatobi Marine National Park (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

How has the reopening of the Hoga No Take Area (NTA) to fishing three years ago affected grouper abundance, size and diversity? In 2007 a study was published detailing the effects of the small NTA off Hoga Island indicating that it had positive effect on grouper size, diversity and abundance. Grouper are a key food species of the region and are highly desirable. The NTA has now been reopened (for 4 years) and the primary aim of this research is to quantify the effects of the reopening of the NTA on grouper populations by examining the abundance and size of key grouper species within the old NTA as compared to outside (horizontal comparisons). Data are available from 2007 and could be compared to that obtained during 2011 both within and outside NTA (vertical comparisons) to determine if the rates of change in the NTA is greater or smaller than sites that have always been fished. This research is only suitable for scuba divers and will include habitat quality surveys as well as fish data collection.

IH253 Temporal and spatial variation in fish larvae abundance and assemblage structure and consequences for natural resource management (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007)

Maintenance of fish biodiversity and productivity of reef systems is largely dependent on rates of recruitment as well as mortality. Recruitment is dependent on the abundance of mature adults but also importantly the fish larval community dynamics. Limited studies have focused on spatial and temporal variations in fish larval recruitment with the majority of studies being focused around Australia or the Caribbean. This research will be one of the first detailed investigations in to fish larval recruitment within the Coral Triangle. Although for some species, recruitment is seasonal, preliminary investigations have shown that fish larval recruitment is an active during the summer expedition season. This research will utilize a dual approach to examine fish larvae abundance around reefs of different environmental qualities. Plankton nets could be used alongside light traps and sampling will occur over different temporal scales ranging from hours to weeks therefore encompassing diurnal, tidal and lunar cycles. This research is primarily laboratory based but will require the researcher to sample throughout the night on several occasions.

IH254 Causes of and temporal and spatial variation in, coral mortality: consequences for conservation management (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

There are numerous factors that cause coral mortality ranging from environmental anomalies (e.g. elevated sea temperatures) through to disease. Knowledge of mortality rates is key for conservationists that manage reef systems. This research is therefore extremely important and is aimed at increasing our understanding of the rates of different mortality factors across different reef systems characterized by different environmental conditions. Specifically research could include detailed investigation of thermal induced bleaching as compared to seasonal sub-lethal bleaching, examine the incidence rates of coral diseases and also examine coralivore activity across several sites of the Wakatobi. Data can be compared to previous year's investigations to determine whether or not mortality rates change across the different sites and whether or not certain causes of mortality are increasing or decreasing. This research can be undertaken by scuba and snorkeling activities and will require detailed ecological surveys, underwater photography and repeated assessment of impacted coral colonies to determine mortality progression rates.

IH255 Baseline survey of an aggressive ascidian on reefs in the Wakatobi (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

In recent years an aggressive colonial ascidian (tunicate) has increased in abundance on reefs surrounding Hoga island, particular reefs which are impacted by high sedimentation. This ascidian is unique in that it is able to colonies live coral resulting in colony death. To date no research has been undertaken on this ascidian despite the fact that it is causing significant mortality on reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Research is urgently required to assess the abundance of the ascidian, those corals affected, and how environmental conditions influence its abundance, rates of ascidian colony extension and therefore rates of coral mortality. This research is only suitable for scuba divers and will involve extensive field surveys coupled with repeated measures of colonies affected, across environmental gradients, so that site-specific progression rates can be calculated.

IH256 Comparison between methods to assess coral reef habitat quality: physical and biological properties (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

Coral reef habitats are one of the best studied marine ecosystems. However methods of assessment, particularly of habitat quality, vary greatly between different organizations and researchers. Different techniques require different researcher experience and different levels of resource; however variations in the techniques used makes it very difficult to reliably compare results across different surveys. Also little is known of the comparative accuracy and precision of the different techniques used. It may be possible for example, to re-allocate efforts to ensure the best research strategy is used when undertaking surveys of reef systems. This research aims at comparing different techniques used to assess habitat quality. The numerous techniques include subjective research observations, large scale manta tows, line intercept techniques with variable intervals ranging from continuous techniques to very coarse 1 m intervals, use of coral qudrats and underwater photography with specialized software (Coral Point Count technique). It is likely that the accuracy of the different techniques used varies across reefs of different habitat quality (e.g. different levels of patchiness). This research will enable the best protocols for use within the Wakatobi to be determined, will identify sources of error and will enable better comparisons of data from this region with numerous others around the world.

IH257 Comparison between methods to assess coral reef fish community structure and the production of standardized protocols (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007 and be dive trained)

As for techniques used to assess habitat quality, methods use to assess the community structure and abundance of fish varies greatly. Techniques range from use of indicator species through to total counts across time and distance restricted belt transects. The different techniques require different levels of resources and expertise but which technique is best suited to be able detect small rates of change in fish community structure? This research will compare the numerous different methods across reefs of different quality and fish community structure. Effort versus accuracy plots will be produced and a set of protocols developed. The outcomes of this research will enable conservation managers to be most effective with their limited resources whilst ensuring the most accurate level of data is obtained for resources used. Importantly the research will also identify the degree of error and enable us to identify levels of reliability, robustness and confidence limits. This research can be carried out by scuba or snorkeling and will include a number of field research techniques combined with onsite data analysis.

 Monitoring of fish catch data from 2007 onwards has shown that overfishing by artisanal fishers from Kaledupa has severely depleted fish stocks around the island. This topic is designed to repeat the detailed surveys from 2007 to 2010 of fish landings at 9 villages over an 8 week period. Fishers returning their catches to shore will be intercepted to gather data on the catch techniques used and the effort. The total catch will be photographed spread out on a tarpaulin with a standard rule in the picture, so that the species and lengths of each (and hence weight) can be measured from image analysis. Using the photo technique ensures that fishers are only momentarily delayed on their way to market. These data can then be used to compare catch per unit effort for each of the main techniques with previous years, and the percentage of immature fish being caught by each technique. The effect of the recent fishery byelaws that are being introduced around the various community in enabling the fishery to recover can then be assessed. Within this overall topic a series of separate dissertations could be developed concentrating on different fisheries (eg fish fences, gill nets, bubu traps, line fishing).