Research Project

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, 31 March 2026/AMBioC/ - Seagrass meadows are often overlooked compared to the vibrant colors of coral reefs, yet they are the unsung heroes of our oceans. These underwater gardens act as a massive carbon sink, absorbing greenhouse gases far more effectively than many land forests. Beyond their role in climate change, seagrasses in the Spermonde Archipelago of South Sulawesi serve as a critical nursery ground for a vast array of marine life. Recent research highlights how the health of these seagrass beds is inseparable from the prosperity of local fisheries and the resilience of our coastal ecosystems.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, 31 March 2026/AMBioC/ - In the bustling fish markets of South Sulawesi, among the piles of familiar catches, lies a hidden gem that has long escaped the maps of international conservationists. Locally known as Kerapu Minyak, which literally means "oily grouper," the Netfin Grouper, Epinephelus miliaris, is a widespread but naturally scarce inhabitant of the Indo-West Pacific. Recent market surveys conducted by our team have officially confirmed its presence in the Makassar Strait and the Gulf of Bone, areas previously unrecognized in global distribution records.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Mar 21 2026/AMBioC/ - Mantis shrimps, often called the "Zebra of the Sea" for their striking patterns, are more than just beautiful marine creatures. In tropical Asia, they are a vital part of coastal fisheries and play a crucial role as predators in the marine food web. However, their survival depends on a home that is becoming increasingly threatened: the seagrass bed. Recent research conducted around Barrang Lompo Island in South Sulawesi provides a fascinating look into how these shrimps choose their homes and why the density of seagrass matters so much.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Mar 21 2026/AMBioC/ - Managing fisheries in a megadiverse country like Indonesia requires more than just counting fish; it requires a holistic view of the entire marine environment and the people who depend on it. In the waters of Bontang, East Kalimantan, a comprehensive study was conducted using the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management or EAFM. This research specifically analyzed the grouper and snapper fisheries, which are vital commodities for both local and national markets. By evaluating the health of these specific fish stocks, the quality of their habitats, and the socio-economic well-being of local communities, we can identify exactly where our management strategies are succeeding and where they need urgent improvement.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Mar 21 2026/AMBioC/ - The Indian Ocean, especially the waters surrounding Bengkulu City within the Indonesian Fisheries Management Area 572, is a region of immense biological potential. These waters support a wide variety of pelagic and demersal fish, which serve as a primary source of protein and income for thousands of people. However, as human demand for seafood grows the pressure on these natural resources intensifies. To ensure that our oceans continue to provide for future generations we must understand how vulnerable different fish species are to overfishing. Our research team applied a scientific framework known as Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis to evaluate the health of six key fish species in this vital fishing ground.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Mar 21 2026/AMBioC/ - The Wallace region, especially the island of Sulawesi, is a global crown jewel of biodiversity characterized by an extraordinary number of species found nowhere else on Earth. However, this biological sanctuary is under a quiet but devastating siege. While habitat loss is a well-known danger, the second greatest threat to these unique ecosystems is the arrival of Invasive Alien Species or IAS. These biological invaders have the power to outcompete native inhabitants and completely alter the natural balance of our lakes and rivers. Our research group has conducted a preliminary review to track the distribution of these species across the Wallacea waters to understand the scale of this environmental challenge.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Mar 21 2026/AMBioC/ - Groupers, known locally as Kerapu, are the undisputed royalty of Indonesia’s coral reefs. For coastal communities in South Sulawesi, these fish are more than just a source of food; they are a vital economic engine driving local livelihoods and international export markets. However, recent scientific findings suggest that the future of this "reef royalty" may be at risk due to current fishing patterns that predominantly target the wrong life stages.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia, Mar 21 2026/AMBioC/ - The southern part of the Makassar Strait, stretching across the coasts of Maros, Pangkep, and Pinrang, is a vital marine corridor in Indonesia. While this region is known for its rich fisheries, detailed information regarding the diversity of "spearer" mantis shrimps—a group of predatory crustaceans—has remained notably scarce. To address this gap, our research group at AMBioC conducted an extensive study by analyzing the "discard catches" from local fishermen. By looking at what was caught unintentionally in folding traps, rakkang traps, and gillnets, we were able to reveal the hidden diversity of these fascinating marine hunters.

This study is focusing on the impact of trawl fishing on marine biodiversity, particularly the prevalence of juvenile species, and examines the long-term effects of trawl fishing on marine ecosystems. It advocates for management strategies to mitigate these threats

This study is focusing on issues of fauna biodiversity and conservation in the context of human activities, specifically gleaning, and advocates for balanced management strategies to ensure both livelihood sustainability and ecological integrity

The study is focusing on understanding the genetic and morphological diversity of endemic fish in the Lake Matano watershed, using an integrated approach of molecular and morphological techniques for identification and conservation efforts

The study is focusing on understanding the morphological and genetic diversity of juvenile grouper in the Makassar Strait, utilizing DNA barcoding to enhance conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries management

This study focuses on documenting and analyzing the biodiversity in the watershed of Lake Matano using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques