Research
The research programs we support create pathways for our staff to build advanced field skills while contributing to real conservation science. In partnership with Coral Catch Indonesia, universities and the marine park authority, our divers help collect data that strengthens reef management in Gili Matra and supports coral reef conservation more broadly.
Coral Research
Comparative growth rates and survivorship of corals reared on different structures
Duration: 2021 – ongoing
As part of Coral Catch Indonesia’s restoration performance assessment, our team measures the growth and survival of corals raised in the project nurseries to compare different structures for their restoration efficiency.
Monitoring coral reef health within the Gili Matra Marine Reserve from organisms to ecosystems
Duration: 2025 – ongoing
In collaboration with Balai Pengelolaan Kelautan in Denpasar, and Gili Shark Conservation, we monitor a set of coral reef health metrics at multiple scales within the Gili Matra Marine Park, to assess ecosystem stability and population trajectories of major functional groups.
Boosting coral resilience through nutritional subsidies
Duration: 2025 – 2027
We are proud to collaborate with the Future Reefs Lab at University of Technology, Sydney on a cutting-edge research project investigating the use of supplements to increase coral resilience to heat stress, which is funded by CORDAP.
Shark Research
Shark population monitoring within the Gili Matra Marine Reserve
Duration: 2017 – ongoing
Our divers assist in collecting weekly data for Coral Catch Indonesia’s shark monitoring programs, documenting sightings, unique individuals, size and species through site surveys and data from the project’s Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system. We also support the shark sightings program through Unite Gili – a collaborative citizen science project with local dive shops that multiplies the collective observation effort.
Understanding human disturbance in whitetip shark resting areas
Duration: 2025 – 2026
This study looks at potential disruptions to whitetip resting behavior from diver and boat pressure. Using camera traps for shark-diver interactions, passive acoustic monitoring to complement visual observation, and recordings of dive/boat activity, we can determine how to mitigate any harmful effects of tourism on whitetip sharks.
Sea Turtle Research
Monitoring sea turtle foraging and nesting populations in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve
Duration: 2017 – ongoing
We conduct photo identification and analysis of foraging Green and Hawksbill turtles in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve to provide an accurate assessment of foraging turtle populations. We also collect data on nesting and hatchling behaviour of Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Green Turtles on the Gili Islands.