Marine debris is a global environmental problem especially apparent on small islands throughout the world. We implemented an educational outreach program to engage primary and secondary students in the scientific process using the tangible issue of marine debris on a typical small island in Indonesia (Barrang Lompo, Spermonde Islands, South Sulawesi). Over a 3-year period, students conducted systematic sampling of debris on their island's beaches. They quantified the enormity of the debris problem, discussed data, and compared experiences with partner schools in California. The program inspired a unique, local perspective on marine debris that includes greater awareness of human health impacts as well as a need for realistic solutions to this problem faced by small islands.
Abstract. Umar W, Tassakka ACMAR, Barber PH, Jompa J. 2019. Unexpected patterns of genetic connectivity in Lobophyllia corymbosa (Forskål, 1775) around Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2744-2749. Sulawesi is a strategic area for the biological networks of marine organisms, especially for Scleractinian corals. Sulawesi is located centrally in Indonesia and influenced by Pacific and Indian Ocean currents and shown in unique biodiversity patterns. However, research in this region is very limited. The wide distribution and lack of information on dispersal and connectivity make Lobophyllia corymbosa an exciting candidate in this study for genetic connectivity at the heart of the Indonesian Coral Triangle Area (ICTA), using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome. Sampling sites (Palu, Mamuju, Sinjai, and Luwuk Banggai) with different coral fragments were collected from each site, DNA extracted, and mitochondrial COI gene was amplified. The results of the analysis were unexpected, and we hypothesise that the observed pattern was due to the evolution of different lineages within this region. The distance index and genetic diversity showed a close relationship between Mamuju and Luwuk Banggai, while Sinjai and Palu had a different genetic pattern. The global current patterns, complicated geography, and habitat condition could lead to such an outcome. Hard coral larvae arriving in an area might bypass a number of possible "stepping stones", resulting in unique patterns and leading to unexpected genetic connections within and between areas.
Abstract. Jompa J, Umar W, Yusuf S, Tassakka ACM, Limmon GV, Rahmi, Putri AP, Halwi, Tamti H, Moore AM. 2020. Genetic patterns of the corals Euphyllia glabrescens and Lobophyllia corymbosa across the Indonesian Archipelago. Biodiversitas 21: xxxx. Scleractinian corals can reproduce in several ways, with two main sexual reproduction modes known as brooding and broadcast spawning. In this study, we described patterns of genetic variation within and connectivity between coral populations in western Indonesia (Seribu Archipelago), central Indonesia (Spermonde Archipelago), and eastern Indonesia (Ambon). We sampled two readily identifiable corals popular in the marine aquarium trade, one species widely reported as a brooder (Euphyllia glabrescens), the other as a broadcast spawner (Lobophyllia corymbosa). The mitochondrial COI genome was amplified for 117 samples. Within-population genetic variation was high, especially at the eastern Indonesia (Ambon) site. The genetic connectivity patterns were similar for the two corals, with high connectivity between the Seribu and Spermonde Archipelagos (despite a geographical separation of more than 1,000 km) and a lack of connectivity between these two sites and Ambon. These results indicate a potential barrier to gene flow between coral populations in western/central Indonesia and those to the east of Sulawesi Island.
Abstract. The existence of hard coral is one of the keys to maintain the suistainability of ecosystem in the waters. Currently, the hard coral keeps declining over time due to various disturbances. In addition, hard coral where fish and other organisms live in will directly affect the ecosystem sustainability if the damage still happens. Molecular approach, such as knowing the genetic variation information of coral population can be an informative study to estimate the condition of waters, so that, conservation efforts can be easily done. In this study, we use Lobophyllia corymbosa as a spawning broadcast coral to be the sample which is collected from Sinjai and Luwuk Banggai. The study areas are selected based on geographical patterns which are in the South and East of Sulawesi waters. Since they have a considerable distance, it is likely for them to produce high genetic variations. Genome DNA uses mitochondrial genome that is extracted from coral tissue. The result shows that the genetic diversity is high. From the two major groups provided, there have been 8 haplotypes for all locations. In addition, the L.corymbosa distribution between Sinjai and Luwuk banggai has a high genetic connectivity with 0.6 fixation index .
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