Andrea in Indonesia

My master’s thesis project focuses on assessing the health status of coral ecosystems in North Sulawesi (Indonesia) throughout underwater monitoring activities in the tropical coral reefs. The research is carried out within the framework of the “Bridging Reefs” intercultural exchange project between the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna and Sam Ratulangi University of Manado.

The main objective of my research is to evaluate how different levels of anthropogenic disturbance affecting the coastal waters of Manado and Bangka Island influence both coral health and the community of their natural predators in terms of abundance, diversity, and distribution. Data are collected directly underwater while scuba diving, using standardized monitoring protocols and analytical methods that can be applied to both tropical and temperate marine bio-constructed reef ecosystems.

Upon the arrival in Manado, I was warmly welcomed by professors Daisy and Reiny from Sam Ratulangi University. They gave me a tour of the university campus and introduced me to the research group with whom I would collaborate during my stay in the city.

During the first few days, together with the university professors, I planned the research schedule and organized the fieldwork activities, particularly the logistic of our activities. From the very beginning, I was supported by several Indonesian students who assisted me throughout the entire month and accompanied me during my underwater activities.

Throughout my stay in Manado, I held regular meetings with the university professors to discuss the results obtained, evaluate the progress of the research, and organize the activities for the following weeks.

After spending one month in Manado, my research continued at Coral Eye, a resort and marine outpost that provided logistical support for my fieldwork on Bangka Island.

I was enthusiastically welcomed by the Coral Eye staff and immediately resumed my research activities. Almost every morning is dedicated to scientific diving for data collection, while the afternoons are spent organizing, processing, and analysing the collected data. In this first period, I had the opportunity to meet marine biologists from the Università Politecnica delle Marche. Working alongside them fostered a strong spirit of collaboration and mutual support, with continuous exchanges of ideas and advices, all shared in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

The time at Coral Eye is also providing valuable opportunities to interact with numerous resort’s guests. The conversations have soon become an enriching experience, allowing me to get in touch with fantastic people from a wide range of backgrounds, from university professors and passionate underwater photographers to international tourists fascinated by the extraordinary curiosities about the marine habitat.

For now, this experience is representing an extraordinary opportunity for me to have stimulating intercultural exchanges, enabling me to share scientific knowledge and personal experiences for interesting curious stories with researchers and visitors.