Giulia in Indonesia

My research is conducted within the framework of the international project Bridging Reefs: Tropical vs. Temperate Biogenic Reefs and focuses on the ecology of sea slugs assemblages across coastal ecosystems in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study investigates how different levels of anthropogenic pressure influence the distribution, abundance, and biodiversity of these organisms, which are widely regarded as valuable bioindicators of marine ecosystem health. By combining information on sea slugs communities with observations of their prey species and the surrounding benthic habitats, the project aims to provide a deeper understanding of the ecological processes shaping coral reef communities and to support ongoing monitoring, conservation, and restoration efforts.

My international mobility period at Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT) in Manado, one of the partner institutions involved in the Bridging Reefs project, began the 6^th of june. My first month was spent in Manado, where field activities took place until 3 July. Since then, the research has continued at Coral Eye Resort on Bangka Island and will remain ongoing until 6 August.

Working in the heart of the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth, offers a unique opportunity to combine field research with international collaboration. Beyond the scientific value of the study itself, the experience provides daily opportunities to exchange knowledge with Indonesian researchers and students who share a common interest in coral reef ecology and restoration.

The first weeks of fieldwork are carried out along the coast of Manado at the Malalayang Boboca, Malalayang Gas Station, and Malalayang 3 dive sites, all of which are associated with local coral reef restoration initiatives.

Sampling follows a standardized protocol based on 10 × 1 m belt transects, surveyed at 6 and 12 metres below Mean Sea Level (MSL) whenever site conditions allow. Each transect is documented through continuous video recording of the benthic substrate, providing information on habitat composition and the organisms involved in sea slugs’ trophic networks. At the same time, every nudibranch encountered within the sampling area is photographed individually, creating a photographic record that supports subsequent taxonomic identification as well as ecological and behavioural analyses.

Field activities are conducted in close collaboration with faculty members and students from Sam Ratulangi University. Working side by side underwater and during the subsequent organisation of field data creates an environment of continuous scientific exchange, where methodologies, observations, and perspectives are shared and discussed. The group also includes the two Indonesian students who will soon join the University of Bologna as part of the reciprocal mobility programme, further strengthening the academic partnership between the two institutions.

Since 3 July, the project has continued at Coral Eye Resort on Bangka Island. Here, the same sampling protocol adopted in Manado is being applied across several dive sites, allowing comparable data to be collected from locations characterised by different environmental conditions and varying degrees of anthropogenic influence. Expanding the spatial coverage of the survey is an essential step towards building a robust dataset for the ecological analyses that will form the basis of my thesis.

Each dive contributes to documenting sea slugs diversity through systematic surveys, underwater photography, and observations of the surrounding benthic communities and associated prey species. Once back on land, photographs and video footage are carefully organised and archived before being progressively analysed for species identification and database development. This continuous workflow ensures that field observations are translated into a structured dataset suitable for subsequent ecological analyses.

Alongside the research activities, my stay at Coral Eye also includes an outreach component. The informal setting of the resort provides valuable opportunities to engage with divers and guests, many of whom are eager to learn more about the remarkable diversity of tropical marine life. Conversations often focus on the ecological role of nudibranchs, their use as bioindicators, and the broader objectives of the research, creating a direct connection between scientific investigation and public awareness. Although informal in nature, these exchanges contribute to promoting a greater appreciation of coral reef conservation and highlight the importance of research in supporting the protection of marine biodiversity.

Fieldwork will continue until 6 August, combining ecological surveys, data collection, and scientific outreach while further consolidating the collaboration between the University of Bologna, Sam Ratulangi University, and Coral Eye Resort within the broader framework of the Bridging Reefs project.