The decline of corals on reefs globally has created opportunities for other organisms. One biological group identified as potential “winners” on future coral reefs are sponges. Sponges are among the oldest organisms on the planet, and recent experimental evidence has shown them to be more resilient to the impacts of sedimentation, habitat degradation, and climate change compared to corals. Several reefs in the Wakatobi, once dominated by corals, are now dominated by sponges, which is likely to impact ecosystem functioning in various ways, including reef trophodynamics and food web structure. Importantly, while previous studies have examined sponges at these sites, they are still considered to be transitioning to sponge-dominated states. This project could focus on several key areas, including: 1) examining how the abundance of key sponge species has changed over time (with access to previously published information); 2) exploring how the niche plasticity and width of fish compare in sponge-dominated areas versus coral-dominated environments; and 3) assessing the topographic complexity of sponge-dominated reefs compared to coral-dominated reefs. Given that transitions to sponge-dominated reefs are increasingly reported worldwide, this project will contribute to our understanding of how these reefs might function and the resources they may support.
If you would like to do a dissertation or thesis with us but your university hasn’t started dissertation planning or the project selection process, that’s no problem. You can cancel your expedition with zero cancellation charges up until the 15th of April of if you provide documentation from your university saying that they won’t support completing a dissertation project with us.
The Coral Triangle is a marine region that spans Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. This region is recognised for having the highest diversity of marine species anywhere on the planet. At the very heart of the coral triangle, at the epicentre of biodiversity, lies the Wakatobi Marine National Park, the location of Opwall’s marine research base in Indonesia. The Hoga Island Marine Station has been the centre for Opwall’s Indonesian marine research programme for nearly 30 years. During this time, teams of international and Indonesian scientists have worked at this site during the Opwall survey seasons and as a result have produced more than 200 peer-reviewed papers. The research outcomes and discoveries from these studies have had local, national and international significance.
For the last 15 years, Opwall has also been running an extensive monitoring programme around Hoga and eastern Kaledupa for macroinvertebrates, fish communities, coral cover and community structure. In 2025 the long-term monitoring programme will continue, however there will a new research focus introduced. With recent changes in benthic community structure and a reduction in the size and abundance of many reef fish species that have occurred in the Wakatobi, our long-term research goal is to understand the trophic consequences of these changes, and develop an ecosystem model to represent the dynamics of the Wakatobi region. To support these goals, in 2025 research projects will focus on the assessing the consequences of shifts from coral to sponge dominated states and investigating the potential of deep reefs to provide refugia for sharks, rays and other predatory fish.
Most of our volunteers fundraise for their expedition costs. Find out more.
Climate
At the marine sites during the day, the weather is normally sunny and warm (around 30 degrees Celsius), and the night temperatures drop to around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Being on the coast means there is often a pleasant breeze so it does not always feel this hot. It rains rarely, but when it does it tends to be very heavy for short periods of time.
Fitness level required
Low-Moderate. Some fitness is required for in water activities, but conditions are relatively easy.
Creature comforts
The Hoga Island Marine Station is an established facility that lies within the Wakatobi Marine Park of eastern Indonesia. The station was rebuilt in 2016 and supports a dive centre, lecture theatre, wet-lab as well as a large dining room and kitchen facility. Simple huts owned by members of the local fishing community surround the station and serve as guest accommodation. The island supports reliable phone signal that allows limited internet access.
Find out all about how you could fundraise for an expedition.
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More information on how the dissertation/thesis projects run within Opwall and what you will need to do
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