Dissertation Enhancement (Indonesia): Development of a Simple and Inexpensive Coral Reef Monitoring Program Using Stomatopod Crustaceans as Bioindicators of Reef Health

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This is a one-year dissertation enhancement grant to Mr. Mark Erdmann, a graduate student at the University of California at Berkeley, to conduct research for his Ph.D. study to develop a method for monitoring the health of coral reefs in the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia. Coral reef ecosystems throughout the world, particularly the fringe reefs of southeast Asia, are rapidly deteriorating under the influence of marine pollution. There is a need for efficient, inexpensive means of monitoring the health of reefs that can be easily used by local participants. A bioindicator is an inexpensive means to monitor the health of coral reef communities. This research can potentially yield major benefits for the conservation of coral reef communities in this region. Mr. Erdmann has conducted research in the Western Pacific area and stands to gain a good deal more international experience and field expertise in the course of carrying out this study.