A Partnership with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram
Two Weeks of Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air with Global FinPrint
Oceans 5 Gili Air is once again taking the lead in marine conservation by partnering with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram for an extensive two-week research initiative around the Gili Islands. This groundbreaking project will employ the Baited Remote Underwater Video System (BRUVS) method to record the presence of sharks, rays, and other marine life on the reefs. By deploying and monitoring BRUVS, researchers aim to gain valuable insights into the health of local marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities on these vital underwater environments.
Understanding the BRUVS Method
Global FinPrint launched in 2015 as the first global survey of its kind, utilizing BRUVS to document marine biodiversity. The technique involves setting up 30 to 100 BRUVS on a reef, each equipped with a bait station to attract marine life. The system records uninterrupted footage for 60 minutes per session, capturing invaluable data about the diversity and behavior of sharks, rays, and other marine species.
By analyzing these videos, researchers can determine patterns in species abundance, identify threats, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This information is crucial in shaping policies that ensure the protection and sustainable management of marine life.
Why This Research Matters
Sharks and rays play a critical role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks regulate the populations of their prey, which in turn affects the health of coral reefs. However, shark populations have been declining at an alarming rate due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the demand for shark fins, meat, and other body parts.
Recent studies estimate that around 100 million sharks are killed annually for commercial purposes. While much attention has been given to the practice of finning—where sharks have their fins removed and are discarded at sea—the larger issue is the unregulated and excessive harvesting of entire shark populations. Without proper management, many species cannot replenish their numbers, pushing them toward extinction.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species reports that one-quarter of sharks and their relatives are at risk of extinction. The loss of these predators not only affects marine biodiversity but also has economic and social consequences. Countries that depend on dive tourism—where sharks are a major attraction—face significant revenue losses when shark populations dwindle. Additionally, the disappearance of sharks can disrupt marine food chains, leading to habitat degradation and reduced fish stocks, which many coastal communities rely on for sustenance.
Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air
As a conservation-focused dive center, Oceans 5 Gili Air is committed to marine protection through education, research, and community involvement. This two-week partnership with Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram aligns with their ongoing efforts to promote sustainable diving and marine conservation initiatives.
During the research period, the team at Oceans 5 Gili Air, alongside scientists from the University of Mataram, will deploy BRUVS at strategic locations around the Gili Islands. The recordings will help assess the current status of shark and ray populations, as well as the overall health of the reef ecosystems. The data collected will be analyzed to identify trends, potential threats, and conservation strategies that can be implemented at both local and national levels.
Impacts of Human Activities on Marine Life
Human activities significantly impact marine ecosystems, and understanding these effects is vital for conservation planning. The BRUVS research aims to determine how factors such as fishing, tourism, pollution, and marine protected areas (MPAs) influence shark and ray populations.
- Fishing Practices: Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to shark populations worldwide. The BRUVS study will help assess the impact of fishing on the Gili Islands and provide data to support sustainable fishing regulations.
- Marine Protected Areas: The effectiveness of existing MPAs in the region can be evaluated through BRUVS data. If MPAs show higher shark and ray abundance compared to unprotected areas, this could reinforce the need for stricter marine conservation policies.
- Tourism and Recreational Activities: The Gili Islands are popular diving destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Sustainable diving practices are crucial to minimizing human impact on the reefs. The data from this research can help dive operators implement best practices to ensure that tourism remains environmentally responsible.
- Climate Change and Pollution: Rising ocean temperatures, plastic pollution, and habitat destruction threaten marine biodiversity. By monitoring the abundance and health of key species, researchers can identify warning signs of ecosystem decline and advocate for mitigation strategies.
The Future of Shark Conservation
The next phase of Global FinPrint’s research seeks to deepen our understanding of how sharks influence other reef animals and the potential consequences of their decline. Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” due to their biodiversity and ecological importance. The loss of sharks could lead to imbalances in these ecosystems, causing cascading effects that impact fish populations, reef health, and ultimately, human communities.
To protect sharks and ensure the longevity of marine ecosystems, several key actions must be taken:
- Stronger Fishing Regulations: Enforcing quotas and sustainable fishing practices is essential to prevent overexploitation of shark populations.
- Expanding Marine Protected Areas: Establishing more MPAs and ensuring their effective management can create safe havens for marine life.
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems can lead to greater public support for conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Dive Tourism: Encouraging eco-friendly diving practices can minimize human impact on reefs and contribute to conservation funding
Conclusion
The partnership between Oceans 5 Gili Air, Global FinPrint, and the University of Mataram represents a significant step forward in marine conservation in Indonesia. By deploying BRUVS and analyzing marine life data, researchers will gain critical knowledge to guide conservation efforts. Protecting sharks is not just about saving one species—it is about preserving entire marine ecosystems and securing a sustainable future for both marine life and human communities.
Through continued research, education, and proactive conservation measures, Oceans 5 Gili Air remains dedicated to being a leader in marine conservation. As the results from this two-week study emerge, they will contribute to the broader goal of ensuring that the Gili Islands remain a thriving marine paradise for generations to come.