Science programme
Our flagship research program monitors reef health, coral bleaching, spawning events, and environmental conditions to better understand how Raja Ampat's reefs respond to a changing world.
The Coral Ecology Program is Barefoot Conservation's flagship research project, focused on understanding the health, resilience, and long-term condition of Raja Ampat's coral reefs. Through a combination of ecological surveys, environmental data collection, and emerging technologies, we generate long-term datasets that help track changes in reef ecosystems and improve our understanding of how coral reefs respond to environmental pressures.
Coral reef health is influenced by a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors. To build a complete picture of reef condition, the Coral Ecology Program combines four complementary research areas.
Regular surveys are conducted along permanent monitoring transects to assess coral cover, health, bleaching prevalence, and mortality. During periods of elevated sea temperatures, survey frequency increases to track bleaching events and recovery in near real-time. Participants learn coral identification and ecological survey techniques while collecting data using CoralWatch methodologies. Data collected through these surveys are shared with CoralWatch and contribute to broader efforts to understand coral bleaching patterns and reef resilience. Bleaching observations are also used alongside environmental monitoring data to support coral reef monitoring initiatives led by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Water temperature is one of the most important factors influencing coral reef health.
Temperature loggers deployed at multiple depths continuously record seawater temperatures throughout the year, allowing us to identify seasonal trends, thermal stress events, and environmental conditions experienced by local reefs.
Participants assist with logger deployment, maintenance, and data management while gaining practical experience in environmental monitoring. These datasets provide important context for interpreting bleaching observations and understanding how local reefs respond to changing ocean conditions.
Using underwater photography, we create detailed two-dimensional models of coral reef habitats that allow changes in reef structure to be monitored over time.
Participants help collect high-resolution image datasets that are processed into digital reef models.
Photogrammetry surveys are conducted in collaboration with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), contributing to efforts to improve understanding of reef condition, habitat complexity, and ecological change across coral reef ecosystems. These models provide a permanent visual record of reef condition and support both research and conservation planning.
Coral spawning is one of the most important processes supporting reef recovery and resilience. Throughout the year, we monitor coral colonies for signs of reproductive activity and conduct spawning observations around predicted spawning periods.
Participants may assist with colony monitoring, spawning observations, and photographic documentation of spawning events. Records collected through the program contribute to a growing understanding of coral reproductive timing in Raja Ampat and are shared with COSMARINDO (Coral Spawning Monitoring and Awareness for Restoration Network Indonesia), an Indonesian initiative that brings together researchers and coral reef practitioners to improve understanding of coral spawning patterns and support non-invasive reef restoration efforts.
Participants are involved in genuine scientific research and gain experience in a variety of field-based monitoring techniques, including:
No previous scientific experience is required, as all training is provided by our science team.
The Coral Ecology Program has established long-term datasets that provide valuable insight into reef health, environmental change, coral reproduction, and reef resilience in Raja Ampat. Through partnerships with CoralWatch, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and COSMARINDO, data collected by participants contribute to research and monitoring initiatives that extend beyond Raja Ampat, helping improve our understanding of coral reef ecosystems across the region.
Help grow the next generation of corals. Through nursery maintenance and scientific monitoring, we combine reef restoration with long-term research.
Using one of the world's most widely recognised reef monitoring programs, we collect data that contribute to national and global assessments of reef health.
Every manta ray has a unique pattern. By photographing and identifying individuals, we contribute to long-term monitoring of Raja Ampat's manta populations.
Monitoring and removing coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish helps protect vulnerable reefs and supports coral recovery across our monitoring sites.
Investigating the links between water quality, cyanobacteria, and reef health helps us better understand the environmental pressures facing coral reefs.
From beach clean-ups to long-term monitoring, we track marine pollution and support community-led solutions to keep Raja Ampat's coastlines healthy.
Conservation extends beyond the reef. Through environmental education, beach clean-ups, and community activities, we work alongside the Arborek community to support marine stewardship and environmental awareness.
No previous scientific experience is required. All training is provided by our science team.
