Category: Conference Grants 2024

Hello readers! I’m Henriikka Malkamäki, a recent graduate from the ECGS Master’s program at the University of Helsinki. Welcome to my blog post where I share my experiences at the European Coral Reef Symposium (ECRS) held at the historic Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in Naples, Italy, in July 2024.

ECRS and Its Importance

ECRS, organized by the International Coral Reef Society (ICRS), is a biennial symposium dedicated to advancing the understanding and conservation of coral reef ecosystems. Running from July 2nd to 5^th, the symposium featured keynote speeches, oral presentations, posters, and workshops. The sessions covered a broad range of topics such as coral biology, restoration, climate change impacts, and community-based conservation efforts. Networking is a significant aspect of the conference, offering a vital platform for scientists, students, and conservationists to collaborate and exchange ideas. Events like this are essential for addressing the complex challenges coral reefs face today and for staying updated on the latest advancements in the field.

Inside the Symposium

The conference kicked off with a cocktail session and registration on the first day, where I received my conference badge, enjoyed refreshments, and reconnected with my colleague Pascal Sebastian from Indo Ocean Project (more of IOP below). The following days were packed with presentations, starting each morning with a plenary speaker before branching into various specialized sessions. The conference also provided delicious lunches and coffee breaks with pastries, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. Each evening featured a poster session that allowed for further exploration of ongoing research.

My Research with Indo Ocean Project

On Wednesday, I delivered an oral presentation on my master’s thesis project that began in 2022 with Indo Ocean Project (IOP), an Indonesian NGO focused on marine conservation in Nusa Penida, Bali. This project, initiated and led by me, was the result of a research fellowship and marine conservation and divemaster internship that I completed with IOP. My thesis, titled “Co-benefits of active coral reef restoration for natural benthic recruitment processes”, is available here. Additionally, I’m the main author of our forthcoming publication titled “Coral restoration shifts structural complexity, fish assemblages, and benthic communities in an Indonesian coral reef”, which builds on the same research and is currently under review for journal publication.

Our six-month study assessed the passive benefits of active coral restoration by comparing a restoration site with transplanted Acropora muricata corals, a natural reef site, and a rubble site. Our key findings at the restoration site included increased structural complexity and fish abundance, with a notable increase in herbivorous fish, as well as reduced turf algae cover. These results highlight the critical role of hard corals in providing essential habitats and the importance of herbivory in maintaining reef health. Our study underscores the positive impacts of coral restoration on benthic environments, aiding local-scale natural recovery and resilience. Presenting at the ECRS was a great opportunity to gain visibility for our research.

Lessons Learned at ECRS 2024

Anthropogenic stressors threaten coral reefs worldwide, affecting ecosystem functionality. It is of utmost importance that we continue to advance our understanding and develop effective conservation strategies.

Attending the ECRS 2024 was a transformative experience. It provided me with important insights into recent developments in coral research and conservation, deepened my knowledge and passion for coral reefs, and bolstered my confidence as a researcher. Connecting with the global community of “coral nerds” was inspiring and has heightened my awareness of exciting avenues for my future career. Most importantly, I compiled a list of top European universities offering quality PhD positions in coral research, which will be invaluable for my future plans.

One particularly captivating speech was delivered by Fiona Merida on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) and their Reef Site Stewardship Framework. Fiona has worked with the GBRMP for over 20 years, and her presence on stage and passion for marine conservation were genuinely palpable. Her insights into the importance of community involvement for maintaining reef health and resilience were truly encouraging, emphasizing how collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders can lead to significant positive outcomes for marine conservation.

My sincerest thanks to HiLIFE for the conference funding, which helped me with this incredible opportunity to attend the event and represent our university – despite the fact that Finnish coral reefs are more of a mythical concept than a reality!