Professor Nico Michiels Continues Reef Fish Research at Coral Eye

At Coral Eye Marine Outpost, Prof. Nico Michiels continues his ambitious, long-term project to document as many coastal fish species as possible around Bangka Island, as well as nearby sites in Lembeh, Bunaken, Siladen, Biaro and the North-Sulawesi mainland.

Data collection consists of photographic documentation. Each image confirms presence and location of a species. The whole data set already contains thousands of records and represents a baseline of fish species biodiversity for the region. 

These data will eventually visualise whether the gain and loss of species correlates with climate change, plastic pollution, fishing pressure or habitat loss.

The image database also allow his team to come up with diagnostic traits that facilitate field identification of difficult species by students or enthusiasts. All materials are available at www.reeffishes.org. All pictures will eventually be made available to the interested public.

Nico stays at Coral Eye from August 14th till October 5th. He'll move over to Siladen Resort and Spa for week from September 4th till the12th. During this time, his work will focus on the Bunaken and Siladen National Park area.