Yogyakarta, October 2, 2026 — A total of 123 students from Classes B, E, and F at Yogyakarta State University (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta/UNY) attended a guest lecture entitled “Marine Invertebrate Biodiversity and Technology” on Friday (October 2). The session was coordinated by Dr. Yunita Fera Rahmawati, S.Pd., M.Sc., and featured Indra Bayu Vimono, Ph.D., a researcher at the Research Center for System Biota, the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN).

Indra began by introducing the fundamental concept of marine biodiversity, which encompasses three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. He then focused on Indonesia, which lies within the Coral Triangle and is home to exceptionally rich marine biodiversity. Raja Ampat, for example, has recorded 972 reef fish species, while Indonesian waters as a whole are home to more than 765 seaweed species.

Students were introduced to several major groups of marine invertebrates, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Mollusca, Annelida, Crustacea, and Echinodermata. The lecture also touched on certain chordate groups that retain characteristics associated with invertebrates, such as the presence of a notochord.

Beyond species identification, students learned about the ecological roles of different marine organisms in coral reef ecosystems. Diadema sea urchins help control algal growth, while sea cucumbers break down dead organic matter and contribute to calcium carbonate dissolution in reef ecosystems. Giant clams filter seawater and contribute to the formation of calcium carbonate structures.

The lecture also addressed major threats to marine ecosystems, including climate change, overfishing and destructive fishing practices, pollution, sedimentation, and plastic waste. The impacts of climate change were discussed in greater detail, ranging from rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching to sea-level rise and ocean acidification, which disrupts the calcification process.

One particularly relevant topic for students was the range of research opportunities in marine biodiversity. According to the lecture, biodiversity studies can be conducted in coral reefs, seagrass beds, rocky shores, sandy beaches, and mangrove ecosystems. Potential research topics include molluscan diversity in mangroves, echinoderm diversity, population structure, relationships between invertebrates and water quality, DNA barcoding, coral cover, and megabenthos diversity.

Students also gained insight into the greater complexity of deep-sea research. At depths exceeding 100 meters, researchers require research vessels, underwater vehicles, and specialized sampling equipment, followed by more extensive sample-processing procedures. Methods such as soft-bottom trawling and box coring are used to collect marine organisms and sediment from the seafloor.

The lecture further introduced several technologies currently used in marine research, including environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, 3D modelling, microtomography, 3D scanning, digital identification, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies support species identification, ecosystem monitoring, the discovery of previously undocumented biodiversity, and real-time environmental quality monitoring.

The speaker's research background closely aligned with the topics presented. Indra specializes in Echinodermata and sentinel species and was previously a member of BRIN's Research Group on Autecology of Sentinel Biota. He earned his doctoral degree in Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Montpellier, France, in 2024. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Applied Science at James Cook University, Australia, and an undergraduate degree in Biology at Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia.

Throughout his career, Indra has conducted research on echinoderms, molluscs, seagrasses, mangroves, coral reefs, and deep-sea biodiversity. He has participated in numerous research expeditions, including those in Natuna, Leti, Ternate–Halmahera, Raja Ampat, and the Makassar Strait, as well as deep-sea research in the waters south of Java. His publications cover a range of topics, including eDNA metabarcoding, reef fish biodiversity, sea urchin phylogeography, and sea cucumber biodiversity.

During the discussion session, students actively engaged with the speaker by raising questions about internship opportunities at BRIN, deep-sea research, species identification methods, the effects of climate change on biodiversity, the application of eDNA, and challenges in sampling and identifying marine organisms.

The lecture concluded by highlighting that marine research can begin with fundamental activities, particularly baseline studies and monitoring. These initial efforts can then be expanded through collaboration with stakeholders, training, scientific writing, public outreach, citizen science initiatives, and the development of science-based policies.

Through this guest lecture, students gained a broader understanding of marine invertebrate biodiversity, the ecological importance of marine organisms, and the role of emerging technologies in advancing marine research. The session also highlighted the diverse research opportunities available to students interested in contributing to marine conservation and the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.