Are you eager to delve into marine biology in one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems? Papua Paradise Eco Resort is thrilled to offer an exclusive chance to study under the renowned marine biologist Stephan Moldzio through a series of four 2-day workshops over two weeks. The third workshop, scheduled for May 25th-26th, 2025, will explore the captivating realm of invertebrates!

The second week of our coral reef workshop kicks off with a continued focus on the intricate and vibrant world of coral reef ecology. Starting with two dives that allow us a firsthand look at the complex interplay of life forms that inhabit this unique ecosystem.

The morning session is dedicated to understanding the coral reef’s food web, predator-prey relationships, parasitism, and symbiosis. You will explore the functional groups within the reef, such as algae grazers, which play a critical role in maintaining the balance of this delicate environment. Discussions will touch upon the current threats facing coral reefs, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable practices.

In our quest to uncover the microscopic world of the reef, we will collect samples from the reef, sand, and water column. These samples will then be examined under a stereomicroscope, revealing a hidden world teeming with microorganisms. The intricate morphology of these organisms can be documented through detailed zoological drawings, enhancing our understanding of their structure and function.

An evening lecture providing a comprehensive overview of coral reef ecology, prepares the group for the next day’s adventures. The most exciting part of the evening is fishing for plankton using lights on the jetty. This casts a fascinating glimpse into the reef’s nighttime inhabitants, which we will examine under the microscope the following day.

The 2nd day of the workshop begins with two more morning dives. Afterwards, we turn our attention to the plankton samples collected the previous night. Under the microscope, these samples reveal a world of bizarre life forms and larval stages of various reef inhabitants. The diversity and complexity of plankton is astounding, offering an insight into the foundational layers of the reef ecosystem.

Our focus then shifts to the larger invertebrates that call the reef home. We examine a wide array of creatures, including crustaceans, clams, snails, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, worms, bryozoans, sea squirts, and sponges. While many of these organisms are visible during the day, the true excitement lies in their nocturnal behaviors, observed during our final night dive. As the sun sets, the reef comes alive with activity, revealing hidden creatures that emerge from the cracks and crevices of the reef. Throughout the workshop, we meticulously compile a species list of all encountered organisms, contributing to our collective knowledge of reef biodiversity.

The workshop concludes with an entertaining and educational invertebrate quiz, testing your newfound knowledge and reinforcing your learning experiences over the 2 days. As a token of your participation, you will receive a certificate, marking the end of an enriching and unforgettable couple of days.

The hands-on experiences, combined with theoretical knowledge, provided a holistic understanding of invertebrate biology and coral reef ecology.