Inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, so additional sources of antibiotics are needed. There are around 6000 species of bryozoans, but only a few have been explored as natural products. Past studies have shown that bryozoans may have anticancer, antibacterial, antileukaemia, antiparasitic, and antimalarial capacities. To determine potential antibacterial activity from bryozoan-associated bacteria, five different bryozoans were collected from Batuniti slope, Tulamben area, Bali, Indonesia. A total of 47 actinobacteria isolates from different agar were tested against seven pathogenic multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Results from antibacterial assays show four different associated isolates that have the potential to inhibit pathogenic bacteria (strong to weak inhibition grades). Isolates such as Bacillus paralicheniformis, Staphylococcus cohnii, Kocuria palustris, and Oceanobacillus iheyensis were identified through 16S rRNA barcoding. In previous studies, these isolates had not been found in bryozoan-associated bacteria, therefore, this study revealed new findings of a potential antibacterial agent from bryozoan microorganisms.

This study examines the ecological traits of heterobranchs, which are found in various habitats associated with reef regions. We use data on heterobranchs abundance, depth, substrates, and seasonal observations to analyze their ecological traits, as these factors are often under studied. The species diversity of heterobranch species found in Tulamben, Bali is exceptionally rich. From a total of 41 surveys carried out at depths between 0 and 25 m every week in a one-year period, more than 144 species of heterobranchs belonging to 63 genera were recorded. A total of 1001 individuals were recorded during our survey efforts with 645 individuals in the dry season and 356 during the wet season. Hypselodoris roo and Mexichromis trilineata are the most abundant species of heterobranch recorded in this study. Despite these numbers, no significant difference was found between the abundance of heterobranchs between the dry and wet seasons; however, depth was a significant factor in determining heterobranchs abundance and species richness. The highest abundance was recorded for zone C (between 15 and 20 m depth) where 437 individual heterobranchs were recorded. The lowest abundance of heterobranchs was recorded for zone A (5–9 m depth) where only 72 individuals were recorded. Substrate preference was also observed among the individuals in which the highest abundance of heterobranchs were found on sponges in both dry (47.9 %) and wet (41 %) seasons. The second most dominant substrate was recorded as sand, accounting for 25 % relative abundance in both dry and wet seasons. To learn more about the seasonality of heterobranchs, further research considering tides, temperature, and other environmental factors needs to be considered.

This study examined the antimalarial activity of a furanosesquiterpene, furodysinin, one of the major metabolites of the dorid nudibranch Hypselodoris tryoni. The nudibranchs were collected from Balinese waters and the metabolites were purified by chromatography. Ex vivo rodent malaria Plasmodium berghei assays were conducted to determine the metabolite antimalarial activity. In silico molecular docking was employed to investigate the interaction between furodysinin against wild-type P. berghei and atovaquone-resistant P. berghei (Y268C). This study reported for the first time that the furodysinin displayed a promising antimalarial activity based on the ex vivo tests against wild-type P. berghei and atovaquone-resistant P. berghei. In silico molecular docking study showed that furodysinin inhibits the parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) by binding to the protein Qo pocket (ef-helix) where it interacts with residue 268, the mutation of which is known to confer resistance to atovaquone. Furodysinin binds to the mutated tyrosine at residue 268, which has changed to cysteine, forming an alkyl bond with C268 at a distance of 4.6 Å. Therefore, we predict that furodysinin has a target in Plasmodium mitochondria.

Background: The marine environment is the main source of research on natural products in the future. In addition, marine microorganisms have been identified as a natural source capable of developing new antibiotic compounds, including controlling urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli ESBL. Purpose: This study aims to isolate, select, and test the potential of brown macroalgae endophytic fungi (Phaeophyceae) collected from the coastal waters of Sanur, Bali Province. Methods: Three types of brown algae were collected from Sanur Beach and their endophytic fungi were isolated using PDA media. Antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the inhibition zone and determining the inhibition category. The selected isolates were cultured and the phytochemical profile was determined qualitatively. In addition, molecular identification using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) primer set and comparison with the GenBank (NCBI) database were carried out in this study. Results: The results showed that 10 isolates were successfully isolated from three types of brown macroalgae. It was found that isolates T1, S1, and P3 had the highest inhibition in the very strong category. There were variations in mycelial weight, pH value, and inhibition shown by the culture filtrate of the three endophytic fungal isolates against Escherichia coli ESBL. Isolate S1 had the highest phytochemical profile, namely alkaloids, triterpenoids, saponins, and phenolics. The three endophytic fungal isolates showed isolate T1 (Phlebiopsis magnicystidiata) (MT5617191), isolate P3 (Neurospora crassa strain RT3M) (MT1028551), and isolate S1 (Peniophora sp.) (MH2680421). Conclusion: The results of this study provide initial information regarding the potential of bioprospecting brown macroalgal endophytic fungi as a source of new antibiotics against Escherichia coli ESBL.

There has been a discernible rise in coral restoration initiatives over the past few years, with Indonesia emerging as a global leader. Due to advancements in accessible methodologies, favorable public opinion, and government-backed initiatives, local communities now have more opportunities to participate in coral restoration projects. The purpose of this study is to provide a fundamental assessment of a community’s level of knowledge concerning coral restoration activities in a remote marine protected area in Indonesia. The level of involvement in restoration activities and the potential for future strategies based on community needs were all examined in the primary data through quantitative and qualitative analysis. Knowledge gaps regarding ecological services and perceptions of coral reef quality were also identified, highlighting the growing need for effective communication strategies to raise awareness of climate change-related issues. Direct engagement can be improved through connecting communities with coral reefs and encouraging the next generation of conservationists to develop local stewardship. Engaging more community members in local conservation programs is crucial to addressing notable issues such as language barriers and identifying sociocultural approaches. Securing future restoration funds and locating possible restoration sites can be tools to sustain existing and upcoming coral restoration programs. The result of this study highlighted the benefits of community-based coral restoration activities and how to improve overall engagement. To maximize the potential for social-ecological benefits, a long-term strategy supported by strong local stakeholder involvement and participation guided by NGOs and MPA management is essential.

There has been a discernible rise in coral restoration initiatives over the past few years, with Indonesia emerging as a global leader. Due to advancements in accessible methodologies, favorable public opinion, and government-backed initiatives, local communities now have more opportunities to participate in coral restoration projects. The purpose of this study is to provide a fundamental assessment of a community’s level of knowledge concerning coral restoration activities in a remote marine protected area in Indonesia. The level of involvement in restoration activities and the potential for future strategies based on community needs were all examined in the primary data through quantitative and qualitative analysis. Knowledge gaps regarding ecological services and perceptions of coral reef quality were also identified, highlighting the growing need for effective communication strategies to raise awareness of climate change-related issues. Direct engagement can be improved through connecting communities with coral reefs and encouraging the next generation of conservationists to develop local stewardship. Engaging more community members in local conservation programs is crucial to addressing notable issues such as language barriers and identifying sociocultural approaches. Securing future restoration funds and locating possible restoration sites can be tools to sustain existing and upcoming coral restoration programs. The result of this study highlighted the benefits of community-based coral restoration activities and how to improve overall engagement. To maximize the potential for social-ecological benefits, a long-term strategy supported by strong local stakeholder involvement and participation guided by NGOs and MPA management is essential.

Penelitian biodiversitas, terutama di bidang kelautan di Indonesia menjadi hal yang sangat penting. Ini dikarenakan tingginya keragaman hayati Indonesia yang memerlukan penelitian-penelitian pendukung, seperti identifikasi spesies, status populasi, dan juga stok genetik dengan pendekatan molekuler. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Mei sampai Agustus 2023. Sebanyak enam individu sampel dikoleksi dari tiga lokasi di Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali, yaitu Amed, Batu Dawa, dan Batuniti. Penelitian ini merupakan bagian dari program pendidikan yang dikembangkan di Indonesia yaitu program MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka). Kegiatan MBKM ini bertujuan memberikan keterampilan laboratorium terutama keterampilan molekuler kepada para peserta. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melaporkan hasil kegiatan yang dilakukan dengan mengambil tema identifikasi spesies ikan dengan pendekatan molekuler. Perbanyakan DNA dilakukan dengan metode Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) dengan target gen COI (Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I). Jenis ikan yang didapatkan meliputi empat individu ikan tongkol (Auxis rochei), satu ikan kuwe (Caranx sp.), dan satu ikan cucut (Tylosurus acus). Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa seluruh sampel memiliki kekerabatan dekat terhadap hasil perbandingan NCBI yaitu Auxis rochei, Caranx sexfasciatus, dan Tylosurus acus dengan nilai persentase kesamaan berkisar antara 98-100%.

A new species of goby, Bathygobius mero, is described from eastern Bali, Indonesia on the basis of 8 adult specimens, 26.3–36.0 mm SL. There are also photographic records from Sumba, Indonesia, Cebu, Philippines, and Queensland, Australia. Diagnostic features include 19–21 (usually 20) pectoral-fin rays with the upper three rays free from the membranous portion of the fin and each with two filamentous tips, a mostly scaleless predorsal midline except for two or three scales in front of first dorsal-fin origin, and 33 or 34 lateral scales. The live coloration is overall pale greyish with a dense covering of reddish-brown freckles, a brown spot (about one third of pupil size) at the uppermost part of the gill opening, and reddish-brown spotting on the fins. The new species has a commensal association with the large barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), unlike other members of the genus, which are typically free-living bottom dwellers. It also inhabits deeper water (9–30 m, but usually below about 15 m) than most Bathygobius, which are mainly confined to shallow water less than 10 m deep.