Mission report: LENGGURU 2017 Expedition ‘Biodiversity assessment in reef twilight zone and cloud forests’, R/V AIRAHA 2, 1st October 2017 – 30th November 2017, Kaimana Regency, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

The scientific Lengguru 2017 Expedition aimed at assessing the functional, genetic and morphological diversity of several marine biotas (reef fishes, echinoderms, hard corals, and gorgonians). Several methods were implemented: observations, sampling with DNA barcoding inventory and morphological description, baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) and environmental DNA. Environmental measurements and opportunistic observations (marine mammals...) were also performed. Lengguru 2017 focused also on the mountain avifauna prevailing in Kaimana Regency (Lengguru and Kumawa). Exploration and sampling effort were concentrated for the marine part on several reef slopes located in front of Kumawa and Lengguru ranges, in and off shore of Triton Bay (from -100 m to the surface). The expedition occurred between 1st October 2017 and 30th November 2017. The fieldwork in Kaimana Regency was done between 17th October and 20th November 2017 with the vessel ‘Airaha 2’. Lengguru 2017 was a joint expedition of France and Indonesia Research Institutions