Marine Survey Finds High Biodiversity Concentration and Coral Reef Resilience in Timor-Leste

A team of six scientists and two videographers conducted the first-ever extensive marine survey along the northern coast of Timor-Leste from August 14–24, 2012, and discovered seven potentially new marine species. The survey also recorded exceptionally high biodiversity, with 734 fish species and 360 coral species identified.

The team found that Timor-Leste’s waters are at least 2–3 degrees Celsius cooler than neighboring areas, making its marine ecosystems more resilient to the impacts of climate change. This cooler environment provides a vital refuge for marine species in the Coral Triangle threatened by rising sea temperatures.

The survey aimed to document the country’s biological diversity for the first time and to assist local communities in establishing conservation priorities. It supports the Timor-Leste CTI National Plan of Action and was carried out with support from USAID’s Coral Triangle Support Partnership in collaboration with Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program.

Preliminary results were presented during a function hosted by former Timor-Leste President and Nobel Laureate Dr. José Ramos-Horta on August 24, 2012. A full report is expected to be available by the end of 2012.