The North Quest 2 

Our group's focus is "influences on tourism on the destruction of coral reefs," investigating the specific effects of tourism on different aspects that were covered by all the strands. For ESS, I found that the tourist projects had a direct relation to the biodiversity of the Coral reefs, showing more diverse reefs were there when tourist projects were involved. Physics highlighted how corals near shallower waters are more vulnerable to human weight as they are more accessible to tourists. For chemistry, based on the overall data processing it can be said that coral which live in APL grows the best as all of the corals are found in a safe in a isolated location, shows by the DO and pH values. Biology found that in the three different tourist spots, there was higher prevalence of white and black band disease in the dock, as there was more points that has dead Corals, with bleach Corals in the APL, caused by the tourist accessibility. As a response design planed to make a coral preservation pot with concrete and PVC pipes mainly for Actopora corals near the dock (because it showed most concern for the Corals). For CS, they coded a website to educate regarding the damaging effects of tourism on coral reefs, including information about the effect of tourist activities in general, and a brief description of specific scientific factors as found by the experimental sciences in the group. Together, our finding show how Pramuka Island as a tourist hotspot, has had negative effects on the conservation of the Corals, but activities such as tourist projects, has proven the initiative and successive effort that can push the growth of such corals, back to the Coral's equilibriums, where they were full of color and homes are provided for all the cute fishies.

Pramuka Island and their boat usage proves to be a driving force behind their lifestyle. However, this situation begs the question: can their lifestyle be more sustainable? As a result, our group decided to focus on the topic of boat pollution and its impacts to coral reef health. Focusing on three docks and beaches, we started by identifying if areas with boat traffic has direct effect to coral reef health. ESS identified places where Coral Reef Health is declining while Biology used line transects to identify population of coral reefs. The three places include: Pantai Sunrise, a tourism area, Taman Nemo, a conversation site near the main dock, and RPTRA, a protected conservation area. From this, we discovered that there is a positive, inverse correlation between the amount of boats in the area and the health and population of coral reefs-- finding a degrading diversity of reefs in Pantai Sunrise in comparison to RPTRA. Then, we decide to investigate the types of pollution which may result to this decrease in coral reef health. With an additional measurement at Dermaga Kabupaten Plaza, a high boat traffic area as well, Chemistry found that high boat traffic areas such as the Dermaga and Pantai Sunrise have the lowest dissolved oxygen, mediocre in Taman Nemo, and highest in RPTRA, whereas low dissolved oxygen disrupt the normal physiological of corals which leads to reduced photosynthesis and stress. Simulating with a phone, which has the dBA (sound units) equivalent to the range of a passing boat, Physics found that boat creates sound pollution with its distance directly proportional to the amount of frequency corals reef. Design additionally contributed by finding oil spills in many areas. As a result, our group decide to propose solutions: Computer Science designed a database to track the amount of boats coming into the island, in hopes of setting a limit to reduce excessive boat traffic while helping locals to understand more about the impact of boats. Design technology designed Bio-Reef-Tek, made out of coconut shells, which absorbs oil pollution from boats and helps revitalize coral reef. Additionally, through extrapolating data from physics, referencing the knowledge of reef population and health from ESS and chem, the group tries to create standards for the ideal distance between docks and coral reef population. Ultimately, with these proposed solutions and findings, Group 2 concludes that there are ways to uphold the diversity of coral reefs, in hopes of reducing the detrimental impact of boat pollution and promoting ocean sustainability.

As for our group focusing on Investigating how the density or coverage of mangroves within a coastal area affect the local environment. From Chemistry, we found that areas with higher mangrove density tend to maintain more stable pH levels. This is likely due to organic matter in the sediment, which helps buffer changes in water chemistry. This finding highlights the importance of maintaining healthy mangrove growth to support water quality.

Biology showed that denser mangrove areas have lower biological oxygen demand (BOD), indicating better water conditions and higher levels of dissolved oxygen. This supports a healthier environment for aquatic organisms.

Physics helped us understand that tidal shear stress can reduce mangrove density in certain zones. This suggests that protecting mangrove seedlings in high-stress areas, such as through the use of flow barriers or careful site selection, is essential for successful growth.

Through ESS, interviews with local experts revealed that non-point source pollution, especially trash accumulation, is a major factor reducing mangrove density. This finding led us to recommend stronger waste management practices and more community involvement to reduce pollution in mangrove areas.

Computer Science supported the physics investigation by developing a program to simulate tidal flow and predict zones of high shear stress. This tool can help identify the most suitable areas for planting mangroves based on physical conditions.

Design addressed the issue of biodegradable seedling pots. Existing cassava-based pots break down too quickly when wet, failing to support the seedlings properly. Our proposed solution combines cassava starch with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), creating a pot that can hold sand securely, support young mangrove plants, and biodegrade naturally in seawater over approximately three months.

Overall, we concluded that mangrove density has a strong impact on various aspects of the local environment. By combining scientific research with innovative design and community collaboration, it is possible to support healthier mangrove ecosystems and improve the sustainability of coastal environments.

In response to the group's focus; The negative impact of low Seagrass density on Mangrove, we were introduced to a variety of valuable insights from all the subjects. From ESS, we investigated that high seagrass coverage (%) is attributed to high mangrove density, due to its ability to withstand wave and sediment, thereby allowing for the proliferation of mangrove. Biology shows that low seagrass coverage reduces the dissolved oxygen level in mangrove surrounding water, which gives negative impact on the mangrove growth. However, the data doesn’t fully support this, as it was affected by significant factors caused by the rain and sunlight condition. Physics revealed that seagrass significantly supports mangroves in reducing wave speed. Therefore, low seagrass coverage can have a negative impact by allowing more wave energy to reach and strain the mangrove ecosystem. For computer science, we discovered that IoT devices can help ease research with real time data visualization, however due to the unfriendly weather conditions it was quite difficult to implement it. During testing, the sensors gave rather inaccurate measurements. From Design, we investigated that the lower DO levels under the bridge are attributed to its structural design, which limits sunlight penetration and airflow, thereby reducing the rate of photosynthesis and oxygen exchange in the surrounding water. These interdisciplinary findings led to our decision in developing a Glass Bridge allowing for uplifted photosynthesis process; to allow for increased growth of seagrass, thereby allowing for the proliferation of mangrove ecosystems. 

In response to the driving question-What factors that are need to be considered when expanding the turtle conservation site. From Biology perspective we learned how sand temperature increases the salinity, which can increase the potential nesting success rate and survivability. From Physics, we learned how the water content in sand, is affecting the thermal conductivity. Chemistry   shows that the pH of the turtle pools is higher than optimal point, which is a cause of ammonia levels, resulting fatality to turtles. ESS, learned how the conservation site is able to preserve the turtle hatching, despite many regulations and policies. CS, showed us graphically through python program the variables needed to monitored in order to have a successful conservation rate. Design learns how to observe and sketch a potential enclosure, separating sand and water, ensuring successful post-hatching process for sea turtles.

Our research highlights how sea turtles are far more sensitive to environmental changes than many people realize, from soil pH and permeability to water oxygen levels. To help educate the public, we plan to develop a website that compiles our findings into accessible blogs, interactive code programs, and visual sketches making it easier for everyone to understand the urgency of protecting these endangered creatures.