THE AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC SCIENCE FOUNDATION

G R A N T A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M
Guidelines and instructions for completing the form
In the early 1960s a group of benefactors established the New Guinea Biological Foundation
and invested trust funds in a cocoa plantation at Arawa, Bougainville. This foundation funded
a variety of projects aimed at the promotion, advancement and study of biological science in
all its branches. Later, in 1985, another foundation was formed in addition to the New Guinea
Biological Foundation, to broaden the geographic location of projects to Australia and other
countries in the southwest Pacific.
In 2000, the Australia and Pacific Science Foundation was established to sponsor activities
within Australia and managed by Australian entities. In 2005 sponsorship was extended to
include projects with components within the south west Pacific, managed by Australian
institutions or other entities within those countries.
In seeking to achieve its aims, The Australia & Pacific Science Foundation provides support,
on a competitive basis, for the following activities:
• The top priority is to encourage high quality research by scientists in Australian
national or state institutions, and similar institutions in other countries of the south
west Pacific.
• Occasional support may also be given to such activities as training, publications or
conferences. Travel expenses for attendance at conferences are not funded, nor are
expenses associated with the participation of scientists from countries other than that
of the recipient institution.
The Foundation seeks to complement, rather than compete with, other funding bodies.
Experience has shown that modest support can be particularly effective if used as “seed
money” to initiate projects, which may subsequently expand and attract major funding from
other sources. Foundation grants have also supported specific components of large projects
financed primarily by other agencies.
Typically the APSF provides project grants up to approximately A$15,000 per year for up to
three years. Grants are awarded to institutions within Australia or other countries of the south
west Pacific region for activities within those countries.
Grants are made in annual instalments, and payments are dependent upon the receipt of
satisfactory, annual reports and financial statements. An additional progress report is required
six months after the start of the project. Salaries of technicians and research assistants may
be supported, but normally grants do not cover the salaries of scientific research staff or
stipends of students. Administrative overheads are not funded.
Selection Criteria Please refer to the Australia & Pacific Science Foundation website for
details. http://www.apscience.org.au/guidelines.html
Completing the form
• This form is in Microsoft Word forms format.
• The form is locked. Only plain text may be used within the fields. Special text such as
tables and graphs may be provided in an annex, maximum length 2 pages. Use the
tab key to navigate through the headings in the form.
• Help text is provided at several points within the form. If provided it will be displayed
in a message box by pressing the F1 (help) key
• To limit the overall length of applications, some fields are limited in length, particularly
in sections E & H. Text will not be able to be entered beyond the maximum length of
these fields, or may not be visible if it goes beyond the bottom border of table cells.
• Completed application forms should be sent to:
Dr B K Filshie
Executive Secretary, Research Committee
Australia & Pacific Science Foundation
PO Box 9154
PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 Australia
Fax: (02) 6582 7814
E-mail: bfilshie@apscience.org.au

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• Please send an electronic copy by E-mail as well as the mailed and signed copy, to
facilitate distribution of applications to the Research Committee for assessment.

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 THE AUSTRALIA AND PACIFIC SCIENCE FOUNDATION
G R A N T A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M
(A) NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE INSTITUTION OR COMPANY MAKING THIS APPLICATION:

Name Sekolah Tinggi Perikanan dan Kelautan

Address Jalan Soekarno-Hatta

Kotak Pos 1016
Palu 94118
Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia

Telephone +62 451 4709936 Fax E-mail samndobe@yahoo.com

(B) SIGNATURE OF INSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATIVE, SIGNIFYING INSTITUTIONAL APPROVAL OF THIS

APPLICATION:

Name Samliok Ndobe

Position Head of the STPL-Palu

Signature

(C) PROJECT TITLE:

Project Title Population dynamics and ecology of the endangered ornamental Banggai cardinalfish
(Pterapogon kauderni)

(D) NAME AND ADDRESS OF PROJECT LEADER AND LIST OF OTHER PERSONNEL TO BE ENGAGED
IN THE PROJECT:

Name of Project leader Samliok Ndobe

Position Head of the STPL-Palu

Address Perumahan Dosen UNTAD Blok C3 No7

Telephone +62 81341257736 E-mail samndobe@yahoo.com

Other Participating Staff Abigail Moore

Novalina Serdiati
Madinawati
Nasmia
Muslihudin
Nilmawati
Al Ismi Salanggon
Ederyan

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APSF GRANT APPLICATION FORM (CONTINUED)
(E) BRIEFLY OUTLINE THE PROJECT PLAN:
This form supports plain text only. If you need to include figures, tables, graphs, etc. please provide
these in a separate annex, maximum length 2 pages.
(i) Introduction. Describe the context and the significance of the project
The Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni (Koumans, 1933) is a restricted range endemic fish
without a pelagic dispersal phase much in demand for the marine aquarium trade. A number of studies
concluded that the trade was unsustainable. In 2007 the species attracted global attention when a
proposal for CITES Appendix II listing was made at CITES CoP 14. The proposal was withdrawn and
Indonesia made a strong commitment to ensure the conservation of the Banggai cardinalfish. P.
kauderni was subsequently listed as Endangered in the IUCN "Red List". A National Action Plan was
developed and is now beginning to be implemented and a Ministerial Decree regarding the Management
of the Banggai Cardinalfish is due for ratification in early 2009. The Plan and Decree recognise that
sustainable management should be based on sound science. This project aims to support Banggai
cardinalfish conservation through filling gaps in current knowledge of the biology and ecology of the
species which are highly relevant for the planning and implementation of sustainable management,
including fisheries management.

(ii) Background. Provide a brief review or the state of current knowledge and identify the gaps
The life-cycle of the Banggai cardinalfish, a paternal mouth-brooder with direct development, has been
well described mainly based on observations made on individuals held and raised in captivity. The native
distribution of P. kauderni has been determined and several introduced populations (due to release of
sub-standard or unsold individuals along the trade routes) have been identified, one of these being in
Palu Bay on the far side of Sulawesi Island. There has been research into the habitat (including an
ontogenetic shift in micro-habitat) and some aspects of diet and behaviour. However research on wild
populations of P. kauderni is still very limited. Before and during CITES CoP 14, statements were made
by a P. kauderni expert regarding the lack of resilience of P. kauderni populations, however a number of
key questions crucial to establishing sustainable levels of exploitation could not be answered. Research
and observations to date by the members of the proposed research team on wild and captive P.
kauderni have raised many questions. In particular the rate of growth seems faster and therefore the age
at sexual maturity could well be lower. Observations of new recruits indicate that breeding success may
be heavily influenced by environmental conditions, including seasonal variations (weather) and by the
availability of specific micro-habitat and that the timing of breeding may not always follow the pattern
suggested by published research.

(iii) Scientific Objectives

The overall scientific objective is to complement data obtained from research on captive specimens of P.
kauderni (including ex-situ research by members of the research team) by undertaking long-term
observation and experimentation on a wild P. kauderni population in order to support the development of
sound management. In particular, to estimate the resilience of P. kauderni populations and propose
sustainable exploitation patterns. In order to do this, specific objectives are to obtain data on the
following:
1. Growth rate and age at sexual maturity in the wild
2. The ability of P. kauderni to (re)colonise an area with suitable environmental characteristics
3. Periodicity of Banggai cardinalfish breeding (annual, lunar, seasonal) and recruit survival
4. Micro-habitat use and interactions with other species
5. Diet throughout the life-cycle
6. Health (condition, parasites and pathogenic organisms affecting the population)

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APSF GRANT APPLICATION FORM (CONTINUED)
(E) OUTLINE OF PROJECT PLAN (CONTINUED)
(iv) Methods
1. Location: the research will be based in Palu. Observations of P. kauderni in the wild will be carried out
in Palu Bay with occasional visits to the native habitat (Banggai Kepulauan) to collect samples for
comparison. Impact on native populations will therefore be negligible. Laboratory work will be undertaken
at the STPL-Palu and Tadulako University laboratories. Facilities at the Mamboro Provincial Fisheries
Service hatchery may also be used.
2. Personnel: in addition to the research team, fisheries students from the STPL-Palu and Tadulako
University will be involved, including course work and first degree thesis research.
3. Observation of wild populations:
(a) Population monitoring: permanent observation stations will be established (i) within the area already
colonised by the well-established introduced population at Mamboro at which no intervention will be
carried out and (ii) at sites nearby with suitable habitat and environmental conditions which will be used
for colonisation and population recovery experiments. These stations will have an area of 100m², so that
results will be comparable with previous population survey work. Within each station, population
monitoring using protocols developed by the team since 2004 will be carried out on a weekly basis. The
data will provide a time series of habitat condition, microhabitat availability and use, population (total
numbers), population structure (percentages of recruits, juveniles and adult fish), water quality and
weather.
(b) Detailed observations: (i) Recruitment: specific groups of recruits will be identified and monitored at
least 3 times per week (ideally daily if conditions permit) for growth, survival rate and behaviour. The aim
is to observe recruits in as many micro-habitats as possible and in different seasons/environmental
conditions; (ii) Breeding: pre-mating and mating behaviour will be note. For a number of pairs or groups,
intensive observation will be undertaken until breeding takes place, followed by observation of the
brooding male(s) up until release of juveniles. It is hoped that at least 4 breeding cycle observations can
be made during each year of the project; (iii) Behaviour: general observation of behaviour for each age
group followed by the design and implementation of experiments to test hypotheses drawn from these
observations.
3. Laboratory examinations: specimens will be captured outside the permanent monitoring sites to avoid
impact on monitoring data; in addition a limited number of sampling specimens will be collected from the
native habitat. To include: (i) Breeding: capture and examination of (suspected) sub-adult and adult
specimens at each phase of the moon in each season to determine gonad maturation; (ii) Diet: capture
and immediate preservation of specimens of each age class from each major habitat/micro-habitat and
examination of gut content in order to determine diet; (iii) Health and condition: for all laboratory
specimens, measurement (length and weight) to determine condition index, recording of any physical
defects or injuries and examination to determine the presence of any parasitic or pathogenic organisms.
4. Comparison with data from specimens held in captivity: in addition to research published in scientific
literature, ex-situ research by the research team began in 2008. The results of observations in the wild
will be compared with observations of fish held in a controlled environment (aquarium), specifically for
growth and sexual maturity.
5. Data analysis and evaluation: (i) each data set will be analysed using standard methods (e.g.
statistical analysis) or in accordance with protocols already established during previous survey and
research work by the research team (e.g. for monitoring of permanent observation stations); (ii)
evaluation will be undertaken at 6 monthly intervals and if necessary the research protocols will be
modified based on results obtained, for example to seek to verify or investigate phenomena observed in
the field or the laboratory; (iii) all data will be analysed in respect of implications for management and in
particular for the planning and implementation of a sustainable ornamental fishery.

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APSF GRANT APPLICATION FORM (CONTINUED)
(E) OUTLINE OF PROJECT PLAN (CONTINUED)
(v) Milestones. Indicate the anticipated progress towards the objectives every 12 months of the project
Year 1:
Establishment of permanent monitoring sites at Mamboro and experimental introduction site.
Training of team members and assistants and other technical preparations including the
production/refinement of monitoring and observation tools.
All components underway before the first evaluation and report (month 6).
Year 2:
All components underway, 12 months full observations, mid-year evaluation
Initial results analysed and key results reported to managers.
Initial data products and papers produced or drafted, disseminated if appropriate
Year 3:
All components continue, until 2 full annual cycles completed.
Final analysis of results, production and dissemination of data products, reports, papers etc.
Ongoing research plan if appropriate.

(vi) Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits

Outcomes:
1. Increased body of knowledge regarding the biology and ecology of P. kauderni and targeted data
products making this knowledge readily available to stakeholders at local, national and international
levels
2. Improved scientific foundation for sustainable management of P. kauderni, including the development
of a sustainable ornamental fishery, within the framework of the Banggai Cardinalfish Action Plan and
Decree regarding Banggai Cardinalfish Management.
Benefits:
The project will help to ensure the conservation of this restricted range endemic species and assist
Indonesia in fulfilling the commitment made at CITES CoP 14, a commitment which was supported by
many CITES member countries including Australia.
Local capacity for research and education in a strategic area at the heart of the Coral Triangle, in the
fields of marine biology and ecology will be increased, including human resources and equipment,
educational material, and institutional strengthening of the STPL-Palu, Central Sulawesi Sea Partnership
and the BCF Centre.

(vii) Communication of Results. Outline plan for communication of results. It should be targeted to
one or more key groups, including the scientific community, natural resource managers and agencies,
educational institutions and the general public.
All results and data products will be deposited with the BCF Centre, Central Sulawesi Sea Partnership
and any other institutions appointed under the forthcoming management legislation and most data
products made available via internet (e.g. through the SCRIBD system). In this way outputs will be
available to all interested parties.
Results will be communicated to the national and international scientific community through papers (in
English or Indonesian) presented at seminars, symposia or conferences, submitted to scientific journals
and made available on the internet.
For managers and stakeholders (Central, Provincial and District government agencies, District and
Village MPA managers, BCF Centre staff and visitors, fisher groups, traders, educational institutions,
NGOs etc) and the general public, data products (mostly in Indonesian) will include books (similar to
those already produced in 2006), leaflets and audiovisual presentations.
Teaching materials will be produced for the Coastal Ecology and Endemic Species subjects at the STPL-
Palu and Tadulako University.

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 APSF GRANT APPLICATION FORM (CONTINUED)
(F) LOCATION AND DURATION OF THE PROJECT
The anticipated project duration is 3 years. The main location of the project is Palu Bay in Central
Sulawesi, Indonesia: coordinates S 0° 38’ 48” to S 0° 53’ 16” and E 119° 44’ 20” to E 119° 53’ 14”.
Observations at Mamboro (around S 0) 48’ and E 119° 52’), site of an introduced P. kauderni population
and at a nearby site where there is as yet no P. kauderni population.
Collection trips twice a year (during the East andWest monsoon) to the native distribution area of P.
kauderni, the Banggai Archipelago, sites around 123° to 123° 35’ E and 1° 30’ to 1° 40’ S.

(G) PROJECT ANNUAL BUDGET (BY YEARS FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT)
PLEASE PROVIDE ONLY THOSE AMOUNTS REQUESTED FROM THE FOUNDATION:
First Year Second Third Year Total
Year
(i) Technical assistance ,0 0,00 0,00 0,00
(ii) Equipment 6 700,00 4 710,00 3 000,00 14 410,00
(iii) Operating costs 6 974,00 8 455,00 9 715,00 25 144,00
(iv) Miscellaneous 737,00 770,00 943,00 2 450,00
(v) Travel 589,00 1 065,00 1 342,00 2 996,00
Total 15 000,00 15 000,00 15 000,00 45 000,00

(H) JUSTIFICATION OF BUDGET:

(Note: Goods and services should be procured from Australian sources unless there is a clear advantage
in obtaining them from elsewhere)
(i) Technical Assistance
The research team have most technical skills required, so that it is anticipated that technical assistance
will be limited to correspondence with national and international experts, mostly via email. Therefore
this is included in the communications component of miscellaneous costs.

(ii) Equipment
Most major items of equipment are already available at the STPL-Palu, or through co-operation with
Tadulako University (hire at special staff rates). The main exception is an underwater video camera for
recording of P. kauderni behaviour and taking footage for the production of educational and outreach
materials which to date has been done using an underwater camera with limited quality and capacity.
Some SCUBA equipment is needed to complement existing equipment, especially underwater torches
for night time observations.
There is no budgetary allowance at either institution for small items of equipment including short-lived
items such as specimen dishes and bottles, pipettes, slides etc.

(iii) Operating Costs

This is the major component because there is no provision for logistical costs, equipment maintenance
or disposable items (supplies) under current budgets for the STPL-Palu or other Sea Partnership
partners. Major items include SCUBA tank refills; transport of equipment (especially SCUBA
equipment); installation of permanent transect markers, transport of fish for experimental introductions;
chemicals (alcohol, formalin etc), hire of (non-STPL) laboratory facilities; batteries, CDs and other
consumables; stationery for use in the field (underwater paper has to be imported at considerable
expense) and the production of data products; per diem for field and some laboratory work at the
current national rate.

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 APSF GRANT APPLICATION FORM (CONTINUED)
(H) JUSTIFICATION OF BUDGET (CONTINUED):
(iv) Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous costs include communications, especially communication with national and international
experts, stakeholders and in connection with publication and dissemination.
A contribution towards other publication and dissemination costs is included, the remainder will be
borne by the research team.
Internal communication costs and other administrative costs will be borne by the research team.
Note that some support in kind is anticipated from the Provincial Fisheries and Marine Service

(v) Travel
The major components of travel expenses are travel to and from the observation sites in Palu Bay and
for collection of samples from the native habitat (Banggai Kepulauan) on the far side of Central
Sulawesi Province, a journey requiring 2-3 days each way by road and ferry.
The research team will bear the cost of miscellaneous travel (e.g. in connection with laboratory work
and coordination).
In years 2 and 3 a component for in-country travel associated with dissemination is included.

(I) EXPECTED PROJECT INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES:

(i) Contribution by the Applicant (Institution or Company)
Year Salaries Travel Operating Capital Total
One 1,300 600 1,671 2860 6,431
Two 1,300 700 3,566 0 5,566
Three 1,300 650 2,186 0 4,136
Total 3,900 1,950 7,423 2,860 16,133

(ii) Contribution(s) by Other

Sources
Year Salaries Travel Operating Capital Total
One 0 600 1,029 0 1,629
Two 0 700 1,143 0 1,843
Three 0 650 814 0 1,464
Total 0 1,950 2,986 0 4,936

J) OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

(i) Time Commitments. Should this application be successful, please estimate the personal
commitment to this project by the project leader and each of the other listed participating staff (as a
percentage of their total time).
Samliok Ndobe (team leader): 15% (approximately 1 day per week)
Abigail Moore: 25-30%; Novalina Serdiati: 10-15%;
Madinawati: 10-15%; Nasmia: 10-15%
Muslihudin: 20-25%; Nilmawati: 10-15%
Al Ismi Salanggon: 15-20%; Ederyan: 10-15%

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APSF GRANT APPLICATION FORM (CONTINUED)
(J) OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION (CONTINUED):
(ii) Other Applications. Have you any pending grant applications to other agencies for this or similar
projects? If so, please provide details (title of application, agency, amount, duration of project,
expected date of notification of outcome).

No

(iii) Other Grants. Please list other current grants awarded to the project leader for this or similar
projects (title of project, agency, amount, duration of project).

Title: Kajian Perkembangan Gonad dan Pola Pertumbuhan Ikan Hias Endemik Banggai cardinalfish
(Pterapogon kauderni) yang Dipelihara pada Salinitas yang Berbeda (Study of gonad development and
growth patterns of the endemic ornamental Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) kept under
different salinity regimes). Agency: Direktorat Penelitian dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, Direktorat
Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi (DP2M-Dikti), Indonesian Directorate General for Tertiary Education.
Amount: 70 million Rupiah. Duration: March-November 2009.

(K) REFEREES
Names and addresses of two referees who can attest to the applicant’s contribution to and expertise
in the field of the project. Referees should not be currently employed by the same institution as the
applicant(s).

1. 2.
Dr Suseno Dr Niclas Kolm
Staf Ahli Menteri Kelautan dan Perikanan RI Uppsala University
Gd Mina Bahari 2, Lt 17 Norbyvagen 18D
Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 16 75236 Uppsala
Jakarta Pusat, INDONESIA Sweden
email : ssn_id@yahoo.com e-mail: niclas.kolm@ebc.uu.se

(L) OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION TO BE LISTED SEPARATELY:

• Brief personal histories of project leader and support staff: MAXIMUM OF ONE PAGE ONLY FOR
EACH PERSON – EXCESS PAGES WILL BE DISCARDED.
• List of relevant scientific publications by project leader, plus key references to recent papers related
to the project: MAXIMUM OF 10 REFERENCES FOR EACH PERSON AND CATEGORY –
EXCESS OVER THESE NUMBERS WILL BE DISCARDED. Please provide a brief description of
the most significant findings from your papers on research closest to the subject of this application
(5 lines maximum).