Through a grant from the Ignite Foundation, Shark Stewards is working in Indonesia with the non profit Sustainable Oceanic Research Conservation and Education (SORCE) and community partners to protect living sharks and rays and habitat through a new marine protected area. Working with a network of divers and volunteers, the team is conducting fish and habitat surveys- including shark surveys – to support increased marine protection in the Coral Triangle at the Gita Nada Marine Protected Area at Sekotong Bay, Lombok. The project, funded by the Ignite Foundation with Shark Stewards, is conducting data including BRUVS, video and visual transects to collect baseline data inside the proposed expansion. Engagement with local communities will enhance and ensure a better understanding of proposed MPA regulations and help with long term recovery of coral and protection of local marine fauna.
Sharks and rays are threatened from overfishing throughout Indonesia. Collecting observations on marine megafauna and identifying hot spots will help target increased protection. Community scientists and ecotourism can help protect sharks and rays and protect their habitat. Join the team surveying reefs and fish in a community science project at the “Secret Gilies” on Lombok Island in Indonesia, and other hotspots in SE Asia and help protect coral reef ecosystems and marine megafauna.
SORCE is training citizen scientists to help with hands-on shark and reef protection through Reef Check surveys and species monitoring. Dive ecotourism is a major component of this program, teaching our guests fish and reef surveys and collecting observation of sea turtles, sharks and rays. Snorkelers are also welcome and new divers can earn Basic and Advanced Open Water PADI SCUBA certifications in a tropical setting.
These trips include hands-on conservation, learning Reef Check and fish survey methodologies, gathering data at the field station and diving with sea turtles and other wildlife.
The Indonesia field station lodging includes traditional cabins just 10 meters from the beach. Fresh local food is provided and prepared by our local staff with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Contact SORCE for more information on these exclusive opportunities that benefit conservation work protecting sharks and other marine megafauna, and their habitat.
Project supported by the Ignite Foundation, and your donations.
