Raja Ampat

 The Raja Ampat Islands in eastern Indonesia are the most biodiverse marine region on earth, home to more than 1,638 reef fishes and 534 hard corals — 67 per cent of the world’s described species. A series of archipelagos occupying 46,000 sq. km of ocean, the 1,500 islands lie in seas that combine the conditions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, ranging from cool, low-nutrient waters to rich mangrove marshes, coral reefs and seagrass bays.  

The reefs support 22 shark species, and include cleaning stations for the elusive Oceanic manta ray. Also, home to the world’s largest nesting beaches for the Pacific leatherback turtle, it is little surprise that Raja Ampat is a tentative UNESCO natural World Heritage site. 

The pristine condition of the islands was maintained for centuries by their remote location and adherence to traditional practices, but unsustainable fishing, increased tourism, and impacts of the pandemic now severely threaten this unique ecosystem.  

A reduction in surveillance and enforcement of its marine protected area (MPA) has allowed illegal fishing and destructive tourism practices to increase, causing damage to ancient coral reefs and a decline in fauna such as sharks and mantas. The pandemic’s economic impact has pushed local communities into unsustainable practices to sustain their livelihoods. 

Blue Marine is working with local partners the Raja Ampat Sea Centre Foundation to establish ranger teams and strengthen patrolling of this marine sanctuary. We are supplying rangers with speed boats, uniforms, communication, and visual recording devices. Integrating local staff, resort operators and governmental bodies, our mission is to curb illegal activities and create a framework for sustainable fishing and marine tourism.  

In the province of West Papua, where the MPA is located, there is legislation in place to empower local governance and improve the welfare of Iindigenous Papuans. Blue Marine is running dive training for Papuans, and in the long term we aim to provide employment opportunities too. 

Our initial goal is for rigorous enforcement of the MPA to protect 500 sq. km of sensitive coral reefs from illegal fishing activities, and to halt destructive practices including sea-cucumber fishing, bomb fishing, and illegal longlines within 500 sq km of its protected core zone.  

Ultimately, we hope to support the return of tourism to foster conservation and sustainable economic opportunity. With sustainable management established, Raja Ampat can protect its exceptional marine biodiversity, and in turn bring tangible benefits to both the local and national economy.