Conservation Weeks at Oceans 5 Gili Air

The past few weeks at Oceans 5 Gili Air have been a testament to the dive center’s unwavering commitment to marine conservation and research. As a PADI Career Development Centre, Oceans 5 is not just focused on training world-class dive professionals but also plays an integral role in supporting marine research, conservation initiatives, and sustainability efforts. The recent conservation weeks were no exception, marking another milestone in Oceans 5 Gili Air’s ongoing efforts to protect and restore the marine ecosystem around the Gili Islands.

Supporting Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram

A key highlight of the conservation weeks was Oceans 5 Gili Air’s support of the research program conducted by Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram. Global FinPrint is an ambitious, worldwide initiative aimed at assessing shark and ray populations through the use of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs). The University of Mataram has been playing a crucial role in marine research in Indonesia, and this collaboration was another step forward in understanding the biodiversity and ecological health of the waters surrounding the Gili Islands.

Week One: BRUV Research Method in Action

The first week of the conservation weeks was dedicated to understanding and implementing the Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) research method. The purpose of BRUVs is to gather non-intrusive data on marine life, particularly shark and ray populations, by attracting them to a controlled bait station equipped with cameras. This method allows researchers to study marine species in their natural habitat without interfering with their behavior.

The week started with a series of training sessions led by experts from Global FinPrint and marine science faculty members from the University of Mataram. The focus was on practical issues surrounding the deployment and retrieval of BRUVs, understanding how to interpret the collected data, and ensuring the research method adhered to scientific best practices.

Despite careful planning, the deployment of BRUVs proved to be a challenging task. The strong winds and large waves around the Gili Islands made it difficult to place and retrieve the BRUVs accurately. The conditions required precise coordination, patience, and teamwork. However, despite these challenges, the researchers and dive teams successfully completed multiple BRUV drops, collecting a wealth of valuable data for marine conservation research.

The data collected during the first week will be analyzed to gain insights into the distribution and abundance of key marine species. The findings will help in developing conservation strategies and understanding how local and global environmental changes impact the biodiversity of the Gili Islands.

Week Two: Conservation Workshops and Knowledge Exchange

Following the rigorous research work in the first week, the second week was dedicated to a series of workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. Oceans 5 Gili Air played host to various NGOs from across Indonesia, all of whom are actively involved in marine conservation. These workshops provided an opportunity for conservation professionals to share insights, discuss best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Ongoing Beach Cleanup Initiatives

Amid the research activities and workshops, Oceans 5 Gili Air continued its weekly beach cleanups to ensure that conservation efforts extended beyond scientific research. Every Friday at 17:00, the dedicated team at Oceans 5, along with enthusiastic volunteers, took action to clean the beaches around the harbor.

These cleanups are particularly crucial because the monsoon season and strong tides often bring in large amounts of marine debris and plastic waste to the shores of the Gili Islands. Volunteers collected plastic bottles, fishing nets, food wrappers, and other waste, preventing them from being washed back into the ocean, where they could cause severe harm to marine life.

To acknowledge and appreciate the effort of the volunteers, Oceans 5 Gili Air rewards participants with a free drink at the end of each cleanup. This initiative not only promotes environmental responsibility but also fosters a sense of community engagement and collective action among locals and visitors alike.

The Impact of Conservation Weeks

The conservation weeks at Oceans 5 Gili Air have made a significant impact on marine conservation efforts around the Gili Islands. Here are some of the key outcomes:

Valuable Data Collection: The successful deployment of BRUVs has contributed to a comprehensive database of marine species, particularly sharks and rays, which will aid in the development of conservation policies.

Knowledge Sharing and Skill Development: The workshops enabled NGOs and conservation professionals to exchange ideas and adopt new conservation techniques, strengthening their ongoing efforts in marine protection.

Enhanced Awareness and Engagement: Through the workshops and beach cleanups, local communities and tourists gained a better understanding of marine conservation challenges and solutions, leading to more conscious efforts in protecting the marine environment.

Strengthened Conservation Networks: The event facilitated new partnerships and collaborations among different organizations, ensuring that conservation efforts remain sustainable and impactful in the long run.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Conservation at Oceans 5 Gili Air

As the conservation weeks come to a close, Oceans 5 Gili Air is already looking toward the future. The dive center remains committed to:

Continuing partnerships with organizations like Global FinPrint and the University of Mataram to support further research initiatives.

Expanding conservation programs, including more workshops, citizen science projects, and eco-awareness training for divers.

Encouraging sustainable tourism practices by educating divers and visitors about marine conservation and responsible diving.

Advocating for stronger marine protection policies by working closely with local governments and environmental organizations.

Hosting regular cleanups and other community-driven conservation initiatives to protect the beauty and biodiversity of the Gili Islands.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of the researchers, conservationists, volunteers, NGOs, and the Oceans 5 Gili Air team who contributed their time and effort to make these conservation weeks a success. Oceans 5 extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated, shared their knowledge, and worked tirelessly to protect the marine ecosystem of the Gili Islands.

By combining scientific research, education, and community action, Oceans 5 Gili Air continues to be a pioneer in marine conservation. These conservation weeks have reinforced the importance of collective action in preserving the underwater world, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the magic of the ocean.

For those who missed out, stay tuned for more conservation initiatives at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Whether you’re a diver, scientist, or simply someone who cares about the ocean, there will always be opportunities to get involved and make a difference!