Last night, we spotted a spearfisher on the reef at Yaf Keru (today we received a fish from them).  Early this morning, these two young boys in a hand-carved canoe fished with nothing but a line wrapped around a plastic bottle. In the wind-shadow of Mansuar Island, where the sea stays calmer during the southerlies and storms – when fishing further afield is too challenging or dangerous, we’ve sometimes seen two or three small dugouts just like theirs. Families from the village, fishing for dinner. Familiar faces. Small-scale. Low-impact. On their reef.

At first glance, fishing activity on Yaf Keru seem like a problem. But look a little closer, and it’s actually a good sign. Because this reef—once dead, broken, and barren—is alive again. It’s productive. It’s providing.

And this is part of the vision for Yaf Keru.

What we’re doing here isn’t just about coral. It’s about people. It’s about restoring ecological function to reefs that were destroyed decades ago — so that nature can begin to give back to those who’ve always depended on her. For food. For safety. For identity.

We’ve worked alongside the community to make this happen. At their request, we’re collaborating to ensure the site remains available only for subsistence-level fishing by local families.

But here’s where things get complicated.

As the reef recovers, tourism interest has grown. Just by being here and being active on the site, this tourism ‘high season’ it seems we’ve brought extra attention the stunning reef below Yaf Keru (the very areas we are attempting to protect) that were once almost completely un-dived by tourism groups  – while those in close proximity were over dived.  With increasing regularity, we now see dive boats on the site – with varying degrees of diver behaviour, from great divers with good bouyancy and skills… through to photographers (and their guides) holding onto reef restoration… to take photos of reef restoration!!  But beyond this, it’s important to recognise this site sits directly adjacent to, and in some areas, directly in front of a village. In front of the church. It’s a village reef.

And here’s the part that we’re not supposed to say out loud: right now, with the exception of one dive operator, boats are diving this site without village permission.  That includes big-name ‘eco-operators’— diving, leaving. No consultation. No contribution. No return to the community whose reef they’re entering.  We see the instant reaction from our local team; some of whom are from the village in question.  We hear the irritation of the village community.

In other parts of Raja Ampat, villages receive a small fee per visiting dive boat – a recognition that the reef is theirs, a contribution to jetty upkeep.  We believe this ‘new dive site’,  deserves that same respect.

Imagine if you were sitting at home, and a bus load of (mostly) foreign tourists turned up and had a picnic in your garden; no permission from you, no recognition that it’s your place, and no offer of contribution for using the space.   It’s the same.

If you’re diving here right in front of the village, at the very least please seek village permission. If you’re profiting from this place and these reefs  – whether you’re a guide, resort, or operator – please consider contributing.

Back to the matter of small scale subsistence fishing on Yaf Keru…  it made us smile to see this.  Of course we’re aware of where it may lead, but so is the community… and we’ll work on this together.

Restoring a reef isn’t just a matter of planting coral. It’s about creating space for recovery. It’s about equity. It’s about local stewardship.  Yaf Keru is a living, growing example of community-based reef restoration… and seeing these young boys fishing, receiving a fish from a fisherman, tells us we’re doing pretty ok.

🌊 Want to learn more about  Yaf Keru? Go here: 🔗 https://theseapeople.org/yaf-keru-reef-restoration/

Together, we can help ensure that both reefs and the people who depend on them have a future.

Click images to englarge:

For more than a decade, The SEA People have been dedicated to protecting and restoring Raja Ampat’s reefs. Our name stood for Science. Education. Awareness. And that that last word – awareness – was crucial. But over time throughout the world, this has become a comfortable catchphrase, a way to feel engaged without taking real action.

But we’ve always been about action. Because we believe conservation isn’t just about knowing—it’s about doing.

That’s why today, we’re making it crystal clear:

🔥 The SEA People now stands for Science. Education. ACTION. 🔥

Because  knowing is not enough.

The Problem with ‘Awareness’ Alone

For decades, so many impactful campaigns have focused on raising awareness—convincing people that the ocean is in trouble. And it’s worked. Today, there are more people than ever who know about coral bleaching, plastic pollution, overfishing, amongst the myriad of other marine threats.

Raising awareness has played an important role in conservation – and it continues to be a critical first step. But now, with the ocean in extreme crisis, the next step—direct, tangible action—is what truly makes a difference.

Because here’s the truth:
🔹 Coral reefs are still declining.
🔹 Marine species are still disappearing.
🔹 Ecosystems are still collapsing.

Why? Because awareness alone doesn’t restore reefs, remove destructive threats, or empower local communities.

Social media has made it easier than ever to “engage” with conservation—from liking a post to sharing a documentary clip. But passive engagement doesn’t create change.

Awareness without action is like knowing your house is on fire but doing nothing to put it out.

Why ACTION Is Needed—Right Now

Raja Ampat is the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. But every day, its reefs are at risk from both local and global threats.

🌊  In 2024/25, a record breaking marine heat wave elevated sea temperature higher, earlier and for longer.
⚠️  Every few months, new development  (many labelled ‘eco’) encroach upon and threaten pristine marine ecosystems.
🐠  Without sustainable and alternative livelihoods, communities are left with few choices but to extract and exploit.

But Oceans don’t have time for passive concern.
Coral reefs don’t have the luxury of waiting.

These ecosystems, and all that depend on them, need immediate, direct, and tangible action. Now.

What Science, Education, and ACTION Look Like at The SEA People

At The SEA People, action is at the heart of everything we do. Our work isn’t about words—it’s about results.

🔬 Science – Data-driven conservation, reef health monitoring, and innovative restoration techniques.
📚 Education – Training local communities, divers, and tourists in sustainable marine conservation.
⚡ ACTION – Direct, on-the-ground impact, including:
✅ Restoring degraded reefs through our Yaf Keru program stabilizing coral rubble, transplanting coral fragments, and rebuilding critical marine habitats.
✅ Protecting pristine reefs before they become damaged; implementing mooring systems to prevent anchor damage, monitoring marine megafauna, and enforcing conservation policies.
✅ Engaging local communities in sustainable conservation-based livelihoods—training and employing local people, giving opportunities that others won’t
✅ Using applied science and conservation technology, to enhance traditional knowledge and management methods

✅ Educating and mobilizing tourists and divers – to collect field data, restore reefs and understand better their REAL impact and influence in Raja Ampat
✅ Ongoing community based conservation programs – not for and to local communities, but rather.. with and by local communities.

This is what ACTIVE conservation looks like.

Too many people believe they have to be in the field to make a difference. It’s not true.  Action isn’t about location—it’s about choice. No matter where you are, you can be part of the solution.

4 Ways You Can Take Action—Right Now

1) 💡Visit Our New Website – Learn exactly what ACTION looks like in the field, in the water, and alongside local communities: www.theseapeople.org

2) 🌊 Donate for Direct, Tangible Impact – Every $20 restores 1sqm of degraded reef, protects 1sqm of pristine reef, and supports local livelihoods. Your support doesn’t just raise awareness—it makes real change happen.  Donate here.  

3) 📢 Share & Inspire Action – Share this story, challenge others to do more than just ‘know’ – encourage them to ACT. Because awareness without action is not enough.

4) 🌏 Take One Step, and Take it Today – What you do today shapes the future of our oceans, coral reefs, and ultimately, your own world—the food you eat, the air you breathe, the stability of our planet.

Conservation isn’t just about talking. It’s about actually doing.

The ocean doesn’t need more people who simply know it’s in trouble. It needs more people who refuse to stand by and do nothing.

🔥 Right now is the time. Donate, share, change your daily habits—whatever you do, do something. It’s in YOUR hands. Your action matters. 🔥

3 days ago we posted the above image and info on our instagram account. We’ve just had to adjust it… because just when we thought our team couldn’t get any better… they did. 

Yesterday, with just THREE people (while number 4 stepped out to write a grant proposal), the team took on the reef again – and delivered a record-shattering 450sqm of reef stabilisation in a single day!

That’s over a tonne of wire mesh stabilising coral rubble across two dives:
>> 200sqm in Dive 1
>> 250sqm in Dive 2

No excuses. No waiting. No wasted time.

Just conservation in action.

This is Yaf Keru. A reef restoration model refined over years—where the right method meets the right team, built through years of capacity building. It prioritises DOING over talking, driven by willpower, dedication, and action—all leading to real results for reefs, ecosystems, and people.

And we’re ready to scale. 

We’ve already identified 13 hectares of degraded reef that need restoration. We want to restore them all within 5 years. The method is in place. The team is trained. The impact is proven.

Now, we just need the resources to deliver.

How You Can Help

We’re actively seeking individuals and organisations to be part of this mission:

• CSR Partnerships – Corporate teams and brands who want to support real, transparent, and tangible conservation.
• Bequests & Philanthropy – Leave a legacy that protects reefs for future generations.
• Grants & Funding Collaborations – Help us scale this work to where it’s needed most.
• Direct Donations – Every €20 restores 1sqm of reef, protects another, and supports local livelihoods.

The will is here. The impact is real. The time is now.  

If you’re interested in supporting this work, we invite you to donate or contact us at admin@theseapeople.org about potential partnerships and collaborations. 

Thank you for standing with us in this fight for the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs. 

Let’s make large-scale restoration happen.

**A quick opening note… we know that not everyone likes to read long posts, but we invite you to both watch the video and read to the very end, because the final closing paragraph (which is not about a trip to France at all!) is equally as important and significant as the trip to France itself.  Thankyou, and enjoy… 🙂 **

The past 3 weeks have gone by in a blur.. with first-time international flights, new food, new faces, new people, new places… and so many genuine “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences. We didn’t post anything as we were too busy ‘doing’, but now that we’re back, here’s apost-jetlag look back at the unforgettable moments and connections that made this journey so special!

Just a few days ago, Cory and Tresye (and Arno and Lynn) returned from a transformative experience in the South of France, where they were selected to represent the Foundation and Yaf Keru at the Small Islands Organisation (SMILO) Annual Meetup.  Held in the beautiful Frioul Islands and the vibrant city of Marseille, this event brought together over 130 participants from more than 40 islands and 25 countries, united in their dedication and commitment to the sustainable development and conservation of small islands.

For us, it was not only an opportunity to share the story of Yaf Keru (our community-based reef restoration program), the local traditional practice of ‘sasi’ as method of protecting natural resources, and our use of solar power and electrical boat engines, but also to connect, learn, and expand our vision for protecting coral reef and island ecosystems.

We were honored to be selected to participate and present at this international gathering; representing the world’s most biodiverse marine region, we shared the core principles of Yaf Keru, highlighting how community-led reef restoration can uplift ecosystems and livelihoods simultaneously.  This was an incredible chance to demonstrate that small island communities, like those in Raja Ampat, are essential contributors to global environmental health, and we were proud to showcase how Yaf Keru’s model of conservation is making a tangible difference to both people and place.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this event was Cory’s journey and presentation. Cory, from the village of Yenbekwan in Raja Ampat, was selected to deliver a full presentation – in English!! – to an international audience, an impressive milestone for someone who, just six months ago, would not have imagined doing such a thing!  This trip was also significant in other ways – it was her first time traveling outside of Indonesia and an incredible opportunity to showcase her skills and knowledge, share Yaf Keru’s story, and the story of her island and the traditional community practice of sasi, on a global stage. Cory’s growth over the past few months is a testament to our commitment to capacity building within local communities, giving individuals the skills and confidence to be leaders in conservation. Cory’s presentation was not only well-received but sparked such enthusiasm and questions from the audience that the allocated time wasn’t enough, leading to many follow-up conversations in the days that followed. It was a remarkable achievement and also a source of pride and inspiration for all of us (including Cory herself.. who we swear was 3 inches taller afterwards!).

During our time in Marseille, our team was also able to enjoy an especially meaningful time with the team at Planète Mer, our long time friends and dedicated partners in marine conservation.  After years of support and collaboration with this amazing team, to – finally! – be in a room together was an extra special moment, and allowed us to discuss first hand insights on coral restoration methods, scientific monitoring in Raja Ampat, and the financial challenges of sustaining large-scale conservation programs. The chance to meet face-to-face with the Planète Mer team and deepen our shared commitment to Yaf Keru underscored the strength of our partnership and the importance of collaboration in conservation.

This trip wasn’t just about presentations, workshops and meetings; it was about building connections, sharing knowledge, and working together for a sustainable future. We were all inspired to learn from other organisations and small island communities addressing similar challenges, and proud to see the interest and influence that Yaf Keru and traditional management inspired.  The openness, support, and collaborative spirit of all those we met with was a reminder that although all islands and marine spaces re unique, our missions intersect; we are all part of a global community striving to protect and sustain the world’s invaluable marine ecosystems.

Petualangan di Perancais | Adventures in the South of France…
This trip was also an incredible cultural experience for Cory and Tresye, an opportunity to explore the rich history, culture and landscapes of France. From sampling French cuisine (where it was determined some French cheese tastes like durian), taking scenic train rides and the ‘metro’ (an underground train), to visiting natural history museums, hiking around islands so different from their own, and hearing a new language while exploring the busy streets, markets, and shops of Marseille, Valbonne, and the French Riviera—every moment offered fresh experiences.  This trip brought many firsts, including the experience of a colder climate—an adventure all its own as Cory and Tresye navigated the coldest temperatures they’d ever felt (down to just 8 degrees at night!)!

For Co-Founder Arno, this visit also provided a rare opportunity to spend time with family and friends, reconnecting with loved ones and reinforcing the bonds that support and sustain the mission of The SEA People.

The experiences and connections we gained during this trip have further strengthened our vision and commitment. As we continue our work in Raja Ampat, we are deeply grateful for the invaluable support of SMILO, Planète Mer, and all those who believe in our mission, and us personally.  Together, we’re striving to build a future where small islands and local communities are celebrated as leaders in marine conservation, and where people can thrive in true harmony with their natural environment.

We’d like to personally thank the following people;
– Silvain, Domitille, Martha and the entire team at SMILO for pulling together this amazing conference.
– Laurent DeBas (Founder and Director of Planet Mer) for his warm welcome, genuine friendship, hospitality,  mentorship, motivation and inspiration, along with the wider Planet Mer team
– The Brival Family; for welcoming Cory and Tresye into their lives and homes, and being amazing hosts, tour guides and friends.. and for making Cory and Tresye feel at home, whilst being so far from home.

….you made our trip the success that it was, and we could not have done it without you!!

A final word…

Roy, Piet, Yosina and Luis

To finish, we want to recognize and extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible members of our team who stayed at home in Raja Ampat. While we were in France, Piet, Yosina, Roy, and Luis independently managed the daily operations of Yaf Keru and our conservation vessel the Galaxea—a significant and proud moment for our foundation. For the first time, they oversaw every detail, from the logistics of our reef restoration activities to managing the vessel’s upkeep and schedules, all while ensuring that the work we’ve built together continued smoothly and effectively.

This milestone reflects not only their dedication and hard work but also the success of our commitment to capacity building and our vision of cultivating local leaders in conservation. Piet, Yosina, Roy, and Luis have shown that conservation leadership isn’t just about skill; it’s about the heart, resilience, and commitment they bring to Raja Ampat every day.

Thank you, Piet, Yosina, Roy, and Luis, for your exceptional work, reliability, and teamwork during this time. Your efforts are a reminder of why we do what we do, and we’re deeply grateful to each of you for carrying Yaf Keru’s mission forward with such dedication. This achievement speaks volumes about the future of Yaf Keru and our goal to build a foundation of strong, local conservation leaders.  Injo Nober.

 Last night during a dive on Yaf Keru, we experienced a moment of absolute wonder — a single coral (sp Pachyseris speciosa) in the act of spawning.  Rarely sighted, we watched in awe as a cloud of male gametes drifted upward from a coral that, without the restoration effort, would have been smothered months ago under a cascade of coral rubble. It was a profound spectacle, a rare glimpse into the intimate dance of life that usually unfolds unseen, and a moment of extraordinary significance for us; because this coral, thrown a lifeline by our coral gardeners, was not only able to survive… but thrive, and importantly; spawn.  In this small yet monumental moment, we were powerfully reminded that Yaf Keru’s work not only restores and protects coral reefs, but also gives rise to new and future reefs, contributing to the overall ecosystem resilience.  

For many, Raja Ampat is a name that conjures up images of adventure, mystery, and a deep connection to ‘the blue.’ Nestled in a remote corner of the Coral Triangle, this archipelago is often referred to as “the species factory,” a place where life bursts forth in colours and shapes like nowhere else on Earth. Yet beneath the surface of these vibrant waters, a hidden event remains shrouded in mystery – the elusive coral spawning, because despite the abundance of coral species, coral spawning here is still one of Raja Ampat’s best-kept secrets.

Coral spawning is one of nature’s grandest celebrations – a synchronized event where countless corals release their gametes into the water, creating a stunning display of colour and life. In places like the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, spawning occurs with clockwork precision—a few nights after a full moon, once a year, typically in late spring. It’s an event that attracts marine scientists and curious visitors alike, all eager to witness the ocean’s version of a fireworks display.

But Raja Ampat, ever the rebel of the marine world, moves to its own rhythm. Here, coral spawning is as unpredictable as the wind. One day, you might stumble upon it in the bright light of noon; the next, under a moonless night sky. The corals here don’t seem to follow any strict lunar or solar calendars that are ‘known’. They spawn in the day, they spawn at night; sometimes under a waxing crescent, other times during a waning gibbous. Individuals within a species might choose their own unique time, as if each have their own story to tell.

For many coral reefs around the world, synchronised spawning is a strategy to maximise fertilisation chances by releasing millions of eggs and sperm simultaneously, overwhelming predators and increasing the likelihood of survival. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia exemplifies this phenomenon, with its coral colonies carefully timing their reproductive efforts with the lunar cycles and water temperatures.

But Raja Ampat isn’t just any coral reef. It’s the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on the planet, home to over 75% of all known coral species. It’s a place where the rules of the ocean seem to be rewritten, and the diversity of life defies conventional wisdom.

Here, perhaps synchronised spawning isn’t necessary. With so many species and ideal conditions for coral growth, the reefs of Raja Ampat may not need to hedge their bets in the same way. Or perhaps, these corals hold a secret we have yet to uncover—a mystery worth preserving, one that mirrors Raja Ampat itself—a place that defies predictability.

It’s this very randomness that keeps us intrigued, reminding us of how much we have yet to learn about this extraordinary marine wilderness. Every time we sink beneath the surface there’s the promise of discovery—a chance to encounter the spectacular without warning, an opportunity to celebrate the unknown.  

And what better celebration could there be…  than diving on Yaf Keru at night and discovering a singular coral spawning in Raja Ampat –  a location that will forever (we hope) hold some secrets, remain elusive and beyond the edges of what is known and imagined.

For more on Yaf Keru – click here
To see our Impat Map – click here

In the world of conservation, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: lasting environmental change is only possible when the people most affected by these efforts are placed at the centre.

This belief is not just a guiding principle for The SEA People—it’s the foundation upon which our entire mission and vision are built.

In Raja Ampat, one of the last marine wildernesses on Earth, we see firsthand how local communities hold an incredible amount of local ‘natural world’ knowledge, that could (and should) be incorporated into conservation efforts in order to drive greater, more meaningful conservation impact and environmental change. These communities, many of whom are often overlooked or under-represented in decision-making processes, possess the knowledge and insights that could be used to inform and enhance the solutions needed to protect their natural surroundings.

In our work, over the years we’ve seen that conservation strategies must go beyond the immediate environmental impact; they must address the socio-economic realities of the communities involved.  For example, while Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial for preserving marine biodiversity, they can also restrict access to traditional fishing grounds if not designed with community input. This can inadvertently harm the very people who depend on these resources, undermining the long-term success of the conservation effort. (Please note: Raja Ampat’s MPA’s were designed in close collaboration with local communities).

Our commitment to a community-centered approach stems from years of learning and adapting. Since our inception, we’ve recognized that effective conservation is about more than protecting species and habitats; it’s about empowering the people who live alongside them.

This approach has led us to prioritise the voices, needs, and perspectives of local people in Raja Ampat.

Our Yaf Keru Reef Restoration and Conservation Program embodies our people-centered approach by engaging local communities not just as participants but as active participants and leaders in the conservation process. From the very inception of the program, local people played a crucial role in providing historical context and insights into how degraded reef ‘used to be’, identifying the causes of degradation, and offering insight into local environmental factors that could influence restoration success. This deep, community-rooted knowledge is essential, as it allows us to tailor restoration efforts to the unique conditions of each site.

Through other initiatives, such as training and certifying local Coral Gardeners and integrating local knowledge with modern conservation techniques, we are creating a model where environmental stewardship and community well-being go hand in hand. This not only helps protect Raja Ampat’s unparalleled biodiversity but also promotes sustainable livelihoods, food security, and cultural preservation.

By engaging local people in this manner, as participants rather than passive beneficiaries, we’re not only restoring and protecting coral reefs, but also restoring and protecting a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community, whilst providing full time employment. This model ensures that conservation efforts are sustainable and that the benefits are felt by those who rely on these ecosystems the most.

Our journey is one of continuous learning. We strive to build genuine relationships with our partners in Raja Ampat and around the world, where both successes and challenges are seen as opportunities for growth. By embedding learning practices into our daily work, we ensure that our conservation efforts are adaptive and responsive to the needs of the communities and environment we serve.

Mobilizing the power of people—whether as local leaders, young adults, women, children, environmental stewards, or participants in conservation activities—is how we aim to achieve the transformative change that Raja Ampat, and indeed the world, so desperately needs.

It’s through this collective effort that we can help safeguard the future of our planet’s most precious ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

At The SEA People, we believe that the path to true conservation lies in the hands of the local people. By placing communities at the heart of our efforts, we are not only protecting the environment but also fostering a sustainable and equitable future for all.

For more on Yaf Keru – click here
To see our Impat Map – click here

Photo Credit: Greg Johannes