GILI SHARK CONSERVATION

Gili Shark Conservation is a project that aims to restore coral reefs in the Gili Matra Marine Recreational Reserve and create the first recognized shark nursery by 2025. A team of five staff operate this amazing organization, small but making their mark. Of the five staff – three are local people (Musa, Katon & Cakra) who are employed as scientists, dive guides, and instructors - they are incredibly talented, and knowledgeable and could brighten any day with their infectious smiles. Rose who is the founder of the organization, oversees the project – however, is responsible for having the most inspiring and brilliant ideas possible, the reason why this project is so magical. Maisy, is the lead scientist and the most passionate person you’ll meet - she’s is Rose’s sidekick and together they are pretty much unstoppable. The amount of passion and love these five people hold is enough to inspire anyone.

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My Experience

Anyone can write about something based off a website - but having truly experienced all it has to offer I can offer some honest advice. Join Gili Shark, you won't regret it and it will end up being one of the best experiences of your life.

During the 3 short weeks, I was there I:

• Became a PADI advanced diver – I came with 7 dives and left with 32

• Got my PADI Scientific diver and Shark Aware diver specialties

• Identified 10 turtles through the database and named 5 new individuals

• Identified 1 new White Tip Reef Shark

• Did a coral health index survey

• Collected coral fragments, transported them, and planted the on underwater structures

• Participated in 5 Beach Cleanups and 3 underwater ones

• Saw my first ever Spotted Eagle Ray at 30 meters down

• Went sub-winging for the first time and assessed the coral cover

• Did roving survey dives finding indicator species

• Did Coral Watch Surveys

This list does not include the knowledge I gained, the friendships I made, and the fun I had every single day.