Ranger Patrols in the Dampier Strait MPA
The Raja Ampat SEA Centre supports the BLUD UPTD KKP Raja Ampat in supervising the Dampier Strait Marine Protected Area, one of the richest and busiest zones in the archipelago. Covering more than 353,000 hectares, this region includes vital reef habitats, fishing grounds, and tourism sites. Managing such a vast and dynamic area requires collaboration, trust, and a constant presence at sea.
This is where the Ranger Project plays a key role. Our ranger team—led by Herli, a graduate of the SEA Centre’s Dive Guide School—works closely with BLUD officers to patrol the MPA and ensure that all activities comply with government regulations. Patrols are carried out using the SEA Centre’s purpose-built ranger boat, designed for daily monitoring and rapid response.
Together, our rangers and BLUD patrol units conduct joint missions to:
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Combat illegal and destructive fishing
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Ensure eco-tourism activities follow zoning rules and code of conduct
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Check permits and Environmental Service Fees (LPJL) for visiting boats
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Promote awareness among local communities and visitors about marine protection
The team also monitors the condition of coral reefs and tourism sites—from mooring buoys to manta cleaning stations—helping ensure that every activity contributes to long-term ecosystem health.
“Sometimes I spend the whole day on patrol and still can’t reach every reef,” Herli says with a smile. “That’s why collaboration matters. Out here, the ocean is too big for one team—but not too big when we all work together.”
Through this partnership, the SEA Centre and BLUD reaffirm what conservation in Raja Ampat has always stood for: shared responsibility. Each patrol is more than enforcement—it is a commitment to keeping the heart of the Coral Triangle thriving for generations to come.