Indo SeaSpirit x The Sea People - Coral Conservation with big impact

Degraded reef slowly becoming living reef again. @The Sea People

When you’re exploring Raja Ampat’s wild waters, there’s a quiet force working tirelessly behind the scenes, let us introduce The Sea People. They are not just our partners, they’re ocean warriors, coral caretakers, and guardians of the reef. Small team but they have made huge impact on the Raja Ampat’d coral reefs over the past decade.

Who Are The Sea People - Orang Laut?

Group picture of The Sea People, Smilo and Planete Mer teams come together

Sea People is a passionate, science-driven conservation group based in Raja Ampat. The SEA People is a field-based marine conservation organisation focused on restoring, protecting and conserving coral reef ecosystems. Their work combines science, technology and traditional knowledge with something equally important: people who live here, know these waters and have a reason to protect them.

Their mission?

Restored reef and Degraded reef @Megan Hassa

To protect coral reefs through local empowerment, research, and action.

They blend Indigenous knowledge, community partnerships, and marine science to create programs that last, not just for today, but for generations to come.

What They Do?

Cori from The Sea People attaching Coral Fragments @Josh Edwards

• Reef monitoring & coral restoration

• Training local coral garderners and impact makers

• Participating installing moorings to prevent anchor damage

• Educating youth in coastal communities about marine life

  
  

They’re not armchair activists, they’re in the water, mapping coral health, planting coral fragments, and making change happen.

Through its Yaf Keru Reef Restoration and Conservation programme, The SEA People has now transplanted more than 85,000 coral fragments and restored more than 2.7 hectares of degraded reef. The programme has also helped create long-term livelihoods through training, certification and employment of local community members.

Why They Do?

While dive centers and tour operators take you the pristine snorkel and dive locatios, there is tons of Degraded reef around Raja Ampat.

The SEA People began the Yaf Keru programme because not every reef in Raja Ampat is pristine. While the region is famous for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, there are also areas of degraded reef and coral rubble that have failed to recover naturally. The organisation has identified significant areas requiring restoration, including degraded reef in the Dampier Strait. This is where coral restoration comes in.

Why This Matters to Indo SeaSpirit?

Restored coral reef at Mansuar Island @Megan Hassa

Our trips take you into the heart of Raja Ampat’s marine wonderland, but if we don’t care for the reef and enveriment, it won’t be here much longer.

That’s why Indo SeaSpirit:

• Encourages guests to visit Sea People programs and learn more

• Collaborates on reef-safe tourism education

We walk the walk, together.

How You Can Support Them?

Visitors are joining coral restoration day with The Sea People

• Follow the_seapeople_oranglaut on social media

• Donate directly to their reef programs

• Visit their field station if you're in the area (Book Advance)

• Ask us how to build a “conservation day” into your trip itinerary

The Sea People + You = Coral’s Best Future

The reef isn’t just a pretty backdrop, it’s a living world with deep roots and even deeper value. Supporting The Sea People - Orang Laut means your are giving back to Raja Ampat.

So while you're snorkeling with a manta or gliding past a coral wall, know this: you're part of a much bigger story. And together, we can make it a lasting one.

Learn more about The Sea People and visit their website from here