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Several organisations and dive operators offer ways for visiting divers to actively contribute to marine conservation during their trip. From citizen science to reef monitoring, your dives can serve both adventure and research.
| Programme | Organisation | What You Do | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manta Photo-ID | Marine Megafauna Foundation | Photograph manta belly patterns and submit to Manta Matcher database | During regular manta dives — no extra time needed |
| Reef Check surveys | Various operators / Reef Check Foundation | Participate in standardised reef health monitoring dives | Half day to full day (training + survey dives) |
| PADI AWARE specialties | PADI Eco Center operators (e.g., Azul Komodo) | Complete conservation-focused specialty certifications: Coral Reef Conservation, Dive Against Debris | 1–2 days per specialty |
| Beach and underwater cleanups | Various operators and local NGOs | Join organised cleanup dives targeting marine debris on reefs and beaches | Half day |
| Coral nursery volunteering | Select operators | Help transplant coral fragments in reef restoration areas | Varies |
The simplest way any diver can contribute to conservation in Komodo is by photographing manta ray belly patterns during encounters. These photos are submitted to the Marine Megafauna Foundation's Manta Matcher database, which tracks individual mantas across years and sites. Your holiday photo could help researchers track a manta's movements, reproductive history, and health over its lifetime.
How to submit: Take a clear photo of the manta's belly (ventral side) showing its unique spot pattern. Submit it through the Manta Matcher website or app, or give your photos to your dive guide — many Komodo operators submit ID photos on behalf of their guests.