About Us
Indo Ocean Project is a marine research, conservation, and training initiative based in Indonesia, working at the intersection of science, education, and practical field experience. We design and deliver long-term ecological monitoring programs, applied research projects, and professional training pathways that support both marine conservation outcomes and the development of early-career ocean professionals. Through our Divemaster and Research Diver Internship, Ecology courses, and field-based expeditions, we provide hands-on training in scientific diving, species identification, and ecological survey methodologies while contributing meaningful data to local and regional management efforts. Our programs bring together Indonesian and international participants, scientists, and partner institutions, creating a collaborative environment where learning, research, and conservation are closely linked.
Indonesia sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and plays a critical role in global marine biodiversity, yet many coastal and remote regions remain under-monitored and under-resourced. Effective conservation depends on reliable, long-term data, local capacity building, and strong links between research and on-the-ground action. Indo Ocean Project exists to help fill these gaps by generating standardized ecological data, supporting applied research on reef ecosystems and marine megafauna, and training the next generation of dive professionals, researchers, and conservation practitioners. By combining consistent field monitoring with education and community engagement, we aim to strengthen evidence-based marine management and contribute to the long-term protection of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems.
Mission
Conserving Indonesia’s marine environment through research and education whilst training the highest quality dive professionals through our conservation divemaster internship program.
Vision
We envision healthy, resilient marine ecosystems across Indonesia that support biodiversity, sustain coastal livelihoods, and enable responsible tourism. Marine management is guided by reliable, open-access scientific data, ensuring decisions are informed, effective, and grounded in local realities.
We see marine protected areas that are actively monitored and respected, coastal communities supported through sustainable fisheries and alternative livelihoods, and conservation action that is led locally and strengthened through collaboration, education, and capacity building. Through this approach, we aim to support thriving ocean ecosystems that remain productive and valued for generations to come.
How we accomplish our goals
-
We implement standardized, non-invasive monitoring programs to produce reliable, long-term ecological data.
-
We train and mentor early-career dive professionals and conservation practitioners through hands-on, field-based programs.
-
We embed education into our work, sharing practical, evidence-based conservation knowledge with local communities and visiting divers.
-
We collaborate with universities, NGOs, and independent researchers to support applied research and student-led field projects.
-
We connect research outcomes with local conservation priorities through community engagement and real-world application.
-
And yes, we believe meaningful time underwater is essential for building skills, perspective, and long-term ocean stewardship.
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel
Economic Responsibility
- all lunches are sourced locally with profits going into our communities
- all buildings are constructed from locally sources materials and built by a 100% Indonesian construction team
- 60% of our foundation board members are Indonesian
- We offer training to our local community to share scuba diving and create new ocean advocates in rural areas across Indonesia through our Indo CorAlliance Initiative.
- We offer 2 Indonesian scholarship placements per year to Indonesian citizens.
- We offer free, open access data to the locally run MPA offices to assist in policy making and marine park management
EnvironmentAL Responsibility
- We recycle all items possible through our partnering dive shops, and up-cycle plastic bottles in our mangrove nursery
- We work with Trash Hero Indonesia and Project AWARE and promote and host regular beach and underwater clean ups
- We run eco expeditions to many destinations including Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda Sea, Triton Bay and offer many eco friendly alternatives for travel throughout Indonesia
- All staff, interns, volunteers, guests, and participants in our program are required to sign a waiver and agree to our environmental policies before any diving activity. This policy includes; no stepping on coral, no stirring the sediment, no chasing or touching marine life, no fish feeding, no littering, no collecting dead or live marine life, no anchoring on reef, so selling or trading of coral or marine life souvenirs, always use a mooring buoy, and to support local conservation initiatives.
Social Responsibility
- We work together with local authorities and organisations to help protect and conserve the marine environment.
- All foreign participants will be sent a pre arrival guide and a undergo an cultural introduction lead by our Indonesian staff with all the do’s and don’ts for their project area.
- We organize cultural outings to local temples, festivals, Bahasa Indonesian and cooking classes and other cultural events on request.
- We train local divemasters in conservation and research techniques through our Indonesian Scholarship program.