Table of contents
Who is Project Laut ?
Project Laut was founded in January 2021 by Joma, SSI instructor trainer, and Sita, Extended Range technical instructor. It is a marine conservation initiative based in Bali, Nusa Penida, dedicated to the protection and preservation of underwater ecosystems. Project Laut aims to help those with a passion for marine conservation and professional diving navigate their career path.
Project Laut aims to help those with a passion for marine conservation and professional diving navigate their career path. Their mission is clear: to protect and preserve underwater ecosystems while training the next generation of dive conservationists. Project Laut trainees acquire the skills and knowledge needed for careers in conservation, contributing to a sustainable future for our oceans.
Turtle Identification
A Precise and Essential Study Project Laut began in 2021 with a clear mission: the identification of sea turtles. This task, although widespread throughout the world, is carried out with remarkable precision by the project team. Both sides of the head of turtles encountered in the water are photographed for unique identification, enabling individuals to be distinguished with great accuracy. To date, around 500 turtles have been identified, representing almost 1,200 individual identities. Once a turtle has been spotted five times, it is classified as a resident, enabling its habits and movements to be tracked. This painstaking work is essential for understanding which turtles are local and which migrate, providing crucial data for the conservation of these species. What’s more, the data collected is shared to harmonize everyone’s efforts.
Coral Restoration
An Innovative and Essential Project Coral restoration is a crucial initiative for the preservation of our marine ecosystems. Project Laut is a remarkable example. Initially focused on turtle identification, the NGO quickly evolved to include coral restoration, a necessary response to the damage caused by tourism, anchors and dynamite fishing.
Invaluable support
The project is supported by Go Ocean, a Belgian organization that enables them to receive an income for maintaining and gardening the ocean in the same way as they do on land. Thanks to this support, the project has been able to grow and intensify its restoration efforts.
The Planting Method
The planting process is meticulous and well-organized. Teams divide into two: a dry team, on the boat, attaches the coral fragments to the spiders (metal structure), while a wet team dives to collect coral fragments and place the spiders on the seabed. The fragments are carefully selected for their size and health, increasing their chances of survival. The fragments are carefully selected for their size and health, increasing their chances of survival.
The Importance of Maintenance
The maintenance of coral structures is just as crucial as their installation. Teams make regular dives to ensure that corals are growing well and to remove invasive soft corals such as Xenia. Coral fragments are particularly fragile at first and require constant attention for around six months.
Diversity and Resilience
Keys to Success One of Project Laut’s key strategies is mixed coral planting. By diversifying the coral species on the structures, including coral spiders, the project increases the resilience of the reefs to disease, invasive predators and environmental change. This approach also enhances genetic diversity, increasing the chances of long-term success.
How to support Project Laut
- Make a Donation: Financial contributions help fund conservation projects and support dedicated staff.
- Become a Partner: Companies and organizations can collaborate with Project Laut to support their initiatives.
- Participate in an Internship: Join their internship program to gain hands-on experience in marine conservation and diving.
For more information and to find out how you can get involved, visit their website.
Project Laut is an inspiring example of how local initiatives can have a significant impact on the preservation of marine ecosystems. Through innovative methods and community support, Project laut contributes to the resilience and diversity of coral reefs, essential to the health of our oceans.
