A Massive Reef Clean-Up, Marine Science Support, and a Commitment to Conservation
On a sunny afternoon at 16:00, a group of enthusiastic divers gathered at Oceans 5 Gili Air for a purpose far greater than a fun dive or a photography session. They came together to protect and preserve the reef in front of the harbor—a vibrant yet vulnerable part of Gili Air’s underwater ecosystem. Organized by Oceans 5’s eco instructor Chika, this reef clean-up was more than a dive—it was a movement.
Twelve divers participated in this clean-up mission, and by the end of the afternoon, they had collected a staggering 126 kilograms of rubbish from the harbor area. The event underscored the urgent need for continuous conservation action on Gili Air and reflected the longstanding commitment of Oceans 5 to environmental stewardship—15 years and counting.
A Mission That Goes Deeper Than the Surface
The harbor of Gili Air is known to macro photographers and underwater naturalists as a haven for rare marine creatures. It is not uncommon to spot seahorses, pipefish, nudibranchs, or even tiny octopuses among the seagrass and sand. But this beautiful marine life shares its home with an ever-growing threat: marine debris.
During the rainy season, plastic bags, straws, fishing lines, and single-use items are carried by currents from the Lombok coast and surrounding islands into Gili Air’s waters. Once high season kicks in, the problem shifts. The daily movement of boats, careless tourists, and inadequate waste management systems often result in garbage being directly dumped or accidentally left behind in the harbor. This is not just a blemish on the island’s image—it’s a threat to marine biodiversity.
But instead of waiting for change, Oceans 5 Gili Air acts.
From Briefing to Buoyancy: How the Reef Clean-Up Was Done
The clean-up operation began at Oceans 5’s spacious dive center, where volunteers assembled to prepare their dive gear. Instructor Chika, known for her passionate dedication to marine conservation, conducted a comprehensive safety and logistics briefing. Participants were assigned buddy teams, instructed on how to remove trash without damaging marine life, and reminded about the importance of neutral buoyancy—especially in a delicate area like the harbor.
Then it was time to enter the water.
For one hour, the 12 divers carefully combed the seabed, collecting anything that didn’t belong to the marine environment. Items recovered included plastic bottles, old clothes, broken glass, discarded fishing nets, and even metal debris—remnants of human negligence that had made their way underwater.
At the end of the dive, each buddy team surfaced with mesh bags full of garbage. The bags were carefully weighed and sorted. The final total? 126 kilograms—a powerful result that proved the success of the event and the need for many more like it.
Oceans 5 Gili Air: 15 Years of Conservation Without External Support
Some skeptics may dismiss environmental initiatives as marketing tools, but Oceans 5 Gili Air has never depended on external NGOs, flashy donations, or social media trends to uphold its eco values. Instead, its conservation efforts are deeply rooted in the business philosophy of founder Sander, who built the dive center in 2010 with a clear mission: to offer high-quality scuba education while protecting the marine environment that makes it all possible.
From day one, Oceans 5 has funded its own clean-ups, hosted conservation courses, and supported marine education initiatives—all without external sponsorship. These projects are not side events; they are central to the identity of Oceans 5.
This dedication is not a trend. It’s a 15-year legacy.
Weekly Beach Clean-Ups: Everyone Is Welcome
While the reef clean-ups are more specialized and require certified divers, everyone can contribute to conservation on Gili Air through Oceans 5’s weekly beach clean-ups. Every Friday at 17:00, the team at Oceans 5 organizes a community beach clean-up in the harbor area.
It doesn’t matter who you are—locals, tourists, expats, divers, snorkelers, business owners—all are welcome. Gloves and bags are provided. At the end of the clean-up, everyone gathers for a group photo, shares a free drink, and celebrates their collective effort to keep Gili Air clean.
These Friday clean-ups are not only effective but symbolic. They show that you don’t need to be a marine biologist or dive professional to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes and the desire to help.
Supporting Marine Science: A Boat for the Future
Beyond the clean-up efforts, Oceans 5 Gili Air plays a key role in developing the next generation of Indonesian marine scientists. Every Saturday and Sunday, the dive center provides resources for students from the University of Mataram to conduct scientific research around the Gili Islands.
This support includes:
- A dedicated dive boat
- Captain and anchor man
- Full scuba equipment
- Meals and transportation
These are not marketing events—they are investments in the future of marine conservation in Indonesia. Students use this opportunity to perform reef surveys, collect biodiversity data, analyze coral health, and monitor species populations. And thanks to Oceans 5, these students—many of whom have limited access to diving opportunities—can gain practical, hands-on research experience.
For many, this is their first step toward becoming marine biologists, conservation leaders, or environmental policymakers.
An Open Invitation to the Gili Dive Community
One of the most remarkable parts of yesterday’s reef clean-up was the spirit of unity. Twelve volunteers gave their time, energy, and air tanks to remove 126 kilograms of waste from the reef. That’s an average of over 10 kilograms per person.
But imagine if every dive shop on the island joined this initiative.
Oceans 5 Gili Air is extending an open invitation to other dive shops and water sports operators on Gili Air: Let’s do this together.
The harbor is the first impression for every tourist arriving on Gili Air. When the harbor is dirty, it affects all of us—hotels, restaurants, dive shops, and local businesses. Tourists post pictures, leave reviews, and talk about their experiences. Clean beaches and a healthy reef reflect positively on the entire island.
So, whether you’re an individual diver or a dive shop owner, if you’d like to be part of the next reef clean-up, stop by Oceans 5 Gili Air. We’ll welcome you with open arms—and a mesh bag.
Oceans 5: More Than a Dive Centre
At a glance, Oceans 5 Gili Air may look like just another dive center. But take a closer look, and you’ll see that it is a social hub, a training ground, and a beacon of conservation on the Gili Islands.
- Beach clean-ups every Friday
- Reef clean-ups organized regularly
- Marine science support every weekend
- Conservation specialties taught weekly
- Neutral buoyancy techniques taught during all diving courses
- No-touch, no-chase, no-interfere policies across all dives
This is not a place that teaches diving and adds a bit of conservation on the side.
This is a place where conservation is the foundation.
Final Words: The Ripple Effect of Action
It’s easy to post on social media about being “eco-friendly.” It’s harder to walk the talk for 15 straight years.
Oceans 5 Gili Air has shown that small teams can have big impacts, especially when driven by purpose. From Instructor Chika’s dive clean-up to Instructor Cakra’s awareness workshops, from the support for marine science students to the free weekly beach clean-ups—every action creates a ripple effect.
And those ripples? They’re changing Gili Air for the better.
So, the next time you walk through the harbor, take a moment to look around. If it feels a little cleaner, a little healthier, or just a bit more hopeful—you’ll know who to thank.
Join us. Dive in. Make a difference.