Administrators Note: Don Silcock is an Australian underwater photographer and photojournalist based in Bali, Indonesia.  His non-commercial website, Indo-Pacific Images, is full of interesting articles of experiences from his extensive travels throughout Indonesia and beyond.  Don has been a supporter of the Bird’s Head Seascape since its inception.  He has authored, and will continue to write, articles about diving in the BHS, its pioneers and conservators.  Don has generously and kindly offered to share his stories with us.  Thank’s Don.

While Raja Ampat and the larger Bird’s Head Seascape is on most exotic traveler’s “bucket list”, in the early 2000’s only a few people had heard of it, much less knew where it was or what was there.  Initially known as a mecca for intrepid scuba divers, Raja Ampat today receives thousands of visitors.

But Raja would not be the “go to” destination it is today without a LOT of work by mostly unheralded individuals.  

This will be the first in a series of articles exploring conservation efforts in Raja Ampat. Don’s series begins with Dr. Mark Erdmann, whose deep understanding of the marine ecosystems is matched by a similar understanding of Indonesian language, culture and politics. 

Click on Mark’s image or follow the link to Don’s Indo-Pacific Images website to read the article, “Understanding Conservation in Raja Ampat – Part 1: Mark Erdmann“.

And look for Part 2: Dr. Gerald Allen – Coming soon.