As reported in 2019, there were 14 acts of MPA violations recorded by the surveillance team of Nusa Penida MPA. The Bali MPA Management Unit in Nusa Penida, together with partners including CTC, conduct monthly monitoring to ensure that marine activities in the MPA follow the Nusa Penida MPA zoning system. The violations were mostly found in the core zone, traditional fisheries zone, and marine tourism zone, highlighting the need to build the knowledge of local operators on the MPA zoning system.

In order to address this, the Bali MPA Management Unit, in collaboration with CTC, conducted socialization on the Nusa Penida zoning system on February 5. The team also spoke about the protection of marine animals, especially sharks and manta rays.

The socialization was conducted in Banjar Pidada Karang Sari, Suana Village. The 63 fishers of Karang Sari were excited to explore these important topics. CTC’s partner in the field, Wayan Suwarbawa, led the discussion on the Nusa Penida MPA zoning system. He explained the boundary of each zone and which activities are allowed or forbidden in each zone so the community can build their knowledge of the zoning system and follow the implementation correctly.

As the habitat of many charismatic marine animals, the protection of the Nusa Penida MPA through its specified zoning system is vital. CTC’s Field Officer in Nusa Penida, Revani Utami, shared about manta rays that are living in Nusa Penida, as well as the Indonesian government policy that is now fully protecting manta ray. Reva also inspired the locals to help protect these marine megafauna by talking about the role of manta rays in the ocean, and the benefit of protecting manta rays for the local community in Nusa Penida. One member of the Bali MPA Management Unit, I Dewa Yogi Palguna, also talked about different kinds of sharks that are protected by the Indonesian government.