Morotai Dive Tourism Funds Shark Research: Gharonk's Initiative

In Morotai, North Maluku, Darmawan Ahmad Mukharror, widely known as Gharonk, is pioneering a unique approach to shark research. Beginning his diving journey at 34, Gharonk was captivated by the lesser-known aspects of sharks after watching "The Sharkman," a film that challenged the common perception of these marine predators as solely ferocious. He observed a significant gap in public knowledge regarding shark behavior and their crucial role in marine ecosystems. This realization spurred his commitment to understanding sharks more deeply. In 2014, he became the sole Indonesian to hold the PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Instructor certification, specializing in shark conservation diving instruction. After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Bandung Institute of Technology, Gharonk pursued a Master's in Marine Science at the University of Indonesia. He noted that most shark research in Indonesia primarily focuses on specimens caught by fishermen and landed at ports, examining physical characteristics and biological aspects. Research into shark behavior in their natural habitats, which requires long-term, even decades-long, observation, remains understudied. To finance this continuous research, Gharonk established Shark Diving Indonesia in Morotai. Revenue generated from dive tourism and his personal funds are channeled into supporting his research activities. Tourists are not only treated to encounters with sharks but are also educated about their behavior in the wild. His research specifically targets reef sharks and their interactions with humans in Morotai and Halmahera, employing methods such as Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) systems and underwater video censuses to record behavior, diversity, and fish abundance. This initiative highlights a model where tourism development directly supports scientific research and conservation efforts. This article was originally published on Mongabay