By: Joshua Bull
I debated for a long time about what I should write my blog about—the science of conservation, my journey to becoming a divemaster, or my personal experience on the island. But in the end, I realized the most important part of all is the community.
The greatest asset we have in protecting our planet and preserving it for future generations is teamwork: like-minded people coming together to achieve something that would be impossible alone. In this small corner of the world, on a tiny island, that sense of unity truly exists. There is an incredible community of people working together to ensure a better future for our planet.
I will attempt to briefly summarize what makes this community so special.
The Gili Shark Team, led by Kinah and Jane—the yin and yang—embodies a unique blend of chaos, determination, leadership, and fun, highlighted most memorably by Jane’s remarkable ability to speak Bahasa… or lack thereof.
Venny, Abel and Clara are some brilliant conservationists, extremely kind and welcoming people, they make life on the island feel like home! They help propel Gili Shark Conservation forward with conservation efforts and behind the scenes planning as well as making some brilliant and engaging content for gili shark involving everyone’s unique personalities.
The Coral Catch superwomen, led by Cenna and joined by Filza, Fitri, Selvi, and Ina, are an extraordinary group of young Indonesian women destined to accomplish remarkable things in the field of conservation.
Aida and Auni are two young ladies not too dissimilar from myself, working very hard to break into the field of marine biology. What they go on to achieve I’m certain will be incredibly important work.
Aris and Wika are a bright, energetic ocean power couple whose passion for conservation and education is as infectious as their smiles. The work they do to protect our planet is truly inspiring.
If a community had an engine, then Mirah and the team would be that. Incredibly hard working people that support the team here with everything they do. Some things may go unnoticed, others celebrated but everything appreciated.
Lastly, Rose stands as the heart behind Gili Shark Conservation—the visionary whose drive and genuine friendliness bring this remarkable group of people together.
Then there’s the sharkies, a unique group of people from all walks of life each with a similar love for the oceans and the organisms that inhabit them.
Timmy, Tommy, and Max — where do I even start? Pure chaos in the best way. Three genuinely solid guys, my brothers on the island. I may have only known them for six weeks, but it felt like years. Always full of laughs, yet constantly pushing and encouraging each other to grow as divers and conservationists.
Alena, Cara, and Cat are three incredible women whose passion for the ocean is truly admirable. Hard workers and even harder partiers, they brought great energy wherever we went. Always the ones taking charge, they somehow had a plan for everything the group got up to. (Cara, if you’re reading this, I don’t actually think you’re that old.)
Paula, Lea, and Julia — the research assistants — each bring a unique outlook on life and a shared ambition to do meaningful work supporting Gili Shark Conservation. Their dedication to conservation and research makes them a fantastic addition to the GSC research team.
As a group, we shared some seriously funny moments. From the water to the bars, from the work table to the dinner table, this was a group that truly had each other’s backs and never left anyone behind, every step of the way.
And finally, there’s me. When I left England five months ago, I was just another marine biology graduate. I still am — but after ten weeks with the Gili Shark team, I’ve gained experience, ideas, belief, and confidence. I now truly believe I can go on to make a lasting impact on both the planet and the communities connected to it.
The teamwork and unity here are truly admirable. Everyone works together toward a shared goal — protecting and sustaining this tiny corner of the planet — yet what they’re doing represents something far greater than just this place.
