Taking on the Pirates at Misool
Photographer: Michael Buckley
Exhibit Title: Taking on the Pirates at Misool
Location: Indonesia
Misool is a remote island in the region of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. After being a base for shark-finning operations to feed demand for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Misool underwent a remarkable transformation into a luxury eco-resort where marine species are preserved, funded by divers who visit and other generous donors. Misool has its own Marine Protected Area (MPA), but with one huge difference: it has its own privately-funded patrols by rangers armed with AK-47s to keep the poachers at bay. MPAs are the last great hope for preservation of marine species, but they account for only 3 percent of the oceanic domain. And MPAs are prime targets for pirates and poachers, with little to stop them because government funding is weak.
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