Sharks of the Gili Matra Marine Park
Sharks Guardians of the reef and a sign of a healthy ecosystem Sharks of the Gili Matra Marine Park When people think about the Gili Matra Marine Park , turtles usually come to mind first. The Gili Islands are famous worldwide for their resident green and hawksbill turtles, often seen while snorkeling just a few meters from the beach. But beneath the surface, another group of animals plays an equally important role in keeping the reef healthy and balanced: reef sharks . Sharks are not visitors in the Gili Matra Marine Park. They are residents. Their presence—especially the high number of juvenile sharks—tells a powerful story about reef health, protection, and the importance of long-term conservation efforts. Around the Gili Islands, divers and snorkelers most commonly encounter three types of sharks , with whitetip reef sharks and blacktip reef sharks being by far the most frequently spotted. This article explores the sharks of Gili Matra, wher...
