Coral Catch Press

Coral Catch is doing something simple and radical: removing the barriers that kept Indonesian women out of marine conservation, and letting the reef do the rest.

On Gili Air, Coral Catch is creating pathways for women to build careers in marine conservation while strengthening the long-term stewardship of Indonesia’s coral reefs.

Indonesia-based coral conservation organisation Coral Catch is a testament to its founder Rose Huizenga’s passion for the ocean and women empowerment.

Coral Catch Superwomen shows how marine conservation and women’s empowerment can move together through real, hands-on action. The story follows lived experiences of women challenging social expectations, restoring coral reefs, and proving that environmental protection is deeply human, community-driven, and rooted in courage rather than debate.

Rose Huizenga founded Coral Catch to empower Indonesian women in marine conservation. Despite challenges, she created the nation’s first all-female coral restoration team. Thirty-two “Superwomen” have graduated, inspiring girls to dream of ocean leadership. Her mission: train 100 women, protect reefs, and prove female leadership drives lasting environmental change.

Written by Jessica Levy, one of Coral Catch’s earliest ambassadors, this heartfelt reflection captures the power of connection, community, and conservation. After five years of supporting the program from afar, she finally joined the Coral Catch Conference in Gili Air, where nearly 80 women came together to celebrate their shared mission of restoring coral reefs. Through storytelling, science, and sisterhood, Jessica shares how Coral Catch is not just training practitioners but creating a movement; one built on joy, resilience, and the belief that change starts with people who care deeply.

In her beautifully written reflection “Superwomen” on The Eco Chapter, Marla Lise captures the spirit of the Coral Catch Conference 2025 in Gili Air — a gathering of 85 women united by their passion for the ocean. Through her thoughtful lens, Marla celebrates the strength, courage, and sisterhood that define the Coral Catch movement, weaving stories of empowerment, science, and the shared dream of restoring our blue planet. Her words remind us that “strength doesn’t come from being a boy or a girl, but from being brave enough to be yourself.

Known as Cenna, she leads the Coral Catch scholarship program at Yayasan Gili Matra Bersama, not only promoting conservation but also breaking gender stereotypes in diving. Her experience revealed the lack of female divers in marine research, sparking her advocacy for gender equality. “Women need space to express themselves. Equality means having the same opportunities, regardless of differences in strength or emotions,” Cenna explains.

Rose Huizenga’s leadership in marine conservation is driven by curiosity, warmth, and optimism. As the force behind Gili Shark Conservation and Coral Catch, she shares the challenges and triumphs of running a conservation organization in a changing climate.

Empowering women to save coral reef. Coral Catch is an Indonesian NGO addressing coral reef decline and the gender gap in marine conservation. Through a nine-week scholarship program, they train women to lead coral restoration efforts, building a network of conservationists to protect Indonesia’s reefs and secure our planet’s future.

“Ketika kita merubah hidup seorang perempuan, kita tidak hanya merubah individu, tetapi juga seluruh komunitasnya,” ungkap Rose dalam pidatonya saat memenangkan penghargaan Blue Water Heroes Awards atas upayanya memberdayakan perempuan Indonesia dalam konservasi laut terutama ekosistem terumbu karang.

Rose Huizenga, alongside with other 5 women is listed as women making impacts for the ocean. Coral Catch aims to build a local network to protect Indonesia’s reefs and offer 100 coral conservation scholarships to Indonesian women by 2030. Through education and advocacy, the organization inspires and reconnects people with the ocean.