About SORCE

Who we are

Experience the ocean up close

We are a marine research and conservation field centre based on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, bringing together scientists, students, divers, and conservationists from around the world.

By combining rigorous science, hands-on fieldwork, and immersive education, SORCE creates opportunities for people of all backgrounds to explore the ocean first-hand, contribute to real-world conservation, and develop skills that last a lifetime.

Whether you join us for an expedition, our A-Level course, or one of our short courses and workshops, you become part of an international community working for healthier seas and a brighter future.

Put simply, we protect and restore tropical marine ecosystems, from coral reefs to mangrove forests, while empowering the next generation of ocean leaders.

The SORCE team together on the beach at the field centre

Staff and expedition participants outside the field centre

What we do

Three Pillars of SORCE

As a non-profit environmental and research organisation, we bring these three pillars together to make a positive difference locally and in the worldwide drive to protect marine life.

Mission, Vision & Values

What we are working towards

Mission

To protect and restore marine environments through scientific action, field research, and global education. We foster understanding and inspire change for a sustainable future.

Vision

To restore marine ecosystems to robust health and productivity that can be maintained and improved for generations to come, using sustainable, community-backed methods.

Core values

The principles we work by, each one carrying the same weight.

Teamwork
The more people who help find and act on solutions, the more effective we are, and only by working together can we reach our goals.
Community
Conservation is only sustainable when local communities are at the heart of it.
Responsibility
Integrity and respect underpin everything we do: for the environment and the species we protect, and for the people and communities we work with.
Honesty
We share our work accurately and hold ourselves accountable for all that we do.
Relevance
Scientific research and academic knowledge are at the root of our work, so it moves us towards meaningful impact.
Accessibility
Marine science should not be a privilege. Indonesian students join us through free or heavily discounted internships.
Inspiration
We motivate and empower people, communities and businesses, giving them the knowledge and drive to act.

Where we are

The Sekotong Peninsula, Lombok

Lombok is situated within the Coral Triangle and the Wallacea biodiversity hotspot - regions of exceptional marine diversity and widely recognised as a global conservation priority.

The Sekotong Peninsula, where we are based, is home to the Secret Gilis, 13 relatively untouched islands with abundant marine life, making it ideal for research and conservation.

In 2018 the region was designated the GITA NADA Marine Protected Area, covering more than 18,000 hectares. It is rich in biodiversity, home to everything from tiny pygmy seahorses that live among sea fans, to passing sharks, and the rare, majestic, white-spotted eagle rays.

While the area is officially protected, offering many pristine reef areas, enforcement is limited, and the area faces threats from unsustainable fishing practices, climate change, and unregulated tourism. Historic dynamite fishing and coral bleaching have also left parts of the ecosystem in need of restoration.

Why Indonesia?

We focus where the need is greatest

Indonesia is the world's largest island nation, made up of more than 17,000 islands. It is home to extraordinary marine biodiversity and extensive coastal ecosystems, including beaches, mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds.

2ndlargest reef area of any country
16%of the world's coral reefs
76%of the world's coral species live in the Coral Triangle
2,200+reef fish species in the Coral Triangle

At the heart of the Coral Triangle

Indonesia lies within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth, which:

Is home to 605 of the world's 798 known reef-building coral species
Supports more than 120 million people who rely directly on its coasts and seas
Is worth more than US$3 billion a year in marine resources
Contains three biodiversity hotspots

A global conservation priority

Coral reefs are under threat all over the world. The Coral Triangle matters most because so much of what is at stake is found here.

Between 2023 and 2025, the worst bleaching event on record affected 84% of the world's reefs
44% of reef-building coral species are now threatened with extinction, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
More than 85% of the Coral Triangle's reefs are threatened by local pressures such as overfishing and pollution, against 60% worldwide
It is home to 15 coral species found nowhere else, so losing them here means losing them for good

These figures make one thing clear: long-term marine research and conservation in Indonesia and the wider Coral Triangle is critical.

Map of Lombok, Indonesia. An inset shows the Sekotong Peninsula with the SORCE field centre marked, and a legend distinguishes shallow, mid and deep water.

Our field centre

A unique location

Our modern, sustainable and well-equipped beachside centre sits in the GITA NADA Marine Protected Area, just metres from House Reef, where we have created three nurseries to nurture and grow new corals.

The centre is set right on the beach on Lombok's south-western spit, in a relatively undiscovered area known as the Secret Gilis. These islands remain largely unspoiled, meaning that when we conduct research and conservation activities, it's rare to encounter other dive boats or tourists on the reefs.

Your own comfortable room in an eco-conscious, Lombok-style hut built from sustainably sourced bamboo and "alang-alang" thatching, set either side of a quiet, shady avenue.

Each hut holds two private rooms, separated by a bamboo divider. A private single room is standard, but the divider can be taken out for people who want to share a whole hut: couples in a double room, or friends in a dorm-style room.
- Large single bed
- Electric fan
- Power points
- Shelves and clothes rail
- Bedside table with lamp
- Mosquito netting
Staff make the beds and sweep the rooms daily. Towels and sheets are changed weekly, and a laundry service is available.

Meet the team

At the heart of SORCE is a family

Behind every expedition, every survey, and every restored coral fragment is a passionate team of scientists, educators, and conservationists. Want to know who you'll be learning from? Read their profiles below.

Kara Majerus

Founder & Managing Director

Scientific direction & partnerships

Zoologist and conservation ecologist, Advanced Diver and Reef Check Eco-Diver Instructor. She began developing SORCE in 2016 and leads both the organisation and its scientific direction.

Originally from Cambridge, Kara holds a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Zoology with Animal Behaviour from Bangor University, an MSc in Biological Photography and Imaging from the University of Nottingham, and an MSc in Conservation Ecology from Oxford Brookes University. She is also an Advanced Diver and Reef Check Eco-Diver Instructor, combining her scientific background with extensive experience in field research, diving, education and biological communication.

Kara’s connection to the natural world began long before SORCE. Raised by field biologists and spending much of her childhood travelling and joining her evolutionary ecologist father in the field, science and wildlife were an everyday part of family life. A formative expedition to Indonesia, working in both rainforest and coral reef environments, strengthened a lifelong passion for conservation and helped shape her ambition to create something of her own.

In 2016, that ambition became SORCE. Kara began developing the organisation from the ground up, with the aim of bringing research, conservation and education together in a place where each could directly strengthen the others. Today, as Managing Director and Head of Research and Conservation, she leads SORCE’s scientific direction and oversees its research and conservation programmes, partnerships, student programmes and wider organisational development.

Kara remains closely involved in the science itself - from developing research projects and working with scientific collaborators to supporting publications, mentoring the science team and building partnerships with universities, organisations and government agencies. She also draws on her background in scientific communication to ensure that SORCE’s work reaches beyond academia and helps people understand why protecting the ocean matters.

For Kara, SORCE has never simply been a job. It began as a childhood dream and became the place she and her family built their lives around. Conservation is deeply personal to her: it is about protecting the natural world she has loved since childhood, but also the world that her five children - and the generations that follow them - will inherit.

Conservation highlight: Being invited by the government, in early 2020, to sit as an expert consultant at its day-long meeting on managing the GITA NADA Marine Protected Area - the first real sign that SORCE was regarded not just as present and helpful, but as an authority whose advice carried weight.
Favourite underwater creature: The white-spotted eagle ray.
Fun fact: She is a shark at cards, and will sing and dance all night long if you let her.

Mike Sayers

Director

Site development & ocean chemistry

A chemist by training, Advanced Diver and Reef Check Eco-Diver. He built the field site itself, designed our MARS blocks and BRUV rigs, and leads on ocean chemistry.

Originally from Shrewsbury, Mike holds a BSc in Chemistry with Biomolecular Sciences and an MSc in Biomolecules for Medicine from Bangor University. His professional background spans scientific research and development, laboratory testing and hazardous waste management, giving him a perspective on marine conservation grounded in chemistry, sustainability and practical problem-solving. He is also an Advanced Diver and Reef Check Eco-Diver.

Mike became involved during the early development of SORCE, working alongside Kara as the idea evolved from a plan into a functioning organisation and, ultimately, a permanent field site in Indonesia. Together they made the decision to move their family and five young children to Lombok, where Mike played an important role in establishing the facilities and operations that allowed SORCE to open its doors in 2019.

Much of the field site exists because Mike built it. Working to Kara’s vision with a local team of contractors, he took the site from the ground up and designed a great deal of what it runs on - from the MARS blocks (Modular Artificial Reef Structures) and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) rigs used in our research to the foot wash stations and the tank rack for kitting up in the dive store. He still leads site maintenance and the team behind it, and is closely involved in the practical side of how our projects are designed and delivered.

As Head of Oceanic Chemistry, Mike brings his scientific background to the chemical dimensions of marine conservation - chemical oceanography, water quality testing, pollution and waste management. A natural problem-solver, he is constantly looking for ways to make SORCE more efficient and sustainable, whether reducing waste, lowering the organisation’s environmental footprint or finding inventive solutions to the everyday challenges of field-station life. His chemistry background gives him a different perspective on the pressures facing marine ecosystems, and on the role science can play in developing practical solutions.

For Mike, SORCE brings together science, diving, conservation and family life. What began as Kara’s ambitious idea became something they built together - not only an organisation, but a home and a shared commitment to protecting the natural world their children will inherit.

Conservation highlight: Developing the MARS blocks (Modular Artificial Reef Structures) and watching them take hold and thrive on the reef.
Favourite underwater creature: The bobtail squid.
Fun fact: He is a passionate archer, with a warbow he carved himself.

Izy Rigby

Director

Finance, HR & field-site operations

From Llandudno, North Wales, by way of a decade managing venues and arts organisations. She oversees finance and administration and plays a major role in HR and running the field site.

Originally from Llandudno in North Wales, Izy brings an unusual combination of mathematics, finance, operations and large-scale organisational management to SORCE. Before entering marine conservation, she spent almost a decade working in venue management across the UK and Ireland, including major theatres and entertainment venues, before moving into the charitable arts sector as a General Manager and later Executive Director. Alongside her career, she completed a degree in Mathematics through the Open University.

Despite a career spent largely in arts, entertainment and operations, Izy’s love of the ocean had been with her since childhood. She grew up on the coast, and family sailing trips gave her an early attachment to the sea. As an adult that pull became strong enough to take her diving, and then to a two-month marine volunteering placement in Malaysia - where she learned to dive properly and met Kara and Mike. That meeting would ultimately change the direction of her life.

In 2019, as SORCE prepared to launch its new field site in Lombok, Izy joined the organisation as its third Director and quickly became an integral part of both the team and the SORCE family. Today, as Head of Finance and Administration, she oversees the financial and administrative systems that keep the organisation running and plays a major role in HR and operational management.

Known affectionately as SORCE’s self-proclaimed “Spreadsheet Queen,” Izy brings structure, organisation and a formidable amount of practical experience to the complicated realities of running an international conservation organisation and a remote field site. But her role has never been confined to an office: she is also a PADI Divemaster and Reef Check Eco-Diver Instructor, has spent plenty of time underwater taking part in SORCE’s conservation activities, and has completed the Marine Science A-Level with us.

Izy is now based predominantly at the Lombok field site, making her a constant presence for the staff and students who pass through SORCE. Her journey from venue management to marine conservation may not have followed a conventional route, but that breadth of experience has become one of her greatest strengths - and an important part of what keeps SORCE working behind the scenes.

Conservation highlight: Hosting a large community day for CoralPalooza, and seeing at first hand what outreach and engagement can do at scale.
Favourite underwater creature: The skeleton shrimp.
Fun fact: She speaks cat - and the cats speak back.

Raja Aditya Siagian

Principal Conservation Lead

Marine conservation & research design

From Bengkulu, Sumatra, with a Master’s in Marine Science and field experience since 2015. He leads the science team, overseeing research design and mentoring the students who join us.

Originally from Bengkulu, Sumatra, Raja holds an M.Si in Marine Science from Diponegoro University, Java. He began his journey in marine science in 2015 at Bengkulu University, where he discovered his passion for diving and field research, obtaining his Open Water licence in 2016 with the Marine Science Diving Club. His early work included coral health assessments in 2018, which led to his first publication, on coral disease prevalence in Enggano Island.

He continued to deepen his expertise through his master’s studies, completing projects ranging from coral health monitoring around marine culture areas in Karimunjawa to eDNA sampling, and assessments of coral reef, mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. Alongside his research, Raja volunteered with We Care Movement Indonesia, engaging in community service projects and supporting sustainable practices in coastal communities. His work has been published in several journals, including the Indonesian Journal of Marine Sciences and Jurnal Kelautan Tropis, reflecting his commitment to applied marine conservation and knowledge sharing.

Raja’s path to SORCE began with a simple conversation with a university senior, which inspired him to seek opportunities with an international NGO. Drawn to the chance to broaden his horizons, deepen his expertise and contribute to meaningful projects, Raja became an integral part of the SORCE family.

As the most senior scientist under Kara, our Head of Research & Conservation, Raja plays a vital role in leading the science team. He oversees research design, mentors students, and ensures that our conservation work maintains the highest standards. What Raja values most at SORCE is the open, collaborative atmosphere - a place where diverse opinions and scientific knowledge are welcomed and integrated.

Conservation highlight: Leading site assessments in the East GITA NADA Marine Protected Area as part of our larger MPA Project.
Favourite underwater creature: Acropora and Pectinia coral species, and the two-lined monocle bream.
Fun fact: Outside of the water, Raja is the undisputed king of chess at SORCE.

Brilly Rudzaky

Senior Conservation Scientist

Coral reefs, mangroves & seagrass beds

A certified Divemaster from Bogor, Java, working across coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. What excites Brilly most is sharing knowledge - in the classroom, in the field or underwater.

Originally from Bogor, Java, Brilly holds a BSc in Marine Science from Brawijaya University. His journey into marine science has been shaped by a deep curiosity about the ocean and a desire to see the tangible impacts of conservation. Since beginning his diving in 2018, he has developed his skills to become a certified Divemaster, allowing him to combine his personal passion for diving with his professional development as a marine scientist.

After earning his degree, Brilly gained valuable experience as a staff coordinator and government liaison, overseeing methodologies for mariculture and the export of live fish, invertebrates and coral fragments. The role gave him hands-on skills in coral husbandry, animal care during transport and training staff, while also navigating complex regulatory requirements and reporting.

Alongside his professional work, Brilly has been actively involved in conservation initiatives, from coral reef monitoring around Merah Island to mangrove restoration projects in West Lombok. His research experience includes assessing coral reef ecosystem health in East Java and supporting university students on projects studying carbon stocks in mangroves and evaluating mangrove restoration techniques in Lombok, demonstrating his commitment to protecting all marine ecosystems.

Brilly joined SORCE with the ambition of working for a conservation NGO in Lombok, where he could combine his love of diving with meaningful marine conservation work. What excites him most is sharing knowledge: whether in the classroom, in the field or underwater, he thrives on teaching and inspiring others. His combination of scientific knowledge, field experience and professional-level diving makes him not only a skilled conservation scientist, but also a valued mentor to the students and expedition participants who join us.

Conservation highlight: Witnessing his first whale shark during a survey dive at Belongas, South Lombok.
Favourite underwater creature: Any coral species.
Fun fact: He notices every detail, especially if it is a tank valve or a safety gauge.

Stephen Orford

Marine Scientist & Dive Instructor

Reef ecology & coral restoration

A zoologist from London who came to marine conservation by an unconventional route, from Croatia and Cabo Verde to Wakatobi. He teaches, dives and works on reef monitoring and coral restoration.

Meet the people and felines that make SORCE a home

Behind every survey and restoration project is the field centre team, who work tirelessly to keep SORCE going. They run everything from housekeeping, catering and groundskeeping to the boats, maintenance and project support.

Meet the facility team Hide the facility team

Bukran

Supervising
Soraya

Supervising
Abdul

Maintenance & Construction
Afrizal

Boat Crew
Boh

Security
Ita

Catering
Hol

Maintenance & Construction
Ahlam

Boat Crew
Sap

Groundskeeping
Jessi

Catering
Nura

Catering & Housekeeping
Li

Maintenance & Construction
Jalal

Boat Crew
Muaz

Tanks
Tas

Security
Melah

Catering
Sar

Housekeeping
Sunya

Maintenance & Construction
Rian

Boat Crew
Pipi

Mangroves
Zainul

Groundskeeping
Rasmi

Catering
Septi

Housekeeping

Aslan

Head of naps
Gizmo

Chief mouser
Shnarf

Head of communications

Students and guests don't just join an expedition. They join the SORCE family. Many leave describing the experience as life-changing, both for their careers and their connection to the ocean.

Our story

A simple idea, big ambitions

SORCE began with the simple idea that conservation and science should never be separate, and that education should be accessible to everyone with a passion for the ocean.

A group from SORCE walking together through palms and banana trees on the coast — Today

A diver securing a concrete block to the seabed beside the reef — Today

From the beginning, SORCE has been built like a family, not only by its directors and their children, but by the staff, students, and wider community who have shaped it. For us, conservation isn't just a mission. It's a dream that became a family home, a school, and a purpose.

Founded in Lombok by a team of marine scientists and educators, SORCE grew out of years of research, community partnerships, and a deep love for coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. We saw the urgent need to restore these fragile environments, but also the equal need to train and inspire the people who will carry that work forward.

From our first small-scale coral restoration projects to today's full field centre, SORCE has always stood for collaboration. We work alongside local fishermen, schools, government agencies, and universities, creating solutions that are both locally rooted and globally relevant.

Our aim is bold but clear: a world where thriving marine ecosystems and empowered communities exist side by side.

SORCE began as the lifelong dream of Kara Majerus, our Managing Director and original founder. Raised in the UK by two field biologists, Kara grew up immersed in science, travel, and a deep love for the natural world. In 2016 she began planning SORCE in earnest, turning the concept into an organisation.
After two and a half years of planning, SORCE CIC was registered in the UK in May, and Kara's husband Mike joined her in turning it into reality. In October, the two of them travelled to Indonesia to scout locations and build local connections.
In January, Kara and Mike relocated to Lombok with their five young children to begin building the Indonesian field site. In April, Izy Rigby joined as the third and final director. PT SORCE, our Indonesian counterpart, was also registered that year, so the field site could be run, staffed and permitted in Indonesia.
In July 2019, the SORCE field site officially opened. We launched the Eco-Venture expedition and our coral and plastic initiatives, and welcomed our first guests. Our first Marine Science A-Level students arrived in January 2020, and in March, less than a year after we opened, Covid hit.
By 2023, with Covid behind us, we could focus on growth: more projects, a developed field site, and bigger facilities and science teams. Kara and Mike returned to the UK and now split their time between there and Indonesia. Kara still directs and oversees our research and conservation, with our scientists running the day-to-day work on site and Izy leading operations there for much of the year. Wherever we are, SORCE remains home.