Our MPAs

Area II Mayalibit Bay MPA

Total Area

49,786.82 Hectares

Year of Establishment

Year 2007

Surveillance Post

Warsowes Post

With its relatively narrow entry and stretched kilometres within, Mayalibit Bay seems to 'split' the Waigeo Island into two. It is believed to be the birthplace of Raja Ampat's Indigenous Maya Tribe, which currently lives across 11 villages in an area sandwiched between lush tropical forests on either side. In Maya's language, 'Mayalibit' is derived from two words, 'maya' and 'libit', which literally means 'Room.'

Underneath its waters, Mayalibit Bay MPA is the habitat for various soft corals, inhabited by highly economically valuable fish such as mackerel (Scombridae), or 'lema' as the locals call it, rabbitfish (Siganidae), jackfish (Carangidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), shrimp, and mudcrab. It is also an important habitat for saltwater crocodiles.

Zoning Area

  • Core Zone538.46 Hectares
  • Limited Use Zone15,303.17 Hectares
  • Other Zone33,442.27 Hectares

The zoning figures on this page follow the latest area GeoJSON.

Indigenous Community

The majority of the people in Mayalibit Bay are members of the Maya Tribe.

Area Map

Click the map below to view the detailed zoning divisions within Area II Mayalibit Bay.

Loading map

Zoning and Activities Guideline

This MPA is managed through a zoning system to maintain ecosystem balance.

Zone DescriptionDivingSnorkelingFishingAnchoring

Core Zone

Part of the Raja Ampat MPAs with specific location, condition, and potential as spawning, feeding grounds, as well as fish migration lanes.

Limited Use Zone

Part of the Raja Ampat MPAs with specific locations, conditions, and potential prioritise sustainable tourism, utilisation of other environmental services, as well as research and education.

Other Zone

Part of the area managed under the official zoning outside the core and limited use zones.

Subject to Rules

• The use of Jet Skis or other motorized water vehicles is prohibited.

• Use mooring buoys. Anchoring is allowed only when necessary and must follow the Code of Conduct.

• Tourists may only fish with the explicit permission of the Traditional Head (Kepala Adat).