It is with profound sadness that we honor the passing of Mrs. Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley, Founder and Executive Director of the LINI Foundation. Gayatri passed away this November, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in marine conservation, coastal community empowerment, and ethical fisheries development.
Under her guidance, LINI pioneered the development of the first community-run marine conservation and aquaculture training center in Indonesia. She worked tirelessly to empower coastal communities, especially women, with the tools and training needed to build sustainable livelihoods while protecting the reefs they call home.
 Gayatri speaks to fishers during a training program in Bali. Photo courtesy of LINI and Rare. |  LINI staff tour visitors through its Aquaculture and Training Center in North Bali. Photo courtesy of LINI. |
At Aquarium Fisheries, we had the privilege of working closely with Gayatri through the IndoReefFish program—an innovative fisheries improvement project that she helped envision and lead. IndoReefFish continues to evolve as a model for what responsible, community-centered sourcing can look like in the aquarium trade. This vision would not have been possible without her leadership, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication to Indonesia’s marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
Aquarium Fisheries Director Dr. Paul Anderson reflects on meeting Gayatri in person for the first time:
“By the time we finally met face-to-face in Jakarta, we had already spent years laying the foundation for what would become the IndoReefFish program. When we exchanged our first ‘hello,’ there was a palpable sense of anticipation—both of us understood the significance of what we were building and the potential it held to reshape sustainable marine aquarium fisheries, with Indonesia’s fishery as a leading model.
"That week marked a milestone: We launched IndoReefFish with an introductory workshop and presented it to Indonesia’s national fisheries agency, INOFE (Indonesia's fish exporters’ association), and other key stakeholders in the country’s marine aquarium trade.
"From that point on, I knew that Gayatri’s charisma, credibility, and deep-rooted passion would carry this program forward. She had a unique ability to connect with people and to turn bold ideas into action. Her leadership set IndoReefFish on a path to success.”
Gayatri was a mentor, a changemaker, and a friend. Her legacy lives on in every fisher trained, every reef restored, and every fish ethically sourced through the IndoReefFish program.
We extend our deepest condolences to Gayatri’s family, the entire LINI team, and all those whose lives she touched. Her passion and impact will continue to guide our work.
Rest in peace, Gayatri. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
