It is recognized as the home of the largest coral reef biodiversity in the world.

With more than 550 distinct variety of coral, 700 different kinds of mollusks, and 1427 different species of fish, it is a significant center for marine biodiversity.

Note: (a) not to be confused with the similarly-named Salawati Tengah District within Sorong Regency.

Misool and Kofiau Islands (comprising the first six districts listed above) are currently under Indonesian government consideration to be split off to form a separate South Raja Ampat Regency under proposals approved in 2014 by the Indonesian Parliament.

Similarly, Waigeo and its surrounding small islands (comprising the last thirteen districts listed above) are currently under Indonesian government consideration to be split off to form a separate North Raja Ampat Regency under proposals approved in 2014 by the Indonesian Parliament.