Why You Shouldn’t Feed Wild Fish

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Feed Wild Fish

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Feeding wild fish might seem like a harmless activity, but it can have some unintended consequences for the fish and their surroundings. Whether it’s tossing bread into the water or offering food while snorkelling, feeding wild fish can change their natural behaviours, affect the environment, and impact the balance of the ecosystem. Here’s why it’s best to let wild fish find their own food.

Disrupting Natural Diets

Wild fish are adapted to eat what’s naturally available in their environment. When we introduce foods like bread or snacks, it can disrupt their diet and lead to nutritional issues. For example, bread doesn’t provide the nutrients fish need and can cause digestive problems. Over time, fish that are regularly fed by humans might start relying on these easy food sources, rather than finding their natural prey.

Spreading Disease

Feeding fish can also increase the spread of disease. When fish gather in one spot to eat, they’re more likely to come into contact with each other, which can lead to the spread of diseases and parasites. The food we provide might also introduce bacteria into the water, potentially affecting other marine life.

Disrupting Ecosystem Balance

Marine ecosystems rely on a balance between different species. Feeding wild fish can disrupt this balance. When fish populations grow because of feeding, it can lead to overgrazing of certain plants or a decrease in their natural prey. This imbalance can have effects that ripple through the ecosystem, affecting other species as well.

Changes in Behaviour

Fish that become accustomed to being fed by humans may start approaching people more often, expecting food. This change in behaviour can be problematic in some situations, especially if it affects the natural behaviour of the fish or leads to them becoming more dependent on human interaction.

Impact on Coral Reefs

Feeding wild fish in coral reef areas can be particularly harmful. Many reef fish help maintain the health of coral reefs by eating algae and keeping the ecosystem in balance. When these fish are fed by humans, their natural behaviour changes, which can lead to algae overgrowth that harms coral.

Legal and Environmental Considerations

In many places, feeding wild fish is restricted or not allowed due to the potential impact on the environment. Marine protected areas and conservation zones often have rules against feeding wildlife to help maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem. Respecting these rules supports the efforts of those working to protect these areas.

Coral Predators

Posted on January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 by Annabel Thomas

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Coral Predators

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Coral reefs are vibrant ecosystems, and like any environment, they have species that interact in different ways. Some creatures feed on corals as part of the natural balance of life on the reef. While it might seem concerning at first, this predation is usually just a part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Key Coral Predators

Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS):
The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish is one of the most well-known coral predators. These spiny creatures feed on coral polyps, digesting the living tissue and leaving behind the skeleton. While they’re a natural part of the ecosystem, outbreaks can lead to significant damage to coral reefs.

Parrotfish:
Parrotfish are famous for grazing on coral. Their strong, beak-like teeth allow them to scrape away pieces of coral, which they digest and later excrete as sand. While this sounds harmful, they also help control algae, preventing it from overtaking the reef. In moderation, their coral consumption is part of the reef’s healthy balance.

Drupella Snails:
These small snails feed on coral polyps and can leave marks on the coral. They usually don’t cause widespread damage but can be a part of the natural predation cycle on reefs.

Butterflyfish:
These colorful fish feed on soft corals and polyps. Their impact is relatively minor, and they’re another example of how coral predation is part of the reef’s life cycle.

When Populations Get Out of Control

In most cases, coral predators are just a part of reef life. However, when their populations grow too large, they can cause significant harm. One example is the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks. These outbreaks occur when the starfish population spikes, often due to factors like pollution or overfishing of their natural predators. During an outbreak, the starfish can consume large areas of coral, leaving behind dead coral skeletons.

Such outbreaks can severely weaken coral reefs, making them more vulnerable to other threats like climate change, ocean acidification, and storms. When the balance shifts too far, the reef can struggle to recover.

Manta Rays

Posted on December 26, 2024December 26, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Manta Rays: Their Life Cycle and Why They are Vulnerable

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Manta rays have a unique but slow reproductive process. Female manta rays give birth to live pups after a pregnancy lasting about a year. What makes them vulnerable is that they typically produce only one pup at a time and may take two to five years before reproducing again. Once born, the pup is left to survive on its own and spends nearly a decade growing and maturing. This slow reproduction rate means manta populations struggle to recover when their numbers are reduced.

Manta rays are highly migratory creatures, travelling vast distances in search of food and suitable habitats. While this behaviour is essential for their survival, it increases their exposure to various threats. Overfishing, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat destruction—such as the loss of coral reefs that serve as feeding or cleaning stations—pose significant risks. Climate change and pollution also impact the plankton populations that mantas depend on for food, making their survival even more challenging.

Why Manta Rays Matter

Although manta rays do not have a massive ecological role compared to species like sharks or corals, they contribute to marine tourism in a significant way. Destinations like Nusa Penida and Raja Ampat attract divers and snorkellers eager to witness these majestic animals. The revenue from manta ray tourism supports local economies and often funds conservation projects, creating a positive cycle of benefits for both humans and the environment.

The Importance of Protecting Manta Rays

Manta rays are not just symbols of marine biodiversity; they are also indicators of ocean health. Their vulnerability reminds us of the delicate balance in marine ecosystems. Protecting manta rays is not only about saving a species—it’s about safeguarding the health of our oceans, promoting sustainable tourism, and respecting the interconnectedness of life underwater.