AWARE Week 2024

Posted on September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

AWARE Week 2024

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Internship

From 14 to 22 September, AquaMarine Diving – Bali (AMD-B) participated in the annual PADI AWARE Week, a global initiative to highlight marine conservation efforts. This year, we conducted an additional clean-up at the Jetty, a dive site known for its macro life, which hadn’t been checked in a while.

Although we regularly conduct clean-ups throughout the year, this extra session at the Jetty aimed to address the growing accumulation of debris, particularly plastic and fish net waste, which has been a persistent issue at the site.

2024 Underwater and Beach Clean-Up Results (so far)

In 2024, we have gathered a total of 42.765 kgs of debris from underwater clean-ups and 40.98 kgs from beach clean-ups. When compared to previous years, we’ve noticed a slight decrease in the amount of debris collected in some areas, such as Blue Lagoon, which have less than a kilogram of waste in recent months.

Plastic made up 80.49% of the trash collected this year, and the presence of discarded fish nets adds to the environmental threat by entangling marine life. Despite the overall decrease in debris, these materials continue to pose a significant challenge that requires ongoing attention.

When comparing this year’s data to 2023, we noticed some key changes. In 2023, a total of 217.325 kgs of debris was collected from underwater clean-ups, compared to 42.765 kgs in 2024. Beach clean-ups also saw a significant reduction, with 146.94 kgs collected in 2023, whereas 40.98 kgs has been collected in 2024 so far.

The notable decrease in debris collected this year could indicate a positive trend in reduced waste accumulation at some sites. During last year’s AWARE Week, we gathered a larger amount, particularly 15.67 kgs from the Jetty. This year, we collected 2.7 kgs during our clean-up at the same site. This sharp difference may suggest a reduction in large debris but highlights the ongoing issue of smaller, often overlooked waste.

Parrotfish: The Key to Coral Reef Resilience

Posted on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Parrotfish: The Key to Coral Reef Resilience

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Internship

Coral reefs are bustling underwater cities, teeming with life and colour. But behind the scenes, one often overlooked resident plays a crucial role in keeping these vibrant ecosystems in balance: the parrotfish. These fascinating creatures are essential for the health and resilience of coral reefs, particularly in regions like Bali, where reefs are a vital part of the marine environment.

Parrotfish are hard to miss with their bright colours and distinctive beak-like mouths, which resemble a parrot’s beak – hence the name. This “beak” is actually a set of fused teeth that the parrotfish uses to scrape algae off coral and rocks. They’re not just pretty faces; parrotfish are equipped with powerful jaws that make them excellent at their job.

Interestingly, parrotfish are known for their ability to change sex during their lifetime. Many start out as females and later become males, a trait that adds to their adaptability in maintaining healthy populations.

Why Parrotfish Are Key to Coral Reef Survival

The main job of a parrotfish is to keep algae in check. Algae can quickly overgrow and suffocate coral reefs if left unchecked, blocking sunlight and making it difficult for corals to thrive. Parrotfish help prevent this by grazing on the algae, essentially giving the coral space to breathe and grow.

But that’s not all they do. Parrotfish also contribute to the creation of sandy beaches. As they scrape algae and bits of coral, they ingest chunks of coral rock, which they grind up in their digestive systems. The result? Fine, white sand that they excrete, which over time helps form and replenish beaches. It’s a natural process that plays a significant role in coastal ecosystems.

The Challenges Parrotfish Face

Despite their importance, parrotfish populations are declining in many areas due to overfishing and habitat destruction. In some regions, they are harvested for food, and with fewer parrotfish around, algae can quickly take over, leading to degraded coral reefs.

Climate change also poses a threat, as warming waters and ocean acidification further stress coral reefs, making the role of parrotfish even more critical. Protecting these fish is essential for maintaining the health and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystem.

Conservation Efforts and Why They Matter

Conservation measures are being put in place in various parts of the world to protect parrotfish. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fishing bans, and community-led conservation initiatives are some of the strategies being used to safeguard these vital reef residents. In Bali, where tourism and fishing pressure are high, protecting parrotfish is key to ensuring that coral reefs remain resilient against future environmental changes.

Why Sharks Matter?

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

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Sharks’ Crucial Role for Our Ocean

by Ara, AMD-B’s 2020 Divemaster Internship

Sharks are among the planet’s most enigmatic, ecologically significant, imperilled, and misunderstood creatures. Their reputation as predators of the deep has earned them a status more frequently feared than revered by humans. However, the reality is that sharks do not pose a significant threat to humans; instead, humans pose a substantial threat to sharks.

Though the question ‘why do sharks matter?’ has no simple answer, this doesn’t mean it isn’t a critical question. Understanding the shark’s crucial role is vital for our oceans’ health. Sharks play essential roles in helping to maintain the delicately balanced ecosystems that keep our oceans healthy.

Sharks Matter!

One of the critical reasons why sharks matter is their contribution to preserving biodiversity. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the intricate web of life in the ocean. Their presence helps maintain the food chain balance, as they keep prey populations in check and prevent overgrazing of certain species.

Moreover, sharks remove weak and diseased individuals through opportunistic feeding, reducing disease incidence by maintaining low densities of prey populations. Sharks also play an essential role as facultative scavengers consuming dead carcasses, which can promote stability in food webs.

Furthermore, Sharks migration provides nutrient cycling and nutrient flux among coastal and oceanic ecosystems via nutrient excretion. Researchers estimate the sharks migration brings nitrogen daily onto the nutrient-limited reef, which dramatically helps keep the ecosystem healthy.

Sharks also play a significant role in ecotourism and contribute to local economies. Many coastal communities rely on shark-related activities such as shark diving. These activities not only generate income but also raise awareness about the importance of shark conservation. Shark tourism allows people to witness these magnificent creatures up close, fostering appreciation and understanding. In turn, it creates a demand for their protection and conservation. By protecting shark populations, we can ensure the sustainability of these ecotourism ventures and the economic benefits they bring.

Sharks are not just fearsome creatures lurking in the ocean’s depths; they are vital to the health and balance of marine ecosystems. It is time to shift our perception of sharks and work towards their conservation and coexistence. Through education, awareness, and responsible practices, we can ensure these majestic creatures’ survival and safeguard our oceans’ health for generations.