Why Sharks Matter?

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

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.

PADI Women’s Dive Day

Posted on July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Women’s Dive Day Matters for Women in Diving

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Internship

PADI Women’s Dive Day (WDD) is an annual event that celebrates and promotes the involvement of women in scuba diving. Started by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), this day represents a commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Since it began in 2015, PADI WDD has become a global movement, bringing together divers of all genders to honor the achievements of women in diving and to encourage more women to explore the underwater world.

Representation (empowering)

By showcasing women in diving, PADI Women’s Dive Day serves as a powerful platform where women’s talents and achievements are recognized and valued within dive communities. This representation is crucial as it highlights the diverse contributions women make to the field, from marine biology and underwater photography to dive instruction and environmental conservation. Celebrating these achievements helps to empower women and ensures they receive the recognition they deserve.

Breaking Down Barriers

Scuba diving has long been seen as a male-dominated activity. However, PADI Women’s Dive Day challenges this view by showing that women can and do thrive in the diving community. By putting the spotlight on female divers, the event helps to break down gender barriers and promotes inclusivity. This shift not only encourages more women to take up diving but also creates a more welcoming and diverse environment within the sport.

Inspiring Future Generations

One of the most significant impacts of PADI Women’s Dive Day is its potential to inspire future generations. When young girls see women excelling in the diving world, they gain role models who show them that pursuing a career in diving is not only possible but also rewarding. This inspiration can lead to young women dreaming big, whether it’s becoming marine scientists, professional divers, or underwater explorers.

Creating a Supportive Community

PADI Women’s Dive Day also creates opportunities for women to connect and support one another. By sharing experiences and building networks, female divers can form a supportive community that fosters growth and development. This sense of camaraderie is essential for both personal and professional development, providing a space where women can learn from each other and gain confidence in their abilities.

Promoting Confidence and Leadership

PADI Women’s Dive Day encourages women to be confident and to push boundaries in a traditionally male-dominated field. By celebrating women who have succeeded in diving, the event challenges stereotypes and demonstrates that women are just as capable of achieving greatness. This recognition helps women gain confidence in their abilities and can inspire them to take on leadership roles, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and diverse diving community.

Shark Attack

Posted on July 12, 2024July 14, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Shark Diving in Indonesia

Looking for some shark-y Indonesia diving? AMD-B ‘Beyond Bali’ Dive Travel Consultants would be delighted to put together the best possible arrangements to enable you to visit one – or all! – of the below Indonesian dive destinations! You can contact them on Tours@AquaMarineDiving.com.

Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Bali

Catsharks in Komodo: Night-diving will increase your chances of encountering them as they’re nocturnal hunters.

Carpet aka Wobbegong sharks: There are multiple Raja Ampat dive sites where you can encounter Wobbegongs. You’ll see them lying on the bottom (including in caves) – hence the name ‘carpet’ – and are pretty cool with ambushing their prey. Also expect to see Grey and Black-tip reef sharks.

Reef sharks at Mimpang/Tepekong, Bali: You can see them out in the open, and sleeping in caves and under table corals. They’re very timid so please don’t harass them.

West Papua, South Lombok, and Alor

Whalesharks in Cendrawasih Bay & Triton Bay, West Papua: You can visit either location whether you’re on a liveaboard or on a Day Trip from a resort. At most dive destinations, Whaleshark sightings are considered rare however these Whalesharks appear to be resident. However, you do need to know where and when to visit.

Hammerhead sharks at ‘The Magnet’, South Lombok: You’ll need gloves and a reef hook! Hammerhead season here is July to October; the currents can be VERY challenging however it’s worth it – “schools of hammerheads” should be on your bucketlist!
Hammerheads are also seen in the Banda Sea on their seasonal, migratory routes.

Thresher sharks in Alor: This one is like hitting a jackpot! There are multiple, seasonal records of schooling Thresher sharks in Alor but remember that sadly these days they are endangered and pretty rare.
A non-profit foundation registered under the Indonesian government has been established to pass on to the local populations that these creatures are at a high risk of extinction. Want to come and try your luck?

Note: The majority of the dive sites where these big pelagics are usually encountered can have quite challenging currents. We suggest you get an Advanced certification (dive to greater depths) and – perhaps more importantly – your Drift Dive specialty before proceeding on your Indonesia Shark Diving Adventure.