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.

Role of Algae

Posted on June 28, 2024July 26, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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The Vital Role of Algae in Ocean Ecosystems and Climate Regulation

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Internship

The Innovative Approach to Coral Reef Restoration

When we think about ocean life, algae might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the vital role of algae in maintaining the health of our oceans and the planet as a whole cannot be overstated. As a responsible diver or ocean enthusiast, it is essential to understand how algae contribute to marine ecosystems and climate regulation.

Algae are the foundation of the oceanic food chain. Phytoplankton, a type of microscopic algae, are primary producers, meaning they use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy. This process supports a wide array of marine life, from tiny zooplankton to large fish and whales.

Algae are also critical in regulating the Earth’s climate. Through photosynthesis, algae absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and release oxygen. In fact, it is estimated that marine algae produce up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe. By sequestering CO2, algae help mitigate the greenhouse effect and combat global warming.

While algae are beneficial, not all algal growth is good. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when algae grow excessively and produce toxins that can harm marinelife, humans, and coastal economies. These blooms are often triggered by nutrient pollution from agricultural run-off, wastewater, and other human activities. It is crucial to manage these nutrient sources to prevent HABs and protect ocean health.

Algae and Ocean Health in Bali

Bali, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant marinelife, is home to diverse algae species that are vital to its ocean ecosystems. The island’s coral reefs and seagrass beds provide an ideal environment for various types of algae, which support local fisheries and tourism. For instance, Nusa Lembongan, an island just off the south-east coast of Bali, is famous for its seaweed farming, highlighting the local community’s reliance on algae for their livelihood.

Diving in Bali offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible biodiversity supported by algae. Sites like the Blue Lagoon in Padangbai and the coral gardens of Menjangan Island showcase the symbiotic relationships between algae and marine creatures. However, Bali also faces challenges such as nutrient pollution and climate change, which can impact the health of its marine algae.

Supporting Algae and Ocean Health

As individuals, we can take several steps to support the health of algae and the broader marine environment, especially when visiting places like Bali:

Reduce Nutrient Pollution: Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides in your garden. Support policies and practices that reduce agricultural run-off and improve wastewater treatment.

Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations: Stay at resorts and hotels in Bali that practise sustainable waste management and support local conservation efforts.

Support Marine Protected Areas: MPAs help safeguard critical habitats, including those where algae thrive. Advocate for the expansion and enforcement of these protected areas in Bali.

Educate Others: Raise awareness about the vital role of algae and the threats they face. Share information with friends, family, and your community.

Participate in Citizen Science: Engage in citizen science projects that monitor water quality and algal health. Your observations can contribute valuable data to researchers and conservation efforts.

Join Beach Clean-ups: Participate in local beach clean-ups to reduce the amount of waste entering the ocean.

The health of our oceans is connected to our own well-being. Let’s work together to protect the vital role of algae in maintaining a balanced and thriving marine environment. In Bali, where the ocean is both a livelihood and a treasure, preserving marine algae is especially crucial for sustaining local communities and the natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world.

Bali’s Muck and Macro Dive Site

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Muck and Macro Dive Site

North west Bali

Secret Bay/Gilimanuk
This was Bali’s first and so best-known muck location. 2km wide, 3-12m deep; the only bay off the narrow Bali Strait (where currents can reach 7 knots), it acts as a large catch-tank for many larval and juvenile fish, and rare marine species. The water is cold; the fish fat and healthy! Unusual nudibranchs, Banggai cardinalfish, gobies, Ambon scorpionfish, filefish, puffers, dragonets, pipefish, juvenile Batavia batfish, Mimic octopus, Hippocampus kuda and many other organisms. Elsewhere juveniles hide to avoid predators, but here there are very few large fish, so juveniles have no need to hide. The bottom is fine sand with patches of algae and seagrass, some branches, coconuts (housing for octopodes!), cans, etc. Night-diving yields Bobbit worms, cephalopods, crustaceans, and frequent surprises!

Bayu’s Place
Visibility varies (can be as low as 10m), and the water is warm. Much of the area is rubble and coral, with white sand, although there are some pinnacles. It is usually very easy to see Mandarinfish, along with Pyjama cardinalfish, ghostpipefish, batfish, Demonstinger, many kinds of gobies (inc Signal goby), nudis, Pygmy seahorses, Blue-ring octopus, and many species of shrimp (inc Whip coral shrimp).

Pemuteran Biorock
This site lies right off the beach and is made from individually-shaped metal structures through which low level electricity is run to increase the speed of coral growth. The artificial reefs sit on white sand and provide homes for Signal gobies, eels, small rays, lionfish, frogfish and scorpionfish including Leaf scorpionfish and (occasional) Pegasus seamoths and Finger dragonets. Interesting night diving.

North Bali

The Puri Jati area
Bali’s current hotspot for muck-diving, PJ itself is a wide, gentle, brown sand slope with patchy seagrass, seapens and 20cm tufts of lavender soft coral. Vis is 5-25m, and the water warm. Frequent sightings of Common and Mimic octopus, pairs of Ambon scorpionfish, Flying gurnards, Emperor shrimp, Blue-ringed octopus, frogfishes, unusual Mantis shrimps, Fingered dragonets, wide variety of ghostpipefish, seahorses, seamoths, Demon stingers, Cockatoo flounders, Veiled melibe nudibranchs, juvenile batfish and lionfish, crustaceans, cephalopods and sand dwellers, soft coral cowries, various large shells, pelagic tunicates, the list goes on!

Nearby Kalang Anyar is a gentle, dark sand slope with a variety of seapens and seagrasses. Sightings include Painted frogfish, Mimic octopus and other sought#after cephalopods, Pegasus seamoths, eels. There are noticeable differences in some of the species, quite often the nudis here are totally different from those seen on the same day at PJ.

North east Bali

Tianyar
Located a little north of Tulamben Bay; the undulating black sand topography changes due to the currents and waves that can affect the site. The marinelife can be very interesting: Ghostpipefish, seahorses, Mimic octopus and Wonderpus, eels, frogfish, gobies and many nudis.

Tulamben River Bed
Depending on the season, sightings here may include Ornate and Robust ghostpipefish, Harlequin and Skeleton shrimp (both also found in the Coral Garden), nudis, juvenile frogfish, lionfish, Mimic octopus, Halimeda ghostpipefish, and a multitude of other tiny critters.

Seraya Slope
About 5 minutes south of Tulamben Bay, this black sand slope offers Rhinopias, Harlequin / Coleman / Tiger shrimps, many nudibranchs, Yellow#spotted frogfish, Boxer crabs (although very difficult to find them out in the open with the goatfish around!), ghostpipefish, stonefish, anglerfish, seahorses, and a school of barracudas.

Amed Ghost Bay
The artificial reef and sand slopes can yield Ambon scorpionfish, Ornate and Robust ghostpipefish, Mimic octopus, Wonderpus, frogfish, stonefish – we’re never quite sure what we’ll find here!

East Bali

Jepun
An extension of Blue Lagoon, Jepun yields Leaf scorpionfish, Solar-powered nudibranchs, many varieties of ghostpipefish and frogfish, Pegasus seamoth, Flamboyant cuttlefish, Rhinopias (eschmeyeri and frondosa), shrimps, crabs, Thorny seahorse, shrimpfish and Cockatoo waspfish.