Indonesia is a Global Hotspot for Marine Biodiversity

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

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Indonesia is a Global Hotspot for Marine Biodiversity

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Indonesia is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, hosting about 76% of the world’s coral species and approximately 37% of reef fish species, with over 2,200 reef-associated fish and 590 coral species thriving in its waters. So it’s safe to say that Indonesia is indeed a global hotspot for marine biodiversity, but the question now is why:

Strategic Location in the Coral Triangle

Indonesia is located in the Coral Triangle, a region known as the epicentre of marine biodiversity. The diverse coral species found in Indonesia are closely linked to the abundance of fish in the area. Corals are a key species in shallow water ecosystems, much like trees in a forest, supporting a wide range of marine life and making the region a hotspot for marine biodiversity.

Warm Tropical Waters

Indonesia’s climate is characterized by two seasons: wet and dry. While the wet season brings higher chances of rain at certain times of the year, the temperature remains relatively stable, creating an ideal environment for coral reefs to thrive. This consistency in water temperature, combined with strong sunlight exposure, supports coral health. Corals rely on sunlight for photosynthesis through their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, the algae within their tissues.

Ocean Currents as Nutrient Highways

Strong ocean currents, such as those from the Indonesian Through-flow, funnel nutrient-rich water through the region. These nutrients support plankton growth, which forms the foundation of the marine food web. This abundance of food attracts fish, sharks, and larger marine animals, creating thriving ecosystems.

Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impact on Coral Reefs

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

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Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impact on Coral Reefs

by Fahmi, AMD-B’s 2024 Divemaster Intern

Volcanic eruptions can have significant effects on coral reefs, both negative and positive. When a volcano erupts, ash and lava can cover coral reefs, killing the corals and the marine life they support. But volcanic activity also creates new surfaces for baby corals to settle on and grow, leading to the formation of new reefs. The nutrients from volcanic ash can sometimes boost the growth of corals and other marine life.

Temperature changes from volcanic eruptions can also impact coral reefs. The heat from lava can raise water temperatures, causing stress and bleaching in corals. On the other hand, ash clouds can sometimes cool the ocean surface for a short time, which might help reduce bleaching. The overall impact on coral health depends on the duration and magnitude of the temperature changes.

Volcanic Eruptions in Bali

A good example is the USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben, Bali. The ship was torpedoed then beached during World War II and later moved to its current spot by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. Over time, the wreck has become covered with colourful corals and is now home to many marine creatures, creating a unique underwater habitat. This shows how volcanic events, despite their initial damage, can eventually help create new and thriving coral ecosystems. Today, the USAT Liberty shipwreck is a popular dive site, attracting divers from all over the world.

USAT Liberty Shipwreck Diving Trip

Click below for more Bali Diving Information:

Bali’s Dive Areas & Dive Sites

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.