Role of Algae

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

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.

Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Intern

Posted on May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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Mardia: New Aquarist, Raja Ampat Research & Conservation Centre

For the past 13 years, AquaMarine Diving – Bali has conducted an annual ‘11 Months Zero-to-Hero PADI Divemaster Internship for Young Indonesians’. The Internship is a major initiative by AMD-B to re-invest in Indonesia’s dive community and to raise awareness of global and local environmental issues. Everyone in AquaMarine strives to provide the highest level of all-round training and guidance.

In addition, a major part of each year’s Internship includes participation in ‘Blue Project by AMD-B‘. These include Project AWARE’s ‘Dive Against Debris’, Adopt-A-Dive-Site, Beach and Underwater Clean-ups, as well as several other projects that raise awareness of global and local environmental issues. By the end of their programme, our Interns confidently pursue careers within Indonesia’s dive industry as well as with NGOs and other conservation organisations.

One of AMD-B’s two 2023 Interns, Mardia, is now working as the Shark Aquarist for the Raja Ampat Research & Conservation Centre (RARCC) (part of ReShark).

Mardia as the Shark Aquarist

In 2023, after three years of planning, the StAR Project, powered by ReShark, started its mission to rewild endangered Leopard sharks (also known as Zebra sharks or Stegostoma tigrinum) in Raja Ampat. The StAR Project aims to reintroduce 500 Leopard sharks to Raja Ampat, ultimately establishing a healthy, self-sustaining population. Furthermore, the project also serves as a roadmap, allowing scientists to apply what they have learned to the rewilding of other endangered elasmobranch species.

Last month, RARCC received a new batch of shark eggs from the Georgia Aquarium and the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. All the eggs successfully hatched. Three of the pups have been named Wooly, Myra and Ethan.

Mardia said “It’s exhilarating to be part of the ReShark Team. Working closely with the sharks and ensuring their well-being fills me with never-ending excitement, curiosity, and a sense of fulfilment. Here, people call me “Mama Hiu” (Mummy Shark) which I find cute and I love it!”
Here’s her first Instagram video from her new job.

Decrease Single-Used Plastic

Posted on April 26, 2024April 28, 2024 by Annabel Thomas

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One Voice to a Global Movement to Decrease Single-Used Plastic

by Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

Plastic, a widely used material, has gained immense popularity due to its affordability, lightweight, and easy manufacturability. The past century has witnessed an exponential increase in plastic production, surpassing almost every other material. However, the alarming fact is a significant portion of plastic produced is intended for one-time use, resulting in an enormous amount of plastic waste.

An estimated 6,300 million tonnes of plastics have been discarded since the beginning of mass production in the 1950s. Approximately only 9% of plastic trash worldwide gets recycled, while 12% is incinerated. Due to its strong durability, most of these plastics are accumulating in either landfills or the natural environment.

The consequences of plastic waste are far-reaching, affecting both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those who rely on them. Environmental effects range from short-term, such as animal entanglement, to long-term, such as harmful component bioaccumulation in the food chain.

Growing worry about the usage of single-use plastics can be seen all across the world. It is becoming abundantly evident that the contribution that each of us makes to the reduction of plastic waste is of the utmost importance as our understanding of the effect that our routine actions have on the environment expands.

What can one voice achieve in the face of such a large-scale problem?

Quite a lot, as it turns out. We can make a difference by reducing our use of single-use plastics and encouraging others to do the same. A single voice can become a powerful force when it joins with others in a common cause.

Simple actions such as using reusable shopping bags, refusing plastic cutlery, and drinking from reusable water bottles can significantly reduce our plastic footprint. We can also support businesses that prioritize sustainable packaging and participate in local clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste from our communities.

The issue of single-use plastic is daunting, but it is manageable. Each of us has the power to influence change through our daily actions and by raising our voices to advocate for sustainable practices. Remember, the journey to a plastic-free world begins with one voice – yours.