How does Plastic Pollution Impact the Health of Coral Reefs?

Posted on November 24, 2023December 14, 2023 by Annabel Thomas

How does Plastic Pollution Impact the Health of Coral Reefs?

by Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

Plastic Pollution Poses a Significant Threat to Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are not just a beautiful sight to behold. They are living, breathing ecosystems that support a vast array of marine life. Despite covering only 1% of the sea floor, coral reefs are responsible for 25% of all marine life. They also play a crucial role in protecting coastal areas and providing employment opportunities to thousands of people in the fishing and tourism industries.

Nevertheless, coral reefs worldwide are currently under threat. The World Resource Institute projects that local human activity, global warming, and ocean acidification will threaten over 90% of the world’s reefs by the 2030s.

Plastic pollution is among the greatest threats to coral reefs, particularly concerning coral disease. According to a study conducted by Lamb et al., published in the Journal of Science, they observed that the prevalence of infection in corals was merely 4% in the absence of any interaction with plastic debris. However, introducing plastic to the reef significantly increased the disease rate, reaching an alarming 89%, representing a twenty-fold escalation.

Removing the Entangled Sack on Coral

Impact on Coral Disease

Pathogens that frequently cause disease outbreaks on coral reefs can be found in plastic pollution. Additionally, when plastics come into contact with coral tissues, they can physically harm and abrade the coral’s delicate surface. As coral tries to heal itself, plastic debris can introduce bacteria and make it expend more energy on its immune response. Moreover, plastic waste can smother the coral, covering its surface and obstructing light and oxygen. This condition can lead to anoxic conditions that favor the formation of polymicrobials and lead to black band disease.

Adopting sustainable practices and addressing plastic waste management is paramount in safeguarding these vital ecosystems. By reducing plastic pollution, we can help preserve coral reefs and ensure the well-being of marine life for future generations.

Broken Sea Fan because of Fishing Net

AWARE Week 2023 Celebration, the Symbol of Marine Preservations

Posted on September 29, 2023October 18, 2023 by Annabel Thomas

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Coast and Underwater Clean-ups

by Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

PADI AWARE Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and taking action to protect our marine environment. In this week-long event, AquaMarine Diving – Bali, fortunate to celebrates with various activities such as a clean-up event, Webinar, School Visit, and Conservation Education.

On 19 September 2023, AMD-B kicked off the PADI Aware Week with beach and underwater clean-up. The clean-up event was a tremendous success, with volunteers coming together to remove the debris from the coast and the ocean. Seeing the dedication and passion people contribute to protecting our marine environment is heartening. As usually we are hosting our monthly clean-up at every 4th, now we thrilled invited some of our partners and friends to be involved in our AWARE Week Clean-up event, namely:
– Coral Restoration Partner, Livingseas
– PADI Regional Manager, Neil Davidson
– Simone Tomazela
– Topi Inn Staffs

In this clean-up event, we successfully collected 13.48 kgs and 17.44 kgs of debris from the coast and our adopted site, The Jetty and The Mushroom Point. The clean-up event plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of marine life. By removing trash, we are creating a cleaner and healthier ocean for all living creatures.

AWARE Week 2023 Beach Clean-up

The Second 2023 Blue Project Webinar Talk

In addition to the clean-up event, we hosted a webinar titled “A Century to Urge Ocean Conservation” on 22 September 2023. This webinar provided a platform for passionate marine conservationists to share their experiences and stories about their work. Egi Pamungkas (Indonesia) and Giulia Pellizzato (Italy) were exceptional speakers who captivated the audience with their extraordinary efforts and unwavering commitment to ocean conservation. Their shared knowledge and expertise shed light on the urgent need to protect our oceans and inspired individuals to take action in their own lives.

AWARE Week 2023 Webinar

Engaged the Rural School to their Nearest Local Sea Turtle Conservation Community

On 23 September 2023, as part of our community outreach, we visited SD N 5 Saba, a local school in Gianyar. During the school visits, students learn about plastic pollution and the significance of protecting turtle habitats. After the class, we took the students to the Saba Asri Turtle Conservation, where they had the opportunity to release the baby turtle. These hands-on experiences not only educate but also leave a lasting impact on the students, encouraging them to become ambassadors for ocean conservation.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate PADI Aware Week and raise awareness for the health of our oceans. The clean-up event, webinar, and school visit were all significant endeavors that contributed to our mission of protecting and preserving our marine environment. By working together, we can positively impact and ensure a healthier future for our planet.

AWARE Week 2023 School Visit

Waste Management at Your Fingertips – and Why It’s Important!

Posted on August 11, 2023August 14, 2023 by Annabel Thomas

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Waste Management at Your Fingertips – and Why It’s Important!

by Mardia, AMD-B’s 2023 Divemaster Internship

The ugly journey of plastic trash is not a myth. Plastic trash is an unpleasant reality that we all have to deal with, it’s everywhere, and it’s not going away anytime soon. In today’s world, the use of plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives. Plastic has become ubiquitous from packaging to household items due to its convenience and affordability. However, the overuse of plastic has also led to environmental concerns, and it’s no secret that plastic has become a pervasive and pressing issue. From single-use items to microplastic pollution, the detrimental effects of plastic on our environment are undeniable. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that despite our best efforts, we still need plastic for certain purposes. So, the question arises: what is the solution? Waste management is the answer when it comes to finding a solution to the ever-growing waste problem. Effective waste management practices are crucial in addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainability.

In everyday life, there are typically two types of waste: degradable and non-degradable. In addition, there was an expansion to include a greater variety of waste categories in the commercial sector. Regarding waste management, AquaMarine has taken a step by implementing a system separating waste into three distinct categories. This approach ensures that each type of waste is handled appropriately, minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

AquaMarine’s Waste Bins in HQ Office

The first category is non-degradable waste, which includes materials such as plastic, metal, and glass. These items are known for their long lifespan and inability to break down naturally. By identifying them as a separate category, AquaMarine acknowledges the need for special treatment and disposal methods to prevent them from polluting our surroundings.

Next up is degradable waste, primarily consisting of paper. Unlike non-degradable waste, paper can decompose over time. However, it still requires proper management to ensure that it doesn’t end up in landfills where it can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Lastly, AquaMarine addresses organic waste, including leftover food, tissue, and other organic materials.

In the realm of waste management, it is crucial to have a reliable partner by your side. And in our case, we are fortunate enough to have already established a strong alliance with our waste management partner, who assists us in handling our waste efficiently. This partnership has proven invaluable in ensuring our waste is managed responsibly and sustainably.

The waste management problem is not limited to plastic alone. Harmful chemicals and other pollutants enter the ocean, affecting the water quality and marine life. This pollution can also negatively affect human health, as consuming contaminated seafood can cause severe health issues.

Ecobrick to Prevent the Uncontrollable Spread of Plastic Packaging Waste

Waste management is an important matter that must be addressed. We must find ways to reduce our waste output and ensure that our generated waste is disposed of properly. This can be accomplished through recycling, eco-friendly products, and proper disposal of hazardous waste. We are responsible for caring for our planet and leaving future generations with a healthy and sustainable environment. By collaborating to manage our waste, we can protect our oceans and the valuable life that resides within them. Remember that every action counts, and by changing our daily routines, we can significantly impact our planet’s health.

AquaMarine’s Monthly Beach Clean-Up Activity