We all know that the ocean is not what is used to be. Or do we?
For the majority of the population of our planet, and despite the effort of a few individuals to bring up the demise of oceanic ecosystems everywhere, the underwater world is as alien as the moon or Mars. In fact it is even more alien since we see the moon on a constant basis.
Out of all the coastal communities around the world, few ever put a mask on, and that includes the one's living in the ocean, such as fisherman or boat people for example. The few that do, do it so often that it's most ly done on a recreational basis.
Lately, disaster stories of our planet are starting to sell via the media but regarding the underwater world, documentaries all seem to describe it as a huge invisible ocean. What only very few people understand is that it took teams of hundreds of people to go to the remotest location to gather a few exiting shots.
By nature, if one is passionate about something, one tends to bypass the rubbish. Obvious in so many places where we are able to edit with our senses what we do not want to see.
In Indonesia, kids play next to tons of rubbish mainly plastic because it is the reality they where brought up in.
It is the same underwater. On a dead reef, I will tend to focus on the few remaining living elements. Of course I know the reef is dying but my impulse draws me to the what is alive.
And more than ever, what I realize is that I am seeking hope to contradict some of the thoughts that arise in my mind. It is not all fucked, it is not all doomed, and there is a chance to recover.
I am lucky here, as I am so close to Singapore meaning I am able to study in a total system approach, a small but significant area of ocean ecosystems.
Further on I will talk about issues, big and small, little events, seasonal events, and conservation challenges and observations. As I speak, we are in the transition of season. In the sea the water is getting murky. One side of the island is “closing down” due to the north east winds setting in with it’s sisters swells. The trees are blooming new leaves in outburst, birds are starting to crowd the shore of Bintan, and the fisherman are going to take their annual rest, giving the ocean a break. And believe me, there is nothing better than a break on the pressure we inflict on the oceanic ecosystems.
To be continued…
For the majority of the population of our planet, and despite the effort of a few individuals to bring up the demise of oceanic ecosystems everywhere, the underwater world is as alien as the moon or Mars. In fact it is even more alien since we see the moon on a constant basis.
Out of all the coastal communities around the world, few ever put a mask on, and that includes the one's living in the ocean, such as fisherman or boat people for example. The few that do, do it so often that it's most ly done on a recreational basis.
Lately, disaster stories of our planet are starting to sell via the media but regarding the underwater world, documentaries all seem to describe it as a huge invisible ocean. What only very few people understand is that it took teams of hundreds of people to go to the remotest location to gather a few exiting shots.
By nature, if one is passionate about something, one tends to bypass the rubbish. Obvious in so many places where we are able to edit with our senses what we do not want to see.
In Indonesia, kids play next to tons of rubbish mainly plastic because it is the reality they where brought up in.
It is the same underwater. On a dead reef, I will tend to focus on the few remaining living elements. Of course I know the reef is dying but my impulse draws me to the what is alive.
And more than ever, what I realize is that I am seeking hope to contradict some of the thoughts that arise in my mind. It is not all fucked, it is not all doomed, and there is a chance to recover.
I am lucky here, as I am so close to Singapore meaning I am able to study in a total system approach, a small but significant area of ocean ecosystems.
Further on I will talk about issues, big and small, little events, seasonal events, and conservation challenges and observations. As I speak, we are in the transition of season. In the sea the water is getting murky. One side of the island is “closing down” due to the north east winds setting in with it’s sisters swells. The trees are blooming new leaves in outburst, birds are starting to crowd the shore of Bintan, and the fisherman are going to take their annual rest, giving the ocean a break. And believe me, there is nothing better than a break on the pressure we inflict on the oceanic ecosystems.
To be continued…