It's been a while since i visited this site and i have seen that you have requested me to introduce myself. Sorry i did not do this earlier - i'll post an intro after writing this one. I don't have the time to visit here regularly, but i will pop in from time to time.
This thread seems to be mainly about the world's reefs at risk and i think many of us can do something about it. I often recommend the following to others:
-Before you book a diving holiday, ask the dive centre what they do to help the environment. Dive with centre that actually do something, such as clean-ups.
-Why not
ask if you can participate in a reef clean? Some dive centres offer a free dive for this, but you can still pay if they ask. They have costs to cover and it is still an enjoyable and worthwhile dive. If they don't do a reef clean then maybe they will start doing them!
-If you are being charged money to enter a marine park then why not ask what your money is being used for, especially if you can't see what they do!
-If you see illegal activities such as fishing or anchor dropping in a marine park then write to the head office to complain. As tourists you are walking Ringgits! They will listen
-Write to the Ministry of Tourism if you are concerned that the corals are declining. Tell them you will holiday in Thailand if they get worse.
-Write to the Ministry of Fisheries and anyone else you can think of to complain. If no-one speaks out then how can things change?
-Why not consider helping with Reef Check? It's a very enjoyable course and you can feel very proud when becoming an Eco-Diver.
-The corals on some reefs in Malaysia are very badly damaged due to diver impact. If you are diving with people who touch corals then explain to them about damage. Tell the diving operator that you will no longer dive with them if their Divemasters/instructors do not stop people harming the marine life. Pulau Aur is in a shocking state!
-Write to the local government and anyone you can think of. You can use the same letter to save time so just change the address. Tell them how much money the coral reefs bring to Malaysia in tourism and fisheries and that something must be done!
-And finally, if you visit the Perhentians this year you will see 3 huge new concrete jetties and a large double-story concrete building placed in the middle of Long Beach. Why is there this unnecessary development? Why not build small jetties? The one by PIR is not even needed as the old one was fine (and looked better). Write letters to complain about it!
incidentally, Coral Sky Divers, who have been operating for over 10 years from Long Beach on the Perhentians has closed down this year for good. Why? Because a brand new concrete building has been placed right in-front of their business. Coral Sky were a very good operator doing reef cleans and Reef Check surveys. They are now gone for good. Other local businesses are also blocked and are in danger of closing down. The structure has also partially blocked a small waterway and so now there is a stagnant pond with lots of mosquitoes. Who actually wants this large building for shops? No-one!
Anyhow... i'm getting carried away. i hope the above can help get some letters to be written. I have already written a lot this year and hopefully if enough locals and foreign tourists write in then someone will listen.
Cheers, Pete
