Save Turtles!

Hi Guys,

We are very lucky that Malaysia has many turtles with four species namely Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles.  But sad to say that the number of turtles have 
dropped and some species has close to extinction.

How can we help to save the poor turtles?  Below are some ways to avoid them from extinction.

1. Reduce the use of plastic bags.

2. Help to pick up rubbish at the beach.

3. Do not eat turtle eggs.

4. Do not disturb or ride turtle on land or in the water.

5. Help support turtle conservation program.

6. Do not throw rubbish or plastic bags in the sea or river.

7. Avoid restaurant that serve turtle eggs or meat.

8. Learn about turtle and share the information with friends

Source: http://www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my/
              http://www.wwf.org.my/about_wwf/what_we_do/species_main/turtles/

Project AWARE to help save ocean planet

Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) is a non-profit, worldwide organization dedicated to "Conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action".  The foundation was established in 1989 by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) in response to growing concerns by some scuba divers about potential harm inflicted on coral reefs by recreational and commercial water activities.  

Project AWARE have sponsored many regular events such as beach and reef cleaning, coral monitoring and "Donate as You Dive" campaigns.  They continue to monitor and report on the state of the marine environment and lobby governments for greater action on preservation and conservation efforts.

Below are some of the activities done by Project AWARE.

Dive Against Debris, Beach Clean - Mabul Island

Earth Day Clean Up 2013 at Egyptian Red Sea

Dive Against Debris Marine Clean up, Malapascua Island, Philipines

Source: http://www.projectaware.org/

Semporna Shark Sanctuary

Sharks has been feared by all since the Jaws movie era.  Their sharp razor teeth tearing human flesh is the most terrifying scene ever! So much of Hollywood movie exploitation.

Sharks has a timid manner and easily frighten by humans.  Being said, they are regarded as potentially dangerous when they are being provoked or threathen.  Many sharks in Malaysia are reef sharks for example White Tip, Black Tip or Borneo Shark.  They consume sea creatures for example small fishes, crustaceans and sometimes seabirds.

However, they are nearly to extinction due to overfishing.  So, a Shark Sanctuary was built to ensure sharks can be protected.  Semporna Shark Sanctuary, an organization responsible to create awareness on this beautiful creature.  They have been to many schools, government agencies, NGOs to promote and get support for their good cause.  They are the first Shark Sanctuary in South East Asia.

Lets join them to create awareness for sharks, mantas and all underwater friends!

Source:  http://www.projectaware.org/diver/semporna-shark-sanctuary

5 Most Beautiful and Colourful Fish

Hey All,

I was google-ing today and came across this super cool website with listing of the most beautiful fish.  Thought of sharing it here.  Get ready to see their breathtaking pretty-ness!!!

1. MandarinFish

This is definitely the most colorful fish in the world.  My friend once told me that  you can find all seven colors of rainbow in Mandarinfish!! Superb! 

2. Juvenile Emporer Angel Fish

The juvenile emporer angel fish is more beautiful with blue and white stripes, compared to the adult angel fish with yellow and blue stripes.  In South East Asia, they can usually be found at Similan Island, Thailand.

3. Lion Fish

Lion fish is one of the most venomous fish in the sea.  They have venomous dorsal spines that used for defense.  However, it is not fatal to human.  And they are gorgeous!

4. Crown Trigger Fish

Triggerfish has about 40 species which are often brightly coloured.   They are differentiated by its lines and spots and can be found at shallow tropical and subtropical waters.

5. Nudibranch

 

I love nudis!! They are very small colourful creatures that often been called sea slugs.  Finding them is a bit of a challenge cause they are super small and need a great eyesight to see them. In our country, Tenggol Island is said to be the heaven for nudibranch.

Source:  http://www.smashinglists.com/top-10-most-beautiful-and-colorful-fish/

Protect Manta and Devil Rays

Hello hello..

I would like to share my current crush to manta and devil rays.  They are one of the unique sea creatures and I love them so much.  Mantas can be found at subtropical, temperate and tropical waters in much of the world oceans.

But now they are in danger!

Mantas and devils are caught for their valuable gill rakers that are used for Chinese medicine.  It is very much in demand till the price can hike up to about $250 per kilogram.
The overfishing activities of these species can lead to extinction! *sob sob*

I think Chinese medicine should be banned! They are harming the animals that sharing the world with us.



Source: http://www.projectaware.org/update/infographic-manta-and-devil-rays-risk
               

World Oceans Day - June 8th

Hey All,

June 8th is the World Ocean Day.  Together we unite to protect the oceans!

World Oceans Day has been celebrated since 2008 around the world to appreciate oceans on its marine life and contribution to our life.  The Ocean Project and its partnership with World Ocean Network has been promoting World Oceans Day since 2003 with its network of over 1,600 organizations and others throughout the world. The group has been working very hard to create awareness of marine life and how it is important for people to help protecting them.  

Many activities had been organized previous years namely beach cleanups, educational programs, film festivals, sustainable seafood events and many other activities that relates to ocean awareness.

Fellow Malaysians have also contributed many good cause during WOD.  Many events were organized in previous years by NGOs, universities, schools and many concern parties.  This year, Malaysian Nature Society will organize Snorkel & Dive Perhentian Island 2013. 

So friends, if you love our oceans, please do your part to join any of these events for the sake of our future generations.

Source: http://theoceanproject.org/worldoceansday
            http://worldoceansday.org/events/snorkel-dive-at-pulau-perhentian-2013/
            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Oceans_Day

Astro Kasih Beautiful Malaysia -- Guinness World Records Longest Underwater Cleanup

Hi guys,

Just wanna share to all that Astro Kasih had organized longest underwater cleanup activity in Sabah recently. They had been officially declared by Guinness World Record for the effort. 

I always wanted to join this kind of event for good cause.  Hopefully in future, I will manage to contribute something back.  Love the underwater world to bits!