Teaming up with DHL - Dive Against Debris Month of Action!

September is Dive Against Debris month. A month that Project AWARE dedicates to the cleaning of beaches and coral reefs and encouraging people around the world to actively  contribute. Of course, this is something that Scuba Junkie is keen to support and be a part of. So we have had some hard working teams out collecting plastic, tins and various other forms of rubbish from our coral reefs and beaches. 

Not only this, but we teamed up with DHL as part of their initiative to clear visible debris and a desire to work on Project AWARE Dive Against Debris . The team came from around the world, and were simply a keen group of people who love diving and wanted to help make a difference. They got in touch with us, expressing an interest in conservation and environmental work. Once we had a clear view of their aims we were able to create a varied and interesting programme for them to get stuck into. Over the period that they were here they collected 190kg from underwater clean up and 860kg of waste during their Beach Cleans.
 

Beach Clean!

Dav one:

The group wanted to get involved straight away and so they headed off to Sibuan, a stunning island in the Tan Sakaran Marine Park, to begin their Beach and Reef cleans. They were accompanied by two of our truly dedicated Environmental Officers: Cat and Dave. The divers were fully briefed on how to safely and properly carry out these activities. Of course it is important to remove as much debris as possible from the coral reefs, but it is also important to protect yourself. Gloves where handed out so people could protect their hands from sharp glass and metal. Not only this, but it is possible that items of rubbish become a home to some small underwater critters - which necessitates making sure the plastic bags / glass bottles are empty before removing them from the water. In some cases it is actually more damaging to remove an item from the reef than to leave it there. If you encounter this whilst on your own reef clean, always check with someone experienced before removing an item you are unsure of. 

 

Day Two:

For their second day, the team from DHL were brought over to the  Mabul Beach Resort to focus their attentions on reef cleans around Pulau Mabul. Throughout the day they completed three dives, collecting over 80kg of rubbish! All of the debris that was removed from the ocean was then recorded. After each dive the group put all of the refuse together and recorded what exactly it was that is found in this area. This information is then sent onto Project AWARE, who use this information to build a clear picture of what trash actually is affecting the underwater environment. 

Sorting through the debris

 

The evening time brought a little time to let loose and Dave presented an entertaining Pub Quiz for everyone to get involved in. The entry fee was just 10RM per person and all the money raised will go straight into supporting the kids in the local community. In the past we have used such money to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste, fresh fruit and educational materials.  We raised an amazing 400RM and are extremely grateful to everyone who donated and took part. 
 

 

                                                                      Day Three: 

Coral Transplant

The team was out in full force, once again getting stuck in to Reef Cleans around Pulau Mabul. Day 3 also brought some variety in the form of our Coral Transplant Project on the island. In the afternoon the dive and snorkelling team were helping collect coral fragments.  Live fragments of coral are delicately collected and brought over to our House Reef. Here they are attached to a structure in the hope that they can grow into a healthy and happy reef. You can find out more about our Coral Transplant project here: http://scubajunkiemalaysia.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-project-on-pulau-mabul.html

 

 

The evening brought Movie Night, a chance for everyone to relax a little bit. The projector was set up in the bar and we showed the fascinating documentary 'SharkWater'. This documentary follows Rob Stewart as he investigates sharks and the growing shark finning industry. The first part of this educates us on how the media has crucified sharks and portrayed them as man-eating machines. Which is, of course, a gross misconception. As the film progresses Rob journeys into the shark finning world, taking a look at the Cocos islands and the Galapagos, where he finds that corruption is rife. This dramatic and interesting documentary is a must-see! If you love sharks, or hate them, it's full of fascinating information about an extremely misunderstood animal. 

 

 

 

 

 

Days Four and Five: 
Over the last two days it was time for everyone to have a little break. Half of the group was treated to a day trip out to Pulau Sipadan. This world famous island is renowned for its incredible diving and snorkeling,  with the chance of seeing Reef Sharks, masses of Green Turtles, absolutely stunning corals and an amazing array of schooling fish.  The other half of the team stayed around Pulau Mabul as part of an Environment Day, taking part in a huge Beach Clean. In the afternoon they were treated to a wealth of information about the underwater life we see here. Dave gave them a hugely informative lecture about identifying species that we encounter in this area and  the coral reef system. The next day the two teams swapped so everyone could get the Environmental and the Sipadan experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the evening it was time for a workshop. The group sat down with Dave and Cat and spent several hours discussing the waste management issues that they have seen in the area. They brain stormed proactive ideas on what solutions could be brought in to the area to help prevent debris from entering the water. All sides feel that these talks were extremely productive and we hope that some of the ideas that were presented can be put into action.  

 

It was an extremely productive few days and we hope that the entire DHL Crew had a great time. A huge thank you to Hari, Michael, Frank, Ladi, Melanie, Brano, Petr and Paulo for all of the hard work and dedication they showed. It was a pleasure to have them contributing to the work that we do here. If you have an interest in environmental and conservation work then do not hesitate to get in touch: info@scuba-junkie.com

14 Reasons to do your IDC with Scuba Junkie

1) We have been running IDCs at the Mabul Beach Resort for over 3 years and we have a 100% success rate!

 Everyone has passed!

2) We have an award winning platinum rated course director come to the island to teach the IDC. He has taught over 1000 people how to be instructors

 This is Thien... He's taught a lot of people how to be Instructors

3) The diving in this area is world class! Just off out jetty, where you will be fine tuning your skills underwater, you can see an incredible range of creatures – from huge Green Turtles, schooling fish to tiny Flamboyant Cuttlefish. 

School of Trevally

Flamboyant Cuttlefish are so CUTE

4) Every candidate gets 1 free Specialty Instructor Course!

YAAAAY Free Stuff!!

5) With all the new information you will learning, you don’t want to have any extra worries. That’s why we offer a fully inclusive package, you won’t be going hungry! 

6) The IE takes place on a stunning paradise island: Sibuan! 

7) When you’re not studying you can relax on one our sunloungers on the beach…Siesta anyone?

8) At the end of the day, relax in our bar with a nice cold beer or cocktail 

Yum, delicious cocktails!

9) Class size is no more than 10 people, meaning that each student gets personal attention throughout the course. 

10) We have a fantastic selection of experienced instructors, who will be more than happy to offer to advice and guidance. 

 The Scuba Junkie Team

11) Be involved with a Dive Centre that is dedicated to responsible diving and committed to the marine environment.

We run weekly Reef and Beach Cleans

 

12) You can choose between  a Deluxe Aircon room, or a spacious Dorm.

13) It may sound cheesey, but it’s true. It will be a rewarding and fun experience, you’ll meet new people and make new friends! 

14) We have some special offers this November for our IDC, get in touch with our office to find out more!

YAAAAAY SPECIAL OFFERS!

For more information please email us at info@scuba-junkie.com 
Or take a look at our website:
www.scuba-junkie.com

Whale Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Silvertip Sharks... and much more!

The past month has been Shark-Tastic here at the Scuba Junkie. We’ve had some incredible sightings of an array of shark and ray species. These sightings prove just how diverse the marine life in this area can be. In just one week, we had 6 different species of shark seen in the waters around Sipadan and Mabul, whilst Whale Sharks, Devil Rays and Eagle Rays have been seen around the Tun Sakuran Marine park – which we dive out of Semporna.

Whale sharks seen from below....
(Photo taken on Pulau Mabul)

Possibly the most exciting sightings we had last month were of the majestic Whale Shark – the biggest fish in the ocean. In the space of one month we had 5 sightings of Whale Sharks, all around the Sipadan, Sipadan Barrier Reef, Mabul and Tun Sakuran Marine Park area! Whale sharks are not residential to this area, we see them sporadically throughout the year as they pass through on their mystical journey. Never before have we seen so many in such a short amount of time. What’s more exciting is that the sightings were not just a fleeting glance. At Sipadan the whale shark cruised passed the divers and was visible for several minutes.  Around Mabul our divers spent over 40minutes with a whale shark, having it swim around above them. It was not just divers that had such an incredible experience. At Sibuan, one of the stunning islands that make up the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, it was the snorkelers who were lucky enough to see this incredible shark. It’s possible for everyone to see this stunning and elusive creature.

 

And Whale Sharks seen from above!
(Photo taken in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park)

 Other species of shark we have seen include the shy Hammerhead shark. Spotted at Sipadan, this incredibly endangered species of shark became intrigued of our divers. The behaviour of these sharks is interesting, the sightings always a magical experience. Hammerheads tend to be a deep living schooling shark. Although they are incredibly shy, they also seem to be very curious. Whilst diving at Sipadan, it is possible for divers to look behind them and see a Hammerhead shark checking them out. Once the Hammerhead establishes you are just a boring diver, they swim back down to their school – reporting to the school that you are nothing of interest. This month we had divers who were lucky enough to encounter the entire school, according to the dive group there were too many to count!

Leopard Shark!
(Photo taken at Sipadan Island)

Leopard sharks have also been spotted in recent weeks. In just one day there were three sightings! This beautiful shark is one of the few species of shark that can actually stop swimming and can be seen resting on corals or rocky areas. When resting these sharks will allow you to get pretty close, as you can see from the photos! Seeing them swim is also a treat, as the Leopard shark is one of the most graceful sharks in the ocean. Their tail is almost the same length as its body, and the stunning shapes and colours of this shark means it is beautiful to watch swim.

Black Tip Reef sharks and Silver tip sharks have also been seen in the last few weeks around Sipadan island. These sightings are important, as it demonstrates just how crucial it is that Sipadan remains protected. Divers have also seen White Tip Reef sharks off the back of Kapalai Island! It is clear that not just Sipadan that needs protecting, it is this whole area. The Semporna Shark Sanctuary is a proposal that Scuba Junkie hugely supports. The projects seeks to have this entire area protected. Not only does it aim to protect the incredible diversity of marine species that we see in this area, but also to protect the local community. A decline in these species will have a detrimental effect to the tourism in Sabah, which is turn will affect the security of many people’s jobs. For more information please visit the Semporna Shark Sanctuary Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Semporna-Shark-Sanctuary/292053650838545?sk=timeline 

New Project on Pulau Mabul

When thinking of endangered species it is animals such as pandas, leopards and sharks that come to mind. However, these are not the only species facing threats, many varieties of corals are also facing population troubles. Staghorn coral, Mushroom Coral,  Bubble Coral, along with many others are actually listed as near threatened on the IUCN list, and without our help it could come into real danger. As divers we will always have an impact on the reefs that we love, so we try to do a little to give back. With this in mind, we have just started an exciting new project on the island. Although the coral population is healthy around this area, we have decided to undertake a Coral Transplant Project, to aid the population growth.  

Coral fragments

Over Turtle Week one of our extremely talented members of staff, Sha, constructed a model of a  turtle. This structure shall be used as a frame for our new Coral Nursery. Coral Transplanting involves taking fragments of live coral and relocating them to a protected area, where it is possible for them to thrive. The coral fragments that were used for this project were gained naturally. Staff and interns visited dive sites and located live corals that had recently broken off of the reef. The species that are used for the transplant project must be carefully selected. Of course, we use species that occur naturally in the area and tried our best to get a variety of soft and hard corals. Our team researched which of the corals in the area would benefit and grow in such a program. Fast growing branching corals, such as Staghorn Coral, were collected. As well as slower growing corals to provide variety. 

                                                                                                               

How it works: 

Corals reproduce through asexual means; this means that each individual polyp has the means to create a new colony. Once secured, we hope that they will thrive in their reproduction, and ultimately end up with a new and healthy area of reef. Of course, the conditions must be conductive to their health, which is why we must be careful in selecting the species of coral and the area in which we choose to locate the coral nursery. To secure the fragments to the structure we used cable ties - a cheap and simple method. The coral has no problem growing over the cable tie and there is no detrimental effect to the corals. Not only does this project aim to be beneficial to coral populations, but will also provide a protected area that provides food and shelter for the array of fish and invertebrate species we see around Mabul, Kapalai and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. With Staghorn corals growing nearly 12cm in just one year, we hope that this reef will be look gorgeous in no time at all. 

We are already seeing signs of life on the structure!

It is not just diving that threatens this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. Over fishing, rising levels of pollution and rising sea temperatures are just a few of the issues that are having a negative impact on the reefs.  Although coral transplanting is not a solution to these unfortunate issues, we hope that it will be extremely beneficial to this area.