[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Section” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”10px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Like many coral reefs regions around the world right now, Raja Ampat is experiencing the impacts of a record-breaking marine heatwave, resulting in a coral bleaching.\u00a0 This aligns with broader climate patterns (El Nino), human induced climate change (which has brought about the world\u2019s Fourth Global Bleaching Event) and the associated rising global ocean temperatures, combined with varying levels of localised pressures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We are publishing this story now, based on our observations and those of others who\u2019ve been diving throughout Raja Ampat, within the Dampier Strait and beyond. And as always with Raja Ampat, variance and diversity reign <\/strong>(as can be seen in the video below). With this article, we do not claim to give a definitive report on the condition of every <\/em>reef in the region \u2013 this is impossible \u2013 \u00a0but rather, we aim to communicate and clarify some key points about bleaching in general, bleaching in Raja Ampat, and how we can support those reefs that are suffering until the colder water arrives, giving them the best chance of recovery and survival.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/mt-WIpWRWkM” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|-33px|auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”13px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”0px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”26px” header_2_font_size_phone=”27px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Video Credits: <\/strong>Lynn Lawrance, Cory Patty, Yosina Padwa, Tim Noack,\u00a0 Arnaud Brival, Jakare Liveaboard<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”30px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”26px” header_2_font_size_phone=”27px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”10px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Raja Ampat covers a vast area of over 4.5 million hectares; and it is impossible for anyone to say definitively that \u201cRaja Ampat is bleached\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n The situation is complex:\u00a0some corals are fully bleached, others stressed, and many remain healthy, even thriving<\/b>. What we\u2019ve shown in this video is from a series of dives taken within the past couple of weeks, clearly indicating the variance.\u00a0 <\/span>Of those corals that are bleached; at time of writing they are still alive (bleached does not mean dead) – having simply expelled the algae that gives them their colour; these bleached corals are actively feeding on the abundant plankton in Raja Ampat\u2019s rich waters.<\/span><\/p>\n At present, the most famous and frequented sites within in the Dampier Strait appear to be among the most affected by bleaching. However, this observation comes with subjectivity and potential bias, particularly as other areas are less frequently visited or monitored; (eg: there are no reports of bleaching at sites where nobody visits).<\/span><\/p>\n The extent of the current bleaching event is alarming and should be taken very seriously, and we do not wish to downplay this<\/strong>; but it is important to note that the current variability and \u2018patchwork\u2019 of bleaching impact also reflects both the vulnerability and the extraordinary resilience<\/strong> of Raja Ampat\u2019s coral reefs.\u00a0 To date, these reefs have demonstrated an incredible ability to recover from bleaching events, including those in 2016\/2017 and 2021\u2014events that, unless you were here at the time, you would not know occurred at all due to the low levels of mortality.<\/p>\n This incredible resilience can be attributed to several unique ecological dynamics<\/strong> (healthy populations of grazing fish, strong currents and deep-water upwellings, shallow inlets and creeks that act as natural “training grounds” for heat-resistant corals, abundant planktonic food which support corals when their ability to photosynthesize is compromised, full forest\/mangrove cover in coastal areas)<\/em> combined with and a lack of other stressors and pressures <\/strong>(pollution, wastewater, overfishing, coastal development, overtourism).<\/em><\/p>\n These factors create robust natural feedback loops that have allowed Raja Ampat\u2019s reefs to bounce back time and time again; where other reefs around the world die off.<\/p>\n But this does not mean we can assume all will be well once again. What this should tell us is that if we do not navigate this with the care and respect that the coral reefs we say we value deserve, there is a lot more to lose.<\/strong><\/p>\n The current bleaching event is still unfolding<\/strong>, and we don\u2019t yet know its full impact. What is \u2018true\u2019 now, my be different in a month or two.\u00a0 What we do know with certainty, is that it serves as a clear warning sign that shouldn\u2019t be ignored.<\/strong><\/p>\n Coral bleaching is typically a symptom of broader environmental stress. And while global solutions to address climate change may seem beyond reach in the short term, local action is within our control.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”10px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ module_id=”reducelocalpressures” admin_label=”reducelocalpressures”]<\/p>\n The best way to support Raja Ampat\u2019s reefs right now is to reduce and<\/strong> minimise local pressures <\/strong>(such as pollution, wastewater, overfishing, damaging marine activities, overtourism sites suffering bleaching, unchecked and\/or careless tourism practices) and safeguard the region\u2019s unique ecological dynamics <\/strong>\u2013 which combined have protected it for centuries.<\/p>\n Pressures on coral reefs are cumulative, particularly during a bleaching event; so reducing these pressures \u2013 especially in the areas that are suffering from bleaching the most –\u00a0 gives corals the maximum chance of survival and full recovery.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”whatnow” sticky_enabled=”0″ module_id=”whatnow” da_is_popup=”off” da_popup_slug=”whatnow” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_id=”whatnow” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-70px|auto|-33px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”whatnow” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”30px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”26px” header_2_font_size_phone=”27px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lora||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”10px||-10px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \n Over the years, Raja Ampat\u2019s reefs have proven they can take a hit; but just like the rest of us, there\u2019s a limit to their resilience\u2014and right now, none of us know where that tipping point is. With water temperature expected to start to cooling in 5-8 weeks, but with a Bleaching Alert remaining at Level 1 for another 12weeks (see diagrams below), Raja Ampat\u2019s reefs need every possible advantage we can give them to recover, just like they have in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n For individuals, minimizing personal impact is vital. Three of the most significant pressures individuals can help mitigate are:<\/p>\n Additionally, it\u2019s important to ensure that wetsuits, boots, and fins are thoroughly cleaned to avoid introducing viruses or harmful organisms from other regions.<\/p>\n As the world lives through the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event, now is not the time for complacency and the \u2018business as usual\u2019 approach; it\u2019s a time for action. With continually rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves expected to become more frequent and intense, the window to act may well be closing. \u00a0Every choice we<\/strong> (not the notorious “they”) make\u2014minimizing pollution, reducing local stressors, and supporting genuine conservation efforts and reducing carbon emissions<\/a> – will determine whether these reefs can continue to thrive or if they\u2019ll be pushed past their breaking point.<\/p>\n For those who truly care about Raja Ampat – as much as their social media posts say they do –\u00a0 right now, the call to action here is simple: <\/strong><\/p>\nThe Facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What Now?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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