Category: Ocean

This year we experienced a couple Typhoons , hammering the reef and our house. Kristine and Pepito. Both super Typhoons that changed our reef , making them unrecognizable. The Mesa shelves that stood like trees were strewn across the reef like upturned umbrellas. The marshmallow towers that stood like high rises were swept out to sea and dropped down to the deep channels. Some survived , most gave way for new growth that quickly took advantage of the open sand and sun needed to anchor and supply warmth and energy. It’s a brand new reef. The fish and clutches of eggs abound with new life, like there was no problem. Shows the tenacious nature of sea life, just how strong the will to survive is. Here I must mention the forever chemicals and foreign matter hampering the life of everything living there in our oceans. Those things we humans place in the way of growth, stunt the size and reproductive cycles, killing everything quietly while offering an easier life for a few humans, profit above all.

Our house got hit by Kristine. Breaking down a wall along the east side and washing fill under and around the foundation. We acted quickly to repair as the next storm was already on the way. Pepito was expected to join with another Typhoon in the Pacific and become the bigger storm, maybe of the decade. Thankfully that turned north and hit in northern Luzon.

We breathed a sigh of relief and helped rebuild the crew quarters that were destroyed along with most neighbors houses along the wall. Thanks to the crew, neighbors and family we are doing well now. Anyayahan , Welcome friends, is the boat that crosses to Calapan, Mindoro. Best crew, captain and safest passing. I recommend the trip to anyone visiting the area.

Our next visit will be to Isla Verde, the dense reefs boasting 2000 species of fish and over 2500 coral types alone. Shallow waters make snorkeling a pleasure for the novice as well as professional divers. the deep comes quick and current can take you off quickly so stay aware of your surroundings. Even so there are football size areas in waters 2 to 4 meters allowing sun rays to show a brilliance of color. Great for cameras. Isla Verde sits in the middle of the Tiburon channel flowing from the Visayas to Batangas and on to Manila. There’s another reef we plan to visit just west of us, before mount Maria. I’ve heard very positive reports of their reef and resorts. Better keep my camera charged. I’ll post a report on that reef after the holidays. We’re excited to be home and so many things have kept us from reporting but there are no excuses only the job at hand. Giving you the information and passing it along to others interested in saving our environment has no price tag. Thank you all for following.

We hope to bring family along on more expeditions, being divers from young we old timers have to keep up with the grand kids. Some were babies when we started this site and our pride of their growth and knowledge is amazing to us. Watching them teach others and grow confidence among their piers looks like a generation of new thought and action here in the eye of life among the waves. Our world is vast yet small enough to be a baby among planets. There isn’t anyplace we’ve found remotely like Earth. We despairatly need to help it, and us survive the pollution frivously cast like dumped garbage. to ignore it any longer is a death sentence we can’t afford. I’m sure you’ve heard we’re on the cusp of no return. If you’re not part of the solution now, maybe it’s time to think about joining.

By 2050 our plastic industry will triple. Just over 20 years and there won’t be anything living without plastic in their system . There is no way to pick up every piece of debris. There are methods of biodegradable material to be used instead though. Who cares if the plastic can last forever if we’re all long gone before it’s tarnished and lost it’s shiny gloss? Recycling is a fiction made up to keep green believers busy looking the other way. Fish species have shrunk in size and population and that’s been cast as to many people while it’s the chemicals dumped in our oceans by the tons and tons unchecked. Every time we ban one chemical there are ten more to take it’s place. The game isn’t a game we want to play. Switch and bate has to stop, be exposed and there are people now willing to listen. Sound your voice and write your leaders. Gather together and shout about what’s costing your life and those coming after us. You can see it above the waves just as well as below the oceans. PLEASE HELP!

HERE WE GO WITH THE RACE OF THE YEAR. No I’m not talking about the swim race from Lobo to Isla Verdi, I’m talking about the birthing of thousands of baby turtles hatching. Such excitement is a once a year event held throughout the beaches in the South China Sea. Extending to Australia and up to Viet Nam. Maybe I forgot some special areas within the egg laying beaches that are none the less producing hundreds if not thousands of turtles every year. Yay to the tenacity of these great world explorers.

When they hatch they immediately head for the ocean . People excitedly gather , party and help the little critters find their home out there. What a big home it is indeed. Turtles have been recorded in every ocean , tagged as far away as north Pacific coast from hatching in Indonesia , almost 12,000 miles away and still growing. In Japan they eat their fill of giant Jellyfish the Man O War along with kelp, coral and balancing the ecosystem to what used to be normal. Until the advent of plastic in our oceans the job they do went unnoticed. Now we’re faced with massive hatchings of Jellies and less turtles to eat them . So , Jellie’s are on the menu in Japan . No doubt they wish it could be quality fish , unpolluted by mercury and radioactive pollution but nope now they get Jellyfish. yum.

In such a short time our protective organizations have turned a blind eye to the problems we all face, but that’s nothing new as we find how upper crust society gobbles down the prime and leaves the bones for world populations to fight over. Look over there has become the battle cry every time a disaster strikes , but that the opposite way from the disaster at hand. So no change here. Only that fishing catches produce smaller fish and lesser catches than just ten years ago. The research has been dumped by the control polls that would be astounding if released. yep we’re not seeing the food on the shelves and what there is happens to be to expensive to buy. Get your credit card ready, pay the 22% interest and have a tasty bait fish for dinner. Hey this is about turtles!! Well they are so special in our ecosystem books have been written about their importance. Turtles help groom the reefs for eggs to grow properly. Turtles can live over a hundred years and produce thousands of eggs in their lifetime. Such a titan of the sea should be honored and watched so we can follow their lead. Why would such a long lived animal produce such massive hatchlings and live so long? Because the world needs them that badly , without the mighty turtle our oceans would quickly fall out of balance with nature. Just as the shark is misunderstood , so is the turtle. Protected against virtually everything by it’s shell. A true survivor , a grazer , peaceful and gentle, the turtle stands alone.

There is a great threat not only to the turtle but all life here and that is plastic. Plastic has been spread like peanut butter all over the planet. Spread like a freak that just don’t care. unmonitored and toxic at levels beyond a livable amount. Why ? If it’s so bad , why haven’t any of our world policing groups acknowledged it? As the turtles graze they like to add protein to their diet, jellyfish is perfect. digesting the jellies is easy with some coral and sea grass in your gut. Not so for plastic. They become clogged with indigestible plastic and soon die of starvation with a full stomach. It must be one of the worst ways to die, painful , confusing , energy depleting , slow deaths with a 100% kill rate. So again I ask WHY ? Why hide these facts in the news and under waters that provide life for the planet. It’s a war on us all. All Life, animal, bug, foliage and trees harmed by plastic and chemicals dumped frivolously , nilly come hither, anywhere they won’t be seen doing so. Like third world countries. People we trust in places they think we won’t know. Help, I’m sinking in a sea of pollutants along with my loving turtles. They don’t understand any better than I do. It’s not to late to call or write your legislature about this huge problem that combined with the other world catastrophes lessen our chances of survival. Do the elites think their immune to end of world events?

Love all All love

Hi guys; we’re back in Isla Verde , where the constant growth of coral amazes me. As we’ve traveled to other destinations expecting bountiful returns of colorful coral, we find bleached and dying coral. Why ? Some places are damaged by man and it’s obvious while other sites are a mystery. Ocean temperatures have been constant for the 15 years we’ve been monitoring the oceans. Some places have blocked off the flow such as the Keys in Florida and warming has occurred beyond normal for years now. I’m hearing the great reefs of Australia are now bleaching beyond repair. I find believing the so called facts just to convenient . The Great Barrier reef is open to the southern Indian Ocean and exposed to a massive chemical dump along with massive plastic dumping and who knows what other unwanted debris swept under the waves. As far as we can tell the water temperature has been constant at tolerable levels but a natural level of bleaching isn’t what we see. We’re seeing a death across the reefs on a massive scale. Something only mans hand can effect , not nature.

On a scale of hidden truths we’d say this is one of the worst cover ups in world history. Blame it on the average human , cow farts, the green deal that we’ve ignored , on and on into the blame game and ignore the truth. We’re being polluted by chemical dumping and forever chemicals don’t go away. they just accumulate more and more until the reefs and humans choke on the shit that keeps products store fresh. please stop these crimes against humanity now. Our world is at stake.

We’ve gone to two sites showing stress in just the last couple weeks. The natural degradation has overtaken some of the reef as new coral springs up. It’s a process that combs the sea bed adding limestone to the oceans floor for a regrowth, maybe next season or ten years from now but coral is very resilient when given a chance to thrive. Think of it as a forest after a fire. Clears, cleans and leaves great nutrients for the next generation to use. It’s a natural cycle. It’s also easy to point out the manufactured damage as opposed to natural die off.

Most people don’t dive or look at what’s there in a scientific way. People just want to enjoy the cool of the water, feel the mist and trust there will always be living oceans to produce the oxygen needed to breath our air above the reefs. They want to fish and catch their limit. We would like to see their dreams come true but until we look deeper into the web of deceit and address the poisons frivolously dumped over the reefs, we are doomed. If the waters are too polluted for safe swimming how do the creatures that live there feel? We have no place to escape to and once we destroy our paradise it’s gone.

In most of our posts we allow for everyone to think for themselves. Ask the questions that come to mind. We also try to pack enough information to feed those brain cells with the questions. I know everyone reading these posts have empathy for the people and planet around them to follow through, to ask.

As with most crises now days the false denial always points to we the people. If only each and every one of us would have done something to help. That’s shifting the blame away from the factories and organized leaders taking the payoffs. It’s not your fault or responsibility but chasing your tail keeps you busy. let’s instead try sending a message of concern to our representatives explaining how drastic the problem has become. Just don’t believe the ” global Warming ” is the root of our problem. We’ve had enough of that lie, or the nicer term of ” misinformation ” that dismisses responsibility in such a flowery way.

As we swim the reefs here I can’t help thinking we’re protected by neutral government around the South China Sea. Today the reefs are vibrant, alive and producing the worlds fish in mass that no farming or hatcheries could ever match. It’s a marvel to watch the births of hatchlings or the puffs of coral spores during a full moon. It fills our hearts with hope, survival and even abundance. That we do address this very important issue is paramount to our lives and most of us don’t even know the importance of keeping our waters clean.

Unlike Australia where the Great Barrier is open to one of the worlds largest oceans, aided by deep water currents to keep cool. Between Indonesia and the Philippines is shallow waters running through thousands of islands. One thought is those shallow areas filter some of the forever chemicals along their flow helping protect the young schools and coral. We would like to examine some of our theories in more detail and plan to although our budget only allows for slow inspection and what we can see as proof with our monitoring systems. It’s rather antique but proven methods for the last few hundred years. Spreading the word is also grass root growth and we could use your help. please help spread the word. Let’s clean the gyres , enable more clean water to flow and live happy, healthy lives.

Hello everyone, We’ve returned from the north most point in the main Island of Luzon, Philippines. Searching for that perfect spot to take guests and send tourists. We found a few, Vigan was our first stop with cobble stone streets, empanadas, bagnet and old buildings. They also have a Zoo , holding many exotic animals . a white Tiger was a favorite, with picture taking tourists willing to sit in a pose. The beaches were further up north in Ilocos Norte.

From there we traveled north to Pagudpod, past the windmills. A small community, Saud, was our next stop, on the beach. It is a growing barangay along beautiful beaches, just right for swimming and sun. plenty of good food and friendly people. Many fishing boats adorn the coast but not much boat tourism yet. The fish and coral along the beaches were sparse, possibly due to open current and lack of protection in the north China Sea. I was told just north takes you to Taiwan, but it’s a small Island and easy to miss. Don’t try swimming , you’d likely be cast away. From there we turned south again and spent time in Ilocos Sur at Candon. They grow a lot of Tobacco there, among other crops of corn and peanuts. Just developing tourism, it’s a larger city compared to Saud and has much to offer. While there we learned to roll cigars from an 85 year old woman who told stories of the Japanese invasion of WW2. It was a most delightful part of our journey. You can buy pre-rolled cigars in the public market if you prefer, probably better than any I rolled.

The beach was nice as usual. Sand and light surf , warm water made for good swimming but again not much coral so not many fish species. I found a few shells , found a crab or two, some sea weed and what looked like peas growing on sea vines. I was told the pea type weed was medicinal, good for the prostate I believe.

Again we loaded the van and traveled to Bauang. After securing a room we took a day trip up into the mountains to Baguio City. Not what I expected. Traveling through the mountains I though we would find a small mountain town nestled among ridges in possibly a valley or along a river. What I found to be there was a city as large as any along the coast or inland, with houses and commercial buildings built up into the mountainside, some quasi flat areas but usually up or down with every step. musicians playing along the streets, two parks and a zoo. There just didn’t seem to be an end to the curiosities that cropped up right around every turn. The entire drive from one park to the next was manicured and I asked at one point if we were still in the park. It was beautiful. Being only a day trip wasn’t enough for the visit. I recommend spending a couple days there to ingest the full flavor and view of Baguio.

We returned to Bauang, La Union, enjoyed the beach and ocean there , resting for our return to Lobo Batangas the next day. I hadn’t found and tour guides yet and even though Bauang was a large city it seemed to be growing for tourism. Plenty of open beach and privacy. We had passed through San Fernando heading both directions and that was a hot spot for younger surfers as the waves were larger and surfable. It’s a known destination for the action crowd and did seem like a fun pace to be. In La Union and not far from where we stayed, I recommend touring there if your holidaying along the north coast.

The trip was wonderful, colorful and informative for sure. Upon returning to the reef in Lobo I celebrated with a snorkel dive among the ever enhancing forest in our back yard. Being thankful for what we have right here at home. Isla Verde stands out like a beacon of good hope to the world as the reef forest lies below unnoticed by the world passing by above. What a trade off of 02 to oxygen we have and nurseries of fish species propagating here is unparalleled anywhere we’ve been. Thank the creator for sending us to this home .

It’s 2023 , almost years end and we haven’t touched more than 3% if what we’ve learned this year. Some highlights.

We’ve gone to Mote Laboratories a few months ago . Located in Florida U S . Great people devoted to protecting the reefs in south east United States. The waters have warmed and it’s hard to keep coral thriving above 90f . They are growing Elk Horn coral and displacing it in safe areas along the Atlantic coast. Elk Horn coral is hardy and can withstand temperatures above what the corals here in the Philippines need. So much more information is on their site for those wanting more information.

We’ve experienced an oil spill along our coasts ranging from Palawan to Luzon , flowing between Mindoro and Luzon and surrounding inlets. 900,000 liters spilled before being contained . Little was heard about this disaster , maybe due to so many other world atrocities at the time. It will not be forgotten.

The ongoing push of World warming and pollution has met with unscientific claims yet the plastic and forever chemicals are still flowing into our oceans like a bad case of diarrhea . Going unchecked by any world health organization or green type system billed as our saviors. Seems the green is only dollars and the health is for the elites .

If we’re being pushed into WW 3 all this will fall into the blind eye zone , or are we being poked in our eyes just for fun. The cost is overwhelming to us all while the governments seem not to notice. We people are left with yet another cleanup job to keep us busy . Do we really throw all our plastic bags and wrappers into the wind? Do we fart too much ? Has the glimmer of smell , taste and the world dream of milk and honey so invaded our lives that we have to keep up with what’s new , no matter the cost? Soon we will coat the fish in Plastic to protect them from harmful chemicals , feed them steroids and only allow swimming on alternate days ? So, don’t fish with the bugs cuz we need to eat that protein . The trade off for electric cars is approximately 17 dollars per gallon of what would have been oil fuel. That doesn’t count the pollution of the batteries. And many listen to this insanity.

This trip to the reefs show many species are recovering and that’s a bonus , an epic boost to the reefs and nurseries throughout S. E. Asia and on to Australia . We expected to travel more this trip but health issues stomped on that right away. Within a few weeks we have hopes of visiting the reefs in the northern areas and will enlighten you all with pictures and news of life there . I hear good things about the cleanliness and desires to help nurse the reefs further into happy healthy habitat for new outcroppings of fish and coral. What we see is what you get. The truth is all I have to teach since I was taught to read and write. Defense becomes our best offence as we endeavor to persevere.

We could try explaining the devastation surrounding us all right now but we think you all know why, so just to survive is a plentiful fruition of humanity. I have faith in humankind and fully expect the time to come when life is happy and we all get along. There are a couple of amazing new items I’d enjoy sharing with you , so excited about and helpful for all . They may change the course of our lives. There is a water filter coming out , reusable and cheap . When governments are alerted to the potential of this filter everyone will have a cleaner healthier life. This will add to quality and longer life as well as eliminate harmful chemicals before they enter the main flow into our oceans. You’ll hear more about this fantastic device as time passes. The second is a resonance device to help with health, healing and negative outlook among other positive contributions in our daily lives. With all the negative signals bombarding us , along with harmful chemicals constantly thrust on us , we now have a scientific proven device to cleanse us inside and out. Pretty fantastic items for the future of life on our little blue marble. Just my opinion but I feel this is a life changer for us all.

There’s only one way we can travel and that is up. Into and on the red path as my forefathers would say. There is no tear it down and make us all suffer as that is the most negative thought pattern we could ever adapt. Make life a beautiful place for all . Provide what is needed for all and expand into the universe with our eyes open and heads held high .

For over four weeks now there’s been an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, sunken ship with no permits that no media cares to report. Over 800,000 liters of industrial fuel, oil, pouring from the ruptures in a tanker that shouldn’t have been sailing let alone carrying toxic oil in the seas of the Philippines. This ship has failed to pass required checks since September 2022. The name of the ship is Princess Empress, owned by R D C Reield Marine Services. Sailing from Limay, Bataan going to Iloilo. After a month the information concerning the owners being linked to San Miguel Corporation even the type of fuel has been masked by goverrnment agencies and main street Media.

Fishing has been halted from Palawan, Batangas and parts of Oriental Mindoro. This is a major spill that deserves world attention yet has been covered up by big agencies paid off or in affiliation with the disaster. Such acts should not go unnoticed or unpenalized. The blame is clear for the world to see but hasn’t been given the proper legal attention by court or government. These atrocities have been thrown into a basket of world offenses we the people are expected to absorb with a spoon full of lemon. The taste holds in our mouths like oil has been mixed with it. The straight truth is much easier to swallow. Without fish we starve, without reefs we suffocate, as these dirty deeds seem to become normal. When will it stop, when will we have our world back ?

Isla Verde is a protected sanctuary along the straight, west of the spill. Weakening of the North West winds causes the oil to flow Northward toward the Island passage. the damage is expected to last for years. These winds are expected to push the spill to provincial capital Calapan City, the Verde Island and some parts of Batangas Province. Barriers have been placed along reefs through the passage. The spill is expected to affect 20,000 hectares of coral reefs, 9,900 hectares of mangroves and 6,000 hectares of sea grass, most of which are found in the marine ecosystems in Pola in Mindoro, Caluya in Antique and the Cuya Group of Islands. After a month of neglect the Philippine and Japanese marine salvage operation has begun. that is a step in recovery. the Senate legislation 518 chapter 4 section F protects ecosystems world wide in a number of ways. If the offender or corporation is knowingly involved in dumping any toxic or harmful substance they are held responsible for damages done. The fine is minimal and almost a joke as the cleanup effort will cost millions and take years to repair. What effort can we address at this early stage of recovery? Inform the public for one. Address the spill with human involvement, elbow grease, and begin filtering the ocean as aggressively as possible. Tighten regulations and impose fines enough to fit the crimes. Inspections of sea fairing vessels that carry toxic substances and a possible ban on water transport of these substances.

This is the worst disaster involving our ecosystem in the Philippines we have ever faced and to berate the importance of such a disaster is a crime in itself. Without our precious reefs, our fish nurseries that replenish the great oceans we would all be lost. All countries should be outraged by this event . I can’t believe the coverup by such corrupt enterprises ignoring, covering their tracks and hiding the truth from us all . This is not acceptable in any way shape or form and needs to be dealt with with a heavy hand . Enough Is Enough !

This is our first post in 3 years, but far from our last. It’s been a rough road to follow and hidden damage becomes exposed again like calm after the storm.

When I first swam the reef this year what I noticed was a lack of nurseries, lack of plentiful reef fish or the aquatic life that encompasses those fragile schools. I immediately sounded the alarm to families living along the shore. Most knew what had been happening but had no knowledge of the why or how to combat the loss of life. Sound firmillar? It should because that’s the norm for our everyday life now. We are to blame for the misuse and destruction of our world and to eliminate us is the chosen fix. No science, no logical explanation, just put fault on the confused and concerned people starving for reason.

It’s been a hard road traveled and we’re getting older. No excuses can supplement the loss and now is not the time to quit. So in the time we have, for the next few weeks we’ll be examining as much reef and sea life within our grasp as we can. We will express the facts to you as honestly and scientifically as posiable then allow you to make a decision. Help or ignore the problems but you can’t unsee the train wreck that is in front of us right now.

In my first few dives I recognized the coral growth. Most years, because of Typhoon activity the coral takes a beating. Building back to display a beautiful, colorful new reef for schools of fish to hatch out, be protected and thrive. I saw that was close to normal for our reefs. What was missing was the schools of colorful fish that usually carpet the mesa and horn coral. What usually gives shelter is there then where are the hatchlings I enjoy so much? As in previous writings , I feel the pollution has a major impact on the eggs just as the song birds are fewer that years past. The chemical pollution is almost as bad as the plastic, we can’t see and ignore. Stopping the industry is like fighting a brick wall. What tools do we have, what unity or voice holds together in a myriad of misinformation and non science. Hold together , become a collective voice and stand strong. Else wise we fall, just like the powers that be have planned. Without our reefs and schools of fish the food is lessened and we starve. We have to protect the fragile birth of all species not just our human children. You see the attacks in every move these media people make. Make a choice now or regret it while you and yours are without.

This is a short post but we’re happy to be back. In the next couple weeks I hope to send out more positive news. We plan to visit as many reefs as possible and send as much information to you as we can.

It’s been a while since the shut down and we haven’t posted . Not allowed to refresh ourselves in the salt water , probably the best thing to kill any virus . Flip flop on every choice controlled by people without fact . PLEASE OPEN OUR WORLD.
The oceans are recieving more plastic and medical refuse than ever and no one even notices . We have been sickening ourselves and our world by listening to eliteists giving false narratives . Open your eyes and see how wrong this scenario has been .
I thought in the beginning a couple weeks stay at home would give the life on this planet a chance to recover but far from true . We are polluting more than ever . The debris gathers in our bays , along streets and in gutters to wash into our water ways . See the Dolphin wear the mask ? How cute .
The agenda of Atrazine and now a vaccine washes through our air and waterways everywhere . This effects all life on the planet . Did we ask for any of this ? We were warned against tweaking D N A in the old testament and the consequences , now the stew is cooking . We won’t know the outcome for up to two years after This experiment . Can’t wait ! No sexual gender , up to 70% sterile people . What about the other animals on this world ? Will the Atrazine effect their D N A as well ?
We are scheduled to return to the reefs in a couple weeks , hope they don’t shut the World down again within our fact finding mission . We will post and picture as much as we can within our one month expedition . My hopes are positive , we expect scientific findings to show a heart beat vibrant within the nursery ( coral reefs ) and beyond . We’ll tell as many schools and government officials as we can.
Our Shaman background is of helping the healing and health of our world . Bringing insights to darkened minds and adding prosperity throughout this planet . Love is at our core .

Today I entered at the pier , about one click west . This is where the reef ends or begins , other sporadic coral clusters dot along the coast as well . My intentions were to video while swimming home . I did that , capturing four segments , one being the oil spill that’s been there for three years now . The others show colorful reef and schools of fish but I was preoccupied by the massive jelly flow all around me . Concentrating on the jellies to avoid being stung while filming took most of my focus . The results were no turtles and little special shots along the way but we show great outcroppings of coral , sponge and fish .

Healthy coral grows faster than I read . Some Mesa and barrel coral have grown up to 8 cm over the year so a Mesa that is 3 meters across might take thirty years . My belief before measuring was 100 years for a 3 meter mesa , or 10 ft across . If we continue to clean and protect our nurseries there’s a great chance we can protect many species of fish as well as provide oxygen for our planet . It’s a step in the right direction , recreational and fun along the way . helping pick up plastic is a very important job on the beach , under the waves or off a sidewalk on your own street . No kidding , you’re all environmentalists . We’re not lost to the commercialization of plastic bags and bottles . We’re not doomed to offering a trashed world to the next generation . We can do this and should .

Somehow we’ve got to go out there on the gyre . Maybe next trip we can organize the sight seeing tour that should be done instead of believing other information given . I’ve heard about boats being stuck in plastic so thick you could walk on it , clogging propellers and reflecting sunlight from the white plastic that gathers within the still gyres . These areas are away from the currents , sit still and heat up but there’s more . The dead lives of sea creatures litter the gyres as well . This brings bugs , a stench that must reek of decaying flesh for miles and brings bottom feeders , scavengers to feast on whatever is entangled there .

The job of cleaning this kind of mass up must take an incredible kind of human . Someone that realizes the true outcome , cause and effect our world faces if it’s not addressed . My application of a barge with a paddlewheel collector , conveyor belts sending the plastic to huge compactors , making miles of blocks then tugboating it to a plant on land still seems to be the best idea so far . This work would take a crew gathering and sorting , Captain and devotion along with satellite tugs and land crew to use the captured plastics . If one barge set against the gyre the size of Texas it would take 50 to 100 years to make a dent . If 1000 barges worked together we could make a noticable chunk every year . The cost will be in the billions .

Is our world worth it ? Are our people worth saving along with the rest of the ocean life ? Much of the world survives off fishing and our oceans one way or the other . How urgent is this matter ? After all not many of us even think about it . We love to watch the sun set over the ocean , very calming but do we think about what floats just under that glistening sunset ? Are the other daily chores more important than what’s to come in just a short few years ? Call or write your representative please , just take a moment to let them know your concerns . Shout out to the world if you have more time , inform those that are out of this loop . No joke , no small matter . We’re dumping thousands of tons of plastic into our oceans every month . All around the world the trash industry is throwing , hiding the pollution they collect throughout cities straight into our oceans . My heart melts to think we have alternate options and don’t use them .

Our site is here for everyone to follow and learn from . Post what you know , discuss the applications at hand . Using our minds together we can find solutions , we can have the beautiful world we had just a few years ago .

Out on the reef today we spotted some colorful coral and fish along with a turtle munching on a bit of sponge . The winds were up and water was hazy but we got some pleasurable shots none the less . We’re looking for the Moray Eel , their elusive nature and the size of the reef makes for a challenge but we promise to keep looking , she’s worth the pic . Other illusive fish are the sharks that turn up from time to time . I think the water has been to cool as we’ve seen them on warm days . I’ve only gone out once at night and the sharks do like their night hunting , but no luck filming them yet .

We’ve been impressed by the lack of debris but the night fishing by boat continues . That’s something we’ll deal with before we have to depart . Not looking like we’re going to other reefs on this trip as we return to Cali at the end of the month . Sad truth is there’s only the pair of us to coordinate and plan for our obligations as well as monitor the reefs . As much as we enjoy doing it all there’s just so much time .

at least we got some great pics for you to review . Hope you like them all .

In the last storms we’ve experienced turbulence within the reef . Our barriers , floating canastors , have broken away from their moorings allowing fishemen to encroach over the coral . This has broken down some healthy coral and depleted many schools that are usually protected within the reef . In my last few trips out I’ve noticed a decline in schools , some as much as 50% . This is alarming to say the least .

Some of the species are , whitetip soldierfish , Snappers ( Lutjanus sp. ) , Yellowtail Fusiliers ( Caesio Teres ) , Sweetlips and Bumphead Parrotfish (Sphyraena Quenie ), Batfish ( Platax Boersii ) and Humpback Snappers (Lutjanus Gibbus ) to name a few . I’ve noticed the Striped Catfish ( Plotosus Lineatus) hiding between cracks in the giant coral mounds , still in schools . The yellow and blue reef fish have gone into hiding as well instead if gathering on top of the horned coral they usually frequent .

We’re approaching the local municipality to anchor new floatilla to keep fishing away from the reefs . This is for the fishermen as well as the local communities that rely on daily catches . If we don’t alert them of the dwindling populations there won’t be food on their plates either . We have yet to survey other reefs within our acapello but fear the same may be true . The ease of catching close to shore or within reefs is attractive , making a short day and bountiful catch for local fishermen .

Yesterday I noticed a new Moray Eel close to the house . She was hidden in her cave but came out to greet me . What a colorful species , healthy and dominant . Looking to be settling into her new home quite well . I was pleased to see her and hope the other morays become attracted to our reef as well . Small sharks were spotted as well , close to shore , dorsal fin only 5cm , standing straight and true . We’ve heard the mothers hang under the shipping boats stationed over the sand just west of the reef . I’m hoping this turns into a birthing area for the Nurse and White tip sharks as well . A Whale shark was spotted last week by someone sitting at the Lomi haus overlooking the reef . She was out just past the reef in 6 mtrs to 8 mtrs deep. It would have been a thrill to have swam with her . So there is an abundance of life in our ever changing reef system . The water is cooler this month and may be attracting the sharks .

My concern about the lack of nurseries will be monitored as we protect the reefs from illegal fishing . Even now we’ve noticed the boats are farther out away from the reefs and hope they realize their livelihood depends on the schools growing to adulthood .

Deep-sea trawling is destroying coral reefs and pristine marine habitats

A survey of the world’s reefs and submerged mountains has revealed widespread damage from deep-sea trawling

Deep-sea trawling is devastating corals and pristine marine habitats that have gone untouched since the last ice age, a leading marine biologist has warned.read more