All aquatic environment in Luwu Timur is a national treasure. We all have a responsibility to protect it so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy its natural bounty. Here are some tips to help you do your part to protect the environment during our dives and to help maintain harmony among visitors. The health of the environment depends on everyone to behave responsibly.
Diving
Take only pictures; leave only bubbles.
But, it’s just one pottery! you exclaim. Each year, many divers visit matano lake. If each diver took just one pottery it would quickly emptied the areas and the ancient remnants are lost.
But, the shell I took was empty! Many shells appear to be empty when they are actually harboring a startled animal deep inside. Even if the shell is truly empty, it won’t be for long. There are always reef residents such as hermit crabs, barnacles, young corals and sponges that need a place to crawl into or attach themselves so that they are protected from predators or the sweeping force of the currents while they grow.
Special in Luwu Timur area, there are some important areas to be noted :
·         Ancient Pottery remnants at Matano Lake – near the islands for swimming
·         Protected area in Pearl Farm – Tolala
·         Tanjung Waru-Waru – near previous rumpon SDC
·         Great Wall – Bulu Poloe
Be aware of your surroundings.
But, that was a one-in-a-million photo opportunity! While you’re ‘taking only pictures’ be sure that’s really ALL you’re doing. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and not realize that you are actually laying across a coral head as you wait for that elusive little blenny to reappear so you can take a picture. Coral tissue is delicate and easily damaged by touching, poking, standing on, laying across….. well, you get the picture.
But, I didn’t see that diver behind me! When you are trying to be safe and stick close to your buddy, make sure you’re not too close. It’s easy not to realize how close your buddy (or another diver) is to you. If you decide to turn, you can easily end up kicking someone’s dive mask off their face, endangering not only that individual but anyone who attempts to assist. Look around you frequently – not just at the reef, but at the other divers in your vicinity.
But, I was on a sand patch – not a coral head! Settling down on a sand patch may be preferable to settling down on a coral head, but it can still have negative impacts. Stirring up the sand impairs the local visibility for other divers, temporarily blocks crucial sunlight from penetrating to the corals and can clog the breathing apparatus of other animals in the vicinity.
Keep your hands to yourself.
But, the current was really rippin’ and I had to hang onto SOMETHING! Currents can be strong in the dive site. That’s why we recommend that divers have excellent buoyancy control and some salt water experience before they attempt this dive. We certainly don’t want anyone to jeopardize their safety. Listen carefully to the dive master’s report about conditions before you jump. Stick close to the mooring line if the current is strong and grab hold of the line if your must grab onto something. If you’re away from the mooring line and find that you must put your hand down to steady yourself, try to do so on dead coral or bare rock.
Be courteous of the animals’ home – you are the visitor in their world.
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