Threats To our marine environment
Have you seen these Starfish?Normally, the Crown of Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci) occurs in low numbers throughout the reefs of the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, feeding on various corals. They are, however, a cause for concern when their numbers reach plague-proportions. Outbreaks of these starfish reduce the overall health of a reef and its ability to recover from other disturbances such as poor water quality, overfishing and climate change. They are also a matter of concern for tourism industry as they can transition colourfully rich and diverse reefs, teeming with marine life into extensive deserts of barren rubble. It can take as long as 10 to 20 years for an affected coral reef to return to its original state, if it is not hindered by other environmental stressors.
What can you do?
Don't be a tosserRubbish makes its way across land, into streams, rivers, storm drains and eventually to the oceans if it not properly disposed of. This is not only a ghastly sight to see but it has detrimental impacts on the marine environment. Every year debris in the ocean kills thousands of marine animals and sea birds through entanglement or as a result of being consumed. It also chokes our corals reefs and smothers critical environments. Therefore, please dispose of your rubbish appropriately.
Vanuatu is also unique in that it is customary practice to use biodegradability packages and products for everyday life. If headed to the markets, purchase a beautifully handmade woven bag made from local native plants, eat the local cuisine (e.g. laplap or tuluk) delicately wrapped up in banana leaves or ask for a wild cabbage (wael kabis) straw to drink your fresh coconut. Every opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle makes a difference. What can you do?
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Look, don't touch!There are many weird and wonderful creatures that reside in the waters of Vanuatu, which are very tempting to touch, take or hold. But, there are a number of reasons why Shefa Tourism encourages tourists to "take only photos, kill only time and leave only bubbles".
The marine environment is extremely fragile so when swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving please be careful and mindful to refrain from touching the marine life. Some marine animals can be easily damaged or killed by a mere touch, others will die if taken out of the water and there are also very strict regulations both in Vanuatu and your home country on the import and export of marine products. Therefore, it is best to leave things as you found them. What can you do?
Our climate is changingClimate Change is a global issue and with it we are likely to see changes in ocean temperature and acidification as well as sea level rise. A shift in ocean temperature can impact marine animals in various ways as it influences many aspects of an organisms functioning including reproduction, growth, behavior, energy efficiency as well as their distribution. In addition, ocean acidification is likely to impede the development of calcifying organism (e.g. corals, sea snails, starfish, sea urchins, lobsters) inhibiting the ability of many marine organisms to grow their shell and skeleton. While sea level rise will significantly impact many South Pacific Islands, some countries have even gone as far as purchasing land in other countries to secure their future. A single persons actions will not change this global issue, but every little bit counts.
What can you do?
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