Could This Be the World’s Largest Coral Colony? Nusa Penida’s Galaxea astreata Stuns Scientists.
Aerial drone image of the vast Galaxea astreata reef in the center of the image. This coral is located in Nusa Penida, Bali, with a boat nearby providing scale for its immense size.We will be presenting our discovery at the International Conference on Sustainable Coral Reefs, in Manado, Indonesia, on Saturday, December 14th, 2024.
Coral Reef Conservation, through Community building.
Local community restoring their reef, in Ped, Nusa Penida. Coral reef restoration involves ecology, diving… training.Recently a social publication, highlighted the benefits of coral reef restoration trained local communities: Identifying the right reefs with the right community: Finding a suitable community living on the appropriate reef is a lottery game; it can take years to find!
Source reefs:
Identifying the reefs that seed other reefs in the region is one of the ultimate and desperate goals of modern coral reef conservation.Old and large colonies that resisted former bleaching events are potential source reefs, that could help restore other reefs just through sexual reproduction.The first step is to identify resistant and resilient reefs, such as those that still hold large and old coral colonies, next to deep, high-flow, cooler water. Those initial observations can after be validated through Hydrodynamics, and using genomics tools such as e-DNA. Unfortunately, these reefs, with all the anthropogenic threats are getting more difficult to find. Conservation minded community: Most communities in a third-world country are focused on daily survival needs. They have short-term issues, such as putting food on the table. And finding a community that has a long-term vision, is a real issue.
Local community installing moorings to protect their newly restored reef.The chance of finding a conservation-minded community living next to a source reef is tiny, like striking gold. The survey work can take forever. This type of work requires a long-term effort. Changing mentalities is a generational process, one generation at a time. Working with the adult, while educating the youngsters is a long undertaking. To achieve any results, we need to be ready to commit, financially and with our time in the long run.
The result can be so rewarding!Coral reef restoration work through training and employment of local communities is not an easy task. However; when the planets align, the result can be amazing!
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Itinerary
Diving with the Largest Coral Colony in Nusa Penida
Duration: 1 Day
Embark on an extraordinary diving adventure to explore one of the world's largest known coral colonies, a massive Galaxea astreata, located off the north coast of Nusa Penida. This unique experience offers divers the chance to witness a natural marvel that spans approximately 58 meters in width, 71 meters in length, and 10 meters in height, covering an area of over 4,000 square meters.
Day Schedule:
Morning: Departure and Arrival
7:00 AM: Pickup from your accommodation in Bali and transfer to Sanur Harbor.
8:00 AM: Board a speedboat for a scenic 45-minute journey to Nusa Penida, enjoying the picturesque views of the Badung Strait.
Mid-Morning: Dive Briefing and Preparation
8:45 AM: Arrive at Nusa Penida and proceed to the dive center.
9:00 AM: Participate in a comprehensive briefing by certified dive instructors, covering safety protocols, dive site specifics, and an introduction to the Galaxea astreata coral colony.
Late Morning: First Dive
10:00 AM: Embark on the first dive to explore the periphery of the colossal coral colony. Observe the diverse marine life that thrives around this massive structure, including various species of reef fish, invertebrates, and vibrant corals.
11:00 AM: Conclude the first dive and return to the boat for a debrief and surface interval.
Afternoon: Second Dive
12:30 PM: After a rest period and light refreshments, gear up for the second dive. This dive focuses on the central and deeper sections of the coral colony, allowing for a closer examination of its structure and the ecosystems it supports.
1:30 PM: Complete the second dive and return to the boat.
Post-Dive: Lunch and Leisure
- 2:00 PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch on Nusa Penida, with time to relax and discuss the day's experiences.
Evening: Return to Bali
3:30 PM: Board the speedboat back to Sanur Harbor.
4:15 PM: Arrive at Sanur Harbor and transfer back to your accommodation, concluding the day's adventure.
Inclusions:
Round-trip transfers between your Bali accommodation and Sanur Harbor.
Speedboat transportation to and from Nusa Penida.
Two guided dives led by experienced instructors.
All necessary diving equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator).
Lunch and light refreshments.
Comprehensive dive briefings and debriefings.
Requirements:
Valid Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
Minimum of 20 logged dives recommended due to potential currents.
Good physical health and recent diving experience.
What to Bring:
Dive certification card and logbook.
Swimwear and a towel.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Personal medications, if necessary.
Waterproof bag for personal belongings.
Additional Information:
This dive site is part of a marine protected area, emphasizing the importance of responsible diving practices.
Divers are encouraged to maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid contact with the coral to preserve its pristine condition.
Join us for this unparalleled diving experience to witness a natural wonder that few have seen. The sheer size and beauty of the Galaxea astreata coral colony in Nusa Penida make this a must-do adventure for passionate divers.
AdeevaTours is excited to guide you through this exceptional underwater journey!