DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA ISSUE 413 AUGUST 25

they wished to preserve or destroy. They believed, and still do, that the best and most sustainable alternative is to create employment and education opportunities through responsible, conservation-linked tourism. Lorentz has a strong belief in the economic value of coral reefs. They can be though of as ‘real estate’ with a dollar value. They are not seen as worth nothing.The monetary value has always been there in the form of fish breeding, their roles in fish growth and life cycles and the economic value of human use. This includes fishing, recreational activities and anything else that could generate an income. This is exactly the thinking that could be applied to the Great Barrier Reef. It is not an empty watery domain. It the source of revenue for tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in productivity. This is true especially if managed correctly. Wakatobi is more than a holiday , Wakatobi offers many opportunities to broaden your knowledge, be it for personal enrichment on

various subjects or to enhance the enjoyment of your diving. From fish behaviour to Indonesian cookery, we are sure to have something that will interest and engage you. Learn about our marine life Learn the nuances of life on the reef by taking in an evening wildlife presentation. These informative and entertaining presentations will leave you with a heightened awareness of the marine life you may encounter during your stay in Wakatobi. Check the schedule of events board in the Longhouse or the marine life library. Helping our turtles with a head start As part of their extensive conservation efforts, when they find turtle hatchlings on our beach they are immediately released into deeper water. This helps them to avoid the dangerous intertidal area, which is full of predators and gives them a better chance for survival in the wild. The number of turtles on our reefs has seen a welcome increase since they began this initiative.

Two Spot Lionfish

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Dive Log Australasia #413 August‘25

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