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The
world-famous Bunaken National Marine Park has achieved a
reputation as an undersea Eden for international
divers, and
boasts an incredible range of different underwater
environments in relatively close proximity.
Bunaken National
Marine Park was established in 1991 and became famous soon
after its establishment. |
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There are many diving sites in Bunaken
National Marine Park, and there are many additional sites along
the coast of Manado, Bitung and Minahasa.
The marine park
covers a total surface area of 89,065 Ha, 97% of which is
overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water.
The
remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five
islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain (Big Nain and
Small Nain) and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a
special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts
most naturalists.
Bunaken island is located next to Manado Tua
island, an island with a volcanic cone which can be seen clearly
from Manado city.
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Beautiful
beaches and clear water are characteristic of the coasts of
the five islands. The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1,566 m in Manado
Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility) and mild in
temperature (27-29° C). One of the most impressive diving
sites in the world is to be found here at the Bunaken
Coral Reef.
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The
most popular spot is Teluk Liang where the best wall and
drop-off diving in the world may be experienced.
There is an
abundance of colorful marine life in the caverns and gullies:
several common species of seaweed, such as Caulerpa spp.,
Halimeda spp., Padina spp., and Euchema spp, green turtles (Chelonia
mydas) and scaled turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), colourful
sponges, christmas tree worms, anenomae, clown fish, seawhips,
giant tunicates and brightly coloured crinoids, ornamental
coral fish, angel fish, lobsters, crabs, and molluscs, ranging in sizes.
Spectacular formations begin with
flat reefs at about five metres depth. These plunge downwards
to form underwater valleys and vertical crevices which often
reach depths of several hundred metres. |
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Although
the exact number is unknown, there are not less than 3000 fish
species and 500 corals making this park their home. For
example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the
world occur in Bunaken.
The park has around 70 genera of
corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Oceanic currents
may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine
Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. |
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A
snorkeler or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot
over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of
groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies.
The gobies, smallish
fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to
attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known
group of fish in the park. |
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Many
species of fish are closely associated with particular types
of corals (folious, branching, massives, etc.) for shelter and
egg-laying. Others, like the enormous Bumphead
Parrotfish, Balbometopon muricatum, are "coralivores"
and depend on hard corals for their sustenance.
SCUBA diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat excursions,
climbing Manado Tua mountain, exploring local culture,
birdwatching in the mangroves, fish-watching and sunbathing
are a few of the activities which Bunaken has to offer.
|
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WORLD
OCEAN CONFERENCE (WOC'09)
11-15
May 2009
Manado
- North Sulawesi - Indonesia
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World Ocean Conference is a conference of head of the states that have coastal and marine territories, scientists, NGO's, journalists, private sector, and stakeholders to achieve international commitments in sustainable development of marine resources and the prosperity of humankind WOC is held because of the international agreements and conventions are important and have adequately accepted.
However, there is a lack of political willingness to grieve forward and further implement such as agreements. WOC' 09 will provide a platform where world leaders and decision makers will come together to make commitment for sustainable development of marine resources.
Given the fact that Indonesia the largest archipelago country and possesses the highest marine bio diversity in the world, the conference will strengthen Indonesia's participation in the regional and international forum.
Gradual degradation of marine and fisheries resources has been related to over fishing, pollution, less prosperity of coastal and marine communities and climate change.
Global effort to stop this trend is urgently required.
http://www.woc2009.org
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