Albay Waters by Chance!

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Giant clams seeded in Misibis Bay waters
Giant clams seeded in Misibis Bay waters

Albay Gulf is a promising dive destination and I was fortunate to learn that there is an ongoing restoration works on damages due to dynamite fishing. My brief encounter with Mr. Jin Masuda, the Japanese director of Pacific Blue have raised hopes, that the surrounding waters in the region would flourish and its resources more productive, in due time the most could be five years. The diveshop in coordination with BFAR, BU, MCCF and other groups collaborated on coral transplantation and restoration, it is a formidable task but he was optimistic that the works would largely improve the marine environment in the gulf. The documentation showed the growing transplanted branching corals and juvenile tropical fishes that started to multiply in the area. For sure, the cooperation of fisherfolks in the coastal communities would be necessary for its success.

In recognition to the growing importance of responsible and sustainable tourism, Misibis Bay too has pledged its commitment to protect the environment and to improve the livelihood of the local community through its Misibis Bay Coastal Care Foundation (MCCF), a non-profit organization launched in 2009 dedicated to the implementation of various conservation projects like coastal and underwater clean-ups, giant clam planting to promote coral reef growth, solid waste management, and monitoring and prevention of illegal fishing.

Unknowingly our side trip to Misibis Bay the next day gave me the chance to dip in the waters, but not diving – it was too expensive I cringed as I inquired for the rates! Snorkeling was allowed for free, three other workmates signed up to join me. The resort has established a marine sanctuary as an added attraction of its properties. The skies were downcast but we were in high spirits for a swim, we were in good mode as we rolled off for the diveshop. The facility was off the coast near a patch of beach at the far end of the cove. We descend as it started to drizzle, our guide was insistent that life vest is a requirement as we snorkel. We were not disappointed – giant groupers, snappers, parrotfishes, sweetlips, rabbitfishes and more tropical species swarmed near the shelter. The guide pointed few of the giant clams gone a stray, he said more of its population were seeded in the deeper part. So diving in the area will include the viewing of the giant clams, unfortunately the rain started to pour we were not able to swim further. My companions suggested to end our swim as the rains continued pouring and the waters getting colder.

With this development no doubt the region is a potential as a new diving destination in the future, its attractions more than just on the surface but beyond, in its mysterious depths!
NB. Photo credits to http://www.gophilippinestravel.com

Gorgonian Rider

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Gorgonian Rider

Bargibanti pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) is a minute critter normally hosted by gorgonians, it was my first sighting while diving in Blue Hole of Romblon. It is hardly seen unless its host is examined closely, using magnifying glass could be better. Our DM was so keen on macro and it was fortunate we found one during the dive. This pygmy seahorse is well camouflaged, being extremely difficult to spot amongst the gorgonian coral it inhabits.

Large bulbous tubercles cover its body and match the colour and shape of the polyps of its host species of gorgonian coral, while its body matches the gorgonian stem. It is not known whether individuals can change color if they change hosts, although the ability to change color according to their surroundings does exist in some other seahorse species. This is also one of the smallest seahorse species in the world, typically measuring less than 2 centimeters (0.79 in) in height.

NB. Photo courtesy of Angel using Lumix TS2 with Ikelite casing.

CHOICES for the Great Beyond

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An explosion of colors in the depths, slowly deteriorating and maybe lost if we do not do something about its protection and preservation…

The choices we made reflect more of who we are, far more than our brains, skills and abilities…..

Our impact on land is important just as in depths, our choices as human beings has effects either blatantly or subtly. Years back, I was struck realizing that marine world is in great peril, the value of the reefs can never be underestimated. Human induced global warming now poses perhaps the most serious threat of all, the evidence is very visible. Before it leads to extinction, protection and preservation are all necessary with consuming effort by humanity.

Questions to Ask

Do I really need that car journey?
Do I really need all those plastic bags at the supermarket?
Do I need to fly as often as I like?
Do I really need products with all those packaging?
Do I need to change towels everyday?
Do I need all these dust-gatherers in my room?
Do I need to indulge in the bath tub weekly?

Basic and simple questions that need simple but radical decisions and change of lifestyle, indeed conservation starts at Home. By this time, I believe many are getting the message. It’s not something new, and many are seriously involved now  more than just marine enthusiasts. Clover’s book, “The End of the Line”, stated that citizens need to reclaim their stake in the future of the seas.

Decisions, Mature Decisions

Do I need to dive weekly or monthly? Do I need to take advantage of airline seat sales? For almost five months I had no dives, I was like a fish out of water! I knew that my presence underwater has ill effects though subtly, it was difficult but that break provides space for my underwater friends. My presence is not necessary for them to survive, in fact it poses danger to them.

I haven’t flown for almost three months and my travels were limited to work that can’t be delegated. These “low cost” airfares are misnomer, actually there’s a great cost and we are all going to pay for it whether we fly or not. Take this, flying to Maldives emits tons of carbon dioxide, an effective way in helping to sink them. With that reality, I can not visit this marine paradise and explore its wonders if only to make them afloat a little longer. All my plane fare now includes WWF donation to compensate for my carbon- emitting flight.  A diver like me needs to rethink about limiting trips, and reducing ecological footprints.  As the saying goes, a true ecotourist never get on a plane!

Just mid of last week I had dinner with friends, trying this new food chain in town – the seafood is great according to them. Maybe, it was filled with people when we got there.  But I was aghast of the plastics they use – from plastic gloves (eat with fingers), plastic bibs or apron (it’s messy), camote fries was on wax paper, and the worst was – our one (1) pound hot shrimps with garlic/butter sauce was in clear plastic (food grade I hope) tied on its top end, delivered to us like a bag of groceries! I can not imagine the bulk of plastic garbage they dumped everyday in the land fill, most likely tons – it was disgusting! I know I have no good reason to be back in that resto.

Seriously, if we need to make a difference, difficult decisions has to be made. I believe that the greatest wisdom is being able to master the things that enslave us – our passions, desires and wasteful habits that tries to consume us but we can be free and rise above all of these, all for that greater love and passion of the great beyond.

Back in the Waters!

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Happiness in silence, simply marvelous. Angel’s favorite shot in our last descent at Blue Hole wall…
Swimming in tow with DM Peter and his wife Anne Lorraine
My dive buddy requested me for this shot! 🙂

Just two weeks ago I was back in my blue world with my favorite dive buddy and new found friends, in an off beaten site in Romblon waters.  It was such a joy!

NB.  Photo courtesy of Angel for photos 1 and 2, using Lumix TS2 with Ikelite casing.

Diving with Strong Currents

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Some if not most of best diving sites have presence of tidal currents, even our local sites are not spared. Ironically, strong currents produces reef productivity – an active fish life and colorful environment. Abundance of planktons is common which attracts fish, leaving a thriving reef. So even with strong currents, intrepid divers risk for these sites not for crazy adventure but because most often than not, diving in these conditions are richly rewarding and exhilarating, the indescribable beauty and grandeur of marine life is commonly in store.

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I had my own share of these experiences, though if I had a choice I would normally avoid such conditions for safety. Diving with men often lead in such situation, few years back I was diving in Samal Island with my DM and foreign national at White Rock and I was kicking hard but wasn’t moving. A sudden surge of fear when I found no one ahead of me, all of them drifted without my knowing. Mushroom Rock was with stronger currents, we all went down straight flat on seabed holding on reefs until we all drifted away together, I was keeping an eye with my DM, I couldn’t afford to be separated! I was overly conscious of the current and I must admit I failed to fully appreciate the richness of the site.

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The sound of “Hole in the Wall” rings a bell in my mind while we were in Puerto Galera like three years back, I suggested exploring the site with my dive buddy. Well, it was like flying as we dropped at Escarceo Point, racing past corals until I was sucked in at the Hole! It was a surprise! Tawi-Tawi’s mysterious depths are laden with currents, so there was no choice as we explored it last year. It was swooshing and unforgiving, we were prepared though and I thought it could have been better if we have reef hooks to steady us as we viewed and observed the plane wreck surrounded with marine life. Planning, preparation, sufficient gears and familiarity of guide or dive master on the site is important.

Indeed, diving in currents is hugely rewarding, But, can also be stressful, and, if not prepared, divers can easily find themselves in dangerous situations. It’s important to know what to expect, and how to prevent risks from becoming reality.

Here are a few tips I found at http://www.scubadiverlife.com contributed by Ms. Jessica Vyvyan-Robinson which can be helpful for making the most of your dives the next time you decide to enter the fray.

Planning and Briefing
One of the most essential steps for creating a positive dive in strong current is planning. This includes understanding the type of current you may encounter, listening closely to the briefing before a dive and making sure that all members of the group know what to do if things go wrong. A comprehensive dive briefing should be given and strictly adhered to, detailing how the group will descend and ascend, how any issues will be dealt with, and what can be expected throughout the dive. It is important that divers know what to do in case of separation, since this is one of the most common problems of diving in strong current and happens most frequently during descent and ascent.

Decide If You’re Going With or Against the Current
Especially when dealing with exceptionally strong currents, it is advisable to conduct your dive as a drift dive in order to preserve energy. It is imperative that the boat is able to follow your progress in order to provide support and a pickup at the end of the dive, so the dive leader should carry either an SMB or a delayed SMB, and it would be wise for each member of the group to also carry a delayed SMB in case of separation. To ensure that the boat is able to find you once you have resurfaced, it is also a good idea to carry either an audible or a visual signaling device (i.e. a whistle or dive mirror). If you find yourself separated from the group on a drift dive, surface at a safe speed but without delay — the further away from the group, and therefore the boat, you will drift the longer you spend underwater. Those diving with a delayed SMB should deploy them on beginning the ascent to give surface support a head start on locating your position.

If a drift dive is not possible, always begin the dive swimming against the current; swim back to the ascent point with the current is easier for tired divers. Plan your dive carefully according to the speed of the current, and choose a turn-around point with divers’ air consumption rate in mind. A good rule of thumb is to turn around once a third of your air supply has been used.

Keep Low, Get Streamlined and Weight Correctly
As a general rule, most currents are stronger at the surface and in mid-water. When swimming against a current keep close to the seafloor, where the shape of the reef breaks the current’s flow and causes it to slow. Sometimes it’s possible to find temporary shelter from a strong current in the lee of large objects, like coral outcrops, pinnacles or shipwrecks. Streamlining one’s gear is also an important part of diving in strong current; dangling gauges and accessories cause unnecessary drag, and can cause a dangerous situation if they become entangled while moving over the reef at speed.

It is important that divers are correctly weighted when diving in strong current; too little and a quick descent can become impossible, while being over-weighted can hinder streamlining and efficient swimming position once underwater. In order to conserve energy while swimming in current, divers should aim to maintain a horizontal position in the water, minimizing the resistance of the oncoming current.

Decide What Gear to Take
Inexperienced divers should consider leaving unnecessary items like large underwater cameras, video cameras and torches behind when diving strong currents for the first time. These items not only interfere with buoyancy and cause additional drag, but trying to operate them while also dealing with the current can lead to additional stress and even panic via task-loading.

On the other hand, there are several pieces of equipment that may not be part of your regular kit that can greatly ease the stresses created by strong currents. In addition to the compulsory surface marker device (whether an SMB or a delayed SMB), divers may choose to equip themselves with a reef hook or a buddy line to prevent separation. The former piece of equipment allows divers to attach themselves to the reef via a blunt hook wedged in a rock crevice or similar cavity, stopping their progress and allowing them to wait for other divers, catch their breath or keep their hands free for taking photos. However, it is important that the reef hook is only used in areas where there is no coral, or where the coral is already dead. Dive boats may have a tag line, which extends from the boat’s stern and allows divers to hold on while waiting to exit the water after ascent.

Final Considerations
Because diving in currents can be strenuous, it is important to check your gauges with more regularity than you might on a normal dive. Swimming against a current can lead to overexertion, and therefore significantly increase your air consumption.

Similarly, if you’re caught in a down current, keep a constant eye on your depth, and when the current releases you, on your ascent rate. You cannot fight a down current — remain calm and wait for it to level out. Inflate your BCD to counter the current’s downwards pull, but be prepared to let air out immediately once you are free of it to prevent a rapid and uncontrolled ascent.

Be wary of swimming too close to the shallows when in strong current, especially near a rocky outcropping, pinnacle, reef wall or wreck. The current will be especially strong here and you may find yourself suddenly caught by an upwelling and unable to stop your ascent. In this situation, dump the air from your BCD immediately (remembering to use your dump valves if not in a vertical position) and grab hold of the reef or rock if possible.

When being dropped at a site where you know there are currents, ask your skipper to drop you a sufficient distance upstream from the mark. This distance will depend on how long it takes your group to descend — if you do not do this, you will have missed the site completely by the time you reach the seafloor. In strong current, it is often best to enter the water negatively, allowing for a rapid descent and minimizing the chances of separation at the surface.
Above all, remember that diving in currents can provide the most thrilling, rewarding dives of your life. Be prepared, remain calm and never hesitate to abort the dive if the conditions are too much, but most of all remember to have fun!

NB.

Originally from England, Jessica first learned to dive so that she could go cage diving with great whites off Guadalupe Island, Mexico, in 2008. From that first shark encounter onwards, she have been utterly hooked on the underwater world, and particularly on the issue of shark conservation. Whilst studying for her degree in London, she worked at London Aquarium, before going to Mozambique to research whale sharks off Tofo. She completed her PADI Instructor’s course while living in South Africa, and spent nine months teaching and guiding on Aliwal Shoal, where she set up a tiger shark ID project and began writing for the conservation organisation Shark Angels. In September last year, she set off on a thirteen month journey around South East Asia, Fiji and New Zealand, and currently instructing in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo.