Tonight FC Oceans 5 has a really important game to play in the Gili island football tournament. FC Oceans 5 has to win to stay in the tournament.
If u want to join or want to see how FC Oceans 5 is playing, come to Gili Trawangan. The game starts at 16.15….
Nice Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/science/earth/11shark.html?_r=1&src=tp&smid=fb-share
Shark fin soup is served at R and G Lounge in San Francisco. The California Legislature has passed a ban on sales of the fins.
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For sharks, life at the top of the ocean food chain is becoming safer — at least from human predators.
Treaties have not halted the billion-dollar global trade in shark fins, which are readily available in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
The last 12 months have seen a flurry of laws, regulations and industry actions to end the international trade in the age-old delicacy, including bans on shark fin sales in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and parts of Canada.
Last week, the California Senate also voted to ban the sale or possession of shark fins — a billion-dollar global trade that has led to the brutal deaths of tens of millions of sharks a year and resulted in many open-ocean shark species being threatened with extinction. The Bahamas and Honduras have prohibited shark fishing in the last two years.
“We’re really enthusiastic to see good things finally starting to happen for sharks,” said Elizabeth Wilson, a marine wildlife expert at Oceana, a nonprofit conservation group that has long campaigned against the trade.
Shark fins are used to make a coveted Chinese banquet soup that can sell for over $100 a bowl. It has the ceremonial mystique of benefiting health and virility, and serving it to guests is considered to be a sign of great honor and respect.
In an increasingly prosperous Asia, the market for the soup has grown drastically, causing overfishing around the globe. The presence of the once-common hammerhead in large parts of the western Atlantic, for example, has decreased by up to 89 percent over the last 25 years.
The spate of new protections is a result of efforts by environmental groups to reduce market demand for shark fins, because international treaties have failed to adequately curb shark fishing.
The Food Network recently removed all shark recipes from its offerings, and the celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has been pressing Chinese restaurants in London to renounce the soup this year.
Even in Asia, where shark fins and soup are ubiquitous, campaigns to end shark fin dining by celebrities like the basketball star Yao Ming of China and the conservation group WildAid have had effects. Sales have been reduced by about one-third in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, experts say, though consumption is still growing on the Chinese mainland. Ali Baba, a kind of Chinese eBay, no longer accepts shark fin transactions.
“This has been a slow-boil campaign because the traditional methods failed,” said Peter Knights, executive director of WildAid, which worked with Mr. Yao. “We went to consumers because it was a crisis and nothing else was dealing with it.”
Mr. Knights pointed out that the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which restricts trade on items derived from endangered or threatened species, denied protection to five shark species last year after nations that profit from the trade voted against it.
Shark populations cannot tolerate intensive fishing because sharks have few offspring and often do not reproduce until they are over 10 years old. Even by conservative estimates, more than 10 million shark fins moved through Hong Kong in 2008, the main distribution center for the trade. Fins sell for over $300 a pound.
Many marine biologists support tougher regulation of shark fishing itself.
“These bans go part way, but you’re still allowed to fish sharks without a permit,” said John Bruno, a marine ecologist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. “In North Carolina, there are shark derbies for fun, where they are hung by their tails. We think it’s O.K. to do that with this ocean predator, but we wouldn’t dream of doing it to a terrestrial animal like a bear.”
As a halfway measure to limit the fin trade, a growing number of countries, including the United States as of last December, prohibit the removal of shark fins at sea. Requiring fishing boats to take whole sharks to the dock limits the size of their catch and allows the authorities to inspect for endangered species. In the traditional shark fin trade, fishermen slice off the valued fins from a living shark and dump the still writhing body back in the water.
But shark-finning prohibitions are hard to enforce because they involve dockside inspections of numerous small boats and a sack of lucrative fins is easily hidden. When Dr. Bruno was at his university’s new research station in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador this summer, he was summoned by local authorities to help identify sharks on a boat they had seized with more than 350 carcasses, fins already partly detached. Ecuadorean law also bans finning at sea.
“This was in the Galápagos, a national marine reserve and national heritage site,” Dr. Bruno said. “If it’s even happening there, that shows you the size of the problem.”
The California ban, which has passed both chambers and now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown, would have a major impact on the availability of shark fins in the United States because most are imported from Hong Kong via California. The legislation bans imports as of Jan. 1, 2012, but allows those who possess shark fins to dispose of their stocks until June 30, 2013.
Though one of the bill’s sponsors is Paul Fong, a Chinese-born assemblyman from Sunnyvale, some Asian-Americans in the state have objected that the measure is discriminatory, singling out an important cultural tradition. But some surveys have shown that 70 percent of Asian-Americans in California support the bill.
Decreasing demand from the United States and Hong Kong may not offer enough of a respite for threatened shark populations if the popularity of shark fin soup continues to grow on the Chinese mainland.
In a commercial made by WildAid, Asian diners at a fancy restaurant begin pushing away their soup bowls as a shark in a nearby tank bleeds from the site where his fin was removed. “Remember,” says Mr. Yao, the retired basketball player, “when the buying stops, the killing can, too.”
Mr. Knights, of WildAid, said that if the decimation of shark populations continued, all the money in the world would not provide shark fins for diners. “This is unsustainable,” he said, “and the question is, do you end it now or do you wait until there are no sharks left?”
After a few weeks living in the water basins where normally the equipment was cleaned, the turles have got their new house.
The space they have got now is specially made for them. Every day they will get fresh seawater by a pumpsystem. The is a roof that protect them from the sun.
For people who are interested in the turtles, there are some signs with explanations about the tutles we have around the Gilis. For more information about the turtles you can ask any question at any member of Oceans 5 dive resort.
But please dont touch or pick up the turtles!
Ever seen this kind of equipment?
The brand of the BCD is Northern Diver and its made from Hypalon. If you see on one of the pictures its easy to repair. The divecomputer is a Suunto. All dive equipment is more than 20 years old and still working……
A few day ago a fishermen arrived in the early morning at Oceans 5 with a few plastic buckets. He asked us if we could do something for the little turtels he bought.
We were surpised what we saw. In the plastic buckets were around a`100 baby turtles, just born, and very small. He told us if we didnt do anything that these turtles are going to the fish market in Lombok.
Oceans 5 bought the turtles but told the fishermen that this was the only and last time that we pay for turtles.
Nun, one of staff members and an expert in turtles caring, will take care of the 100 little baby ones. We will observe them carefully, and monitor their growth.
At this moment we are building for the turtles a new houses, so that the can grow up stress free.
The vollyball tournament of Gili Air was a great success. Eleven teams aim to be come champion of Gili Air.
The game was fantastic and very excited! Both teams were playing very well and deserved to be champion of Gili Air. But the winner is Villa Karang. They beat Sultan in 3 sets.
The ranking:
1) Villa Karang
2) Sultan
3) Takesra Baweang
Next year there will be another tournament! See you next time!
Tonight we all will know! Who is the best volleyball team of Gili Air 2011!
All teams of the tournament did an amazing job, but tonight the best 2 teams are in the final! The teams are Sultan and Villa Karang. Both team have brilliant players and its hard to tell which one takes the trophy back to home.
The final start at 17.00 at the volleyball court of Oceans 5 dive resort. If you want to support your team you are more than welcome….
When you walk around Gili Air you will find now new furniture around 50 Bar. 50 Bar has decided to put some table, chairs and sofas around their bar.
In the case you are leaving or arriving Gili Air there are now some relaxing spots where you can have a refreshment, like juices or a cold Bintang beer. In the meanwhile you can enjoy the view over the sea and the mountains of Lombok.
You will find 50 Bar straight in the harbor, in the front of Oceans 5 dive resort.
Come and enjoy!
After one year Oceans 5 decided to change their signs outside the dive shop. Oceans 5 made some nice looking metal frames with beautiful underwater printings. Have a look:
This article i found on http://www.backpackingbex.com/asia/diving-indonesia/. It is a very nice article.
Diving in Indonesia is a feast for the eyes. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, which means tons of beautiful islands, an abundance of coral reefs and endless diving possibilities. It is estimated that Indonesia hosts 20% of the world’s coral reefs and boasts some of the most diverse marine life in the world. Whether you are a beginner or advanced diver, prefer to island hop or visit the dive sites aboard a liveaboard – Indonesia has a range of options for any diver.
Diving in Indonesia – Best Dive Spots Nusa Lembongan
This beautiful idyllic island group off the south coast of Bali is easily accessed by boat. There are a variety of transportation options to reach Lembongan such as a 1/2 hour speed boat, local boat or you can charter your own boat from the mainland. Once you arrive in Lembongan, you have your choice at multiple beautiful bays to rest your head. The boat drops you off at the central pier which has tons of accommodation options, or you can head over to the scenic Mushroom Bay or the heavenly Dream Beach. Getting around the island can be pretty difficult without a motor bike and despite having no island maps or street signs; the island is relatively easy to navigate.
Manta Point
There are numerous dive sites around the island; however, the majority are geared to more advanced divers as the currents can be relatively strong. If you manage to tag onto a dive shop’s trip going out to Manta Point, it’s well worth it. The lime stone cliffs descend straight into the water creating a dramatic landscape ideal for manta viewing. While there is an abundance of limestone, there is practically no coral and if the mantas are hiding, there isn’t anything to see except water, sand, limestone and your buddy. You should also take into consideration that large swells surround the area, so make sure your dive company leaves early morning before the winds start to pick up. The mantas, if unprovoked by humans, can be pretty playful gliding above divers as they watch in awe from below
Crystal Bay
Another great dive spot is Crystal Bay located on the south west side of Nusa Pendia, a bay with a rocky island in the middle of it called crystal bay. This site is also known as the home of the Sunfish/mola mola (the mysterious, large flattened fish with an elongated dorsal and virtual fins and lumpy undergrowth instead of a tail fin). The reef is located at 5 meters and the coral reef has a white sandy base. This dive site is covered in anemones, hard and soft corals and offers some of the best diving conditions in Indonesia. Up welling from the deeper water south of Bali, keeps the visibility in this area superb allowing divers to a chance to see jacks, mackerel, mantas, turtles, tuna and sharks.
Toyapakeh
The most popular dive site on Lembongan is Toyapakeh as there are tons of coral formations filled with an abundance of fish and in the deeper areas. At this dive spot, divers also have the chance to glimpse the fabled mola mola.
Price: Depending on your bargaining skills, dive prices range from $30 – 40 a dive. Trips out to Manta Point and Crystal Bay tend to be more expensive as they are further from Nusa Lembongan’s central pier. The oldest and cheapest dive shop is Lembongan Divers.
Bali Tulamben
This popular dive spot in Northern Bali is a great dive site for beginner divers or those looking to explore a shipwreck. Located off a volcanic ash beach buried several meters below the water is the USAR Liberty Shipwreck. This cargo ship, carrying guns during WWII, was torpedoed by the Japanese off Lombok. The boat is about 120 meters long and while broken into several pieces, you can still see guns, toilets and boilers. Considering this is known as the best dive site in Bali, it can get very busy- so make sure you get there early.
Prices: you can reach Tulemben from pretty much anywhere on the island or stay overnight and beat the crowds. If you choose to stay in Tulamben can stay and dive with Tulamben Wreck divers (day dives $33 night dives $38 and accommodation starting from $26 p/n) or Scuba Duba Doo who offers free pick- ups in the Kuta region.
Gili Islands
These three perfectly formed white droplets of sandy islands off the coast of Lombok are a great place for both beginner and advanced divers to see an array of fish. While the coral is nothing to write home about due to rampant fish bombing (where fisherman bomb coral reefs forcing all dead fish hiding in the reefs to float to the surface) it is still a beautiful place to spot a great variety of fish. The waters are irresistibly warm and you could spend all day diving without the faintest chill. Whether you choose to stay in Gili Trawangan (Gili’s party island) Gili Air (more relaxed island without the glitz of Gili T) Gili Meno (the tiniest island of the 3 and the most rustic) the dive sites are all within a 15 minute boat drive of one another. So make sure you choose your accommodation based on your interests not the dive spots.
Soraya
This dive site has moderate visibility levels and a strong drift, but it still boasts an array of fish such as puffers, schools of trevally and sweetlips which you can catch a glimpse of as you drift by.
Hans Reef
This is hands down the most beautiful reef in the Gili islands with the most abundant source of fish. The visibility is comparable to Soraya but there is little to-no current, giving you plenty of time for some up close and personal fish encounters. Divers tend to see stone fish, eels, blue spotted stingrays, turtles and starry puffer fish.
Meno Wreck
This wreck is a result of a shady pier that collapsed off the coast of Gili Meno and has now been declared a dive site. The coral, as most dive spots in the Gili’s, is mediocre (at best) and the wreck is nothing that spectacular but it is interesting to explore what’s hiding in the wreck’s many holes. However, if you only have a few days, you can definitely pass on this site. We managed to see a school of snapper, baby lionfish, a hawksbill turtle and tons of other divers.
Shark Point
This famous dive site is best seen early in the morning before the hoards of divers arrive and when the current isn’t too strong. Depending on the day and time of the day, the current can both be super strong or nice and clam. It’s a good idea to get your deep diving certification (30 meters) before heading out to shark point since the sharks tend to cruise around 27 meters. If the water is relatively calm you can see white / black tip reef sharks, turtles, harlequin sweet lips, schools of jacks and schools of unicorn fish.
Prices: There are tons of reputable dive shops on all 3 islands. Some of the more well known shops are Manta Divers (on Gili T and Gili Air), the originators of zen mod bungalows, Tranwangan Dive, which also offers swanky bungalows (Gili T) and Oceans 5 (Gili Air), Blue Marlin (Gili Meno, Gili T and Gili Air).
All prices are fixed on all 3 islands, starting from $38 for a fun dive and a discover scuba dive from $60. Whatever dive shop you decide to head out with, double check their dive master to diver ratios (the max should be 1:4), as well as the number of divers per boat and ensure that their equipment is in good working order.
Komodo Islands
If you are looking for gorgeous coral, 29 Celsius plus water and so many fish you can barely see in front of you, the Komodo Islands are definitely worth the trip. The small town of Labuan Bajo, on the eastern side of Flores, is the jumping off point for diving in Komodo. Labuan Bajo can easily be reached from Bali either on Transnusa, Lion Air or Garuda airlines (costing anywhere from 600,000- 1,000,000 one way). This sleepy little town is lined with multiple dive shops and travel agencies offering tours to Komodo and Rinca island to get up close and personal with the Komodo dragon, dive live-aboards or 3 day tours to Kelimutu Lakes. If you are planning on doing a lot of diving its definitely worth looking into a liveaboard as it takes about 3 hours travel time to get to/from the dive spots.
Similar to the Gilis, the dive prices are fixed at $40 U.S. a dive. However, you can jump on a liveaboard for 1-1.5 million Rp p/d ($110.00- 170.00) which includes up to 4 dives, all food, drinks and accommodation. If you do the math that’s free accommodation, food and drink plus one free dive for the cost of 3 dives. In addition, there is nothing better than rolling out of bed, putting your dive gear on and jumping into the water for an early morning five followed by a hearty breakfast.
Sebayor Kecil
Beautiful coral wall where large coral boulders hide giant trevally, sharks .lionfish and snappers. Tatawa Besar The endless amount of orange coral provides an ideal ground for black tips and hanger fish. Siaba Kecil This underwater jungle is teeming with an abundance of fish.
Manta Point
The coral in this area, similar to the coral at Manta Point in Nusa Lembogan, is nothing spectacular but if you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of the rays, black tip reef sharks and trevallies.
Crystal Rock
Known as one of the most colourful dive sites in Komodoo, this space is inundated with beautiful soft coral coverage. While the current can be relatively strong, if you manage to grab onto a piece of coral and store up on some air, you can see some beautiful fish and coral; such as, octopus, Napoleon wrasse, schools of trevally, blue spotted rays, frogfish and scorpion-fish.
Castle Rock
It’s a tough choice, who takes the cake for the most beautiful dive site- Castle or Crystal Rock but Castle Rock’s visibility makes it a truly spectacular dive. At approximately 20 meters depth there is excellent soft coral growth and numerous seafans that host pygmy seahorses. While the currents can be even stronger at this site, you are pretty much guaranteed at least one shark sitting, schools of jacks, octopuses and rays.
Golden Passage
This passageway protected by two large walls is a great spot to see an array of fish hiding in the hard coral’s crevices and soft corals tentacles. We spotted giant moray eels, white tip reef sharks, triggerfish, schools of bat fish and hump-head parrotfish.
Batu Bolong
This site should only be attempted with an experienced dive master as there is a strong down current. As a result of the strong current, the coral is pretty much pristine making it ideal for fish viewing conditions. The coral wall is inhabited by layers of beautiful fish. The top of the reef is covered in colourful corals, invertebrate life and thousands of brilliant reef fish. At deeper depths, along the steep walls, you can spot some larger fishes such as sharks, napoleon wrasse, giant trevally and large schools of rainbow runners.
Price: Dives on a per dive basis are $35 and liveaboards start from $100 p/d. Some reputable liveaboard companies are Komodo Cruises where you can choose from 3 categories of boats (MV Charlie the Mangguana and the Mona Lisa) which allows you to jump on or off any liveaboard affording divers with great flexibility. Another reputable company for both day trips and liveaboards is DiveKomodo and they offer 2 dives from 600 000 RP ($67)
