I have been a volunteer
and science intern at TRACC for just over two months and the journey
has been amazing. The work and effort that TRACC has put into
conserving and rehabilitating the marine creatures has shown a significant difference since they first started. There are many conservation projects that TRACC does but one of my favourites is the large fish
survey.
 |
| Plectropomus are indicative of healthy reef. |
The very first large fish survey was done in 2011 when TRACC first arrived on Pom Pom Island and the fish are still being surveyed and added as data. The
reason for this is because we
want to know if the coral restoration and
artificial reefs are attracting fishes. According
to the data, there has been a drastic increase in the
number of large fishes since 2011.
Before my first large
fish survey, Tom, the senior science officer, made sure that we knew how to identify the large fish families such as sharks, rays, triggerfish, groupers, sweetlips etc. As soon as we'd gone through the fish identification, we jumped into the water right away. On that very first fish survey dive, I had trouble identifying all the different types of large fishes but Tom guided and made sure I improved at identifying the large fishes. Thanks to him, by the time I'd done 3 fish surveys, I felt like a pro! Now, after weeks of surveying, I am taking over and leading the fish survey with new volunteers that are in TRACC.
I personally think that a fish survey is like a treasure hunt. Every large fish that we find is like finding gold! And stingrays are like finding
platinum! One of my favourite fish surveys was when we saw three eagle
rays in one survey and one of them swam right over
our heads. That was one of the best dives I've ever had; not just to see
an eagle ray but also to see it swimming so close.
 |
| Bolbometopon also need healthy coral |
Another great fish survey experience was when I saw my first
bumphead parrotfish. Those parrotfishes were about a meter long and
had teeth that were so big they looked like they were wearing hockey gum guards. They seemed intimidating but they are one of the gentlest
creatures I've ever met. During my survey, 13 of them parrotfishes were eating in a land full of corals. Somehow they really reminded me of a herd of cows.
These are only some of
the many things I've experienced during my science internship and I'm only just beginning. Through diving and fish surveying, the ocean never
fails to surprise me. I am learning new things about the ocean
everyday and there is never a dull moment. I am
definitely looking forward to getting on with the next fish survey and I
will be sure to go in to the water with an expectant heart, knowing
that in every fish survey that I do, I will be in awe.
 |
| Natalie surveying for big-fish at TRACC |
If you want to help with any marine conservation activity, please
check our website http://tracc.org or e-mail info@tracc-borneo.org
For more updates on TRACC check out our Facebook, Twitter or Google +
Reef conservation would not be possible without generous financial support from
GEF /SGP for Malaysia who are helping our community activities and coralreefcare.com who generously provided materials to build the new reefs.
If visits to Tracc are not possible then please help with financial support and follow their projects on Facebook.