'Adopt a fish' for Release' programme dive trip

[Achilles Tang]

Just to update those SRC members and sponsors that helped out that our trip was successful!

In collaboration with White Manta Divers, we had a 'freedom from captivity' exercise by releasing back into the wild some livestock bought from LFS and some donated by some SRC members (who chose to remain anonymous but the fishes thank you!).

We released some mandarinfishes, seahorses and frogfishes around the Pulau Aur/Jack Rock area. We carefully chose livestock that are endemic to our indo-pacific/sub tropical waters and these were released into areas where there's ample shelter & food supply. We had repeat dives and spent considerable time to ensure that they were well.

LATEST UPDATE: Two of the frogfishes were located successfully a good 10 days after release!

I also had the privilege to give a reef conservation talk onboard White Manta to about 20 divers on our impact on the living reefs. I also touched on the marine aquarium hobby and how we are to exercise due care with responsible reefkeeping and of course, SG REEF CLUB and our role in educating hobbyists!

(Some of the divers were ex-marine aquarists and were amazed that the hobby has progressed so much over the years and we could grow SPS corals successfully now! We could see some new members soon! )

Topics were discussed like human damage to the reefs were made poignantly clear when we actually spotted some 5 very big bubu or fish traps crashed atop coral formations.

Anyway, plans are underfoot to start bigger scaled activities by collaborating with marine authorities on bigger reef conservation exercises - even reef building exercises - Fish Aggregating Devices or Artificial Reefs etc.

SRC members who are divers are invited to be part of future exercises.

Here's me with Nathan, one of the 'adopt a fish' participants.... http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/21291...088596755MpcyKN

[LaW]

Sound really sweet

Keep it going

[scrach]

Count me in the next exercise!

[sunny130y]

2 more divers are interested too for future exercise. Thanks.

[jasyu]

I am in too......

[kenyee]

Is this exercise still on?

[SeahSengYong]

Hope there are pictures too.