DILI, 05 june 2023 (TATOLI)- Blue Venture (BV) discovered 313 marine species of ocean resources across the Ataúru Ocean threatened by plastic wastes.
Senior Manager of Conservation sides, Isaías Soares, said Blue Venture discovered different species of ocean resources as very unique species in the world, however, can be ruined by plastic waste.
“We survey that the ocean specie will lose their habitats and foods. The impact also for the development of spices and they cannot live longer,’’ Senior Manager of Conservation sides, Isaías Soares told Tatoli, In Bidau Dili.
He added that based on Blue Aventura data of ocean spices, discovered in the Ataúru Sea, the spices were composed of corals, lobster, fishes, Sniper fish, Napoleon, niru fishes, and others.
“We have a study of sites surrounding Ataúru, and one site boasted 313 species, which is the third highest globally for a single site,’’ He said
Ten study sites surrounding Ataúro Island were examined for the survey, and one site boasted 315 species – which is the third highest globally for a single site, and just over 20 species fewer than that at Fak Fak-Kaimana Coast, West Papua.
In May this year, new regulations were put in place to combat the decline in fish by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – regulations that included adding 19 new species to the country’s Marine Protected Species list (including sharks, dugongs, and spotted eagle rays), such as well as a minimum catch size of commonly eaten market fish to reduce juvenile fish catches and educate communities.
The island of Ataúro is even more unique as it has not had a connection with another landmass. The isolation of this type of island allows species to adapt to the environment and either create endemic species or new species. These unique species will only occur in this unique environment so it is of conservation concern to protect their habitats.
So far, Blue Ventures is a social enterprise and registered charity that focuses on nurturing and sustaining locally-led marine conservation through the development of innovative approaches. The organization partners with coastal communities that depend on marine resources.
The communities of Ataúro Island have a full appreciation of how special their island is, and one community has already assigned a marine no-take zone for their village. It is a key turtle nesting area, but also a source of ecotourism income, as the village charges USD1.50 for tourists to go snorkeling there.
It is known Ataúru Ocean produced over 5 tons of plastic single waste every month. The plastic waste in the Ataúru Ocean is coming from the Dili municipality and also contributes from Indonesia’s small Island Wetar close to the Atúru Municipality.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
