Snorkeling Spots in Indonesia That Have Been Damaged by Human Activities

Indonesia is known as an archipelagic country with extraordinary underwater beauty. Thousands of snorkeling spots stretch from Sabang to Merauke, offering the charm of coral reefs and marine biodiversity that captivate both local and international tourists. However, this beauty is now under threat. Many snorkeling locations have suffered severe damage due to human activities, including irresponsible tourism practices, massive coastal development, and destructive fishing methods.

---

⚠️ Main Causes of Snorkeling Spot Damage

Here are some of the main factors contributing to the damage of snorkeling spots in Indonesia:

1. Overtourism (excessive tourism)
   Too many tourists at one time put pressure on the ecosystem, including direct contact with corals, fish feeding, and pollution.

2. Uncontrolled snorkeling and diving activities
   Touching, stepping on, or breaking corals often occurs, especially from uneducated tourists.

3. Waste and garbage disposal
   Household, hotel, and tour boat waste worsen the condition of seawater.

4. Destructive fishing practices
   The use of fish bombs and cyanide poisons destroys coral reef structures.

5. Coastal development and reclamation
   Damages natural habitats, accelerates erosion, and reduces water quality.

---

📍 Data on Snorkeling Spot Damage in Indonesia

Here are several snorkeling locations in Indonesia that have suffered significant damage:

1. Teluk Cina, Lemukutan Island – West Kalimantan

• Moderate damage: 1.47% – 3.52%

• Causes: Tourists stepping on corals, fish feeding, and boat anchors.

2. Karimunjawa – Central Java

• Live coral cover decrease: 33% – 52%

• Tourist contact: Up to 0.063 people/minute making physical contact with corals.

• Major incident: Damage from a coal barge sinking in 2017.

3. Thousand Islands – Jakarta

• Ecological decline: 5% – 8% per year due to snorkeling and diving.

• Healthy coral: Only about 20% in some areas.

4. Liukang Loe Island – South Sulawesi

• Significant damage caused by fish bombing, divers stepping on corals, and boat anchors.

5. Gili Trawangan & Amed – Lombok & Bali

• Gili Trawangan: Corals damaged by fish bombing and uncontrolled development.

• Amed: Coastline retreated up to 100 meters due to coral mining for construction.

6. National Data

• LIPI (2013): Only 30.4% of 1,135 coastal sites still have healthy coral reefs.

• Greenpeace (2018): Many areas experienced coral cover decline below 50%.

• It is estimated that 82% of coral reefs in Indonesia are threatened.

---

🌱 Restoration and Conservation Efforts

Several conservation measures have begun to be implemented in various locations:

• Installation of mooring buoys to prevent boats from anchoring directly on corals.

• Coral restoration using Biorock technology in Gili.

• Coral transplantation by local communities and NGOs.

• Tourist education on eco-friendly snorkeling ethics.

• Temporary closure of tourist sites such as Maya Bay (Thailand) has inspired tourism management in Indonesia.

---

✅ Conclusion

Indonesia has extraordinary marine wealth, but its sustainability depends on the awareness of all parties. Responsible marine tourism must be prioritized. Without changes in tourism patterns and sustainable management, many beautiful snorkeling spots that are now damaged will become nothing more than memories.

🌟 Be a responsible tourist:

• Do not step on or touch corals.

• Avoid feeding wild fish.

• Use eco-friendly sunscreen.

• Choose tour operators that apply ecotourism principles.