Dear our valued customers,
OnBird Phu Quoc is excited to invite you to participate in our newly launched campaign called “Feed The Ocean” initiated by Sasa Team Marine Animals Rescue.
All you need to do is be present and observe with care. Please kindly see details below:
I. FEED THE OCEAN CAMPAIGN INTRODUCTION
1. Current situation
The latest scientific reports as well as actual surveys show that Phu Quoc has almost exhausted its coastal seafood resources. Large fish species are currently less than 1%. Ecological imbalance as well as lack of exploitation lead to a picture of serious degradation.
2. Activity descriptions
Releasing shrimp, crabs, fish, and snails of native species. Natural release of marine creatures holding eggs or females in the breeding season. Re-stocking typical groups of creatures such as octopus, eels, sharks, giant clams, rays, groupers…
Re-stocking and restoring the number of locally exploited species.
The campaign “Feed The Ocean” is aimed to be deployed for 5 years in coastal provinces across the country, currently being implemented in Phu Quoc by Sasa Team and their partners.
Recognizing the responsibility of an organization and operator of marine exploration experiences, OnBird Phu Quoc is determined to join hands with Sasa in integrating these activities into our snorkelling itineraries to enhance the high awareness of tourists.
During this campaign, the OnBird Phu Quoc team will release sea horses & pregnant crabs at coral reefs around Phu Quoc Island, which are our snorkelling & diving spots. Our team of underwater guides and marine biologists will accompany you on the boat and in the water to ensure everything is done safely and responsibly. As we handle the sea horses and pregnant crabs with special care, some testing and trying may be involved.
3. THE ECOLOGICAL PURPOSES OF THE CAMPAIGN BY SASA TEAM
- Seeds released into the sea not only help restore the population but also become food for other species, making the overall ecosystem healthier, and increasing the natural regeneration ability of some predators.
- Re-release egg-holding individuals and breeding females to restore the number, eggs hatch in the wild with the first stage being larvae that swim freely in the water acting like plankton which is the first link and most important in the Ocean’s food web, they are the input energy source for the machine of life to operate.
- Re-release typical groups of marine creatures such as sharks, octopuses, shrimp, rays, eels, and groupers. These species help maintain ecological balance and local biodiversity.
- Restock, breed and preserve exploited species such as seahorses, sea dragons, and giant clams.
4. THE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GOALS OF THE CAMPAIGN
- Restoring the number of species, and ensuring biodiversity and ecological balance is the number one key to sustainable economic development. In addition, a healthy ecosystem will be a great raw material for sustainable tourism development and livelihood transformation, especially in destructive exploitation occupations. Opens up a new direction in developing educational tourism.
- Educational and communication purposes:
- The campaign is deployed locally with target groups including primary schools, residential groups, fishermen, intellectuals and the young generation to spread awareness of the long-term conservation of natural resources and resources. Knowledge about ecology and nature will be imparted during stocking sessions to educate and change consumption and exploitation behaviour.
- The reintroduction area is located within the conservation area with the cooperation and support of local people.
II. FEED THE OCEAN Tracks Sasa Team x OnBird Phu Quoc snorkelling tours:
25 Jan 2024: Released 195 pregnant crabs
Pregnant crabs were released back into the sea from a depth of 6m where there is a sandy area, we initially planned to release 200 pregnant crabs but there were 5 crabs found dead due to long-way transfer from the maintenance tank in the central area, there is always a high risk of being dead to sea creatures due to the long-way transfer so we always have to plan carefully especially for expensive caught sea creatures such as sea horses.
We kindly request that you do not share any scenes from above the water surface at the coral spot that may reveal the coral reef location on the internet, as it may make the reefs accessible to mass tourism and cause damage to the corals. Also, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Please be assured that everything will be carried out with the utmost care and professionalism.
To be continued…