You'll notice on the front page the article on Misool Eco Resort privately funding a ranger boat. I have been down there several times and seen what they are fighting. We are talking about the heart of the Coral Triangle, the most bio-diverse marine ecosystem on earth, and the hottest new dive destination. What most folks don't know is how rapidly Raja Ampat is being destroyed by destructive fishing and endangered species trade. I have witnessed and filmed this on several occasions. Shark being finned, turtles being butchered, nets dragged across once pristine staghorn coral beds. It is happening every day all over Raja Ampat. Many times it is outsiders coming in b/c they have so depleted their own waters they must travel great distances to find something to catch.
Misool Eco Resort is located on the frontlines on the southern border of Raja. Not only are they protecting their own no take zone (which is open to all and includes some of the best sites in all of Raja such as Fiabecet), they are turning away fleets of longliners that would pillage other areas. They now have the cooperation of the Navy and police.
What they don't have is a ranger boat. They are using the limited resort boats and workers to patrol as much as possible. They want to do much more. As such, they are now seeking to fund a low cost ranger boat/team to patrol 24/7. This will be good for anyone diving Raja on any liveaboard or at the resort.
They are really the only ones patrolling in Raja. They need support. Can we give it?
http://www.misooleco...t.com/news.html
-Shawn
