Think About The Underwater World

There was a time when my vacations were about discovering the world.

There was a time when my vacations were about unadulterated shopping and eating.

By and by, I begin to crave for vacations that interweave elements of eco-tourism. I started to traipse destinations with exotic names and way off the beaten track.

Diving is my passion. After logging my 250th dive, I felt restless and wanted to do something a little more productive on these dive trips.

I slowly learnt about marine conservation.

Bit by bit, I was sold on the mission of the Coral Reef Alliance. Little by little, I was disgusted by how Southeast Asia viewed its coral reefs.

Even more so, I was repulsed by divers who only cared to dive, proclaimed their love for the hobby, but in the next breath, tossed their canned drinks and rubbish overboard. They didn't really bother about protecting that beautiful environment that gave them so much pleasure.

Through the years, Southeast Asia gradually opened her eyes to her bountiful but fragile coral reefs that stand on the brink of destruction. I'm heartened that Singapore has began to value her natural beauty and makes a sincere attempt in protecting her marine environment.

I'm sure you heard about coral reefs - preservation and all.

Do you really understand the correlation between coral reefs, the marine life and our environment?

Because I know many don't really care since it doesn't particularly affect them in any tangible way. Consumerism and trying to keep up with the Joneses haven't quite factor in marine conservation.

I really hate bumping into plastic bags, band-aid and dirty bottles far out at sea.

On this day, please take a little time to read about marine conservation.

The next time you take a boat trip out to the sparkling islands in the sun, ask the boatman not to drop anchor onto the coral reefs.

Would you think about doing a reef walk in Singapore waters?