26 July 2019 — Lombok’s tourism future

"With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take,
you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live"
~ Sylvia Earle

Ocean update

• Last month, 633 people completed an underwater cleanup at a beach in Florida, breaking the world record for the largest ocean litter cleanup ever! Together, the divers managed to collect roughly 2,000 pounds of trash in the space of one morning. Way to go!! 👏🐳 
• California is the first state to implement a ban on tiny hotel toiletry bottles. 🎉 The goal is to help hotels move towards more sustainable practices while phasing out single use plastics to minimize waste and the impact this has on our oceans. 
• In a recent study, researchers found out that biodegradable plastic bags, even after being exposed to air, water and earth for 3 years, they could still hold a load of groceries. As an alternative to this problem, a couple of students from London developed a series of machines that could help reduce single-use plastics. They use lobsters shells, turning them into planters, wallets, bags and more! A great example to help #GoGreenForTheBigBlue 💙

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Gif of the week
Did you know: Octopuses are the first invertebrates to be seen using tools, such as using coconut shells to hide from potential predators and using rocks and jets of water in a way that could be classified as tool use? Way to go our lovely friend :)

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#OceanOptimism

• The era of mapping coral reefs from airborne sensors is finally here! 🔍 Scientists from Arizona have developed sensors that can create detailed 3-D maps of shallow-water coral reefs, “peeling back” the seawater to reveal important data for coral reef conservation. 🌊 🐠  This is an exciting development in visualizing marine communities in order to ensure their survival!
• CarbonLITE Industries, a global recycler and producer of post-consumer PET, is launching a new category of PET plastic - 100% post-consumer, ocean-diverted plastic.🙌
• Our Packed with tips, carbon footprint quizzes, and even some promo codes on ocean-friendly merch (😜), our guide will help you live a more sustainable summer. We can’t wait to see how you guys 
  will #GoGreenForTheBigBlue 🐳💙

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Lombok’s tourism future
“A destination ultimately loses its profitability when it loses its beauty.” 
After spending the last two years traveling, working and volunteering in various parts of Southeast Asia, Caitlin found herself fascinated by the explosion in tourism, the spread of Western influence and the impact tourism is having on the local community. In this two part blog series, she discusses the changes that Indonesia has gone through over the past few years along with her observations while carrying out fieldwork in Lombok to provide insights on the management and implementation of the Mandalika Project.
Part 1 - Part 2

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IMarEST Operational Oceanography Special Interest Group 
​IMarEST is an international learned society and membership body that brings marine engineers, scientists and technologists together. Its Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, outreach and advisory information for the wider industry – in some cases influencing legislation and policy. 

Ocean observations underpin the long-term sustained measurements and analyses that keep us up-to-date on the health of our oceans. One of the newer branches of science, Oceanography plays a crucial part in recording and understanding these measurements to improve public safety and national security, supporting the shipping industry and protecting the marine environment. The IMarEST Operational Oceanography Group aims to boost public and industry understanding of the concepts that underpin this branch of the marine sciences, through participation in national and international initiatives.

You can find out more information on the Special Interest Group and its outputs, alongside other IMarEST groups and how to get involved on the IMarEST website. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for inspiring stories and up-to-date marine news.

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