No beasts and beauty

Wakatobi, made famous by Jacques Cousteau. Early breakfast but announcement that plans had changed and we would continue to Hogia Island for nature walk and swimming.

Ashore for nature walk. Spent around an hour shuffling through rubbish strewn remains of old park centre and accommodation. Dire. Zilch of interest. Noticeable that at end of day recap there was zero mention on the so called. Nature walk.

But it sparked an on board discussion forum the following day as the state of the place couldn't be ignored. Lou, ex head of NZ DOC, Komodo rod and Abam (works for CI on conservation for Raja Ampat. )
All shocked at state of the place. Tried to clean up beach before we arrived but realised a hopeless task.
Plastic bags - some places have become status symbol as food used to be wrapped in banana leaves or rattan, both biodegradable.
Pacific Gyre.
Single use plastics, especially water cups and iced lolly packets.
Multi. Nationals selling shampoo etc in single use packets.
Nowhere to put rubbish
Some hope as bacteria and fungus have been discovered that will eat plastics

Snorkeling excellent. Long drop edge and fantastic variety of fish and coral. Huge contrast to the disappointing island.

Afternoon cruise enlivened by spouts ofca pod of sperm whales, and a line humpback.

Fool, I have signed up for another nature walk tomorrow 🤦🤦Read more