Pod of dolphins (image by Tony Rath)

1. Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work. A few things you can do to get started today: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, take the stairs, and bundle up or use a fan to avoid oversetting your thermostat.

2. Make Safe, Sustainable Seafood Choices 
Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable.

3. Use Fewer Plastic Products 
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.

4. Help Take Care of the Beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.

5. Don’t Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.

6. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner
Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem.

7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.

8. Influence Change in Your Community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.

9. Travel the Ocean Responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.

10. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life
All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.

The post 10 things you can do to save the ocean appeared first on juesatta (CJ Photography).

an abondoned fishing boat sighted beside Sungai Duyung

Muara Sungai Duyung is the river mouth for fishing activities in Permatang Pasir, Melaka. This is where you can see many fishing boats docking and undocking and also purchase varieties of fresh catches from the sea of the day. Towards the end of the river there is a hidden treasure where fresh, delicious and inexpensive ikan bakar (Malay, meaning baked fish) can be found.

The place is not far from Melaka Town compared to other famous seafood places in Melaka such as Anjung Batu, Alai and Umbai: you will be able to reach there for a 20 minutes drive from Bandar Hilir. Just drive along Padang Temu Road and you will find a river named Sungai Duyung. Turn to your right after the river and drive on the gravel road along the river to the end, then you will see the place. There are only two seafood restaurants at Muara Sungai Duyung so it’s not difficult to locate them.

It takes me 10 minutes drive from my house to Sungai Duyung though I don’t go there often to have seafood. Nevertheless, my good friend, Henry Lee invited me to have some seafood last Sunday and I happened to discover a good spot here for photo shooting. And I did it today.

It was hot this afternoon. I’d decided to click on the dusty shutter again since I had my last shooting quite some time ago. Driving alone to Sungai Duyung, I then drove along the river and stopped at a few spots to take some shots. It was a bit scary to shoot alone beside the river after I saw a yellow sign board written in Malay, which means:

Please don’t disturb or hurt the crocodiles if you happen to see one in this area. They will not do harm if they are not offended. Kindly contact the authority if you see someone harming the crocs. 

It sounded scary yet how I wished I could see one so that I can take some photos of the croc. Unfortunately I did not sight any. I saw some monitor lizards along the river and my car was nearly run over a two-meter one which ran across the gravel road when I drove. Both the lizard and I got a shock. I made an emergency break while it jumped speedily into the river.

a little monitor lizard fleeing away from the camera

It was sunny yet the view there was really good and serene with attap houses and coconuts trees. There were also some fishermen I met when I stopped my car and walked along the river. They were resting and ready to head out to the sea to make a living.  These friendly fishermen waved hello to me when they saw me.

However, it’s sad to see that this place is being developed as I could see. And soon this fishing settlement will be vanished and transformed to a residential area. Before then, it was good for me to take some shots of Sungai Duyung to keep evidences of its scenic views. I spent an hour there before I headed back to town and I really enjoyed this tour-and-shoot session. Share some shots I took:

The post Photography along Sungai Duyung appeared first on juesatta (CJ Photography).