Bintan wasn’t on my diving bucket list, but I’ve learnt it is home to tiny undiscovered creatures
But more needs to be done to protect its marine diversity from economic development.
I had never considered Bintan as a destination for observing unique marine creatures, as I typically aimed for larger, more well-known species like whale sharks and manta rays. However, during a recent trip to Cempedak Island, located off the eastern coast of Bintan, I discovered a newfound appreciation for the rich biodiversity hidden beneath the waves.
This private island, formerly the site of a proposal to establish a marine protected area (MPA), was hosting a group of scientists who aimed to document the local marine life. The expedition, led by marine biologists Mark Erdmann and Gerald Allen, had previously identified several rare reef fish in 2019. This time, they focused on smaller fish, such as gobies and sand divers, which are often challenging to spot due to their diminutive size.
Upon arrival, I was struck by the island's rustic charm, with bamboo structures and a lack of modern amenities. Despite this, the island boasted breathtaking views of both the sea and the surrounding trees. As I delved deeper into the expedition, I learned about the remarkable variety of small fish species found in the area. Erdmann and his team managed to spot four out of the six previously unidentified species of gobies, along with several other intriguing creatures, including brightly colored nudibranchs and baby corals.
The protection status of the East Bintan MPA, which although not encompassing Cempedak Island, has contributed to the thriving marine ecosystem in the surrounding waters.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
