The Marine protected island of Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida was declared a marine protected area (MPA) by the local district head in August 2010 and in November of the same year the government of Indonesia followed suit, declaring 20,057 hectares of ocean waters around the 3 islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan an MPA.
The Need for Protection
Nusa Penida’s waters include several coastal ecosystems such as 14 km² of coral reef, as well as mangroves and seagrass beds. The rich marine biodiversity includes 298 coral species, 576 fish species, 13 mangrove species and 8 seagrass species.
Broken beach at Nusa Penida
Destructive fishing methods, sea weed farming and an increase in both local population, and dive and general tourism, were beginning to upset the delicate balance of these thriving eco-systems. Protective methods put in place in the marine protected area now stand this Balinese island in good stead for regeneration and prevention of further destruction in the future.
The Nusa Penida MPA is facilitated by the Coral Triangle Centre (CTC), together with Klungkung District Government and the local community. They protect the site from destructive activities such as cyanide and dynamite fishing while supporting the ability of local fishermen to use sustainable fishing practices. Reef and fish monitoring is conducted and patrols of the waters are ongoing between the police, navy and the community.
Bird Sanctuary and Breeding Programme
The marine protected area has also recently become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species. In 2004 the Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) started a captive breeding and re-introduction programme onto Nusa Penida for the critically endangered Bali starling.
Visiting Nusa Penida
Angels Billabong Nusa Penida Bali
Diving Indo run diving and snorkeling trips to the marine protected areas allowed for diving, there are over 20 sites but one of the most popular is Manta Point which is a cleaning station for manta rays all year round. If you would like to spend more time there we can drop you at Nusa Penida, there are many small hotels so you can stay and explore the island, the views are stunning.
Photos by Anna