Whilst leading Downbelow's group of pro interns on a dive, resident PADI Course Director Richard Swann spotted a large net entangled on a reef in Kota Kinabalu's TAR Park in Sabah.

 

The net, discovered on 1 February, entangled Ribbon Reef, one of Richard's favourite sites in the park. The net stretched from 16m down to 30m, making for a tricky and challenging removal.

 

The net's precense was reported to local marine authority Sabah Parks and within 2 hours Richard had assembled Downbelow staffers and professional interns. They were briefed on what to expect from the mission and soon headed back to get to work.

 

Once started, the task was completed at a steady pace. Various marine animals were safely released, including horseshoe crabs, a stargazer and various other crustaceans and fish, all needlessly caught up in this discarded menace. 

Sabah Parks will receive a full, detailed report of the incident in the hopes of gaining added protection for this site, one of the park's outstanding dive sites.

Well done in particular to 2 of our professional interns, Sara & Leanne, for taking part in their first net removal rpoject. May you be part of many more Project AWARE events.

For additional pictures, visit the February Net Removal Album on our website.