By Christina Ameln, Sustainability Strategist and Advisor –
As children, my younger sister would be petrified of the water after having watched the film Jaws. Even the mention of a shark would send her scampering onto dry land. Imagine the power I had to terrify my little sister with that one word. Nowadays we laugh about it. But there are still moments today, when we go out swimming and feel a brush of ‘something’ along our legs, and our minds automatically flash to vivid monsters that may be lurking under the water.
Christina Ameln with ocean lover and diver Alfian.
Unfortunately, today we have a higher chance of feeling a piece of plastic brush against our legs than a ‘monster’ fish. During a recent trip to Indonesia, where I completed my Open Water Certification and became a PADI advocate, I had the privilege of meeting Alfian, a diving instructor and lecturer at the University in Lombok. In our conversation, we discussed the “monsters” of the sea today – not sharks or other sea creatures, but plastic pollution and the harm it brings to our oceans.
Alfian, a regular guy with an extraordinary love for the ocean, is the perfect guide for anyone eager to explore the underwater world. His infectious kindness and patient demeanor made learning to dive, with all the equipment and the overwhelming sensation of being submerged, an unforgettable experience. But beyond the skill of diving, Alfian’s true passion lies in sharing the wonders of the underwater ecosystem and educating people about its fragility.
For those unfamiliar with the term, a PADI Ambassador is someone who is committed to elevating diving in their communities and across the planet. This role also extends to environmental education, focusing on preserving coral reefs, marine life, and, of course, tackling plastic pollution. For me, the desire to become a PADI Ambassador stemmed from a deep commitment to learning more about underwater ecosystems and finding solutions to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans.
Beneath the Surface: Ocean Plastic in Indonesia and Vietnam
During my time in Indonesia, I had the chance to dive into its stunning underwater world. While marveling at the intricate beauty of coral reefs and the diverse marine ecosystem, I couldn’t help but notice the increasing presence of plastic debris. Sadly, this scene is not unique to Indonesia—Vietnam’s coastal waters face similar challenges. The growing tide of ocean plastic threatens not only marine life but also local livelihoods and global sustainability efforts.
Indonesia and Vietnam rank among the top contributors to ocean plastic pollution. Rapid economic growth, increased consumption, and limited waste management infrastructure have exacerbated the problem. In both countries, coastal communities depend on fishing and tourism, industries severely impacted by plastic debris. From discarded fishing nets and microplastics to single-use plastics suffocating coral reefs, the damage runs deep.
Alfian shared with me, “While we can’t see what’s below the water’s surface, we are creating the dangerous ‘animals’ that are slowly killing marine life.” These ‘plastic monsters’ are suffocating our oceans—silent invaders that harm everything from tiny plankton to majestic sea turtles. It’s a sobering reality that must be addressed before it’s too late.
Connecting the Dots to Vietnam
Vietnam’s over 3,000 kilometers of coastline and thriving fishing industry have long been its lifeblood. Yet, plastic pollution is threatening the country’s marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. In popular tourist destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, beach clean-ups and waste management efforts are underway, but more systemic change is needed. As divers, we can see first-hand what lies beneath the surface—the delicate ecosystems that provide oxygen, regulate the climate, and support biodiversity.
The importance of diving goes beyond exploring the beauty of coral reefs or swimming alongside sea turtles. It’s a vital tool for learning about the fragile ecosystems beneath the surface. PADI, with its focus on education, encourages divers to witness and understand these ecosystems so they can help protect them. This is especially critical for both Indonesia and Vietnam, where the oceans play a central role in the economy and culture.
A Call to Action
The challenges we face in tackling ocean plastic are global, but they’re not insurmountable. Diving connects us to the ocean in a way that transforms us from passive observers to active protectors. Whether you’re in Indonesia, Vietnam, or anywhere else, we all have a role to play in safeguarding our oceans. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, supporting local conservation efforts, and embracing sustainable practices, we can help turn the tide on ocean plastic.
The Real Monsters of the Sea
As we surface from the depths of our dive into ocean conservation, it’s impossible not to think about those creatures lurking below the surface, the ones that spark fear and fascination. When we’re in the water, our minds might still flash to the monsters of our childhood—the sharks or giant squids we once imagined prowling beneath. But today, the real “monsters” of the sea are far more sinister and less visible. They don’t have sharp teeth or eerie fins; they’re the plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, and microplastics that slowly, silently, suffocate our oceans.
These are the monsters we’ve created, and their impact is felt in every corner of the ocean. From Indonesia to Vietnam, coastal communities are witnessing firsthand how plastic pollution is threatening not just marine life, but entire economies. As divers, we get a unique look at what’s happening beneath the waves. It’s a sobering sight: coral reefs smothered in plastic, marine creatures tangled in waste, and ecosystems hanging on by a thread. But it’s also a call to action—a reminder that we have the power to change things.
Alfian, a true ocean lover and PADI Ambassador, reminded me that while we can’t always see what’s below the water’s surface, the “monsters” we’ve created are quietly killing marine life. Yet, despite the overwhelming challenges, there’s still hope. Diving connects us to the ocean in a way that transforms us from passive observers into active protectors. Through education, sustainable practices, and collective action, we can help reduce plastic waste and restore balance to these fragile ecosystems.
The Bubbles You Create
So, next time you dive into the ocean, remember this: the only thing you should leave behind is the bubbles you create. As we dive deeper into the problem of ocean plastic pollution, it becomes clear that the fight against these “plastic monsters” is not just a local issue—it’s a global one, and we all have a part to play. Whether you’re swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Indonesia or walking along the beaches of Vietnam, it’s time to face the monsters lurking beneath.
Let’s commit to making sure our oceans remain vibrant, thriving, and free of the plastic pollution that threatens them. Together, we can ensure that the only creatures left lurking beneath the waves are the real ones—those that deserve to call the ocean home.
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