American people are trying to restore the ecosystem of the Keys and Key West that was affected by human activities. As a popular tourist destination, the Keys are frequently visited by anglers, snorkelers, scuba divers and other water sports enthusiasts. Holiday makers from Florida and other US states can easily visit these islands by fast boats and airplanes. Most come to spend their weekends or long summer vacation. Shopping malls and shell shops provide goods that are related to tropical lifestyle. For nature lovers, birding, hiking and diving are some of activities that bring them closer to nature.
Efforts to protect the marine environment of the Keys and Key West by American people are also done by Indonesian people on many of their tropical islands.
Bali, Bunaken, Wakatobi and Raja Ampat are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. Regular beach clean ups are carried out in places that are frequently visited by visitors. Raja Ampat as the "epi-center" of marine biodiversity receives more attention from the government and international NGOs because it continues to attract thousands of divers from all corners of the globe. The government and other stake holders in marine tourism want to develop the region for the prosperity of the local population but at the same time preserve its environment.
If properly implemented, tourism can bring positive benefits to the environment. For instance, visitors who enjoy diving, and snorkeling will be more appreciative to the coral reef. They can tell their friends and colleagues to stop throwing domestic and industrial wastes into the sea.
Regular patrols in Raja Ampat have significantly reduced harmful fishing practices that use explosive and poisonous materials. Some fishermen that use explosives had even been shot as a shock therapy to stop them from bombing fish again. Modern trawler vessels with huge net have caused rapid decline in fish stocks all over the world. Aquaculture could be an alternative answer to restore the dwindling fish stocks in the oceans.
Plastic wastes thrown by ship crews and citizens from the surrounding towns in West Papua and Maluku are still drifting to the region. More efforts are still needed by all parties in Indonesia to protect the marine environment in the country.
