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Clusters of Salvador Dali
In the southern sea of Gorontalo, Salvador Dali awaits
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n the southern sea of Gorontalo, Salvador Dali awaits. Not the prominent Spanish surrealist painter, but clusters of sponges endemic to the Tomini Gulf.
Hairy crab is spotted at Leato dive spot in Gorontalo city. (Courtesy of Kusbianindradi)
'The name may have been given due to the sponge shapes, which resemble paintings by Salvador Dali. Some look like saxophones or flowers, while others resemble sharks, located some 15-40 meters deep,' said diver Kusbianindradi, who is also an undersea photographer in Gorontalo.
Rare marine species also inhabit the sea, including hairy crabs, which are found in tropical waters but are hard to spot due to their small size and ability to disguise themselves in sand or coral.
Kus, as he is more commonly known, said that in Gorontalo waters, hairy crabs could swim to 10-15 centimeters below the surface.
'Many divers search for the crabs deeper while they're wandering in shallow waters near dead coral reefs,' said the member of the Spot Gorontalo photographic community and the Gorontalo Diving Center.
He said Gorontalo waters, like those in the country's eastern regions, were an undersea paradise with their pristine submarine biota, clear water and high visibility for diving, with less sea traffic.
However, he said many community members were still unaware about conservation, with some fishermen still applying dangerous fishing methods, such as by throwing anchors into coral reefs or using grill nets to cover the reefs, slowing down the growing process.
Salvador Dali clusters of sponges. (Courtesy of Kusbianindradi)
The authorities, he said, should deal with the issue comprehensively, including in raising people's awareness on the need to protect the environment.
'We can't simply blame fishermen,' he says. 'They should be introduced to the need to conserve the environment.'
JP/ Syamsul Huda M.Suhari
