COLOURFUL WATERS

KOMODO IS THE FOCAL POINT FOR RICHNESS OF THE INDIAN AND PACIFIC

Why is the Komodo region so barren on land, but offers so much life underwater?

It’s all about geography and those strong currents scuba divers must contend with.

It sits in the Coral Triangle, the world epicentre of marine biodiversity that contains at least 500 species of coral and is considered one of three mega-ecological complexes with the Congo Basin and the Amazon Rainforest.

Strong currents bring masses of nutrients up from the deep water. This supports the rest of the marine food chain and attracts large pelagic species including manta rays, which can be seen all year round, dolphins, whale sharks and the occasional blue or sperm whale.

Komodo is the only equatorial region on earth where two oceans, the Pacific and the Indian, meet and exchange marine life.

Daily water movement between the Flores Sea to the north (fed by the Pacific) and the Sumba Strait/Savu Sea to the south (fed by the Indian) is pushed through just three channels: the Sape, Lintah and Molo straits.

The middle strait, Lintah, is where most of Komodo’s famous dive sites are located. It’s narrow enough to create strong currents but not so narrow as to limit water movement.

While divers are likely to experience 5-knot currents, spring tides and super moons can increase this to as much as 10 knots. These strong and sometimes unpredictable water movements make experienced guides and tour operators a must for any visitor.

Komodo’s rugged volcanic islands and many small bays and inlets create a variety of ecosystems in a relatively small area, ranging from fringeing and patchy coral reefs to seamounts, mangrove forests and seagrass beds that supply a steady food source for green turtles and dugongs.