Anyone that knows us will understand how passionate we are about our little patch of reef. For years now we have been sharing our discoveries and at the same time documenting the change in the reef environment.

On Sunday we were very pleased to host Associated Press Journalist Annika Hammerschlag on some guided dives to show first hand the impact of climate related change and other factors, not the least of which being crown of thorns and earthquakes!

Her article has just been published in anticipation of the release of an advisory opinion tomorrow, by the International Court of Justice, on what legal obligations nations have to address climate change.

Whether you are a climate change believer or not — the evidence is there – our oceans are suffering, we have witnessed it personally, we live it and we cry tears of despair at times – BUT we have hope. It has been our mission to create awareness of the wonders we have on our doorsteps!

We may have our minute of fame, but for us this is a lifelong commitment, this is what drives our passion —- how can we get to the end of a generation and leave nothing for our kids and grand-kids to discover — we simply cannot and whilst we can we will be out documenting it first hand!

The video and photos shared in the article except one on the screen are not ours. The jouransiot used her own camera.

Thought I would share — This is where our photography is powerful!

Link to the video and article:

https://apnews.com/article/vanuatu-climate-change-international-court-justice-c34f9a25866159102503ac14ee4ea197

Edited July 22Jul 22 by johnvila
AMANDED SPELLING ERROR

Hi John,

it's fantastic that your commitment to documenting the changes you're witnessing is gaining wider recognition.

You've absolutely hit on something crucial: underwater photography is a powerful tool. It's not just about capturing beautiful images; it's about providing undeniable visual evidence of what's happening beneath the surface. Your photos and videos show people firsthand the impacts of climate change and other factors. This visual documentation is invaluable for raising awareness and inspiring action.

Keep up this vital work!

That’s excellent. I’m glad to see my old AP colleagues covering an important story.

Thank you for sharing this and for your tireless commitment, John. Your work and passion are powerful.
Documenting the local effects of the climate crisis and enabling this kind of testimony couldn’t be more important.

The ruling has been issued. I am impressed and a little surprised that the ICJ ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Big congrats to the island countries that did so much to get this result! I really enjoyed the photos and videos of some people I’ve worked with over the years making their statements there.

I’m less optimistic that the countries causing the most damage will do much in response, but it’s a positive step nonetheless.

Glad although sad to hear/see a bit of my youth country (taem mi stap pikinini). Thanks for that John.

I don't know where exactly your place is located in Port Havanah but I know the general location. Although living just on Erakor lagoon in the mid 70's, not far from the namba3 Golf course, on certain sundays we used to drive north to PH and go snorkel just at the Lelepa landing. Aquaria was our goal at thet time (yeah, I know seventies... whip me : no sunscreen no shirts, collecting shells, putting clownfish in aquariums, -it was the TVscreen replacement in the living room : TV was non existant in the NewHebrides)

Man, PH in 1976 that was the coralliest place I had ever seen and still remember , not even 1m deep at lowtide the hard corals were almost fluorescent. Mi no kiaman! I swear I haven't seen that anywhere else in my life. Okay I'll try to explain : everyone raves about Melissa's garden in Raja Ampat, imagine more coral variety and more colors, just snorkeling, in 1-2m deep now you get it?

I returned more than 30 years later diving Moso, just in front... "where had all the fish gone.?" was my first impression and that was only 15 years ago from now looking at the photos it's got even worse.

Even with the dramatic photos I doubt people who have not lived next can understand what damages have been done!

Earthquake activity, yep I remember that too, particularly a day where there was continuous tremor and shakes all day long, at the end of the day, the sky was red in Vila with fumes coming from the volcanic activity in the further islands, so I fully understand why the land elevation.

When I came back 30 years later to see the places I used to live at, like the Erakor Lagoon : that was crazy I thought someone had siphooned water from the lagoon, couldn't believe my eyes at Rentabao public beach blue hole either : now the blue hole is almost on the beach while you had to swim into 1-2m deep water before reaching the blue hole.

Oh well....

7 hours ago, Troporobo said:

The ruling has been issued. I am impressed and a little surprised that the ICJ ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Big congrats to the island countries that did so much to get this result! I really enjoyed the photos and videos of some people I’ve worked with over the years making their statements there.

I’m less optimistic that the countries causing the most damage will do much in response, but it’s a positive step nonetheless.

Yes I too was surprised at the extent of the ruling -- I watched it live. But as you say - enforcement is another matter all together!!

2 hours ago, Luko said:

Glad although sad to hear/see a bit of my youth country (taem mi stap pikinini). Thanks for that John.

I don't know where exactly your place is located in Port Havanah but I know the general location. Although living just on Erakor lagoon in the mid 70's, not far from the namba3 Golf course, on certain sundays we used to drive north to PH and go snorkel just at the Lelepa landing. Aquaria was our goal at thet time (yeah, I know seventies... whip me : no sunscreen no shirts, collecting shells, putting clownfish in aquariums, -it was the TVscreen replacement in the living room : TV was non existant in the NewHebrides)

Man, PH in 1976 that was the coralliest place I had ever seen and still remember , not even 1m deep at lowtide the hard corals were almost fluorescent. Mi no kiaman! I swear I haven't seen that anywhere else in my life. Okay I'll try to explain : everyone raves about Melissa's garden in Raja Ampat, imagine more coral variety and more colors, just snorkeling, in 1-2m deep now you get it?

I returned more than 30 years later diving Moso, just in front... "where had all the fish gone.?" was my first impression and that was only 15 years ago from now looking at the photos it's got even worse.

Even with the dramatic photos I doubt people who have not lived next can understand what damages have been done!

Earthquake activity, yep I remember that too, particularly a day where there was continuous tremor and shakes all day long, at the end of the day, the sky was red in Vila with fumes coming from the volcanic activity in the further islands, so I fully understand why the land elevation.

When I came back 30 years later to see the places I used to live at, like the Erakor Lagoon : that was crazy I thought someone had siphooned water from the lagoon, couldn't believe my eyes at Rentabao public beach blue hole either : now the blue hole is almost on the beach while you had to swim into 1-2m deep water before reaching the blue hole.

Oh well....

The change is just astounding!! I have lived here since 1999. Just seems to have been one catastrophic event after the next! I remember well what it used to be like, as you have described!! There are so many factors involved - the earthquake on 17th December 2024 was the breaking point for us, but hey we cannot say it was climate change for that! Most people have no idea what is happening under the surface and are oblivious to the extent of harm being done! Whilst there are many climate change deniers out there - for us - it does not matter how it is labelled - the evidence is there! Thanks for sharing - yes our home has changed but we will bounce back! Feel free to visit any time. Lukim yu