I'm heading to Lembeh for two weeks in September, staying with Murex Lembeh.

I want to photograph the interactions of the muck dive critters with rubbish, if that's possible (how they live in it, what they do with it etc).

Can anyone comment on whether the usual muck dives will showcase critters with rubbish? (OK, unusual question, I know, I know)?

The answer will affect what lenses / ports I bring, as I wish to include the rubbish as background in the photos of the critters!

Thanks in advance for any comments, and as background, I just returned from a week near Tulamben (Bali). Great muck diving, but no critters in or with rubbish (not much rubbish actually, apart from occasional soft plastics).

Unless things have changed since I managed a resort there, shouldn’t be a problem. Police Pier was especially good for that but just discuss with the resort. CFWA should work well.

55 minutes ago, dentrock said:

I'm heading to Lembeh for two weeks in September, staying with Murex Lembeh.

I want to photograph the interactions of the muck dive critters with rubbish, if that's possible (how they live in it, what they do with it etc).

Can anyone comment on whether the usual muck dives will showcase critters with rubbish? (OK, unusual question, I know, I know)?

The answer will affect what lenses / ports I bring, as I wish to include the rubbish as background in the photos of the critters!

Thanks in advance for any comments, and as background, I just returned from a week near Tulamben (Bali). Great muck diving, but no critters in or with rubbish (not much rubbish actually, apart from occasional soft plastics).

I saw a Giant frogfish in a discarded washing machine when I was there last and seems there's no shortage of rubbish around the place. I'm tossing up whether to bring a wide lens when I go, ( also in September (19-26) as it happens) I'm tacking it on prior to a work trip so luggage space might be a little tight. I've ordered an MFO-3 so hopefully it might arrive before I head out. The dive guides should certainly know.

I dont remember that much rubbish there anymore. I've been there 1-2 times a year for a long time.

Yes, there is some, but not that much imo. Or i might have just gotten used to it. Might actually be this.

Closer to Bitung and the villages have better chance surely.

Ambon on the other hand...

I was several time last years... and OK there are some rusbish but not a lot...

Thanks to all for your replies. I will definitely ask the dive guides if I can visit places with rubbish!

I will bring 35 and 50 lenses with 140 dome to get close but with background context. And 105 with flat port for the small stuff.

I will be at Murex 6-21 Sep, so perhaps we might cross paths, Chris!

I was there last week, and found these gobies cleaning out the rubbish (mostly sand) from their rubbish home.. But maybe that's not what the OP meant. 😬

Humming that old Police song, with kind regards,

Ajay