Cruise Ships in Komodo?

This can't be good.

Cruise Ship Pier in Komodo

Why not? Right now, the PNK is suffering from lack of funds to protect the park fully from poachers, illegal fishing (from sport fishermen and local fishermen). Somehow funds are lacking and the issue is that the park is still somewhat attacked by illegal fishermen and also sport fishermen who bring tourists to catch big fish like GTs etc. Maybe the cruise ship industry, controlled by the JKT govt will highlight the problems it faces and bring a higher hand in controlling what is going on in the park. What's wrong with increased tourism in Indonesia?

Why not? Right now, the PNK is suffering from lack of funds to protect the park fully from poachers, illegal fishing (from sport fishermen and local fishermen). Somehow funds are lacking and the issue is that the park is still somewhat attacked by illegal fishermen and also sport fishermen who bring tourists to catch big fish like GTs etc. Maybe the cruise ship industry, controlled by the JKT govt will highlight the problems it faces and bring a higher hand in controlling what is going on in the park. What's wrong with increased tourism in Indonesia?

While increased tourism might very well help with the problems you mentioned (provided it is done correctly), cruise ships carry along a host of their own environmental problems. Some potential problems I can think of are: With so many people living in such a relatively small space, cruise ships generate a phenomenal amount of waste, including sewage. Will there be any regulations regarding where liquid and/or solid waste can be dumped near the park? What path will the ship take to Komodo, and will that impact any dive sites or sensitive marine areas? What sort of environmental damage or impact will occur when the berth for the ship is dredged? And finally, what impact will thousands of additional feet have on the park itself?

There's got to be a better idea.

-Gina

Unfortunately, all ships dump their stuff overboard like most of Indonesia. However, international cruise liners may not do so out of policy (but I'd say many of them do to save costs). Right now those big cruise ships, like the ones from Australia and Singapore, all stop over in Komodo. Instead of dropping anchor on coral, the pier may make a positive impact by have one place where all tourists come in on. I've not followed up too closely on the happenings of PNK right now but if tourism from cruise liners is increasing, whether the pier is there or not, then maybe the pier is a good idea. I'd much rather have the money go toward protecting the PNK, but that's been a VERY difficult proposition right now with limited money for fuel and boats on the ranger stations.

Unfortunately, all ships dump their stuff overboard like most of Indonesia. However, international cruise liners may not do so out of policy (but I'd say many of them do to save costs). Right now those big cruise ships, like the ones from Australia and Singapore, all stop over in Komodo. Instead of dropping anchor on coral, the pier may make a positive impact by have one place where all tourists come in on. I've not followed up too closely on the happenings of PNK right now but if tourism from cruise liners is increasing, whether the pier is there or not, then maybe the pier is a good idea. I'd much rather have the money go toward protecting the PNK, but that's been a VERY difficult proposition right now with limited money for fuel and boats on the ranger stations.

Ugh, I didn't realize there were already so many cruise ships in the area. (If you can't tell, I am not a fan of them.)

-Gina

Drew, I see your point. My thoughts were along the lines of Gina's, regarding illegal dumping of waste and the impact to native wildlife and their habitat from large numbers of visitors. But I also overlooked the part of the article that indicated that a number of large cruise ships were already stopping in Komodo.

Well with UNESCO WHS designation, it's still struggling against possible corruption, illegal fishing etc. So maybe a bit more recognition by JKT or the world wouldn't be a bad thing. PNK is suppose to pay for itself with the tourism fees, along with the money from UNESCO and TNC/World Bank. I still find it strange that there is still not so even money for fuel and rangers to mount an even more aggressive stance toward illegal fishing, like in the 90s where gun battles were fought to protect the park. Hopefully with big ships around, the fishermen won't be as brazen as to use bombing etc.