The amount of garbage is indeed still far too much in Lembeh Strait. But....it is much (80%?) less than it was, let's say, 10 years ago. And the population of Bitung increased 60% in this period. The policy of the local government and the awareness of the population changed dramatically over the years. The sewage from the houses at Lembeh and Bitung is not going into the water; all houses have septic tanks. Until 12 years ago I had my regular ear infections, at Lembeh but also diving other places. But since someone taught me to put some of my own saliva in my ears before the dive, this problem was solved. I am still surprised how “internet guides us through life” now a days. Somebody you never met posts something on a forum. And this, without checking how credible his opinion (not knowledge) is, you change your holiday plans.