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  • Despite their appearance, ascidians are more closely related to vertebrates than to invertebrates such as corals or sponges.  They are filter feeders, pumping water through their bodies and extracting particles of food.  Different species have different growth forms and they can be colonial or solitray, encrusting or stalked such as these.  In the cold, rich waters of the southern part of the Komodo National Park, ascidians are very common and diverse. The Komodo National Park is home to the unique Komodo Dragon, but also has some remarkable marine life.  Cold upwellings from the Indian Ocean to the south bring plenty of nutrients, providing food for a spectacular array of different species.
    KOMO200906100248.jpg
  • Despite their appearance, ascidians are more closely related to vertebrates than to invertebrates such as corals or sponges.  They are filter feeders, pumping water through their bodies and extracting particles of food.  Different species have different growth forms and they can be colonial or solitray, encrusting or stalked such as these.  In the cold, rich waters of the southern part of the park, ascidians are very common and diverse.  The Komodo National Park is home to the unique Komodo Dragon, but also has some remarkable marine life.  Cold upwellings from the Indian Ocean to the south bring plenty of nutrients, providing food for a spectacular array of different species.
    KOMO200906110137.jpg
  • Ascidians are more closely realted to vertebrates than to the corals that they resemble.  They are filter feeders, and pump water in through the smaller holes, filter out any food then expel the water out from the larger holes.
    WPAP200903200218.jpg
  • Ascidians, or sea squirts, are related to vertebrates such as fish, rather than invertebrates such as coral.  They are filter feeders that sieve their food out of the water.
    WPAP200903110082.jpg
  • Unhatched turtle eggs excavated from a nest, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia. The nests are excavated to determine the percentage of eggs that hatched. Sangalaki is part of the Derawan Island group, off East Kalimantan.  The island is famous for its reefs, manta rays and cuttlefish, and as an important nesting site for the endangered green turtle.  Sangalaki was a popular tourist destination, until the Indonesian government closed down access to the island in 2009.
    SANG200605190247.jpg
  • Hawksbill turtle swimming over a coral reef, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sangalaki is part of the Derawan Island group, off East Kalimantan.  The island is famous for its reefs, manta rays and cuttlefish, and as an important nesting site for the endangered green turtle.  Sangalaki was a popular tourist destination, until the Indonesian government closed down access to the island in 2009.
    SANG200605190193.jpg
  • Black blotched or spotted fantail stingray, Mapia Atoll, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200511080020.jpg
  • Warty frogfish, Seraya, Bali, Indonesia. Seraya is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers searching for unusual species.  The signature site, 'Seraya Secrets' has a barren sand floor with small patches of sponge and other encrusting life, and rocks in the shallows. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200601020691.jpg
  • Highly camouflaged Ambon scorpionfish, Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200609070289.jpg
  • Tourism is now a major business in the Komodo National Park.  Divers visit the park using liveaboard boats operating out of Bali, or from the port of Labuan Bajo on Lombok.  The Komodo National Park is home to the unique Komodo Dragon, but also has some remarkable marine life.  Cold upwellings from the Indian Ocean to the south bring plenty of nutrients, providing food for a spectacular array of different species.
    KOMO200906090161.jpg
  • Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905200018.jpg
  • Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905190111.jpg
  • Juvenile hairy frogfish 'yawning', Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905080021.jpg
  • Redtooth triggerfish are plankton feeders that form dense schools at the edge of reefs.  North Sulawesi is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905260117.jpg
  • Estuary seahorses are ofetn found at the mouths of rivers in brackish water.  Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905150107.jpg
  • Tulamben is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers.  The area is famous for the wreck of the USAT Liberty Glo, a WWII era ship that lies just off the beach in Tulamben village.  The areas is also very well known for its high marine biodiversity. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904190168.jpg
  • Ornate ghostpipefish are  often found in association with crinoids or hydroids. Seraya is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers searching for unusual species.  The signature site, 'Seraya Secrets' has a barren sand floor with small patches of sponge and other encrusting life, and rocks in the shallows. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904180034.jpg
  • Sailor's eyeballs are comparatively huge, single-celled algae.  This one has been partially overgrown by an encrusting ascidian. The Gili Islands, located just off Lombok's west coast, are a popular tourist destination.  The three islands - Meno, Air and Trawangan - offer many different options for accommodation, eating and nightlife.  The name 'Gili Islands' is something of a misnomer as 'Gili' means 'small island' in the local Sasak language.  The reefs around the islands have some reasonable hard corals and marine life, but have suffered in the past from damage, bleaching events and pollution.  However the islands are still worth visiting and are especially good for student divers.
    LOMB200904140069.jpg
  • Hawksbill turtles are endangered throughout their range, a result of hunting (primarily for their shell - the source of tortoise shell for jewellry), fishing practices and exploitation of their eggs. Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904060096.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010099.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010088.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010071.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010056.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010167.jpg
  • Sargassum frogfish live in clumps of floating sea weed and have evolved camouflage to match their surroundings. The coastal waters of Triton Bay are rich in nutrients washed down from the surrounding hills.  As a result underwater life is dominated by filter feeders such as colorful soft corals and black corals.  Triton Bay is also very well known for its marine biodiversity.  at the southern end of the Bay are healthy coral reefs with plenty of fish life.  The area has become popular with divers that use liveaboard boats to explore the reefs and islands of West Papua.
    WPAP200903210158.jpg
  • All frogfish use a lure on a 'fishing rod' to attract their prey.  In some species the lure resembles a small shrimp or fish.  When the prey is close enough the frogfish strikes out in the fastest recorded feeding action of any marine species. The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905090023.jpg
  • A butterflyfish sheltering by a sea fan, Misool, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200903220020.jpg
  • Giant moray eels remain in holes during the day, venturing out at night to feed.  Their holes often have resident populations of cleaner shrimps and wrasse.
    WPAP200903220056.jpg
  • Like many reef fish, fusiliers use the services of small wrasse at cleaning station.  The cleaner wrasse pick off dead skin and parasites from the surface of the larger fish.  Many fish signal their desire to be cleaned by changing color.  Fusiliers turn a shade of red and display greenish stripes, coloration only normally displayed at night.
    WPAP200903220049.jpg
  • Bannerfish are plankton feeders normally found feeding in the water above the reef.  However, if threatened they move close to the reef to seek protection.
    WPAP200903140068.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050158.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050145.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050134.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050065.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050050.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050037.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050027.jpg
  • These well-camouflaged fish are highly sort after by photographers.  Their beautiful markings and flase eyespots are thought to fool the animals prey, and predators.
    AMBO200902280207.jpg
  • Island ranger watching turtle hatchlings emerge from a nest, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Sangalaki is part of the Derawan Island group, off East Kalimantan.  The island is famous for its reefs, manta rays and cuttlefish, and as an important nesting site for the endangered green turtle.  Sangalaki was a popular tourist destination, until the Indonesian government closed down access to the island in 2009.
    SANG200605190236.jpg
  • Single midnight snapper amongst a school of jackfish, Mapia Atoll, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200511080036.jpg
  • An estuarine stonefish burying itself alongside an anemone, Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken Marine Park and the nearby dive sites around Manado are a very popular dive destination, famous for beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200701090007.jpg
  • Healthy reef of soft corals and other filter feeders, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia. The Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua are famous for their extraordinary marine biodiversity. The reefs around these islands are thought to be some of the most biodiverse on the planet.
    RAJA200701050831.jpg
  • Close up of a map pufferfish, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia. The Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua are famous for their extraordinary marine biodiversity. The reefs around these islands are thought to be some of the most biodiverse on the planet.
    RAJA200701020004.jpg
  • Thorny seahorse, Seraya, Bali, Indonesia. Seraya is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers searching for unusual species.  The signature site, 'Seraya Secrets' has a barren sand floor with small patches of sponge and other encrusting life, and rocks in the shallows. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200512300819.jpg
  • Pregnant male thorny seahorse, Seraya, Bali, Indonesia. Male seahorses have a pouch in their belly that is used to protect the developing eggs. Seraya is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers searching for unusual species.  The signature site, 'Seraya Secrets' has a barren sand floor with small patches of sponge and other encrusting life, and rocks in the shallows. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200512300806.jpg
  • Tourism is now a major business in the Komodo National Park.  Divers visit the park using liveaboard boats operating out of Bali, or from the port of Labuan Bajo on Lombok.  The Komodo National Park is home to the unique Komodo Dragon, but also has some remarkable marine life.  Cold upwellings from the Indian Ocean to the south bring plenty of nutrients, providing food for a spectacular array of different species.
    KOMO200906110017.jpg
  • Tourism is now a major business in the Komodo National Park.  Divers visit the park using liveaboard boats operating out of Bali, or from the port of Labuan Bajo on Lombok.  The Komodo National Park is home to the unique Komodo Dragon, but also has some remarkable marine life.  Cold upwellings from the Indian Ocean to the south bring plenty of nutrients, providing food for a spectacular array of different species.
    KOMO200906100116.jpg
  • The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905300013.jpg
  • The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905290123.jpg
  • Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905210116.jpg
  • Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905190048.jpg
  • Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905140066.jpg
  • The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905120008.jpg
  • The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905110129.jpg
  • The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905100399.jpg
  • Colony of unknown ascidians or sea squirts, Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905080008.jpg
  • Schooling jackfish above the wreck of the USAT Liberty Glo, Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia.  Tulamben is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers.  The area is famous for the wreck of the USAT Liberty Glo, a WWII era ship that lies just off the beach in Tulamben village.  The areas is also very well known for its high marine biodiversity. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904220128.jpg
  • Feeding hawksbill turtle, Jemeluk, Bali, Indonesia. The Amed area offers a quiet alternative to Bali's busy south and has good reefs, particularly around Gili Selang. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904210107.jpg
  • Northern scorpionfish lying amongst kelp, Poor Knights Islands, Tutukaka, New Zealand. The Poor Knights Islands are famous for their sub-trobical marine biodiversity.  The islands have many underwater arches and caves, some of which are home to large schools of blue mao mao.
    TUTU200702170359.jpg
  • Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.  Further north, at Bangka, the reefs are covered in spectacular soft corals that thrive in the strong currents that are typical for the area.
    SULA200905240044.jpg
  • These illegal fishermen had over 200 turtles in the hold of their boat, captured in Malaysian waters in the South China Sea. The turtles were dead, gutted and partially dried.  The boat was intercepted by Sabah Marine Police, the fishermen arrested and the boat confiscated.
    SABA20070328004.jpg
  • PIT tags are used to identify individual turtles.  They are embedded beneath the surface of the skin and integated suing a scanner. The Huon Coast of Papua New Guinea has a number of important nesting beaches for the endangered leatherback turtle.  At Kamiali, a community-based conservation project has been set up to halt the predation of eggs in nests on the beaches.
    KAMI20060213004.jpg
  • The Huon Coast of Papua New Guinea has a number of important nesting beaches for the endangered leatherback turtle.  At Kamiali, a community-based conservation project has been set up to halt the predation of eggs in nests on the beaches.
    KAMI20060212003.jpg
  • The Huon Coast of Papua New Guinea has a number of important nesting beaches for the endangered leatherback turtle.  At Kamiali, a community-based conservation project has been set up to halt the predation of eggs in nests on the beaches.
    KAMI20060211002.jpg
  • The Huon Coast of Papua New Guinea has a number of important nesting beaches for the endangered leatherback turtle.  At Kamiali, a community-based conservation project has been set up to halt the predation of eggs in nests on the beaches.
    KAMI20060211001.jpg
  • Ghost pipefish are very well camouflaged.  This red form is very rare and can sometimes be found in areas with lots of red algae. Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905190081.jpg
  • Tulamben is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers.  The area is famous for the wreck of the USAT Liberty Glo, a WWII era ship that lies just off the beach in Tulamben village.  The areas is also very well known for its high marine biodiversity. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904190026.jpg
  • BALI200904290122.jpg
  • Pemuteran is located on Bali's NW coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers.  Pemuteran gives easy access to the island of Menjangan, close to Java.  This island is sheltered from the cold currents that flow between Bali and Java and has spectacular vertical walls, healthy coral cover and good visibility. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904270196.jpg
  • Tulamben is located on Bali's NE coast and has become very popular with divers and photographers.  The area is famous for the wreck of the USAT Liberty Glo, a WWII era ship that lies just off the beach in Tulamben village.  The areas is also very well known for its high marine biodiversity. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904230001.jpg
  • The Gili Islands, located just off Lombok's west coast, are a popular tourist destination.  the three islands - Meno, Air and Trawangan - offer many different options for accommodation, eating and nightlife.  The name 'Gili Islands' is something of a misnomer as 'Gili' means 'small island' in the local Sasak language.  The reefs around the islands have some reasonable hard corals and marine life, but have suffered in the past from damage, bleaching events and pollution.  However the islands are still worth visiting and are especially good for student divers.
    LOMB200904160092.jpg
  • The Gili Islands, located just off Lombok's west coast, are a popular tourist destination.  the three islands - Meno, Air and Trawangan - offer many different options for accommodation, eating and nightlife.  The name 'Gili Islands' is something of a misnomer as 'Gili' means 'small island' in the local Sasak language.  The reefs around the islands have some reasonable hard corals and marine life, but have suffered in the past from damage, bleaching events and pollution.  However the islands are still worth visiting and are especially good for student divers.
    LOMB200904160049.jpg
  • The Gili Islands, located just off Lombok's west coast, are a popular tourist destination.  the three islands - Meno, Air and Trawangan - offer many different options for accommodation, eating and nightlife.  The name 'Gili Islands' is something of a misnomer as 'Gili' means 'small island' in the local Sasak language.  The reefs around the islands have some reasonable hard corals and marine life, but have suffered in the past from damage, bleaching events and pollution.  However the islands are still worth visiting and are especially good for student divers.
    LOMB200904150157.jpg
  • Padangbai, on Bali's east coast, is one of the islands most convenient dive spots.  The strong currents that flow between Bali and Lombok produce strong upwellings of cold, nutrient rich water, perfect conditions for marine life and in particular, filter feeders such as sponges and crinoids.  The best dive sites are located around several rocky islands just offshore, but dive operators based in Padangbai also run trips across to Nusa Penida and Lembongan.
    BALI200904110088.jpg
  • Hawksbill turtles are endangered throughout their range, a result of hunting (primarily for their shell - the source of tortoise shell for jewellry), fishing practices and exploitation of their eggs. Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904060003.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904060093.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904060033.jpg
  • Pulau Weh is well known for large numbers of moray eels. The island lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904040042-2.jpg
  • Gilimanuk or Secret Bay is located at the north western tip of Bali.  It is open to cold upwellings of water that flow between Bali and Java.  The daily influx of nutrient-rich cold water means this shallow site has become famous for unusual 'muck' critters or species, not easily found elsewhere in Indonesia.  Gilimanuk has become very popular with underwater photographers. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904250117.jpg
  • Gilimanuk or Secret Bay is located at the north western tip of Bali.  It is open to cold upwellings of water that flow between Bali and Java.  The daily influx of nutrient-rich cold water means this shallow site has become famous for unusual 'muck' critters or species, not easily found elsewhere in Indonesia.  Gilimanuk has become very popular with underwater photographers. Bali is a very popular holiday destination for divers and offers a wide variety of different types of diving, from reefs and wrecks to mucks sites such as Puri Jati and Gilimanuk.
    BALI200904250020.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010196.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010184.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010162.jpg
  • White collar butterfly fish are a common species in the Andaman Sea.  They are not found further east in Indonesia. Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904050045.jpg
  • Pulau Weh lies at the most north westerly tip of Indonesia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Andaman Sea.  The deep water and strong currents that sweep past the island provides perfect conditions for both large and small marine species.  The island has active volcanic vents that emit   sulphurous gases and lies close to an active subduction zone.  Pulau Weh lies just off shore from Banda Aceh, the city that was devastated during the 2004 tsunami.  Fortunately, damage on the island was minimal compared to the devestation on the mainland.
    PWEH200904010232.jpg
  • The strong currents in the Misool area create perfect conditions for filter feeders such as soft corals, sea fans and sponges and on most areas, the rocky substrate is literally carpeted in life.  The reefs of Raja Ampat are some of the most diverse and healthiest in the world.
    WPAP200903210094.jpg
  • At various points around Bunaken, dive guides have been feeding small fish for the entertainment of tourists.  They now mob any divers. Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905240150.jpg
  • Ghost gobies have transparent bodies, giving them very good camouflage against a variety of backgrounds.
    SULA200905190094.jpg
  • Anemonefish live in obligate symbiosis with anemones - they are unable to survive outside of their host.  In return for the shelter provided by the stinging tentacles of their host, they defend the anemone from fish that feed on the tentacles. Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905180003.jpg
  • The coastal waters of Triton Bay are rich in nutrients washed down from the surrounding hills.  As a result underwater life is dominated by filter feeders such as colorful soft corals and black corals.  Triton Bay is also very well known for its marine biodiversity.  at the southern end of the Bay are healthy coral reefs with plenty of fish life.
    WPAP200903260198.jpg
  • The coastal waters of Triton Bay are rich in nutrients washed down from the surrounding hills.  As a result underwater life is dominated by filter feeders such as colorful soft corals and black corals.  Triton Bay is also very well known for its marine biodiversity.  at the southern end of the Bay are healthy coral reefs with plenty of fish life.
    WPAP200903250010.jpg
  • Parasitic isopods feed on the tissues of their host.
    WPAP200903210037.jpg
  • Fairy hawkfish, Misool, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200903200114.jpg
  • Like many reef fish, fusiliers use the services of small wrasse at cleaning station.  The cleaner wrasse pick off dead skin and parasites from the surface of the larger fish.  Many fish signal their desire to be cleaned by changing color.  Fusiliers turn a shade of red and display greenish stripes, coloration only normally displayed at night.
    WPAP200903220047.jpg
  • The strong currents in the Misool area create perfect conditions for filter feeders such as soft corals, sea whips, sponges and fans.  Fish life is also prolific, particularly of plankton feeding fish such as fusiliers.  The reefs of Raja Ampat are some of the most diverse and healthiest in the world.
    WPAP200903220166.jpg
  • The Biorock process was developed by Thomas Goreau and Wolf Hilbertz in the 1970's.  Electricity is used to promote the deposition of calcium carbonate, and to a lesser extent magnesium hydroxide, which build up on the surface of the cathode.  Hard corals quickly bond to this material and the process is thought to accelerate coral growth by up to four times.  The resulting 'reef' of hard coral soon attracts other inhabitants.  Biorock structures - metal frames connected to an electrical supply on the surface - have been used in the Maldives, Bali, PNG, the Seychelles, Japan and the Caribbean, and the process has been touted as a way to rehabilitate reefs in all tropical areas.  However, there is some debate as to the effectiveness of Biorock structures, and it has been suggested that simple wire meshes are just as useful.  By stabilising the rubble substrate of a damaged reef, these meshes have been shown to be more effective at rehabilitating damaged reefs at much less cost. At Pemuteran, many Biorock structures have been installed throughout the bay and tourists can sponsor a coral colony that is placed on a frame, alongside their name spelt out in wire.  The sponsors are sent a yearly photo of their colony so they can watch the coral grow.
    LOMB200904150072.jpg
  • The Biorock process was developed by Thomas Goreau and Wolf Hilbertz in the 1970's.  Electricity is used to promote the deposition of calcium carbonate, and to a lesser extent magnesium hydroxide, which build up on the surface of the cathode.  Hard corals quickly bond to this material and the process is thought to accelerate coral growth by up to four times.  The resulting 'reef' of hard coral soon attracts other inhabitants.  Biorock structures - metal frames connected to an electrical supply on the surface - have been used in the Maldives, Bali, PNG, the Seychelles, Japan and the Caribbean, and the process has been touted as a way to rehabilitate reefs in all tropical areas.  However, there is some debate as to the effectiveness of Biorock structures, and it has been suggested that simple wire meshes are just as useful.  By stabilising the rubble substrate of a damaged reef, these meshes have been shown to be more effective at rehabilitating damaged reefs at much less cost. At Pemuteran, many Biorock structures have been installed throughout the bay and tourists can sponsor a coral colony that is placed on a frame, alongside their name spelt out in wire.  The sponsors are sent a yearly photo of their colony so they can watch the coral grow.
    LOMB200904150068.jpg
  • Anthias live in harems.  The males display to their females, and to other males, using bright colors on their fins and bodies.
    WPAP200903090078.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050173.jpg
  • In the village of Waai, Ambon, a freshwater spring is home to a population of large eels.  These animals are considered lucky if seen and visitors can ask the local custodian to tempt the eels out with raw eggs.
    AMBO200903050157.jpg
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