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  • Broadclub cuttlefish, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605170059.jpg
  • Sweetlips sheltering in a barrel sponge, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605180137.jpg
  • Mimic filefish, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605180094.jpg
  • Damselfish in a sea fan, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605170068.jpg
  • Black blotched or spotted fantail stingray, Mapia Atoll, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200511080020.jpg
  • Thorny seahorse in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701100009.jpg
  • A pufferfish being cleaned by blue streak cleaner wrasse, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605200387.jpg
  • A batfish being cleaned by blue streak cleaner wrasse, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605190287.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
  • 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.
    SANG200605190192.jpg
  • Green turtle and batfish, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605180131.jpg
  • Divers swimming past a barrel sponge, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605180126.jpg
  • Broadclub cuttlefish, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605170066.jpg
  • Broadclub cuttlefish, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605170064.jpg
  • Sailfin snapper, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    SANG200605170050.jpg
  • MIxed school of cardinalfish around corals, Mapia Atoll, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200511070029.jpg
  • Pistol or snapping shrimp on a barrel sponge, Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200511040017.jpg
  • A well-camouflaged paron shrimp on a sponge, 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.
    SULA200701110014.jpg
  • A group of sea urchins in a bed of eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701110013.jpg
  • Thorny seahorse in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701100010.jpg
  • Thorny seahorse in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701100008.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
  • Thorny seahorse in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701090006.jpg
  • Eyed sea cucumber in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701090004.jpg
  • An elephant truck sea snake using its tongue to hunt for food, 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.
    SULA200701080003.jpg
  • Banded sea urchin in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701080002.jpg
  • Reeftop or messmate pipefish in eelgrass, 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.
    SULA200701080001.jpg
  • A school of strap weed or small-spotted filefish 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.
    SULA200701110012.jpg
  • Schooling striped catfish feeding in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701110011.jpg
  • Thorny seahorse in eel grass, 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.
    SULA200701090005.jpg
  • Coral spawning, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia. The corals are releasing sperm and eggs into the water.
    SANG200605180122.jpg
  • Coral spawning, Sangalaki, Kalimantan, Indonesia. The corals are releasing sperm and eggs into the water.
    SANG200605180108.jpg
  • Harlequin shrimp, Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia.
    WPAP200511020020.jpg
  • Diver observing a pair of harlequin shrimps eating a starfish, 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.
    BALI200601030742.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
  • Three Trinchesia nudibranchs feeing on hydroids, 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.
    BALI200601020618.jpg
  • Harlequin shrimps, 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.
    BALI200512310297.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
  • Sponge crab without a sponge, 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.
    BALI200512300782.jpg
  • Snake eel with a periclemenes commensal shrimp, Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia. These shrimps feed on parasites and debris removed from the skin of other animals such as snake eels. 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.
    SULA200609070316.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.
    KOMO200906120059.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.
    KOMO200906110210.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
  • The 'solar powered' nudibranchs have a symbiotic relaltionship with zooxanthellae that are stored in the cerata and use photosynthesis to generate food for themselves and their host. 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.
    SULA200905290010.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.
    SULA200905250095.jpg
  • Bunaken Marine Park is a very popular dive destination, famous for its beautiful coral reefs, marine biodiversity and vertical walls.
    SULA200905210094.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
  • Like other slugs, pleurobranchs are hermaphrodites, possessing male and female reproductive systems. During mating, individuals swap sperm. Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905140323.jpg
  • Harlequin shrimps feed on starfishes, normally hunting them in pairs. 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.
    SULA200905140028.jpg
  • Anemones play host to a variety of different species, all of which shelter amongst the tentacles of their host. in return the fish and crustaceans defend and clean their host. 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.
    SULA200905100531.jpg
  • Veined octopus are 'tool-users' - they carry shells and cocnut shells around in the arms, hiding themselves in the shell when threatened. Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905100071.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
  • Only recently described, the wonderpus is thought to use its remarkable display to warn away any potential threats, including divers. Lembeh Strait in N Sulawesi is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
    SULA200905090362.jpg
  • Menjangan is protected from the strong currents that sweep between Java and Bali and as a result has clear, warm waters and good reefs - the walls and shallow coral gardens of the island are some of the best in Bali
    BALI200904280071.jpg
  • These beautiful nudibranchs are common in the southern part of the Komodo National Park.  Like all nudibranchs, they advertise the toxic nature with bright warning colors and markings.  Obvious are the branched gills and the rhinophores, used by the nudibranch to search for prey. 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.
    KOMO200906120054.jpg
  • Coral crabs live in symbiotic relationships with different hosts such as corals and anemones.  They hide within the shelter of the coral arms and in return will attack predators such as crown of thorn starfish.  Female crabs carry and protect their eggs until they develop and hatch into planktonic larvae. 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.
    KOMO200906100287.jpg
  • Mimic octopus are thought to mimic venomous or toxic animals such as sea snakes or lionfish.  However, their remarkable display may simply be a highly visible warning that has evolved to scare away predators.  Puri Jati is located on Bali's north coast.  Its featureless sandy bottom is home to a huge variety of unusual and interesting species known as 'critters' to 'muck' divers and 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.
    BALI200904240099.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
    BALI200904220255.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.
    BALI200904220246.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
  • 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
  • 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.
    BALI200904110134.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.
    BALI200904110061.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
  • Crown-of-thorns starfish are voracious predators of hard coral.  They evert their stomachs directly onto the corals and digest the tissues off the skeleton of the coral.  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.
    PWEH200904040164-2.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
  • Mimic octopus are thought to mimic venomous or toxic animals such as sea snakes or lionfish.  However, their remarkable display may simply be a highly visible warning that has evolved to scare away predators.  Puri Jati is located on Bali's north coast.  Its featureless sandy bottom is home to a huge variety of unusual and interesting species known as 'critters' to 'muck' divers and 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.
    BALI200904240086.jpg
  • Along with shrimps and anemonefish, porcelain crabs live in a symbiotic relationship with anemones.  Their host provides them with shelter, and in return they clean the surface of the anemone.  In the case of anemonefish, they even defend the anemone from predators. Puri Jati is located on Bali's north coast.  Its featureless sandy bottom is home to a huge variety of unusual and interesting species known as 'critters' to 'muck' divers and 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.
    BALI200904240013.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.
    PWEH200904030147.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.
    PWEH200904030141.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.
    PWEH200904050040.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
  • 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.
    PWEH200903310015.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
  • Flatworms advertise the toxic nature of their tissues using brightly colored markings and patterns.
    WPAP200903200096.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
  • WPAP200903220093.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.
    BALI200904300064.jpg
  • The strong currents in the Misool area create perfect conditions for filter feeders such as soft corals, sea fans and sponges and in most areas, the rocky substrate is literally carpeted in life.  In more sheltered areas, delicate hard corals also proliferate. The reefs of Raja Ampat are some of the most diverse and healthiest in the world.
    WPAP200903150004.jpg
  • The reefs of Raja Ampat are amongst the most biodiverse and healthiest in the world and are home to an extraordinary array of different species.
    WPAP200903140158.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.
    AMBO200903050157.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
  • Ambon's south coast has some interesting dive sites, with dramatic caves and stunning topography.  Sea fans, sponges and sea whips are plentiful on the current-swept headlands.
    AMBO200903040074.jpg
  • These small but highly venomous animals use vivid electric-blue markings as warnings.  Their venom is powerful enough to kill an adult human.
    AMBO200903020012.jpg
  • Bobtail squids are covered in a sticky coating.  They flip particles of sand over their bodies which stick to their bodies and camouflage the animal against the sand.
    AMBO200903010123.jpg
  • Coleman shrimps only live on fire urchins.  They remove a section of tissue from the surface of the urchin and take shelter amongst the venomous spines of their host.
    AMBO200902280151.jpg
  • Nudibranchs, or sea slugs, advertise their toxic nature with brightly colored markings and patterns on their skin.
    AMBO200902280017.jpg
  • Octopus, like most cephalopods, are capable of changing teh texture and color of their skin to match that of their surroudings.  They have very acute vision.
    AMBO200902270090.jpg
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