Discovery

With almost 100,000 sq km of coral reefs, 51 different species of mangrove and 23 species of sea-grass, South-east Asia supports the most diverse collection of life on earth. 

Unfortunately, this kaleidoscope of life may be on the brink of collapse. The consequences of human activity are putting pressure on this environment & its inhabitants every day, with south-east Asia's reef considered to be the most threatened on earth. 

Of the many intricate and incredible forms that coral reefs take, atolls are possibly the most majestic. Rising straight out of the deep ocean, these relatively tiny specs of coral attract huge amounts of marine life and make for a spectacular sight, both above and below the water. 

But how did these oases in the middle of the ocean appear? What forces created them and why do they attract so much life?

Every diver has had experience dealing with currents - in some way they affect every single dive we make. Sometimes they are in our favour, providing a delightful drift dive. 

Other times, they turn against us, making a dive difficult & strenuous. They have a big impact on marine life too, bringing nutrients that feed entire communities, from the corals themselves up to mighty Whalesharks. 

Coral Reefs are the most complex and productive of all eco-systems on earth. As divers, we often marvel at the incredibly beautiful and complicated coral reef structures we see and maybe wonder how how they came to be. They have been created over many thousands of years using a complex, unique combination of ingredients and circumstances. 

Here is nature's incredible recipe...

The underwater world of South-East Asia has long been famed for its wealth & diversity of marine life. But it is only relatively recently that scientists have begun to get a hold on just how diverse and special the area is. 

It's a tough world out in the seas & oceans. Predators come in all shapes and sizes and use speed, strength, deception and sometimes outright determination to catch their prey.

But its not all bad news for the smaller fish that are vulnerable to attack. They have devised a whole host of cunning strategies to avoid ending up as someone else's lunch.

Have you ever found yourself diving on a reef wall and wondering what lurks in the depths below? Or longed to spend more than a few fleeting moments exploring a mysterious & historic shipwreck?

Then maybe technical diving is the sport for you. Increasing numbers of divers, eager to explore beyond the bounds of recreational limits, are taking an interest in technical diving.