The beauty of the underwater world
The archipelago of Raja Ampat in West Papua – the heart of the “coral triangle”, the epicenter of the coral growth in the oceans. It is from these places the majority of coral species of the planet, ocean currents carry their eggs throughout the Pacific Ocean, creating new coral populations in tropical waters with suitable conditions. 75% percent of the total number of coral species on the planet occur here. It is not surprising that the underwater gardens of Raja Ampat is perhaps best seen in my diving career. Their preservation in their original form contributes to the lack of advanced civilization in the nearby regions of West Papua still is home to some of the most traditional cultures, the activity of which does not cause much harm to the environment. The tropical waters of Raja Ampat support the greatest species diversity in the oceans – more than 4,000 species of fish and marine animals, including unique species of macro-world and the largest fish on the planet – whale sharks (meet with which here, however, is very difficult). To reach the archipelago you can Charter from the port town of Sorong on one of the liveaboard yachts accredited in the region – and it takes a lot of time. Diving in the pristine waters of Raja Ampat allows to see very much – the biggest variety of corals in the world, a myriad kolichestvennykh fish, a large population of manta rays, the mysterious world of mangroves. Among the inhabitants of the gardens of the archipelago can be observed bearded sharks and several species of pygmy seahorses. We had a chance to witness the attack, saltwater crocodile on one of the divers in our group – however, the majority of the fauna in these places can be quite harmless.
Unfortunately as in most parts of Southeast Asia the population of reef predatory sharks in the waters of Raja Ampat almost killed the industry of extraction of the fins. I want to hope that efforts to restrict this brutal industry will allow the archipelago over time to restore one of the main decorations of the reef fauna.
In this album I have included footage illustrating specific and situational diversity in the water region, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of this strange and fragile world.
