Trip report : Citizen science research trip in North Andaman from 23rd to 29th of November 2022

Reef Research, Cleaning Stations, and Rare Marine Life in the Andaman Sea

This was a very special trip for some very special guests, coming from Israel, Malaysia, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Thailand. They joined us aboard the MV The Smiling Seahorse not only to enjoy some fantastic diving in the Andaman Sea, but also to conduct research on the reef and learn more about cleaning stations and the interactions between different coral species.

Researchers setting up cameras during a reef survey in the Andaman Sea — Settled down some cameras

Reef survey during a research diving trip in Thailand — Reef survey

Teira batfish swimming over the reef in the Andaman Sea — Teira batfish

Searching for a Cleaning Station

One of the main goals of this trip was to locate a cleaning station. We settled down some cameras where we found loads of cleaner wrasse and left them during our surface interval, hoping to capture some pelagic images while no divers were on the site.

It was a fascinating way to combine recreational diving with underwater observation and research. Cleaning stations are busy little areas of the reef where cleaner fish interact with larger marine animals, making them particularly interesting places to observe behaviour and relationships between different species.

Giant moray eel on an Andaman Sea reef — Giant Moray

Beautiful sea fan garden on a reef in Thailand — Beautiful Sea fan garden

Cuttlefish underwater in the Andaman Sea — Cuttlefish

Richelieu Rock: A Reef Full of Life

We had an amazing day at Richelieu Rock, a dive site that always seems to be full of life and special encounters.

Franck managed to capture a picture of clownfish eggs around their anemone, along with ghost pipefish, a seahorse and the much-wanted harlequin shrimp.

Clownfish protecting eggs on an anemone at Richelieu Rock — Clownfish protecting the eggs on the anemone

Four Days of Research in the Similan Islands

For the next four days, we explored Similan National Park, with Koh Tachai, Koh Bon and Similan Islands number 7 to 9 becoming our research field.

While the divers examined the reef, we were lucky enough to see some sharks and rays in the blue, as well as beautiful nudibranchs on the reef.

Snappers schooling over the reef in the Similan Islands — Snappers

Sea anemones growing on the reef in the Similan Islands — Sea anemones

Crown of thorns starfish on a reef in the Similan Islands — Crown of Thorns starfish

Psychedelic batwing sea slug nudibranch in the Similan Islands — Psychedelic batwing slug

Miamira sinuata and Netted Miamira nudibranchs underwater — Miamira sinuata and Netted Miamira nudibranch

Halgerda tessellata nudibranch in the Similan Islands — Halgerda tessellata

Learning About Coral and Reef Conservation

It was a fascinating trip, and the surface intervals were busy with presentations about the different species of coral, the threats they face and ecological solutions to protect our reefs.

Combining time underwater with research, observation, and discussions about reef ecology made this a particularly rewarding cruise. The Andaman Sea is home to an incredible variety of marine life, and understanding how these species interact is an important part of appreciating and protecting the ecosystems we visit.

Happy research guests onboard MV The Smiling Seahorse — Happy guests onboard The Smiling Seahorse

A Very Special Shrimp

And then came the dedication to the very special shrimp we found—and were so happy to discover for the first time in the archipelago…

The… hairy… shrimp!

Well done Camille!

Hairy shrimp Phycocaris simulans photographed in the Andaman Sea — Hairy Shrimp – Phycocaris simulans

Finding unusual and rarely seen creatures like this is one of the things that makes diving the Andaman Sea so exciting. Even after countless dives on these reefs, there are always tiny discoveries waiting to be made.

Thanks to all of you for being part of the cruise. We hope you enjoyed your time with us and wish to see you again soon aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse!

Discover More

Explore diving in Thailand and discover the diverse reefs of the Andaman Sea.
Discover the Similan Islands and their spectacular granite boulder reefs.
Dive Richelieu Rock, one of Thailand’s most famous underwater pinnacles.
Discover the marine life of the Andaman Sea and learn about the species found on our reefs.
Learn more about marine conservation and protecting the reefs we love to explore.
Check our liveaboard schedule and join us for your next Andaman Sea diving adventure.