​Departing from Ranong Bodin Pier, our journey to the Burma Banks began with the usual immigration formalities in Thailand before heading to Kawthung, Burma. Once the official paperwork was complete, we set course for the remote and breathtaking Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks. With guests from Thailand, Burma, France, Denmark, Switzerland, the USA, Italy, Panama, and Belgium, we embarked on another unforgettable adventure aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse, eager to uncover the wonders of this legendary dive destination.

The Burma Banks is an isolated offshore reef system consisting of vast submerged plateaus and seamounts that rise abruptly from the deep ocean floor. Unlike the nearshore reefs of the Mergui Archipelago, which are fringed with islands, the Burma Banks lie far out in the Andaman Sea, approximately 180 km west of the Burmese coast. The area is renowned for its thrilling drift dives, expansive sandy plateaus, and vibrant coral outcrops, making it one of the most exhilarating dive sites in the region.

During our first dive on this fantastic forest of Seafans, we discovered a massive ghost net tangled in the coral. Recognizing the threat it posed to marine life, our dedicated team of dive pros sprang into action. Over the next hour, they carefully detached the net from the reef, ensuring minimal impact on the fragile corals.

By removing this ghost net, we saved countless marine creatures from a senseless death. Ghost nets continue to trap and kill marine life—fish, crabs, morays, and even sharks—that will never be eaten or used, making them a tragic waste. Beyond their impact on marine life, discarded fishing gear is one of the largest sources of plastic pollution in our oceans and contributes to coral reef destruction. This effort was a small but important step in protecting this beautiful dive site and preserving the underwater ecosystem for future divers.

We were lucky to have onboard seven awesome friends - Julien, Camille, Sofi, Tom, Thanda, Tim and Rich - who are also skilled dive professionals, including Thanda Ko Gyi, the founder of Myanmar's first ocean conservation organization, Myanmar Ocean Project and Tim & Rich from Thai Ocean Academy. With their expertise and manpower, we were able to make a real impact, ensuring that this stunning dive site remains a haven for marine life.
A big thank you to you all!!!

In the depths of Siam Bay, a groundbreaking collaboration has set its roots, aiming to rejuvenate and protect the delicate coral ecosystems. The Smiling Seahorse, in partnership with Team Buffalo and the Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), embarked on an innovative venture using 3D printed concrete 'coral substrate' forms to restore the vibrant marine life in Racha Yai, Phuket.

Preserving Fragile Reef Ecosystems:
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and vibrant ecosystems on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life. These underwater wonderlands are not only visually stunning but also crucial for coastal protection, as they act as natural barriers against storms and erosion. However, reefs are facing severe threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Engaging in reef clean-ups helps remove harmful debris and waste, reducing the risk of entanglement or ingestion for marine species and allowing the reefs to flourish.

Protecting Pristine Beaches:
Beaches are the gateway to the ocean, where many people experience their first connection with the marine environment. Clean beaches not only provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, but also play a vital role in supporting coastal ecosystems. By participating in beach clean-ups, we prevent harmful substances from entering the ocean, safeguarding the habitat for shorebirds, turtles, and countless other marine creatures. It also helps maintain the natural beauty that attracts tourists and supports local economies.

Ripple Effects of Individual Actions:
It's easy to underestimate the impact of our individual actions, but they can create powerful ripples of change. Participating in local clean-up initiatives may seem small, but it raises awareness and inspires others to take action. Every piece of trash picked up is one less item harming our oceans. By spreading the word about the importance of reef and beach clean-ups, we can mobilize communities, governments, and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices, leading to long-term positive change.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices:
Clean-ups are not just about removing existing pollution; they are about changing behaviors and preventing future harm. By engaging in these activities, we highlight the need for responsible waste management, recycling, and reducing single-use plastic consumption. Through education and community involvement, we can inspire people to make conscious choices in their daily lives, minimizing their impact on the oceans and the planet as a whole.

Conclusion:
World Ocean Day serves as a powerful reminder that our actions today shape the future of our oceans. Reef and beach clean-ups are essential steps toward preserving these fragile ecosystems, and every small contribution counts. By coming together and taking responsibility for our actions, we can create a positive impact on a global scale. Let us embrace the power of collective action, encouraging sustainable practices and nurturing a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of our oceans. Remember, every little help can make a significant difference in safeguarding our reefs and beaches for generations to come.

And you? What have you done today to celebrate World Ocean day?

While critically endangered, The Hawksbill Turtles are the most frequently encountered turtles on our cruises, today let's learn about hawk-billed turtle or Eretmochelys imbricata...
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All Sea Turtles, are cold-blooded creatures, belonging to the reptile family, just like snakes, crocodiles or dinosaurs!

Hawk-billed turtle, the only representative of the genus Eretmochelys, lives in the subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is therefore quite possible to cross it in the Andaman Sea, in the midst of coral reefs. In Thailand, they can be seen both in the North Andaman (Surin and Similan islands) and South Andaman. 

Hawksbill turtles and green turtles, are both commonly seen in the Andaman Sea and hard to tell them apart at first sight. Here are a few tips to differentiate them:

Hawksbill turtles have a beak, while green turtles have a round face. 

The turtle's nose is also a good differentiation factor: those of Hawksbills looks upward, on top of their beak while green turtle's nose is forward, on the front of their face. When looking at a tutle from the front you would see the green's nostrils a lot more.

The carapace of the sea turtles are also a good way to tell them appart. The shape of the green turtle is rounder with squales next to each other and a soft edge, while the hawksbill turtle is more hear-shaped with squales overlapping each other and the edge is serrated, like a saw.

If you have a photo of a turtle from bellow and you are trying to find out if it is a green or a Hawkbill turtle, the shape will be your best friend.
The Hawksbill turtle has a longer neck, and serrated carapace (looks closely in between the two back flipper) you may also see its beak!

The hawksbill turtle is one of the few animals known to feed on sponges and is the only known spongivorous reptile. This diet make them very important to avoid sponges overtaking the reef.

Like most sea turtles, Hawksbill live a solitary life meeting only for reproduction. This turtle mates and returns to the beach where it was born, every two or three years, to lay eggs...

The hawksbill turtle digs a hole in the sand at night where it lays more than a hundred eggs.  
After about two months, these eggs will hatch. The little ones will then have to try to get back to the ocean quickly, at they risk of being eaten by birds or crabs!
Did you know? The temperature of the nest during the 60 days incubation will determine the sex of the litter! Cooler sand leads to more males hatching and vice versa.

Yes ! The hawk-billed turtle is now critically endangered. They are believed to be the most endangered of the seven species of sea turtle, with only approximately 8,000 nesting females left globally. Its beautiful carapace has been used by jewellers and for home decoration for thousands of years. Ghost fishing, by catch and sea trash are also a major treat to these gorgeous animals.

It is estimated that millions of hawksbill turtles died in the 20th century due to carapace trade. Additionally, hawk-billed turtle eggs are still eaten across the globe, and turtles themselves are killed for their flesh.