The Manta’s that visit Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are almost certainly coming to be cleaned, as we investigated whilst diving with them over the last few days. At first, we observed the rays slowing down as they approached the reef – this is where the cleaner fish can be found in abundance. Then, once the wrasse realised that they were allowed to clean the Mantas, they swam inside the gills, close to the mouth and all over the ray’s body, to feed on the organisms that parasitize the giant. Hopefully the rays enjoy this treatment for some more time so we can enjoy the marveling at this fantastic Manta display!

It is also believed that Manta Rays and Whale Sharks use Hin Daeng and Hin Munag as a navigation point as they cruise around the tropics.

AQUALOGY – part of Scubafish PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm, IDC Dive Centre, is the latest PADI dive centre to be awarded with Project AWARE Go ECO Operator status in 2007.

[photopress:Go_Eco.jpg,full,pp_image]Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation, launched the Go ECO campaign into the Asia Pacific region in 2005. The main objective of Go ECO is for dive centres to minimise their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation. Dive centres are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the Project AWARE Go ECO philosophy.

“SCUBAFISH is delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator status for 2007. As a Go ECO Operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment,” said Saffron Kiddy – Dive Centre Manager.

Joanne Marston, Manager, of Project AWARE Asia Pacific added, “We are pleased to recognise SCUBAFISH as a Go ECO Operator. We look forward to working with them to implement environmental best practices and educate tourists about how they can travel responsibly.”

Go ECO Operators also demonstrate a commitment to conservation and pledge to follow the Go ECO Operator guidelines.

For further information about SCUBAFISH visit www.scuba-fish.com or email info@scuba-fish.com

For further information about the Go ECO campaign visit the EcoTourism section of the Project AWARE website www.projectaware.org or email info@projectaware.org.au

About SCUBAFISH
Scubafish is a small, eco-friendly, PADI 5 Star, Gold Palm, IDC Centre located on Kantiang Beach in the South of Ko Lanta. We offer expert guidance and instruction with an emphasis on relaxed and personal service both above & below the water. We are Mares & Cressi approved Retail & Service Centres and our equipment is of the highest standard. Departing directly from the beach we are ideally located to offer shorter journey times to some of the best dive sites in Thailand.
SCUBAFISH is also home to AQUALOGY Marine Education Centre and LIQUID LENSE Underwater Digital Imaging Academy.

About Project AWARE:
Project AWARE is the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE Foundation offices located in Australia, United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland combine efforts to conserve aquatic resources in 175 countries of the world.
www.projectaware.org
info@projectaware.org.au