The richest reefs on earth
Here, where the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet, Sequoia Yacht is celebrating our one-year journey across this remote section of South East Asia; The Coral Triangle. These are among the most significant reef systems on earth. While comprising only 1.6% of the planet’s oceans, it is home to over 76% of all known coral species in the world, counted 600 species of reefs. Here you may encounter with more than 2,000 species of fish, including the largest shark on earth, Whale Shark, to the smallest one like vivid Nudibranch. Also noteworthy is that 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine Turtles make this place home.
At the heart of the Coral Triangle, you will find more than 17,000 islands of the Indonesian archipelago. It has long been the marine scientists’ and avid divers’ best-kept secret of the healthiest coral reefs to explore in a time when much of world’s reefs are dying due to ocean acidification. Although most divers focus on underwater exploration, there is also a great deal to explore on the surface. It is one of the most beautiful islands on earth with massive areas seemingly unexplored.
Our oceans cover more than seventy percent of the earth. They are facing a serious threat from increasing human population, as there are nearly 8 billions us, and counting. This population swell is leading to over-fishing as well as increasing CO2 emissions. The resulting acidification of the seawater causes increased sea temperatures and coral bleaching which is devastating much of the earth’s reefs. Fortunately, most of the reefs in and around The Coral Triangle have yet to be affected significantly by these threats and it is often referred to as the “Amazon of the sea".
These coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms while providing habitats and shelter for many marine organisms. Losing our reefs will means the extinction of many species and inevitably lead to the breakdown of our ecosystem’s health and function. We hope that we inspires you to take this extraordinary journey in The Coral Triangle. If you do, you may become more convinced of the importance of saving this reef system, a jewel that is critical to keeping our precious blue planet.
