Alan Powderham’s dazzling photography is complemented by Dr Sancia van der Meij’s scientific expertise, creating a scientifically rigorous yet breathtakingly beautiful reference work. Van der Meij is an experienced coral reef specialist while Powderham’s use of rebreather diving technology allows him to get unusually close to his subject matter.

The spectacular landscapes and natural riches of the Coral Triangle are under threat from overfishing, climate change, unsustainable tourism, habitat destruction and poor governance. This book showcases exactly why we need to protect this unique ecosystem, contrasting its existing beauty with images of the damage already being perpetrated. 10% of the author royalties are going to Conservation International to aid their work.

The book covers many of the groups of animals seen on a reef that have been largely omitted by others. It reports engaging observations giving insights to many unique animal behaviours and relationships, that make it stand out from other books.