November 2011    Download the Entire Issue (PDF)

Vol. 26, No. 11   What's this?

Two Reads on Raja Ampat

from the November, 2011 issue of Undercurrent  

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Like Grand Cayman in the 70s, Raja Ampat in West Papua, Indonesia, is the must-go place for divers. Of course, not everyone can afford such an excursion, but for those who can, one new book provides an excellent guide, and another provides enough photographs so you'll know what you're missing.

For armchair divers, the 288-page coffee table-sized book Raja Ampat, through the Lens of, with a score of photo contributors listed, hit the market early last year and lets you see the kinds of critters you only read about - - the pygmy seahorse, blue ring octopus, picture dragonet, archerfish, as well as the seascapes of amazing hard and soft coral. I especially like the many above-surface photos, where the wildlife, villages, people and spectacular islands provide an understanding of the uniqueness and precious environment. The text is informative, as are the bios of the nearly two dozen famous shooters, including David Doubilet, Mark Strickland, Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock, Gerry Alan and Rogers Steene. The list price is $61 but the 200-plus pages of color photos from these pros are well worth the price.To order, go to www.undercurrent.org/bookpicks. Our profit goes to preserve coral reefs....