Please support our marine conservation, biodiversity research and mapping of the Mergui Archipelago. 

We are not asking only for your support. 

We want you to JOIN us!!! 

...become a real part of this project, sail with us on expeditions and together we can understand, chart, explore and preserve this pristine area for future generations.

Our Focus:

Biodiversity and Geographic Research

In 1997 EcoSwiss received one of the first permits to operate research cruises in then-reclusive Burma, and ever since, founder Luca Schueli has been enabling local and foreign scientists to explore one of the last marine wildernesses in the world. Luca prefers to call it the Moken Archipelago, for the seafaring gypsies that used to roam the islands crossing the border between Thai and Burmese waters.

Luca has since conducted dozens of research trips and expeditions into this little-documented area, providing wildlife, reef and mangrove forest survey data that were key to the creation of Lampi National Park. With this legacy of accomplishment, Luca, 69, is ready to retire, and wishes to extend his experience, local knowledge and conservation efforts to the next generation, to pursue new opportunities that will help preserve Moken resources and culture.

William Ruzek is a young geographer who would like to pick up the reins and reinvigorate research operations in new and diverse ways. EcoSwiss equipment is available, and free to use, but 18 years of operations in the tropics has taken a toll - some equipment is outdated, needs replacement, or requires an overhaul. As boat owners know, salt water operations come at a price!

We need your help to continue the conservation and study of one of the last uncharted marine areas in the world. Our research, baseline surveys and data collection could provide the catalyst for the creation of a Trans-border Marine Protected Area! By assisting in our project you could help us study, chart, and understand an area where only few have ever traveled. Your contribution or participation will help this marine area receive the attention and protection it desperately needs.  

What We Have 

Key to the operation is our research platform,  the "Land Rover" of the seas... SeaNOMAD:

• A 14.5m (47') custom-built catamaran envisioned by Luca Schueli.
  
  
• Almost 7m across! SeaNOMAD  provides excellent research space, boat stability and huge deck space. 

• Shallow draft for passing over coral flats and entering rivers (3’ , 90cm).

• A time-tested, hard-working boat, with a long history, complete with old sea stories. 

SeaNOMAD - Jan 2015

SeaNOMAD is currently undergoing major repairs – engine overhaul, new paint and sails are already covered and planned for the coming season! She is fitted for a max of 6 volunteers and 4 crew! - Perfect for any expedition.

 Current Layout of SeaNOMAD - PDF

But it takes more than a working boat to survey the biodiversity and promote conservation in the Archipelago. We need funding for permits, port fees, visas, food and crew. To continue research operations, we need essential equipment to collect data and perform marine surveys, to inform marine conservation efforts. With the right equipment, research, exploration and conservation studies can continue for years to come!

Most importantly... we need you! Please join us on an expedition or support us to explore this region! Be a part of history and discover the Moken Archipelago.

So why the Moken (Mergui) Archipelago? What will we do?

The Impact and Conservation Summary

Any assessment of change requires a baseline against which to which compare. As the Mergui Archipelago remains a largely remote, uncharted and pristine areas, no such baseline currently exists. This project plans to assess the current reef-health and ecological status of the southernmost group of islands within the Mergui Archipelago. By understanding the current conditions, future proposals, parks, and studies will be able to compare conditions. With a mixture of different survey techniques and approaches, this assessment will provide considerable data of the islands terrestrial and marine species, reef-health and the surrounding underwater features. Sites of unique biodiversity will be noted for future research and reef-assessment, species lists will be created to document the vast and unique wildlife that lives on and near the islands, and bathymetric data will help to monitor the reefs and protect future visiting vessel.

Unique new methods will be used to combine the various data, allowing interested scientists, researchers, and officials to see the bathymetric, reef-health, and video footage all synced to the boats GPS coordinates. This will allow for quick future assessment and a multi-dataset record of the current reef's condition and health.

Local and international experts, researchers and scientists would be encouraged to join trips and contribute to the project or knowledge and conservation of the region. Flexibility will allow for a variety of other smaller projects to be conducted during this project. This project plans also allows eco-volunteers to assist throughout the data collection and surveying methods. Assistance in wildlife survey, both on land and while on the boat, will play a vital role in supplementing species lists. Participation in the reef-health map and data collection, via Manta Tow, will allow eco-volunteers to witness and interact with the marine life. By allowing active participation in the data collection and conservation, we will help to raise awareness, appreciation, and promote protection of this unique area.

With proper funding this project could expand to the central and northern islands of the Mergui Archipelago, allowing a complete assessment of the reefs, underwater features, species lists, and future mooring sites. This will play a vital role in the future of the islands. If the islands are continually more accessible to visitor, it is crucial that baseline data is collected, reef-health assessed and surveyed. This will provide a basis in which to create both eco-tourist destinations as well as marine protected areas.

By understanding the currently conditions of these islands informed decisions in conservation and protection can be made. One hope is to see a trans-border marine protected area, between Thailand and Myanmar. Our assessment of the southernmost islands can play a key role for the future of this pristine and unique area. 

Perks

I would love to help but can't donate.. we understand.. 

We understand that sometimes you don't have the extra funds to donate.. that is ok! There are many other ways you can help us and the continued conservation of the Mergui (Moken) Archipelago.

• Get the word out! Tell your friends, share this project, share our website, let people know about the Mergui (Moken) Archipelago and about us. If you tell just one person, you are already helping us to raise awareness!
  
  
• Donate something other than money! We are still in need of a variety of things to make SeaNOMAD ready to tackle the seas again. Contact us if you think you have something that might help. 
  
  
• Join us on a trip! Actively assist in our research as an eco-volunteer or relax as a eco-tourist as you discover untouched, uncharted beaches and islands! Or come and volunteer to help refurbish the boat!