The Myeik Archipelago is located in far southern Myanmar (Burma) and harbours hidden secrets including coral reefs teeming with life, abundant mangroves, seagrass beds and unspoiled beaches. This archipelago is home to rare and threatened marine species, including hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles, and shark species such as scalloped hammerhead and whale sharks. The islands have experienced pressures from illegal fishing practices, overfishing, increased runoff from coastal developments and forest clearing and population growth. However, there is hope: this region now contains Myanmar’s first three Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), dedicated to enabling local communities to play a driving role in the better management and conservation of their local marine areas.
