The sea is like an enchantress which casts a spell and traps everything in its net. The miracles of Nature's creations are not only visible in the terrestrial but also in the aqua world. The marine world abounds in unique species which are still unknown to the Science. These wonders are either bodies of water, occur underwater, or are surrounded by water and consist of archipelagoes, coral reefs, sea vents, lakes and so on. People become fascinated by the flora and fauna and the diverse ecosystems of the deep sea.

But however these underwater wonders need to be protected as they are being continuously under threats of perishing. All these seven underwater marvels of nature are of supreme importance because of their natural beauty, exclusive marine life, scientific research value and environmental significance.

 

The Seven Underwater Wonders of the World was a list drawn up by CEDAM International, an American-based non-profit group for divers, dedicated to ocean preservation and research.

In 1989 CEDAM brought together a panel of marine scientists, including Dr. Eugenie Clark, to pick underwater areas which they considered to be worthy of protection. The results were announced at The National Aquarium in Washington DC by actor Lloyd Bridges, who played in a TV show titled Sea Hunt:

 

 

Diving is becoming a much more popular sport as humans become more fascinated with the diverse ecosystems of the deep. Coral reefs, like many of these underwater wonders, are structures built by living organisms. Second only to tropical rain forests in biodiversity, coral reefs provide homes for thousands of species. Unfortunately, they are at risk all around the world.

 

 

To promote awareness of the fragile marine ecosystem, CEDAM International - an organization dedicated to conservation, education, diving, and marine research - began the Seven Wonders of the World project in 1989. The message was simple: If underwater wonders are not protected, they will be lost forever. After considering sites around the world, CEDAM chose Palau, the Belize Barrier Reef, the Galapagos Islands, the Northern Red Sea, Lake Baikal, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Deep Sea Vents. Each was selected on the basis of its natural beauty, unique marine life, scientific research value, environmental significance, and whether it is representative of an overall area.