Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, is an area of high marine biodiversity situated along the turtle migratory path in the Coral Triangle. It's home to 600 species of fish, 300 species of corals and an important nesting ground for the critically endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. Since 2004, the marine reserve is managed and protected from encroachment of fishing activities by Reef Guardian, a non-government organisation.

Reef Guardian employees Edwin Alberto and Dr Achier Chung are Honorary Wildlife Wardens trained by the Sabah Wildlife Department. Assisted by round the clock radar tracking system and semi-weekly patrols, they protect the area from turtle poachers, fish bombers and encroaching fishing vessels. They risk possible violent high seas confrontation with aggressive fishing intruders desperate to earn a living.

We join our marine defenders for a deep dive in protecting the underwater world.