MARK STRICKLAND

Mark Strickland has had a close relationship with the sea since an early age. Growing up in Florida, he has worked many years as an ocean lifeguard, boat captain, and diving instructor. After leading dive trips in the U.S. Virgin Islands for five years, Mark decided to see a bit more of the world. His passion for underwater photography led him to many top diving areas, including Australia, Fiji, the Galapagos, Indonesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere. Mark got his first look at Thailand in 1987, immediately falling in love with the country, the people and the reefs of the Andaman Sea.

Starting work for Fantasea Divers in 1988, he did his share of daytrips and dive instruction, but soon found his calling to be the liveaboard program. Working on Fantasea’s flagship at the time, sailing yacht Andaman Explorer, Mark served initially as Divemaster, and later as Captain. In 1990 Fantasea launched their first large liveaboard, M/V Fantasea, where Mark assumed the role of Cruise Director/Photo Pro. He now lives back in America with his family.

Mark's photos and articles have appeared in dozens of magazines and books around the world. He is also principal author and photographer for the book, "Scuba Guide Thailand", published by Asian Diver, and co-author of Lonely Planet’s new title, "Diving and Snorkeling Thailand". In addition to representation by several stock photo agencies, Mark operates his own stock photo library, Oceanic Impressions. An avid marine naturalist, Mark has discovered several new species of nudibranchs, including one that is named for him, Halgerda stricklandi and another named for his wife Suzanne Forman, Reticulidia suzanneae.

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