Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center (ATMEC)

The Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center (ATMEC) is an independent ecological initiative recently setup in the Gulf of Thailand. The goals of ATMEC are to promote and conduct independent research and conservation projects across the Gulf of Thailand, all while engaging in the education of the marine environment across all age groups. ATMEC was co-founded by Dr. Rahul Mehrotra, a Conservation Diver instructor, and Nancy Gibson, director of Love Wildlife Foundation, Thailand.

The project is based in Bangkok but all courses will be taught at the island of Koh Mun Nai, with active fieldwork being carried out throughout Rayong province, and much of the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Research and conservation projects at present focus on coral reef and soft sediment habitats, with additional projects on sea turtle identification and the impact of discarded fishing gear on marine ecosystems.