Raves by Wyland, Artist of the Sea, USA - “Beneath North SulaweSea could very well be Michael Aw at his best — and that, in my opinion, is saying a lot. North Sulawesi certainly provides an incredible palette to work with. But it takes a special kind of photographer to put its diverse marine life on display the way nature intended. Through Michael’s lens, we have a fantastic opportunity to journey into underwater volcanoes, gently brush past giant sea fans, and dive into the midst of schooling barracuda and trevally. It’s a glimpse into a perfectly lit afternoon at Lembeh Strait, Banka Island, and Bunaken Marine  Park — all at once. It’s azure blue sea caves that remind us of our planet’s ethereal wonders. It’s soft corals aglow off steep sea walls, green sea turtles in mid-flight, and hundreds of blue-dash fusiliers darting through sapphire seas like living wallpaper.”

 “There’s an incredible array of life in these pages. More than I could ever hope to describe. And that is what makes a wonderful photography book. Equally important, there is a special message. It’s not written in bold letters, but you’ll see it on every page. Michael’s lens targets the importance of healthy ecosystems everywhere — in a family of clownfish, cardinalfish sharing a symbiotic relationship with an accommodating anemone, in cleaner shrimp offering a little dental work to a moray eel, and pygmy seahorses finding camouflage — and refuge — against a soft coral fan. We can learn much from these relationships. They’re the foundation of healthy ecosystems — all plants, animals mutually dependent on one another, everything in balance. Each animal has a special purpose, and the importance of keeping these systems intact is vital.

 Peter Stone, Ocean Enterprise Australia - I believe when Orson Welles suggested he make another film after Citizan Kane, he was told, "don't do it Mr Welles, you will never surpass the brilliance of your last film, and anything else would be a disappointment". I think Welles did go on to make other films, and perhaps he was indeed disappointed. One wonders if the same comment could have been made to Michael after each of his previous pictorial books, but if so, the world is so much richer for his not heeding such advice. I refer to course to Beneath North Sulawe Sea, which I have just received, and devoured. Thankyou so much. It has made my day. Few images have the ability to brings tears. I saw one the other day of a starving child in Africa, and it brought tears. Michael's images bring the same tears but for the directly opposite effect - of joy and appreciation. And yet how sad it is that there is so much beauty in the underwater world and yet so much horror and sadness above. I just love that last photo, of young Alexandra, and the caption. You and I have young children - I just hope we leave something of value to them. Please pass on my utmost congratulations and appreciation to Michael for yet another brilliant book. May he continue to shoot, for the sake of Jonah and Joelle, and my Sam. And to you Allison, you epitomise the backbone of any creative person - you are indeed the pillar that holds your (family) life together, and no doubt, with your children, the greater inspiration for Michael. For that, the book is as much a credit to you.