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For centuries the seminomadic Moken people have lived as hunter-gatherers, dwelling on boats or stilted dwellings along the coasts of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. They harvest the sea's bounty by traditional methods. Without masks or scuba gear, they are able to gather tiny shellfish and other food on the ocean floor at depths as low as 75 feet (23 meters). It's a difficult way to survive, but scientists have learned that these sea gypsies have an important …

…sea nomads in the Philippines can dive down 200 to 230 feet (60 to 70 meters), pick some pearls and then go up again, holding their breath for about six to seven minutes., Gislén added, "Europeans told to do the same thing would just shake their heads and say it was impossible. But clearly it's not." Neither is clear underwater vision, apparently, if you have the right training--or if you happen to be a Moken.