Marine Life

It’s officially the last day of winter (in the Northern Hemisphere at least), which means that we will soon be able to enjoy warmer weather, telltale green shoots popping up here and there and birds singing early in the morning. However, there are parts of the world that remain covered by ice year-round, namely the polar regions. The annual mean temperature at the South Pole is -76F (-60C) in winter and -18F (-28.2C) in summer. The annual mean temperature at the North Pole is -40F (-40C) in winter and 32F (0C) in summer. So how do the animals that live there manage to survive the region’s frigid, dry climate and relentless winds?

Green sea turtles do not develop into males or females due to sex chromosomes, like humans and most other mammals do. Instead, they have temperature-dependant sex determination, which essentially means that the temperature outside a turtle egg influences the sex of the growing embryo. It is this unusual biological quirk, scientists say, may endanger the future of these creatures in a warmer world.

For those who celebrate Christmas, tree decorating comes once a year, but in the world's tropical seas, there are magical creatures that brim with holiday spirit year-round. They look like miniature festively adorned firs and thus are commonly known as Christmas tree worms. In reality, the beautiful underwater “pines” are just the tip of this worm's iceberg. Two-thirds of the Spirobranchus’ body lies hidden in a calcium carbonate tube inside a coral reef.

As a diver you have probably had a chance to admire the beauty of coral reefs and the wondrous sea creatures that inhabit them. Did you know though that the importance of coral reefs extends far beyond the pleasure they bring to those who explore them? They support enormous biodiversity, provide food, jobs, income, and shoreline protection. So even if you live far away from the tropical oceans you have most likely experienced some of the benefits that coral reefs bring to billions of people worldwide.

August 30th is known worldwide as an International Whale Shark Day. Started in 2012 this special day was created to support whale shark conservation and help people learn more about our finned friends. In celebration, we have decided to dedicate this article to all things whale shark and share a few facts about these amazing creatures with you.

Today, July 14th, is known as the International Shark Awareness Day, which seems to be a perfect opportunity to dispel some of the detrimental stereotypes about these magnificent creatures and try to show them in a more positive light. Although many people picture sharks solely as dangerous, bloodthirsty predators, they are much more than this. Sharks play a vital role in the oceans and nature in general. Learning about these species, knowing their features, and recognizing their importance in our world is the first step to supporting shark conservation. So, here are a few facts you might not have known about sharks.

It all started back in 2002 when local divers off the coast of North Carolina have spotted a group of lionfish - the exotic fish species, common to the warm waters of western Pacific. The divers were perplexed by such an unusual discovery and have collected an actual specimen, which became the first solid evidence of lionfish spreading in the Atlantic.

The influence of the moon and lunar cycles on human and animal behavior has been a popular theme throughout history. In addition to being a symbol of romance, the moon in its different phases is associated with proper times for planting, harvesting and even fishing. There are also plenty of myths and fables about various loony effects of our rocky satellite. So, let’s examine some interesting facts surrounding the lunar cycle and its impact on the underwater world in particular.

Manta rays are among the most beloved of all marine creatures. These large beings capture the imaginations of many divers and snorkelers around the world thanks to the grace and majesty with which they glide through the sea. If you are lucky enough to spot the manta frolicking in the surf, or enjoying the skincare treatment at a cleaning station, you will surely be left in awe. Learn more about these beautiful fish, places to see them and guidelines for interacting with them.