Meghann Bjarnesen, MBA’s Post

The ocean holds countless mysteries, but few are as captivating as the coral reef. It's more than just a pretty underwater landscape - it's a thriving metropolis teeming with life in a dazzling array of colors and shapes. The first time I donned a mask and fins and dipped beneath the waves, I was transported to another world. Schools of vibrant fish danced around me, their scales shimmering like jewels. Ethereal jellyfish pulsed gently by, and curious clownfish peeked out from their anemone homes. It's an experience that fills you with awe and a deep respect for the delicate balance of this underwater ecosystem. The vibrant coral formations themselves are breathtaking - living sculptures sculpted by time and nature. Exploring the reef isn't just about the visual feast; it's about the connection you feel with the natural world. You become a silent observer in this underwater ballet, witnessing the intricate dance of life playing out beneath the waves. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans. These vibrant ecosystems are facing numerous threats, and it's our responsibility to ensure their survival for future generations to experience this underwater wonder. So, next time you're at the beach, consider venturing beneath the surface. You might just discover a whole new world waiting to be explored, filled with beauty, magic, and a powerful connection to nature. #CoralReefLife #UnderwaterMagic #OceanExploration #ProtectOurOceans https://lnkd.in/g3Jet9FH

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿? Founder and president of Ocean Education Int’l, Dr. Alex Brylske explains his evolution from “reaper”—Have chisel and hack saw, will pillage— to an environmentally-aware wreck diver who cares about and acts to preserve our submerged cultural heritage. Here, the good doctor explains why preserving our submerged heritage is, and should be, important to all of us. Remember, the culture you save may be your own! “Becoming a culturally responsible diver requires knowing what issues are relevant to preserving our underwater heritage. Like land-based sites, the primary concern for submerged cultural sites is protection from looting and disturbance. However, protecting shipwrecks poses some unique problems. One is, for people other than divers, shipwrecks lying on the seafloor in some distant ocean are clearly “out of sight and out of mind.”  “This gives rise to the same problem faced in conserving biological resources like coral reefs: How do we convince people to protect something that they’ll never really experience and therefore feel has no significance to their lives? Aside from the vicarious experience of photos and videos, shipwrecks are accessible only to divers, which makes divers a prime concern—and hopefully ally—in protecting them.” Read the full article in InDEPTH: https://lnkd.in/dmhcvx_e Photos by (1) Tamara Thomsen (2) Kirill Egorov #technicaldiving #wreck #diving #technicaldivers #underwater #heritage #culture #shipwreck #diver #InDEPTH #GetDeeperIntoDiving

Sailing on the Arctic Ice - Svalbard - Arctic In Svalbard, sailing on the Arctic ice is an experience that leaves a mark on you forever. The crunch of the ice under the keel of the boat, like an ancestral melody, envelops you in a deep silence that transports you to a world of inner peace.🎶 The cold wind caresses your face, the silence envelops you and connects you with nature in its purest state.🌬️ A silence that allows you to reflect, connect with your inner self and feel the immensity of the environment. However, this silence also whispers a warning: the Arctic ice is melting, and in a short time, navigation will be easier, but it will also be a sign of the fragility of our planet.🌎 #Svalbard #Arctic #Fotografia #Photographer #tedtalks #Journalist #Reporter @oceanwideexp #arcticadventure #oceanwideexp #oceanwideexpeditions #svalbardtrip #bestplacestogo #thequietraveller Oceanwide Expeditions

🌄 International Geocaching Day! 🌄 This weekend, step outside your comfort zone and try something new – geocaching! It's a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, discover hidden treasures, and enjoy a fun-filled adventure. 🌳✨ Whether you're looking for a solo adventure or a group activity, geocaching is the perfect way to spend your weekend. Let's embrace the spirit of exploration and make some great memories. 🗺️🔍 We'd love to hear about your geocaching adventures! Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below. 💬📸 #InternationalGeocachingDay #Geocaching #OutdoorAdventure #WeekendFun #Explore #SoberLifeRocks #NatureLovers #AdventureAwaits

#Seacreatures exhibit an extraordinary array of beauty, from the vibrant colors of coral reefs to the graceful movements of marine mammals like dolphins and whales. Even the intricate patterns of tiny creatures like seahorses and nudibranchs can captivate observers. Each species has its unique charm, contributing to the breathtaking diversity and allure of the underwater world. #Colorful #CoralReefs: Coral reefs are home to a stunning variety of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The vibrant colors of coral colonies, combined with the dazzling hues of fish and other inhabitants, create a mesmerizing underwater landscape. #Graceful #MarineMammals: Creatures like dolphins, whales, and seals captivate with their elegance and agility as they glide effortlessly through the water. Their sleek bodies and fluid movements convey a sense of grace and beauty. Intricate #Patterns and #Shapes: Many sea creatures display intricate patterns and shapes that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. For example, the spiral shell of a chambered nautilus or the elaborate frills of a lionfish are not only visually striking but also aid in camouflage, communication, or defense. #Bioluminescence: Some sea creatures possess the remarkable ability to produce light through bioluminescence. Fireflies, jellyfish, and certain species of fish illuminate the darkness of the ocean depths with their glowing displays, adding a magical quality to the underwater environment. #Translucent and #Transparent #Creatures: Transparent or translucent sea creatures, such as jellyfish and comb jellies, offer a unique glimpse into the inner workings of marine life. Their delicate forms and ethereal appearance contribute to the otherworldly beauty of the ocean. #ExoticFish Species: The ocean is teeming with an astonishing array of fish species, each with its own distinctive colors, patterns, and behaviors. From the psychedelic patterns of parrotfish to the iridescent scales of angelfish, these underwater denizens showcase nature's creativity and diversity. Overall, the beauty of sea creatures lies in their diversity, adaptability, and the intricate ecosystems they inhabit. Exploring the underwater world reveals a treasure trove of visual marvels that continue to inspire awe and wonder in observers around the globe.

Hang on! - Frogfishes, despite their name, do not swim like typical fish. Instead, they employ their modified pectoral fins in unique ways. These fins have evolved into leg-like structures, allowing frogfishes to walk, hop, and even climb on coral reefs or sandy bottoms. By using their fins as limbs, they can move slowly and precisely, camouflaging themselves among the surrounding environment and ambushing unsuspecting prey. - This adaptation of using fins for locomotion highlights the incredible diversity of marine species and their ability to adapt to various ecological niches. Evolution has shaped marine organisms to survive and thrive in different environments, leading to remarkable adaptations like the frogfish's leg-like fins. Such adaptations allow them to exploit their surroundings effectively and increase their chances of survival. - In the vast and dynamic marine world, species continuously evolve to meet the challenges posed by their environment. The frogfish's unique use of fins for movement demonstrates the incredible versatility of marine life, showcasing the endless possibilities for adaptation and evolution in the underwater realm. - #frogfish #ocean #oceanlife #marinelife #marinebiology #scuba #diving #mauritius #uwphoto #uwphotography #uwvideo #macrophoto

Best Things to do at Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim): There's nothing like your first visit to Grand Canyon National Park — and the first time you look over the rim — it's simply awe-inspiring! The extraordinary combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate this canyon, which is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep. More https://lnkd.in/gexAbzna

Trying to manage not just the operations of Race Rocks but the thousands upon thousands of sea lions that reside within the reserve in the fall is like being a ringleader and a lion tamer blended together. It’s a hilarious balancing act of maintaining order within absolute chaos, with some sea lions having been trained to say yes and no by people to earn a better tip on a tour or for their own sheer entertainment, not considering the consequences of such actions. It’s an ecological reserve so this part of the job is not often understood. Yes, the wildlife has free rain, however, the interior, where the buildings sit, the lighthouse stands and elephant seals lounge and the eco guardian works, the currently lazy and yet at times extremely aggressive sea lions destroy and damage most everything so they must be kept along the borders, the outer rocks of Great Race Rock. The number one reason for this, though, is in fact that there are Native burial cairns. 7 Rings of rocks placed thousands of years ago, ceremoniously, that when sea lions move over them, roll the boulders easily and disrupt the traditions and history to which we do our best to protect. This balancing act gives the Eco guardian a space of maybe 100 metres diameter to move about for months on end while stationed and working as the sea lion tamer. • • #shareccpc #sharecangeo #shotoncanon #racerocksecologicalreserve #ecoguardian #explorevictoria #explorebc #explorecanada #hellobc #bcmag #bbcwildlife #bbcwildlifemagazine #natgeowild #yourshotphotographer #canoncanada #conservation #oceana #oceanwise #oceanwildlife #marinelife #bcferries #ecopcanada #unoceandecade #wwfcanada #rcgs_sgrc #theexplorersclub #conservethewonder #domoreforwildlife #sealion #sunset

New on the blog - Abby Button explores the concept of wilderness and our connection to nature. https://lnkd.in/espKaXm6

Is the Drakensburg calling? Have you ever thought of exploring the Drakensburg, maybe you and your crew are keen on a new adventure.... Let's help you find the right equipment for your adventure. From the correct Sleeping Bags to ensuring you are prepared for the unknown. Is the Drakensburg Calling? Comment here for safety tips and gear suggestions.... We have got your Exploration Trip Covered. #AdventureAwaits #ExploringTheDrakensburg #DrakensburgAdventure #GearSuggestions #AwarenessTips