NAOS (Bioderma - Institut Esthederm - Etat Pur)’s Post

Costal Manta Rays (aka "Reef Mantas") are one of two manta species that you can see while diving in Hawaii. Coastal Mantas (Mobula alfredi) are found in nearshore waters, usually where there are concentrations of plankton. And, unlike their pelagic cousins, Coastal Mantas appear to have a home range and don't migrate. In other words, each island (e.g., Maui, Oahu, the Big Island) has its own population with no apparent interaction between groups - at least according to tracking data. Individual mantas can be identified and tracked by unique pigment spots, which are especially prominent over the ventral abdomen.

I spent two years working in ocean conservation so I wanted to visit the new Ocean Pavilion of the Seattle Aquarium. My thoughts on it are below. 🐟 🐠 🐡 It was good, but not great. There was a massive beautiful coral reef exhibit (see image) which was the highlight. It is intended to represent the marine life of the Coral Triangle (one of the few remaining gorgeous scuba diving destinations).I also loved the seemingly interactive eagle rays that swam by the windows. A seahorse exhibit was cool too. 👍 There were a few other exhibits in the new Ocean Pavilion, but I wasn’t wowed. Maybe it is because I know a lot about this topic already from my ocean conservation work, I am a long-time scuba diver 🐬, and I volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium for 8 months in the past. For people newer to marine life and conservation issues, it may be more interesting and exciting. My reaction could also be my rapidly increasing unease with animals in captivity. Containing animals doesn’t sit well with me, not sure it ever truly did. I would set them all free! The older aquarium section felt a little outdated, unkept and unclean. That was disappointing. I think it was mainly the contrast with the brand-new section. We did enjoy the harbor seals, otters and the getting “hugged” by sea urchins at the touch tanks. 😁 Tickets for adults are spendy at about $45 a ticket for adults, double what it should be in my opinion. (Youth tickets were about $26.) And parking nearby was a bear, also very pricey. Hope that helps as you decide to visit or not. Cheers to Seattle for all its work on the Seattle Waterfront. It is starting to look wonderful! #oceanconservation #oceans #seattle #seattleaquarium #seattleactivities #seattlewaterfront #sustainability

I'm happy to have been featured in Emirates Diving Association (EDA)’s June 2024 magazine issue on my work with dolphin skulls at Zayed University, the UAE Dolphin Project. Our article discusses the scientific value of analyzing dead animal bodies, particularly those of wild species. We examine specifically the bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the UAE Gulf coastal waters as recently, morphometric analyses of bottlenose dolphin skulls collected in the northern Indian Ocean detected the presence of two distinct lineages. However, no specimens from the Arabian Gulf were included in these studies. So, which type of bottlenose dolphin is in the Arabian Gulf? Is it different from those inhabiting the neighbouring waters of the Gulf of Oman? And which lineage would it be? Or will it be a completely different one? On this quest, I worked diligently on analyzing a small collection of bottlenose dolphins’ skulls recovered from standings that occurred along the UAE coastline in the past. Moreover, as part of the project, I also visited the Oman Natural History Museum (ONHM) – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism - Sultanate of Oman. Discover all about the research, our work, and our trip to Oman in the article below! Link to full magazine: https://bit.ly/458nngZ Many thanks to Emirates Diving Association (EDA), Ally Landes, Ada Natoli, Caitlin McFarlane, and Bryana Cope. #MarineConservation #Biodiversity #DolphinResearch #Taxonomy #SkullMorphology

Linking the diving behaviour of whale sharks and their prey Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia has a complex seafloor of gutters and pinnacles that force large amounts of whale shark prey together. While the ocean giant is commonly spotted feeding at the surface, scientists wanted to understand the diving behaviour of whale sharks and if its time spent at depth was linked to high concentrations of prey. The study, led by Ben D'Antonio a PhD student with AIMS and The University of Western Australia (UWA), used acoustic surveys and net tows to determine the concentration, distribution and makeup of prey, whilst also tracking whale shark movements. The animation shows how whale sharks move between the surface and seafloor. The research found that the ocean giant repeatedly dove to depths where prey concentration was highest but did not spend more time here. Whale sharks are threatened. Understanding the behaviours and how they use an area is critical to manage their ongoing conservation. 🔗 Read the paper: https://bit.ly/3SJqkib 🔗 Learn more about our whale shark research: https://bit.ly/3uElBq3 The research was an international collaboration with The UWA Oceans Institute, UWA, The Australian National University, University of Tasmania, The Marine Biology Association and University of St Andrews, and was funded by AIMS and Santos Ltd. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions #WhaleSharks #WesternAustralia #MarineResearch

Diving for a greater cause! 💙 - Marine species identification, such as nudibranchs, is crucial for marine research as it helps scientists understand biodiversity, ecosystem health, and potential impacts of climate change. - At OceanVibration, we not only offer scuba diving experiences but also actively engage in citizen science initiatives. By educating our divers on identifying and documenting marine species, like nudibranchs, we contribute valuable data to ongoing research projects. - This collaboration between divers and scientists allows us to better protect and conserve marine environments. - Join us at OceanVibration for a unique diving experience that not only explores the wonders of the underwater world but also supports important marine conservation efforts. - #mauritius #mauritiusdiving #mauritiusunderwater #mauritiusexplored #scuba #diving #ocean #oceanlife #marinelife #uwphoto #uwphotography #uwvideo #macrovideo

Dytiscidae are commonly known as predaceous diving #beetles, with their #larvae knick-named water tigers due to their insatiable appetite. These #aquatic insects are found in #freshwater habitats worldwide. With elongated bodies and specialised adaptations for life underwater, they prey on small, aquatic organisms including #insect larvae and tadpoles. Have you spotted any interesting insects? #CnRconsulting #aquaticEcology

Not exactly what I ordered! 👀 👀 👀 - For the past six months, I have embarked on numerous dive explorations in search of the elusive whip coral shrimp. Despite my persistent efforts, this fascinating creature has managed to evade my sight. However, my scuba diving expeditions have not been in vain, as I recently stumbled upon the captivating whip coral goby. - The whip coral goby, scientifically known as Bryaninops yongei, is a small fish that inhabits whip corals in the ocean depths. It possesses a unique body shape, perfectly adapted to its environment, with elongated dorsal and anal fins that resemble the whip coral branches it calls home. This incredible camouflage allows the goby to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it challenging to spot. - One interesting scientific fact about the whip coral goby is its mutualistic relationship with the whip coral itself. The goby protects the coral by eating small organisms that could potentially harm it, while the coral provides shelter and camouflage for the goby. This symbiotic partnership highlights the intricate interdependencies found in marine ecosystems. - #ocean #oceanlife #marinelife #marinebiology #scuba #diving #mauritius #uwphoto #uwphotography #uwvideo #macrophoto

"Looking for a unique blend of natural beauty and scientific significance? Look no further than Hanauma Bay State Park! As a protected marine sanctuary, this Hawaiian wonder is not only a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, but also a valuable site for marine research and conservation. Let's appreciate the importance of preserving our planet's incredible ecosystems and the amazing creatures that call them home. #HanaumaBay #MarineConservation #Sustainability #HawaiiStateParks #NatureMeetsScience"

Diving deeper for richer prey? - GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel: METEOR expedition M202 investigates the ecology of prey to better understand hunting behaviour of toothed whales in the Atlantic.

The Central Portugal region has islands, and one of them is called Berlengas. The Berlengas Natural Reserve, off the coast of Peniche, is one of the best places for diving and birdwatching in Portugal. Here, you'll find nature in its purest state, landscapes that leave you speechless, and a sea color that is simply irresistible. The confluence of Mediterranean and Atlantic climates has created a unique ecosystem in the world, with characteristic fauna and flora. Additionally, the Berlengas Islands boast a distinct geomorphology compared to the European mainland. #Berlengas #NatureWonders #CentralPortugal