Conservation in Raja Ampat and the Greater Birds Head Seascape

Since 2004 Raja Ampat and the surrounding areas of the wider Birds Head Seascape  (BHS) have been the focus of comprehensive, long-term conservation initiatives.  The area’s priority in the world of marine conservation is justified, considering that the Birds Head is home to more marine species than any other area its size on the planet.  … Read more

The Manatees’ Winter Vacation

The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a large, slow moving marine mammal that inhabits the coastal bays, estuaries and rivers within the southeastern United States.  It is an endangered, tropical species, with closely related species endemic to regions near the equator.  Manatees found in the United States are in their northernmost habitat range.  During … Read more

In the Name of Science

We just returned from two dive trips where the focus was on soft science.  In Lembeh we hosted a nudibranch workshop with David Behrens.  Our group identified over 200 species in 10 days.  Dr. Mark Erdmann and Dr. Gerry Allen accompanied our trip to Cenderawasih Bay. In just nine days they discovered three new fish … Read more

Cozumel’s Majestic Eagle Rays

Diving in Cozumel you know you’ll enjoy encounters with a wide variety of species: moray eels (green, spotted and golden), nurse sharks, turtles (hawksbill and loggerhead), huge lobsters, and giant barracuda, just to name a few. But my favorite critters on my wish list are always the spotted eagle rays. Watching one blot out the … Read more