Rockfish Explosion!
After years of effort on the part of a local dive operators, Browning Pass has become an unofficial protected area. The resulting explosion of fish, including these Widow Rockfish gives me hope for the future of our oceans.
The SS Themis
Apart from the odd artifact, the Themis has become a beautiful reef, complete with resident wolfeels and regular visits from a nearby sealion rookery.
Clear top waters, blue from frequent rain. give way to the rich, green waters of the Emerald Sea.
The massive numbers of juvenile Rockfish indicate a healthy ecosystem.
Sea Lion Boogie!
This 500 pound sea lion mimiced my buddy's every twist and roll... or was it the other way around? Either way, a magical moment for both!
Blue water floods Browning Wall
On an autumn trip, the plankton was noticeably absent, resulting in uncharacteristically clear, blue water.
Finger Sponge at Seven Tree Island
... And more of that blue water!
Northern ronquile
Just a little fish.... and ya, there's zillions of them out here.
Decorated Warbonnet (Chirolophis decoratus)
This little guy was sleeping behind a scallop one night, but he stuck his head out just long enough for me to get this shot!
A Mossheaded Warbonnet, up close and personal!
This juvenile Giant Pacific Octopus was snoozing when I woke him up. :-(
He was about the size of my fist!
Mosshead Warbonnet
These elusive little blennies are challenging to find and even more challenging to shoot. This one was found in 100' of current-swept water, on a night dive!
These blennies have an eel-like body and only reach about 3" in length
Opalescent Nudibranch (Hermissenda crassicornis)
These tiny invertebrates are voracious predators, feeding mainly on hydroids, small sea anemones and bryozoans.
Basket Star on Browning Wall
I've been diving at the Browning Passage area of British Columbia for more than 20 years, and it never fails to amaze!
A couple of brooding aenmones on a kelp stock...
These guys are prevalent on most surfaces, and cover the rainbow of colours.
Juvenile Wolf Eel and Plumose Anemone
This youngster was only about 8" long but will grow to perhaps 6' - 8' as an adult. One of my favorite creatures~ Thanks to Eiko Jones for pointing him out. See www.eikojonesphotography.com for some really amazing images from these parts!
Diver and Juvenile Rockfish
On a recent trip, the number of juvenile rockfish was "off the charts"! Likely this is the result of local commercial fisherman agreeing to leave this area alone.
A telia anemone, highlighted with a little computer magic.
