Videography
The Hooded Nudibranch
The first time I encountered this creature, I was taken aback. It was the largest sea slug I had ever seen, and it had strange projections on its back that reminded me of a stegosaurus. If you are confused by this creature, don't worry, I was too.
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The hooded nudibranch, Melibe leonina, is a species of nudibranch that uses an oral hood to capture small plankton in the water column. When the hood closes, it squishes out the water and forces any prey into its mouth.
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I was also fascinated to discover that this animal can swim!! Near the end of the video you will see an individual bending left and right to swim through the water.
National Geographic Global Explorers Program
This video was created as part of my training to become a National Geographic Certified Field Educator. This certification allows me to lead the National Geographic Global Explorers program offered by Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions on trips to Alaska, Baja, and the Galapagos. I thoroughly enjoy designing my own lesson plans and activities that get kids excited about the ocean. I am constantly inspired by the intuitive, witty, and intelligent observations made by young people and their genuine curiosity for the natural world.
Southeast Alaska Diving
This video highlights scenes from one of my favorite dive sites in southeast Alaska. Exploring these rich, cold waters offers the opportunity to witness such a variety fish, invertebrates, algae, and sometimes creatures I have never seen before. Many people underestimate the intensity and variety of colors that exist in temperate ecosystems.
Moon Jellies
Moon jellies seem to possess the power of hypnosis!
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The color of a moon jelly varies depending on their diet, which can include plankton, larvae, eggs, and other jellies. You are viewing the medusa stage in the moon jelly's life cycle. There is also a polyp stage which is small, looks like an anemone, and can live for up to 25 years. The polyp produces larval jellies, which eventually become full grown medusa, like the ones in this video!
Skeleton Shrimp
Tiny predators are prowling for floating prey in this tangled mess of algae and hydroids. The crustaceans you see inching around are called 'skeleton shrimp'. These creatures feed on a variety of food items including phytoplankton, detritus, larvae, small crustaceans, and other plankton. Similar to a praying mantis, skeleton shrimp lie hidden in their habitat and patiently wait to snap up their prey with large claws.
Giant Pacific Octopus Den
The Giant Pacific Octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, is a true icon of cold Pacific waters. An octopus' skin can change both color and texture, making these creatures masters of disguise. The easiest way to spot an octopus is to locate its den. An octopus den is frequently marked by a heap of leftover shells called a 'midden'.
Cabo Pulmo National Park Highlight Reel
Exploring the protected waters of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park was an inspiring experience. I was thrilled to see swirling schools of fish and an abundance of top predators. Filming the wealth and diversity of the life that can be found here allowed me to more fully grasp what a marine protected area can accomplish. The Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is located on the east coast of Mexico's Baja Peninsula and was declared a marine park in 1995. A significant portion of the park (35%) is designated as a strict "No Take Zone", which allows ocean habitats to heal and populations to recover.
The Grunt Sculpin
Cuteness alert! This fish is called a 'grunt sculpin' and is about the size of a golf ball. This fish has an odd-shaped snout, independently moving eyes, and patches of cheetah-like patterns, making it endlessly entertaining to watch.
Fun fact: Juveniles grunt sculpin are known to take up temporary residence inside empty barnacle shells. They hid inside the shell for protection and use their tails to bring in food. Pretty whacky!
