Friday, December 04, 2009

Tigers and Lions



Tiger Shark - Photo by Wolfgang Leander


Nov. 18, 2009:

Full day of diving with lemons, tigers, and lions – we went in early and came out late.  It was great to see the Wolf out there for nine hours straight - literally had lunch on the dive platform with mask on head.  The interaction with various lemons, two tigers, and one Caribbean reef shark coupled with amazing visibility was the perfect mix for a fabulous day.  Towards the end of the day I focused on Lions – lionfish.


In the Caribbean there is currently a huge problem with the introduction of lionfish to the area.  In this part of the world, the fish does not have any natural predators that would regulate the population.  In turn, the lionfish eats many fish off the reef, disturbing the ecology.  Check out: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/stories/lionfish/welcome.html and http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111695369.   In order to do my part, I spent the afternoon spearing 6-8 lionfish.  


During my occasional visits to a freediving / spear fishing club in Miami I was first made aware of the problem – they had a lion fish shootout in the Bahamas – apparently when prepared right, it is very tasty.


On a side note, I was flipping through ScubaDiver Magazine and came across an advertisement that is promoting a trip to the Bahamas with Michael AW (I do not know him) and Amanda Cotton (who we know very well).



  
As per the ad: “Dolphins, Sharks & Mermaid Expedition – This is the definite expedition with the most enchanting big animals of the ocean; Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), Great Hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran), dolphins, and a mermaid.  Yes a mermaid! Teaming up with the divine sharks diving veteran Amanda Cotton, Michael AW, a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, will present a stupendous 10 days photography extravaganza with the amazing dolphins and sharks of the Bahamas.  With award winning photography tips from Michael AW, expand your skills to capture electrifying scenes of Amanda’s enthralling interactions with her Tigers of the sea.  24 March to 2 April 2010. (Book early – only five spots remaining).  Expeditions led by professionals with proven track records.


Amanda is a great photographer and a lot of fun to be around - something not to miss - contact her through her website: www.acottonphoto.com!

2 comments:

DaShark said...

Great pic - bravo Wolf!

Michael is a visionary and very much conservation oriented, real good guy.

The guests are in for a treat!

Horizon Charters Guadalupe Cage Diving said...

I have been a big fan of Michaels work for a few years now.

And Amanda?

She shot "The Iconic Image of 2009"

The pairing of these two at Tiger Beach should be interesting.