Feature Friday

@lonelyspruce is a diver, photographer, sailor, and marine educator, among many other talents! His beautiful underwater shots, like this Steller Sea Lion gliding by a wall packed with anemones and tube worms, usually come with a wicked fun fact or two, and are sure to inspire you to get yourself in the water asap!

Here’s what he has to say about this photo: A Steller Sea Lion glides by a steep wall absolutely covered with life. The pink anemones are Brooding Anemones, they’re perched on Giant Acorn Barnacles and Feather Duster Tube worms to get a bit higher into the currents giving them better access to passing food.

Have you heard of @backtothesea_ns? They have a community aquarium to help spark inspiration for ocean conservation, and they also have a plethora of ocean education opportunities! For instance, check out their species spotlight about the Blood Star, here’s what Back to the Sea has to say about these cool echinoderms!:

– Despite their name, Blood Stars do not have any blood

– They feed on sponges, plankton and bacteria that they capture in mucus and sweep into their mouth

– They live in between rocks, cracks and crevices in the ocean

Have you heard of @oceanic.global? Their goal is to inspire and empower individuals, communities, and industries to care deeply for our ocean and collective well-being. They often feature the connection between the ocean and mental health, like in their post about the benefits of being in the ocean! Here’s what they have to say:

“Being near water can better your mental health by making you happier and producing feelings of wonder, relaxation, renewal, and a greater sense of connection with oneself and nature.⁠”

Have you ever had a healing experience in the ocean or in freshwater?