Bill Passmore

Brain Coral

3/28/2015

Photo credit to Colin Williamson

Brain Corals are one of the primary building blocks of the ocean reef ecosystems. Although they may look like a rock, they are actually living organisms made up of millions of genetically identical polyps. At night, they extend tiny tentacles to feed.

A 6 foot specimen can take up to 900 years to grow, yet can be destroyed in minutes by negligent and uneducated actions.

Brain coral thrives in water temperatures of 25C to 29C and lives in the shallow areas where light can penetrate. Because of this, it is commonly found at many popular diving and snorkeling sites. These areas are generally the first introduction to the underwater world that people are exposed to.

As divers, we must encourage a hands-off policy for all our marine life. We must protect our reefs so future generations can enjoy the beautiful underwater world. Tour operators must be encouraged to not allow snorkelers to touch, as it destroys the organism and the beauty of the reef for all future visitors and in essence is detrimental to their future business.

Through education and awareness we can preserve our oceans for the benefit of all.

Bill

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Lion Fish

3/21/2015

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Although the Lionfish is one of the most beautiful and graceful fish in our oceans, it is an invasive, non-native species here in the Caribbean and in the Atlantic ocean. They have no natural enemies in these waters and a female is able to produce up to 2 million eggs per year.

Lionfish are voracious predators and non-selective feeders, and their stomachs can expand up to 30 times the natural size after eating. It is estimated that a single lionfish can reduce the juvenile fish population by up to 79% in just 5 weeks.

The damage they cause to our reefs and the native species cannot be overstated.

While spearfishing can be seen as a threat to our reefs and oceans, in the case of the lionfish it is a benefit. Numerous groups have been formed by scientists and concerned divers and conservationists to study what can be done to control this damaging species and to protect our oceans for generations to come.

Bill

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Welcome

3/15/2015

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        Welcome to my personal website and thank-you for reading my blog. The site contains part of my portfolio of underwater work both here in the waters around Sosua in the Dominican Republic and also from other areas around the world where I have had the pleasure to be able to dive.

    My books are available through: www.lulu.com/spotlight/Bill_Passmore both in soft copy and as e-books.

    Copies of selected prints can be purchased at: http://crated.com/divingsosua

    Here you will be able to follow my underwater photo adventures as well as keep up to date on any exhibitions or new editions of my works!

    Thank-you, and enjoy the wonderful world under the ocean.

Bill :)

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Brain Coral

Lion Fish

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