Spinner Dolphin Pictures, Behaviors, Video and Information (provided by the Wild Dolphin Foundation)
The Hawaiian name for dolphin is nai'a, and refers to most all dolphins found here. Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are shaped and colored somewhat differently from other species of spinner dolphins.
With 13 species of toothed dolphins (nai'a) swimming in the tepid waters of Hawaii, the most common are the Hawaiian spinner, spotted (kiko), bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins. Other often seen members of the dolphin family - although termed as whales (kohola)- are pilot and false killer whales.
Dolphins in Hawaii are commonly termed as "porpoise" by local folks, especially fishermen, who use the word "dolphin" when referring to the dolphin fish, or mahi mahi.
So called for their high, spinning leaps, spinner dolphins are known as playful, eager bow-riders throughout much of their range.
In certain areas in Hawaii, spinner dolphins are seen on an almost daily basis. Probably since the islands have formed, the Hawaiian spinner dolphins have come into nearshore daytime habitats along the west coast of Oahu. We have traced their occurrence in our area back at least 800 years.
Below are descriptions of daytime behaviors the acrobatic spinners frequently engage in. Pictures and videos were taken during our dolphin encounter tours.
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins Stenella longirostris "Nai'a"
Size: 1.7 to 2.2 m, 75 kg.
Males slightly larger than females
Calves at birth: 77 cm
45 to 65 sharp-pointed teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw
Food: Fish (small deep-ocean species) and squid
Habitat: Mainly offshore
Range: Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate world ocean
Status: Population unknown, but common in most parts of its range. Substantial declines have occurred in the eastern tropical Pacific
To see the enlarged pictures, please click on the desired picture. Double click to open movies.
Spins
Spinner dolphins are famous for their fantastic jumps high out of the water. They can leap into the air and make as many as 7 complete spins before diving back into the ocean! Few dolphins are known to leap as high as the Spinner and except occasionally for the Clymene dolphin, no others spin. Why Do Spinner Dolphins Spin?
Note: Click on the picture to the right to see good spin video >>
Head-Over-Tail
This aerial behavior is probably the most energetic. While the spin is more like a top, this leap is a series of mid-air somersaults.
Note: Click on the picture to the right to see head over video >>
Head Slaps
This very young spinner has already learned a way to get mom's attention. Repeated head slaps send an acoustical message. Notice the pinkish underside, normally white, this could mean excitement or the product of vigorous slapping!
Tail or Peduncle Slaps
Often seen before a change in the pods behavior. Most often, immediately after we see this behavior, the pod will change its traveling direction. Tail slap video and how it looks from underwater. The dolphin is excited about his "play toy!"
Nose-Outs
Often seen before going into a rest mode, or when they seem to have interest in us. These, although still classified as aerial behaviors are the least energy taxing.
Fluke-up Dive
Dives with the tail (flukes)raised in the air seem to signaldeep dives. This a borderline aerial behavior - as it still happens above the water line, but is not very active.
Playing Behavior
Spinners often make "play-toys" of objects intheir environment. In our area, the tradewinds blow lightweight plastic grocery bags into the ocean. The dolphins drape these over their fins and pass them back and forth.
Note: Click on the picture to the right to see dolphins play video >>
Echelon Swimming
Newborn calves can be seen swimming near their mothers head for about a week before they swim nearer to her dorsal fin. This is termed as echelon swimming. Dolphins carry their young inside their womb and gestation is about 12 months for a bottlenose. The baby emerges tail first, and will suckle from its mother for up to 4 years.
Breathing
Oceanic dolphins have evolved a method of breathing without surfacing from the water. They blow a bubble when near the water surface and then quickly draw breath in when the bubble forms a bridge between the blowhole and the air, through the water. Dolphins breathe through theirblowhole located at the top of their head. A dolphin may empty and refill its lungs in less than a fifth of second. As the dolphin breathes the air leaves the blowhole at speeds of over 100mph. To sleep, a dolphin must shut down only half of its brain, as its breathing is under voluntary control.
Social Behavior
Spinner dolphin's pectoral flippers are used to steer them through the water, and they also use them to stroke one another, increasing the social bond between them. Dolphin "friends" may swim along face to face touching flippers. Dolphins that appear to be closely bonded may swim in synchrony, twisting, turning and swimming in perfect harmony together.
Whistles
Spinner Dolphins can be very noisy under and above water, click here to hear for underwater video and sound of spinner dolphins vocalizing and a signature whistle.
Showing posts with label Basic Open Water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basic Open Water. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Snorkeling Hawaii
Snorkeling is a safe, easy, and enjoyable way to explore the world beneath the waves and is open to all ages and skill levels, from children to grandparents. Snorkeling is a great activity for the whole family. Snorkeling is certainly the easiest and least expensive way to enjoy Hawaii's underwater paradise. All you need is a mask, snorkel and fins. Many of Hawaii's top dive sites, particularly the shallow sheltered bays are just as rewarding for snorkelers as they are for divers.
There are many boat operators that offer cruises to popular snorkeling locations on each of the islands and some companies that offer kayaking snorkel trips. If you have never snorkeled before, it is a good idea to seek some instruction before you start and seek some advice on where to go snorkeling for the first time. A great place to begin is in a swimming pool, either at home before coming to Hawaii or at the hotel pool once you arrive. This way you will get used the mask and to breathing through your snorkel in a safe, controlled and confined environment.
There are many boat operators that offer cruises to popular snorkeling locations on each of the islands and some companies that offer kayaking snorkel trips. If you have never snorkeled before, it is a good idea to seek some instruction before you start and seek some advice on where to go snorkeling for the first time. A great place to begin is in a swimming pool, either at home before coming to Hawaii or at the hotel pool once you arrive. This way you will get used the mask and to breathing through your snorkel in a safe, controlled and confined environment.
HawaiiScubaDiving.com
Check out HawaiiScubaDiving.com your complete one-source guide to diving in Hawaii, including dive companies, dive sites and everything else you want to know about diving in Hawaii. If you are looking to find a dive buddy, want to post a dive experience or have dive gear to sell, visit our community page.
The Hawaiian island chain is made up of 132 islands, though we generally only think of the eight main islands, Ni'ihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and located over 2400 miles from the nearest continent has created a unique underwater environment, in fact over 25% of marine is endemic to Hawaii.
The four most visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii, they each have their own unique characteristics and dive locations. Lanai, Molokai and Ni'ihau are dived less frequently and offer some unique dives and marine life, although generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers. If you are interested in diving off Kahoolawe you will need to charter a dive boat.
When you are not beneath the waves there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, why not try skydiving, visit a luau, go to the world's most active volcano or kick back and relax on a nice secluded beach. Visit our activity page for some suggestions of activities to participate when you are not diving and to arrange a lei greeting for when you arrive into the islands.
The Hawaiian island chain is made up of 132 islands, though we generally only think of the eight main islands, Ni'ihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and Hawaii. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and located over 2400 miles from the nearest continent has created a unique underwater environment, in fact over 25% of marine is endemic to Hawaii.
The four most visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii, they each have their own unique characteristics and dive locations. Lanai, Molokai and Ni'ihau are dived less frequently and offer some unique dives and marine life, although generally recommended for intermediate to advanced divers. If you are interested in diving off Kahoolawe you will need to charter a dive boat.
When you are not beneath the waves there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, why not try skydiving, visit a luau, go to the world's most active volcano or kick back and relax on a nice secluded beach. Visit our activity page for some suggestions of activities to participate when you are not diving and to arrange a lei greeting for when you arrive into the islands.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
MODIFIED BLOG
Today i added acouple elements to the page..
I added a clock in the right corner of the blog page and below i enter a stat counter to my page on who is where and what country that person is from who reads the blog, though it is new.. It will take some time to build up new stats.. I was tired of logging in see the 9000+ month visitors so i am seeing how many views i get a day from this point on.
I added a clock in the right corner of the blog page and below i enter a stat counter to my page on who is where and what country that person is from who reads the blog, though it is new.. It will take some time to build up new stats.. I was tired of logging in see the 9000+ month visitors so i am seeing how many views i get a day from this point on.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Marine Plants of Hawai'i
Marine Plants of Hawai'i
Order Siphonocladales
Dictyosphaeria cavernosa
Description: commonly known as the "Green Bubble Alga" due to the large round cells. When small the thallus is a hollow sphere, when larger the sphere may burst becoming convoluted and cup shaped. The seaweed is grass green in color and can form extensive mats over the reefs surface
Size: 1-10cm thick.
Habitat:
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Dictyosphaeria versluysii
Description: has bubble-like cells, but is completely solid in middle and always remains rounded. Grass green in color, but sometimes bluish-green in color.
Size: 1-2 cm high and 1-5 cm wide.
Habitat: commonly found on reef flats and tidepools.
Photograph: Richardson's Beach Park, Hilo Hawai'i. 1996
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Microdictyon japonicum
Description: M. japonicum is a single flattened blade consisting of a meshwork of fine connecting branches. It is grass-green in color.
Size: from 1 to 6cm wide and 1 to 4 cm high.
Habitat: low intertidal areas of rocky coastlines, on flat reefs, and in between the branches of corals at deeper depths.
Order Siphonocladales
Dictyosphaeria cavernosa
Description: commonly known as the "Green Bubble Alga" due to the large round cells. When small the thallus is a hollow sphere, when larger the sphere may burst becoming convoluted and cup shaped. The seaweed is grass green in color and can form extensive mats over the reefs surface
Size: 1-10cm thick.
Habitat:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dictyosphaeria versluysii
Description: has bubble-like cells, but is completely solid in middle and always remains rounded. Grass green in color, but sometimes bluish-green in color.
Size: 1-2 cm high and 1-5 cm wide.
Habitat: commonly found on reef flats and tidepools.
Photograph: Richardson's Beach Park, Hilo Hawai'i. 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microdictyon japonicum
Description: M. japonicum is a single flattened blade consisting of a meshwork of fine connecting branches. It is grass-green in color.
Size: from 1 to 6cm wide and 1 to 4 cm high.
Habitat: low intertidal areas of rocky coastlines, on flat reefs, and in between the branches of corals at deeper depths.
Marine Life of Hawai'i
Marine Life of Hawai'i
Glossary of Technical Terms
CALYX (plural, CALICES): depression that houses the polyp
COENOSTEUM: common surface of corallum between calices
COLUMELLA: central structure of the calyx formed by fusion of the septa
CORALLUM (plural, CORALLA): skeleton of entire coral colony
CORALLITE: skeleton produced by an individual polyp
COSTA (plural, COSTAE): extensions of the septa outside the calyx unto the coenosteum
PAPILLAE: rounded nipple-like projections covering the coenosteum; found in Montipora
THECA: wall of corallite
SEPTUM (plural, SEPTA): : skeletal plates that project into the calyx from the theca; may be subdivide into primary, secondary, and tertiary septa
VERRUCAE: small cylindrical projections arising from the corallum that contain calices; found in Pocillopora
Glossary of Technical Terms
CALYX (plural, CALICES): depression that houses the polyp
COENOSTEUM: common surface of corallum between calices
COLUMELLA: central structure of the calyx formed by fusion of the septa
CORALLUM (plural, CORALLA): skeleton of entire coral colony
CORALLITE: skeleton produced by an individual polyp
COSTA (plural, COSTAE): extensions of the septa outside the calyx unto the coenosteum
PAPILLAE: rounded nipple-like projections covering the coenosteum; found in Montipora
THECA: wall of corallite
SEPTUM (plural, SEPTA): : skeletal plates that project into the calyx from the theca; may be subdivide into primary, secondary, and tertiary septa
VERRUCAE: small cylindrical projections arising from the corallum that contain calices; found in Pocillopora
Getting your feet wet- First time scuba
By: Amanda W. (Scuba Junkie)
Life of a beginner scuba queen
2/6/08
Being from Iowa, you may not consider scuba diving an option for me. That is, unless you don't know where Iowa is or that we're the land of corn. Not exactly teeming with fantastic vacation dive spots that are flocked with tourists. I want to share my thoughts and experiences as I go through the process of learning to scuba dive.
My hope is that fellow novices can learn from my stories, or maybe more advanced divers to gain an understanding of beginners. No matter the reason for your interest in scuba, it has brought you to this point. Some background on myself is that I do not like being in a bathing suit, am not used to being in water, dislike emerging my face in water, and have a fear of drowning. With that said, through the encouragement and passion of a friend, I am preparing to take my first steps toward becoming an Open Water Diver.
I personally had my first experience with snorkeling in April 2007 in Nassau, Bahamas while on vacation. After the first 15 minutes in the water of thinking I was going to drown, I began to relax and focus more on my desire to see the beauty beneath me. I had to practice at breathing through the snorkel underwater, and let me tell you it is a strange feeling to see below and continue breathing. My friend and I had $10 underwater cameras, but the pictures could not do justice for what we could see with our own eyes. I was a bit disappointed in the coral to be honest, but I really had nothing to compare it to. After all, I went for the experience, and the fish didn't disappoint.
With Scuba Jay's prompting I began to consider trying scuba, though after almost hyperventilating with just snorkeling I had my reservations. We began with hearing stories and watching videos on YouTube and learning of different types and purposes of diving- wreck/ excavation diving, underwater archeology, underwater ecology, vacation diving, underwater photography, night diving, cave diving, ice diving, rescue diving, search and recovery diving, and for academic or research purposes. For me, I am interested in a few of the aforementioned so I recommend that if you're nervous, find one you can use as a motivator to get your feet wet. I am assured that once you start, you're hooked.
There is a progression to diving certifications and two primary governing bodies NAUI and PADI, though SDI, TDI, WASI, and NASE are also out there.
NAUI:
1. Skin diver
2. Scuba diver
3. Advanced scuba diver
4. Master scuba diver
5. Leadership certifications
· Divemaster
· Skin diving Instructor
· Assistant Instructor
6. NAUI scuba Instructor
PADI:
1. Open water diver
2. Advanced open water diver
3. Rescue diver
4. Master scuba diver OR Divemaster (which can lead to Course Director)
There are many special certifications you can receive along the way of both NAUI's and PADI's paths. Each level requires varying numbers of dives you must successfully complete, and some coursework as well.
Life of a beginner scuba queen
2/6/08
Being from Iowa, you may not consider scuba diving an option for me. That is, unless you don't know where Iowa is or that we're the land of corn. Not exactly teeming with fantastic vacation dive spots that are flocked with tourists. I want to share my thoughts and experiences as I go through the process of learning to scuba dive.
My hope is that fellow novices can learn from my stories, or maybe more advanced divers to gain an understanding of beginners. No matter the reason for your interest in scuba, it has brought you to this point. Some background on myself is that I do not like being in a bathing suit, am not used to being in water, dislike emerging my face in water, and have a fear of drowning. With that said, through the encouragement and passion of a friend, I am preparing to take my first steps toward becoming an Open Water Diver.
I personally had my first experience with snorkeling in April 2007 in Nassau, Bahamas while on vacation. After the first 15 minutes in the water of thinking I was going to drown, I began to relax and focus more on my desire to see the beauty beneath me. I had to practice at breathing through the snorkel underwater, and let me tell you it is a strange feeling to see below and continue breathing. My friend and I had $10 underwater cameras, but the pictures could not do justice for what we could see with our own eyes. I was a bit disappointed in the coral to be honest, but I really had nothing to compare it to. After all, I went for the experience, and the fish didn't disappoint.
With Scuba Jay's prompting I began to consider trying scuba, though after almost hyperventilating with just snorkeling I had my reservations. We began with hearing stories and watching videos on YouTube and learning of different types and purposes of diving- wreck/ excavation diving, underwater archeology, underwater ecology, vacation diving, underwater photography, night diving, cave diving, ice diving, rescue diving, search and recovery diving, and for academic or research purposes. For me, I am interested in a few of the aforementioned so I recommend that if you're nervous, find one you can use as a motivator to get your feet wet. I am assured that once you start, you're hooked.
There is a progression to diving certifications and two primary governing bodies NAUI and PADI, though SDI, TDI, WASI, and NASE are also out there.
NAUI:
1. Skin diver
2. Scuba diver
3. Advanced scuba diver
4. Master scuba diver
5. Leadership certifications
· Divemaster
· Skin diving Instructor
· Assistant Instructor
6. NAUI scuba Instructor
PADI:
1. Open water diver
2. Advanced open water diver
3. Rescue diver
4. Master scuba diver OR Divemaster (which can lead to Course Director)
There are many special certifications you can receive along the way of both NAUI's and PADI's paths. Each level requires varying numbers of dives you must successfully complete, and some coursework as well.
Waimea Bay - North Shore - Oahu
Famous big wave surf break with the largest surfable waves on the North Shore. Between 4-10 foot it breaks next to the inside rocks and is considered "pinballs." It starts breaking on the outside boil in the middle of the bay around 10-12 foot, but big wave veterans don't consider Waimea to be "real" until its 18-20 feet, and waves of up to 25-30 foot have been ridden at "The Bay."
There are about 5 different webcams these days in the church above the bay.
View from the mountain above the Valley.
There is a buoy located about a mile outside of the bay, it is used to predict really big waves coming through, or current conditions.
Medium Surf skill set required! Daughter and I surfered these waves three-four different times, peaking 15-20 foot waves on an average day making the ride little complicated for beginners.
There are about 5 different webcams these days in the church above the bay.
View from the mountain above the Valley.
There is a buoy located about a mile outside of the bay, it is used to predict really big waves coming through, or current conditions.
Medium Surf skill set required! Daughter and I surfered these waves three-four different times, peaking 15-20 foot waves on an average day making the ride little complicated for beginners.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
KAUAI ZODIAC TOURZ
WELCOME TO KAUAI ZODIAC TOURZ
THE ONLY BOAT TOUR ON KAUAI SPECIALIZING IN SNORKELING!
Come explore Kauai's PRISTINE offshore reefs and caverns
Snorkel equipment, food and beverages- All included
More Fish and Turtles- Less People !!!
Hawaiian owned- Experience shared with aloha!
Extraordinary Family Adventure- Beginners Welcome.
Humpback Whales (Dec.-May), Turtles, Dolphins and Exotic fish - Not to be missed!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
Hawaii Reef Divers/Scuba Jay recommends this operator!
THE ONLY BOAT TOUR ON KAUAI SPECIALIZING IN SNORKELING!
Come explore Kauai's PRISTINE offshore reefs and caverns
Snorkel equipment, food and beverages- All included
More Fish and Turtles- Less People !!!
Hawaiian owned- Experience shared with aloha!
Extraordinary Family Adventure- Beginners Welcome.
Humpback Whales (Dec.-May), Turtles, Dolphins and Exotic fish - Not to be missed!
10% DICOUNT ON ALL WEB-SITE RESERVATIONS! CONTACT THEM TODAY!
1-808-742-7422 or Toll-Free: 1-888-998-6879 (1-888-9ZTOURZ)
Hawaii Reef Divers/Scuba Jay recommends this operator!
Hawaii Dolphin Swim & Snorkel
Come and spend the afternoon with the amazing crew of the Kaaihue Eater of the Dead as they take you snorkeling off the west coast of O'ahu! Before embarking on your adventure, you will be treated to either a delicious continental breakfast of Kona coffee, hot tea, cocoa and donuts for the morning tour, or a light midday snack of soda, snacks and fruit for the afternoon tour.After boarding the vessel, you will go for a short 10-minute cruise up the coastline where, if conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to swim with Nai'a, the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. These beautiful marine mammals were loved, respected and protected by the ancient Hawaiian people. Kaaihue Brothers Adventures crew continue to honor that tradition and, if the conditions permit, they will allow you to passively swim among them, but there is a very strict no-touching and no loud and disruptive behavior policy. We will feed you to the sharks!
Following your swim with the dolphins, this three hour tour continues with snorkeling in beautiful live coral gardens with schools of brilliantly colored reef fishes and also swimming with another member of the ocean family, the Honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles of "turtle town". You'll be amazed and awed by the abundant sea life in this pristine natural environment.
As you head back to shore, just sit back and relax because Kaaihue Brothers will also provide you with a light lunch!
The Boats:
The 37-foot Threaser-built Kaaihue Eater of the Dead offers one of the best rides on Hawaii waters! It's 478-HP engine allows exceptionally high-speed rides at up to 22-knots and it also has comfortable ocean side seating for up to 35-passengers, a powerful engine and an onboard restroom.
The Maui Adventure is a 71-foot RIB (rigged inflatable boat) vessel that can carry 90passengers for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and dolphin watching. You will be seated comfortably on the boat as the three powerful 600-HP engines propel the vessel at 29-knots over the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty of comfortable center seating and an onboard restroom as well.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California
Following your swim with the dolphins, this three hour tour continues with snorkeling in beautiful live coral gardens with schools of brilliantly colored reef fishes and also swimming with another member of the ocean family, the Honu or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles of "turtle town". You'll be amazed and awed by the abundant sea life in this pristine natural environment.
As you head back to shore, just sit back and relax because Kaaihue Brothers will also provide you with a light lunch!
The Boats:
The 37-foot Threaser-built Kaaihue Eater of the Dead offers one of the best rides on Hawaii waters! It's 478-HP engine allows exceptionally high-speed rides at up to 22-knots and it also has comfortable ocean side seating for up to 35-passengers, a powerful engine and an onboard restroom.
The Maui Adventure is a 71-foot RIB (rigged inflatable boat) vessel that can carry 90passengers for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and dolphin watching. You will be seated comfortably on the boat as the three powerful 600-HP engines propel the vessel at 29-knots over the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is plenty of comfortable center seating and an onboard restroom as well.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, sharks, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, Scuba Hawaii, Hawaii Travel, Caribbean Scuba, Scuba Certification, Scuba Jay, Costa Maya Scuba Dive, Gear, Cave Diving, TDI, Water Rescue Diving, Water Rescues, PADI Technical Scuba Diving, Dive Rescue, Scuba Dive Answers, Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts, Jason Kilgore and USANA, Jason Kilgore and Karate, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, Sacramento, auburn, California, Hawaii, Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate, Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving, Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving, snorkel and fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, airlines, Divemaster scuba, family vacations, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive?, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore and Hawaiian islands, Kona, Maui, other specialty certifications, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Costa Maya Hotel, Mexico Hotels, Mexico Scuba Diving, Diving in South American Scuba, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Marine Animals, Wildlife, Florida, Southern States, Marine Life, Pacific States, Pacific Northwestern States, California
Monday, January 28, 2008
Hawaii Prepares for an Uncertain Future
The place of America's first Day of Infamy braces for the challenges ahead in the aftermath of the attack on America.
Already suffering from a downturn in visitors due to the weakened world economy, Hawaii is once again bracing for what will likely be a further decline in tourism in the upcoming months.
Unlike any other state in the United States, Hawaii's number one industry, tourism, is totally dependent on the willingness of travelers to fly to the islands. If as few as five or ten percent of prospective visitors decide against air travel, Hawaii's economy is likely to suffer tremendously.
As not only a final tourist destination, but also as a major way point for air traffic bound to and from the U.S. mainland from Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, over 4000 travelers found themselves stranded in Hawaii in the hours following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Hawaii's tourist infrastructure struggled to locate accommodations for passengers and crews until such time as Hawaii's airports were reopened for air traffic. The major hotel corporations offered special rates and other assistance for stranded travelers.
Over one third of all passengers arriving at Hawaii's airports are of foreign nationality, predominantly from Canada, Japan and other nations of the Pacific Rim. Because of its role as a major border crossing, it is extremely likely that once air traffic resumes to and from the islands, intense security measures will need to be implemented and will likely remain in place indefinitely.
Security at Honolulu International Airport has generally been considered excellent. From the personal experience of this Guide (a frequent visitor to Hawaii), carry-on baggage is checked much more carefully than at many mainland airports. Many of these higher security measures were previously implemented to prevent animals, reptiles and non-native plant materials from entering the islands.
Transportation officials have already announced that once island airports are opened, only ticketed passengers will be allowed access to the terminals. Passengers who are used to arriving for flights just minutes before departure will likely need to adjust their schedules to allow for heightened security precautions. This will have the most serious effect on the hundreds of inter-island flights that are flown each day and used not only by visitors, but also by island residents commuting from island to island.
Other proposed security measures could significantly restrict carry-on baggage. Most travelers to Hawaii arrive with one or two carry-ons, often due to the personal needs of visitors making 8-10 hour flights to the islands.
While many passengers are likely to accept further security precautions and restrictions in the interest of their personal safety, others in fear of dangers of terrorism in the air will make other travel plans to destinations closer to home where air travel is not required.
Only time will tell the exact impact that the tragedy of September 11 will have on the economy and people of Hawaii. On a Sunday morning almost sixty years ago, Hawaii was the scene of the nation's first Day of Infamy. Numerous news sources are already referring to the happenings in New York and Washington as the nation's Second Day of Infamy.
The people of Hawaii and all travelers who have visited the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor share in the grief and anger of those who have suffered in the unspeakable tragedy sixty years later.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Already suffering from a downturn in visitors due to the weakened world economy, Hawaii is once again bracing for what will likely be a further decline in tourism in the upcoming months.
Unlike any other state in the United States, Hawaii's number one industry, tourism, is totally dependent on the willingness of travelers to fly to the islands. If as few as five or ten percent of prospective visitors decide against air travel, Hawaii's economy is likely to suffer tremendously.
As not only a final tourist destination, but also as a major way point for air traffic bound to and from the U.S. mainland from Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, over 4000 travelers found themselves stranded in Hawaii in the hours following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Hawaii's tourist infrastructure struggled to locate accommodations for passengers and crews until such time as Hawaii's airports were reopened for air traffic. The major hotel corporations offered special rates and other assistance for stranded travelers.
Over one third of all passengers arriving at Hawaii's airports are of foreign nationality, predominantly from Canada, Japan and other nations of the Pacific Rim. Because of its role as a major border crossing, it is extremely likely that once air traffic resumes to and from the islands, intense security measures will need to be implemented and will likely remain in place indefinitely.
Security at Honolulu International Airport has generally been considered excellent. From the personal experience of this Guide (a frequent visitor to Hawaii), carry-on baggage is checked much more carefully than at many mainland airports. Many of these higher security measures were previously implemented to prevent animals, reptiles and non-native plant materials from entering the islands.
Transportation officials have already announced that once island airports are opened, only ticketed passengers will be allowed access to the terminals. Passengers who are used to arriving for flights just minutes before departure will likely need to adjust their schedules to allow for heightened security precautions. This will have the most serious effect on the hundreds of inter-island flights that are flown each day and used not only by visitors, but also by island residents commuting from island to island.
Other proposed security measures could significantly restrict carry-on baggage. Most travelers to Hawaii arrive with one or two carry-ons, often due to the personal needs of visitors making 8-10 hour flights to the islands.
While many passengers are likely to accept further security precautions and restrictions in the interest of their personal safety, others in fear of dangers of terrorism in the air will make other travel plans to destinations closer to home where air travel is not required.
Only time will tell the exact impact that the tragedy of September 11 will have on the economy and people of Hawaii. On a Sunday morning almost sixty years ago, Hawaii was the scene of the nation's first Day of Infamy. Numerous news sources are already referring to the happenings in New York and Washington as the nation's Second Day of Infamy.
The people of Hawaii and all travelers who have visited the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor share in the grief and anger of those who have suffered in the unspeakable tragedy sixty years later.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Destroying Paradise
In the past decade or so that I have been visiting Hawaii on a regular basis two things stand out which endanger Hawaii not only for those of us who are visitors to the islands, but more importantly for the people who have made Hawaii their home for the majority of, if not their entire lives.
Vehicle traffic has become intolerable
Hawaii's infrastructure is unable to handle the demands of vehicle traffic during almost every hour of the day. On O'ahu the H1 and H2 highways are a complete bottleneck from well before sunrise until sunset. On Maui, Highway 30, the Honoapiilani Highway is frequently backed up from the tunnel to Ka'anapali.
The cost of housing has become out of the reach of most island residents as well as most potential future residents.
The median price for a family home is $550,000 on O'ahu and almost $700,000 on Maui, up over 30% in the last ten years. To better appreciate these numbers, when I was on O'ahu recently I heard a woman tell that she and her husband just finalized the purchase of a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath "fixer-upper." There were 13 other bids. The final price she paid was $650,000.
While apparently separate issues, these two items are actually quite intertwined.
During my visit I scheduled a snorkel cruise from the Waianae Boat Harbor on O'ahu's leeward (west) side. I left my lodging in Waikiki at 5:00 a.m. for the 90-minute drive. As I drove west on H1 I noted that traffic coming east on H1 from the leeward side was already bumper-to-bumper. It remained that way all the way back past Pearl Harbor.
Another day, I drove to the North Shore at around 2:00 p.m. and found myself in heavy traffic on H1 west onto H2 north until we reached the Miilani exit.
What has happened over the last decade is that housing costs in and around Honolulu have soared to levels untouchable by most island residents. Statistics show that most of these properties are being purchased by wealthy individuals from the mainland, often by residents of California seeking to escape that state's economic woes. Many of these new homebuyers are independently wealthy or retired individuals who will add little to Hawaii's economy or society other than as consumers. This same pattern holds true on Maui and to a lesser degree on the other islands.
Local residents, especially first time home buyers are forced to seek what little affordable housing exists in areas distant from their workplaces in Honolulu or Waikiki. Many are compelled to buy less desirable and often poorer quality homes on the leeward side or in central O'ahu. Many simply cannot afford any housing at all and decide to move to the mainland. Others pursue even worse solutions. Drive past any beach on leeward O'ahu at sunrise and notice how many families are living in tents on the beach. You will even see school buses picking up children at these tent villages as part of the regular routes.
Possible Solutions
Solving these problems of traffic and affordable housing will not be easy. They may even be impossible at this late date. Here are some possible solutions.
O'ahu is in desperate need of a high-speed transit system, additional bus routes and highway improvements to convey residents from outlying areas into Honolulu and Waikiki. This has been discussed for many years and may finally be moving forward. The drive to build a new mass-transit system, including a rail system, on O'ahu got a boost with a bill recently passed by the State Legislature that allows counties to add up to a half of a percentage point surcharge to the state’s 4 percent general excise tax. The proceeds of the tax surcharge will go toward transit projects.
Car and vanpools need to be made financially attractive to riders. Higher taxes need to be applied to the state's relatively low car rental costs to discourage so many visitors from renting cars for the full time they are in the islands. Most resort areas have numerous car rental agencies that will rent cars on a daily basis when needed.
A minimum one-year residency requirement should be imposed on any individual(s) seeking to purchase a home in the islands. This requirement would be waived for former residents seeking to return to the islands.
A tax structure should be established to encourage the sale of homes to Hawaii residents. A high property transfer tax should be imposed on both the buyer and seller when a property is being sold to a non-resident. Tax breaks should be available to Hawaii residents and non-residents selling property to other Hawaii inhabitants.
Traffic issues can potentially be improved. It's doubtful that without a total collapse in the economy that the current housing costs can be driven down, but they must be stabilized. Unless steps are taken soon in both areas, we will likely finally see Paradise Destroyed.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Vehicle traffic has become intolerable
Hawaii's infrastructure is unable to handle the demands of vehicle traffic during almost every hour of the day. On O'ahu the H1 and H2 highways are a complete bottleneck from well before sunrise until sunset. On Maui, Highway 30, the Honoapiilani Highway is frequently backed up from the tunnel to Ka'anapali.
The cost of housing has become out of the reach of most island residents as well as most potential future residents.
The median price for a family home is $550,000 on O'ahu and almost $700,000 on Maui, up over 30% in the last ten years. To better appreciate these numbers, when I was on O'ahu recently I heard a woman tell that she and her husband just finalized the purchase of a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath "fixer-upper." There were 13 other bids. The final price she paid was $650,000.
While apparently separate issues, these two items are actually quite intertwined.
During my visit I scheduled a snorkel cruise from the Waianae Boat Harbor on O'ahu's leeward (west) side. I left my lodging in Waikiki at 5:00 a.m. for the 90-minute drive. As I drove west on H1 I noted that traffic coming east on H1 from the leeward side was already bumper-to-bumper. It remained that way all the way back past Pearl Harbor.
Another day, I drove to the North Shore at around 2:00 p.m. and found myself in heavy traffic on H1 west onto H2 north until we reached the Miilani exit.
What has happened over the last decade is that housing costs in and around Honolulu have soared to levels untouchable by most island residents. Statistics show that most of these properties are being purchased by wealthy individuals from the mainland, often by residents of California seeking to escape that state's economic woes. Many of these new homebuyers are independently wealthy or retired individuals who will add little to Hawaii's economy or society other than as consumers. This same pattern holds true on Maui and to a lesser degree on the other islands.
Local residents, especially first time home buyers are forced to seek what little affordable housing exists in areas distant from their workplaces in Honolulu or Waikiki. Many are compelled to buy less desirable and often poorer quality homes on the leeward side or in central O'ahu. Many simply cannot afford any housing at all and decide to move to the mainland. Others pursue even worse solutions. Drive past any beach on leeward O'ahu at sunrise and notice how many families are living in tents on the beach. You will even see school buses picking up children at these tent villages as part of the regular routes.
Possible Solutions
Solving these problems of traffic and affordable housing will not be easy. They may even be impossible at this late date. Here are some possible solutions.
O'ahu is in desperate need of a high-speed transit system, additional bus routes and highway improvements to convey residents from outlying areas into Honolulu and Waikiki. This has been discussed for many years and may finally be moving forward. The drive to build a new mass-transit system, including a rail system, on O'ahu got a boost with a bill recently passed by the State Legislature that allows counties to add up to a half of a percentage point surcharge to the state’s 4 percent general excise tax. The proceeds of the tax surcharge will go toward transit projects.
Car and vanpools need to be made financially attractive to riders. Higher taxes need to be applied to the state's relatively low car rental costs to discourage so many visitors from renting cars for the full time they are in the islands. Most resort areas have numerous car rental agencies that will rent cars on a daily basis when needed.
A minimum one-year residency requirement should be imposed on any individual(s) seeking to purchase a home in the islands. This requirement would be waived for former residents seeking to return to the islands.
A tax structure should be established to encourage the sale of homes to Hawaii residents. A high property transfer tax should be imposed on both the buyer and seller when a property is being sold to a non-resident. Tax breaks should be available to Hawaii residents and non-residents selling property to other Hawaii inhabitants.
Traffic issues can potentially be improved. It's doubtful that without a total collapse in the economy that the current housing costs can be driven down, but they must be stabilized. Unless steps are taken soon in both areas, we will likely finally see Paradise Destroyed.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving, Shark Diving, Shark Exploration, Baja, South America
Friday, January 25, 2008
How polluted is Ocean Water?
How polluted is Ocean Water?
What kind of stuff is in it and why are some areas worse than others? Why are some areas dark colored black water and some are clear blue?
ANSWER?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
One of the most polluted sections of ocean in the world today is known as the Gulf Of Mexico "Dead Zone". Thanks to runoff from the Mississippi River, there is an extremely unhealthy cake of sediment and pollution in the ocean that covers an area of 22,126 square kilometres.
The majority of the pollutants that make up this particular Dead Zone are agricultural-based pollutants, eg. artificial fertilizer and animal waste. Thanks to meterological elements such as rain, the pollution makes its way into the tributaries that lead to the Mississippi, forming a big disgusting clump of waste just offshore in the Gulf.
This causes depleted oxygen levels in the water, which in turn leads to reproductive problems and ultimately death in marine wildlife.
There are currently reports of over 140 dead zones throughout the world - but as pessimistic as this sounds, the good news is that the world's previous largest dead zone in the Black Sea (over 70,000 square kilometres!!) actually cleared itself up over the course of 10 years due to a decrease in industrial waste.
I'm no ecologist so don't quote me on this - but I wouldn't think that dead zones are responsible for the darnkess of the sea water, I would have thought that had to do more with the ocean's depth and any reefs or other such natural geological occurance (ie. clear blue coloured water closer to the shore and darker black out in the deep, or in a reef-heavy area). Although I'm sure dead zones are distinguishable by satellite, I wouldn't think that *every* off-coloured part of the ocean is a polluted part.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Check out this website, it contains a great array of colourful animations and activities all to do with the Gulf Of Mexico Dead Zone:
http://www.smm.org/deadzone/top.html
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
What kind of stuff is in it and why are some areas worse than others? Why are some areas dark colored black water and some are clear blue?
ANSWER?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
One of the most polluted sections of ocean in the world today is known as the Gulf Of Mexico "Dead Zone". Thanks to runoff from the Mississippi River, there is an extremely unhealthy cake of sediment and pollution in the ocean that covers an area of 22,126 square kilometres.
The majority of the pollutants that make up this particular Dead Zone are agricultural-based pollutants, eg. artificial fertilizer and animal waste. Thanks to meterological elements such as rain, the pollution makes its way into the tributaries that lead to the Mississippi, forming a big disgusting clump of waste just offshore in the Gulf.
This causes depleted oxygen levels in the water, which in turn leads to reproductive problems and ultimately death in marine wildlife.
There are currently reports of over 140 dead zones throughout the world - but as pessimistic as this sounds, the good news is that the world's previous largest dead zone in the Black Sea (over 70,000 square kilometres!!) actually cleared itself up over the course of 10 years due to a decrease in industrial waste.
I'm no ecologist so don't quote me on this - but I wouldn't think that dead zones are responsible for the darnkess of the sea water, I would have thought that had to do more with the ocean's depth and any reefs or other such natural geological occurance (ie. clear blue coloured water closer to the shore and darker black out in the deep, or in a reef-heavy area). Although I'm sure dead zones are distinguishable by satellite, I wouldn't think that *every* off-coloured part of the ocean is a polluted part.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Check out this website, it contains a great array of colourful animations and activities all to do with the Gulf Of Mexico Dead Zone:
http://www.smm.org/deadzone/top.html
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
About Best of Hawaii
http://www.bestofhawaii.com/index.shtml
Site Contents:
About Best of Hawaii
KEY WORDS
Scuba Hawaii Hawaii Travel Caribbean Scuba Scuba Certification Scuba Jay Costa Maya Scuba Dive Gear Hawaii Reef Divers Scuba Diving Cave Diving Naui SSI TDI SDI Water Rescue Diving Water Rescues PADI Technical Scuba Diving Dive Rescue Jason Kilgore What is Scuba Diving Scuba Dive Answers Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts Jason Kilgore and USANA Jason Kilgore and Karate Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving Sacramento auburn California Hawaii Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving
Site Contents:
About Best of Hawaii
KEY WORDS
Scuba Hawaii Hawaii Travel Caribbean Scuba Scuba Certification Scuba Jay Costa Maya Scuba Dive Gear Hawaii Reef Divers Scuba Diving Cave Diving Naui SSI TDI SDI Water Rescue Diving Water Rescues PADI Technical Scuba Diving Dive Rescue Jason Kilgore What is Scuba Diving Scuba Dive Answers Jason Kilgore and Martial Arts Jason Kilgore and USANA Jason Kilgore and Karate Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving Sacramento auburn California Hawaii Jason Kilgore and Sierra Foothills Karate Sierra Foothills Karate and Scuba Diving Jason Kilgore and Scuba Diving
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Oceans
Scientists have long understood the key role that oceans play in regulating the Earth's climate. Oceans cover 70 percent of the globe and store a thousand times more heat than the atmosphere does. What's newer is the understanding of how this key component of our climate system responds to global warming.
"Even five years ago most scientists had no inkling of the extent to which global warming was affecting the oceans—but slowly over the years a consensus has been building," says Environmental Defense marine ecologist Rod Fujita. Today, the scientific community believes there's plenty to worry about: changes are afoot in global ocean dynamics that could have profound ecological impacts.
A brake on global warming—for now
One of the ocean's most important climate functions is absorbing heat and carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the gases that causes global warming. Acting as a heat sponge, the oceans have absorbed huge amounts of heat and CO2 in the last forty years.
Fujita explains that "the oceans are saving us from faster climate change—in essence, they are a big flywheel that delays rapid overheating of the earth, putting a brake on the climate system."
"That's the good news," he adds. "The bad news is that the oceans only slow the atmospheric warming. Once the oceans come to equilibrium with a greenhouse-gas warmed earth, the excess heat will remain in the atmosphere and things will get much hotter."
In effect, the oceans are taking up the slack for the atmosphere and delaying the full impacts of global warming. But where and how the oceans release this accumulated heat is uncertain. And as the ocean stores heat, fragile underwater ecosystems are struggling.
The most recent scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also notes with concern that the ocean is acidifying because of increased absorption of atmospheric CO2, and thus posing a threat for shell-forming species, which are an essential part of the marine food web. Projected increases in carbon dioxide levels will cause further acidification of the ocean. (IPCC, 2007)
Currents distributing heat
Another important role the oceans play is that of distributor. Oceans deliver heat and life-sustaining nutrients around the globe. Just as blood vessels and capillaries bring oxygen and nutrients to cells in the human body, the ocean's currents carry oxygen, nutrients and heat throughout the Earth. The ocean distributes 25 to 50 percent of the energy the planet receives from the sun.
For example, the Gulf Stream carries heat across the Atlantic. This warm current gives northwestern Europe a milder climate than it would normally have so far north. A change to the ocean's circulation patterns could plunge Europe into a colder era, even as the rest of world experiences warmer temperatures. (Find out more about the ocean's circulation system on oceansalive.org.)
Currents circulating food
Changing ocean circulation patterns would also affect the nutrient delivery system for marine life. Colder waters are more productive than warm waters. The warming of the oceans may be starting to break the ocean's food chain.
The system of currents replenishes deep waters with oxygen and carries nutrients to surface waters where microscopic plants known as phytoplankton can use them. When cold, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface seasonally and mix with sunlit surface waters, the upwellings trigger the growth of phytoplankton. The areas where these upwellings occur are often rich fishing grounds, the sea's "gardens of Eden" where an abundance of marine life flourishes.
As oceans absorb more heat, upwellings of cold, nutrient-rich waters can become less frequent. Without this nourishment, blooms of plant plankton, a critical link in the marine food chain, are disrupted and so food for sea life up the food chain, like krill, larger fish and seabirds, is cut off.
To make things worse, phytoplankton use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. With fewer plankton, the oceans could not remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
An example: Starving sea birds
Some signs already show that the marine food web is fraying. In 2005 on the U.S. West Coast and 2004 in Britain, hundreds of thousands of seabirds failed to breed. Dead seabirds like cormorants and Cassin's auklets have washed up on West Coast beaches.
Juvenile rockfish counts were the lowest they had been off California in more than 20years. Most alarming, small crustaceans like krill—the base of the ocean's food web—suffered steep declines.
The culprit for the collapse appears to be slackening upwellings, which decreased phytoplankton blooms in these coastal areas. Fewer phytoplankton mean fewer fish, leaving the birds to face mass starvation. Monitoring of the oceans off Hawaii over the last 20 years shows that upwellings are decreasing. Scientists suspect that this is an effect of global warming.
The debate over global warming has shifted from whether it is happening to how to avoid catastrophic damage. Significant changes loom for seabird and fish communities, ocean circulation patterns and basic processes of ocean chemistry.
"We're facing warming waters and major alterations in many oceanic processes and ocean chemistry, damage to coral reefs, and effects from sea level rise on marine ecosystems," says Environmental Defense scientist Doug Rader.
Without emissions cuts, the effects will be even worse.
"The ship is already in motion, and it will take immediate action to turn it away from the danger ahead," sums up Environmental Defense climate scientist Dr. James Wang.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
"Even five years ago most scientists had no inkling of the extent to which global warming was affecting the oceans—but slowly over the years a consensus has been building," says Environmental Defense marine ecologist Rod Fujita. Today, the scientific community believes there's plenty to worry about: changes are afoot in global ocean dynamics that could have profound ecological impacts.
A brake on global warming—for now
One of the ocean's most important climate functions is absorbing heat and carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the gases that causes global warming. Acting as a heat sponge, the oceans have absorbed huge amounts of heat and CO2 in the last forty years.
Fujita explains that "the oceans are saving us from faster climate change—in essence, they are a big flywheel that delays rapid overheating of the earth, putting a brake on the climate system."
"That's the good news," he adds. "The bad news is that the oceans only slow the atmospheric warming. Once the oceans come to equilibrium with a greenhouse-gas warmed earth, the excess heat will remain in the atmosphere and things will get much hotter."
In effect, the oceans are taking up the slack for the atmosphere and delaying the full impacts of global warming. But where and how the oceans release this accumulated heat is uncertain. And as the ocean stores heat, fragile underwater ecosystems are struggling.
The most recent scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also notes with concern that the ocean is acidifying because of increased absorption of atmospheric CO2, and thus posing a threat for shell-forming species, which are an essential part of the marine food web. Projected increases in carbon dioxide levels will cause further acidification of the ocean. (IPCC, 2007)
Currents distributing heat
Another important role the oceans play is that of distributor. Oceans deliver heat and life-sustaining nutrients around the globe. Just as blood vessels and capillaries bring oxygen and nutrients to cells in the human body, the ocean's currents carry oxygen, nutrients and heat throughout the Earth. The ocean distributes 25 to 50 percent of the energy the planet receives from the sun.
For example, the Gulf Stream carries heat across the Atlantic. This warm current gives northwestern Europe a milder climate than it would normally have so far north. A change to the ocean's circulation patterns could plunge Europe into a colder era, even as the rest of world experiences warmer temperatures. (Find out more about the ocean's circulation system on oceansalive.org.)
Currents circulating food
Changing ocean circulation patterns would also affect the nutrient delivery system for marine life. Colder waters are more productive than warm waters. The warming of the oceans may be starting to break the ocean's food chain.
The system of currents replenishes deep waters with oxygen and carries nutrients to surface waters where microscopic plants known as phytoplankton can use them. When cold, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface seasonally and mix with sunlit surface waters, the upwellings trigger the growth of phytoplankton. The areas where these upwellings occur are often rich fishing grounds, the sea's "gardens of Eden" where an abundance of marine life flourishes.
As oceans absorb more heat, upwellings of cold, nutrient-rich waters can become less frequent. Without this nourishment, blooms of plant plankton, a critical link in the marine food chain, are disrupted and so food for sea life up the food chain, like krill, larger fish and seabirds, is cut off.
To make things worse, phytoplankton use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. With fewer plankton, the oceans could not remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
An example: Starving sea birds
Some signs already show that the marine food web is fraying. In 2005 on the U.S. West Coast and 2004 in Britain, hundreds of thousands of seabirds failed to breed. Dead seabirds like cormorants and Cassin's auklets have washed up on West Coast beaches.
Juvenile rockfish counts were the lowest they had been off California in more than 20years. Most alarming, small crustaceans like krill—the base of the ocean's food web—suffered steep declines.
The culprit for the collapse appears to be slackening upwellings, which decreased phytoplankton blooms in these coastal areas. Fewer phytoplankton mean fewer fish, leaving the birds to face mass starvation. Monitoring of the oceans off Hawaii over the last 20 years shows that upwellings are decreasing. Scientists suspect that this is an effect of global warming.
The debate over global warming has shifted from whether it is happening to how to avoid catastrophic damage. Significant changes loom for seabird and fish communities, ocean circulation patterns and basic processes of ocean chemistry.
"We're facing warming waters and major alterations in many oceanic processes and ocean chemistry, damage to coral reefs, and effects from sea level rise on marine ecosystems," says Environmental Defense scientist Doug Rader.
Without emissions cuts, the effects will be even worse.
"The ship is already in motion, and it will take immediate action to turn it away from the danger ahead," sums up Environmental Defense climate scientist Dr. James Wang.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
A Marine Treasure in Hawaii Is Protected
A Marine Treasure in Hawaii Is Protected
President Bush creates vast ocean refuge to preserve rare sea animals and corals
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentID=5291
President George W. Bush announced last week that he will establish the world’s largest marine protected area to safeguard a remote, biologically rich string of islands and submerged lands known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Extending over 84 million acres, the proposed marine sanctuary is more than 38 times larger than Yellowstone National Park, and larger than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Following the process for scientific and public input outlined by Congress, the Bush Administration has developed a plan that will manage the sanctuary to protect the marine animals, coral reefs and seabird breeding habitat in one of the most remote coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Over 7,000 species are found in the region, at least one-third of which are unique to Hawai'i.
Environmental Defense scientist Dr. Stephanie Fried worked for years to secure strong protections for the waters of this 1,200-mile string of islands. Last fall, after signing regulations to safeguard state waters, Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle thanked Fried for her advocacy. Fried is a founding member of the NWHI hui – the broad network of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, fishers and scientists with groups including `Ìlio`ulaokalani Coalition, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance and Sierra Club/ Hawai`i, which led the campaign for NWHI protections.
Full news release - "Environmentalists Praise Bush's Action to Create the World's Largest Marine Protected Area: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary" (6/15/2006)
In the News
The creation of this national monument — more than 100 times larger than Yosemite Park — made the headlines of major news outlets.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
President Bush creates vast ocean refuge to preserve rare sea animals and corals
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentID=5291
President George W. Bush announced last week that he will establish the world’s largest marine protected area to safeguard a remote, biologically rich string of islands and submerged lands known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Extending over 84 million acres, the proposed marine sanctuary is more than 38 times larger than Yellowstone National Park, and larger than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Following the process for scientific and public input outlined by Congress, the Bush Administration has developed a plan that will manage the sanctuary to protect the marine animals, coral reefs and seabird breeding habitat in one of the most remote coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Over 7,000 species are found in the region, at least one-third of which are unique to Hawai'i.
Environmental Defense scientist Dr. Stephanie Fried worked for years to secure strong protections for the waters of this 1,200-mile string of islands. Last fall, after signing regulations to safeguard state waters, Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle thanked Fried for her advocacy. Fried is a founding member of the NWHI hui – the broad network of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, fishers and scientists with groups including `Ìlio`ulaokalani Coalition, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance and Sierra Club/ Hawai`i, which led the campaign for NWHI protections.
Full news release - "Environmentalists Praise Bush's Action to Create the World's Largest Marine Protected Area: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary" (6/15/2006)
In the News
The creation of this national monument — more than 100 times larger than Yosemite Park — made the headlines of major news outlets.
KEYWORDS:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
Overfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Honolulu, HI - The Ocean Conservancy and Marine Conservation Biology Institute today released a joint scientific report showing the repeated occurrence of overfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The report reveals that the area was overfished or in the danger zone in 11 out of 16 years-from 1988 to 2003-with only limited fishing pressure, as few boats have fished the distant region. Despite the low fishing presence, commercial fishing has harmed the rich ecosystem, leading to a decline in the important bottomfish populations that exist in the unique archipelago.
"Overfishing is a serious threat to the health of our oceans, and if we are to act as good stewards, we need to make sure that the Northwestern Hawaiian Island bottomfish population remains healthy," said Dennis Heinemann, Senior Scientist for The Ocean Conservancy and lead author of the report.
A unique and diverse ecosystem exists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands archipelago, which stretches from the main islands to Midway. This ecosystem contains extensive and massive reef colonies and thousands of marine species, and stands apart as an oceanic gem at a time in which large fish are disappearing and worldwide ecosystems are in decline. It is also highly important culturally for the native Hawaiian community. The report shows that even this relatively untouched region is susceptible to harm from even limited commercial fishing. It is clear that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands cannot remain healthy if any commercial fishing continues.
"Many have claimed that so few vessels fishing such a vast area would cause little harm," said Lance Morgan, Chief Scientist for Marine Conservation Biology Institute. "The government's data have shown the opposite is the case: the fishing pressure from only a few boats has had demonstrably negative effects on the resources. This unique region, with its extraordinary reef ecosystem, deserves extraordinary care."
The report's conclusions are based on recently adopted methods of analysis, using data provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Visit
www.oceanconservancy.org/hawaii
http://www.mcbi.org/
for more information.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
"Overfishing is a serious threat to the health of our oceans, and if we are to act as good stewards, we need to make sure that the Northwestern Hawaiian Island bottomfish population remains healthy," said Dennis Heinemann, Senior Scientist for The Ocean Conservancy and lead author of the report.
A unique and diverse ecosystem exists in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands archipelago, which stretches from the main islands to Midway. This ecosystem contains extensive and massive reef colonies and thousands of marine species, and stands apart as an oceanic gem at a time in which large fish are disappearing and worldwide ecosystems are in decline. It is also highly important culturally for the native Hawaiian community. The report shows that even this relatively untouched region is susceptible to harm from even limited commercial fishing. It is clear that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands cannot remain healthy if any commercial fishing continues.
"Many have claimed that so few vessels fishing such a vast area would cause little harm," said Lance Morgan, Chief Scientist for Marine Conservation Biology Institute. "The government's data have shown the opposite is the case: the fishing pressure from only a few boats has had demonstrably negative effects on the resources. This unique region, with its extraordinary reef ecosystem, deserves extraordinary care."
The report's conclusions are based on recently adopted methods of analysis, using data provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Visit
www.oceanconservancy.org/hawaii
http://www.mcbi.org/
for more information.
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkeling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Hawaii Volcanoes Video -- National Geographic
An unprecedented number of tremors lead volcano experts to believe Hawaii'sMauna Loa volcano could erupt soon. ..
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/environment-natural-disasters/volcanoes/hawaii-volcanoes.html
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, AHA Scientific Statements AHA Statements Alice Clegg Alternative Medicine antioxidants body building Business Opportunity Calcium California Cancer cardiovascular diseases cooking diets fitness food health health and freedom Jason Kilgore Kilgore and USANA Kilgore Defense Institute Kilgore MMA Martial Arts mens health Mexico USANA Minerals mydreams.usana.com nutrition nutritionals Recipes Safety Sierra Foothills Karate nutrition advise sports Sports Health Sports Nutrition Statements Stress Stress Management USANA Usana and Alice Clegg Usana and Jason Kilgore Usana and Sierra Foothills Karate USANA HEALTH SCIENCES USANA HEALTH SCIENCES DISTRIBUTOR Utah vitamins wellness Wellness Misphitz women fitness womens health
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/environment-natural-disasters/volcanoes/hawaii-volcanoes.html
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, Hawaii reef divers, NAUI, scuba rental gear, sharks, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Enriched Air, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, ITAN, Kona, NAUI, NOAA, other specialty certifications, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, airlines, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaiian Islands, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Maui, scuba certification, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, snorkel/fins, vacation, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Hawaiian Islands, PADI Divemaster SCUBA Certification, Snorkel Bob, Snorkling/Fin, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, AHA Scientific Statements AHA Statements Alice Clegg Alternative Medicine antioxidants body building Business Opportunity Calcium California Cancer cardiovascular diseases cooking diets fitness food health health and freedom Jason Kilgore Kilgore and USANA Kilgore Defense Institute Kilgore MMA Martial Arts mens health Mexico USANA Minerals mydreams.usana.com nutrition nutritionals Recipes Safety Sierra Foothills Karate nutrition advise sports Sports Health Sports Nutrition Statements Stress Stress Management USANA Usana and Alice Clegg Usana and Jason Kilgore Usana and Sierra Foothills Karate USANA HEALTH SCIENCES USANA HEALTH SCIENCES DISTRIBUTOR Utah vitamins wellness Wellness Misphitz women fitness womens health
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Island of Hawai'i
Island of Hawai'i
A. Demography
Population size: 120,317
Population density (no./sq. km): 11.5
Population growth (1980-1990): +31%
Percent urban population: 8%
B. Geography
Island area (sq. km): 10,433
Shoreline length (km): 428
C. Coral reefs
Estimated percent reef: 50%
Reef area (sq. km): 252
Reef types: fringing, non-structured communities
Protected areas:
Marine life conservation districts: Kealakekua Bay, Lapkahi State Historic Park, Old Kona Airport, Wailea Bay
Fisheries management areas: Hilo Bay, Puako Bay & Reef, Kailua Bay
Total area (ha): 288
Percent of protected reef area: 1.1%
Information sources:
Further reading:
Clark, J. R. K. 1985. Beaches of the Big Island. Univ. of Hawaii Press. 169 pp.
Click here for more information about Marine Life Conservations Districts
Clark, J. R. K. 1985. Beaches of the Big Island. Univ. of Hawaii Press. 169 pp.
Click here for more information about Marine Life Conservations Districts
Keywords:
Advance Scuba training, Adventure Sports, airlines, Basic Open Water, Digital Underwater Photography, discount travel, Divemaster scuba, Enriched Air, Extreme Scuba and Jason Kilgore, family travel, family vacations, Hawaii reef divers, Hawaii Scuba Diving, Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Islands sight seeing, hotels, Jason Kilgore, Kona, Maui, scuba certification, other specialty certifications, NAUI, NOAA, scuba diving, scuba rental gear, sharks, SSI, TDI/SDI, Underwater Instructors, vacation, Scuba and Jason Kilgore, Naui and Jason Kilgore, How to scuba dive, skin diving, snorkel, mask, fins, Reef Relief, coral reef, reef fish, maui divers, dive shops, scuba dive shops, cave diving, ice diving, wreck diving
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Spinner Dolphin
Spinner Dolphin Pictures, Behaviors, Video and Information (provided by the Wild Dolphin Foundation)
The Hawaiian name for dolphin is nai'a, and refers to most all dolphins found here. Hawaiian Spinner dolphins are shaped and colored somewhat differently from other species of spinner dolphins.
With 13 species of toothed dolphins (nai'a) swimming in the tepid waters of Hawaii, the most common are the Hawaiian spinner, spotted (kiko), bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins. Other often seen members of the dolphin family - although termed as whales (kohola)- are pilot and false killer whales.
Dolphins in Hawaii are commonly termed as "porpoise" by local folks, especially fishermen, who use the word "dolphin" when referring to the dolphin fish, or mahi mahi.
So called for their high, spinning leaps, spinner dolphins are known as playful, eager bow-riders throughout much of their range.
In certain areas in Hawaii, spinner dolphins are seen on an almost daily basis. Probably since the islands have formed, the Hawaiian spinner dolphins have come into nearshore daytime habitats along the west coast of Oahu. We have traced their occurrence in our area back at least 800 years.
Below are descriptions of daytime behaviors the acrobatic spinners frequently engage in. Pictures and videos were taken during our dolphin encounter tours.
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins Stenella longirostris "Nai'a"Size: 1.7 to 2.2 m, 75 kg. Males slightly larger than females Calves at birth: 77 cm 45 to 65 sharp-pointed teeth on each side of upper and lower jaw Food: Fish (small deep-ocean species) and squid Habitat: Mainly offshore Range: Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate world ocean Status:
Population unknown, but common in most parts of its range. Substantial declines have occurred in the eastern tropical Pacific
To see the enlarged pictures, please click on the desired picture. Double click to open movies.
Spins
Spinner dolphins are famous for their fantastic jumps high out of the water. They can leap into the air and make as many as 7 complete spins before diving back into the ocean! Few dolphins are known to leap as high as the Spinner and except occasionally for the Clymene dolphin, no others spin. Why Do Spinner Dolphins Spin?Note: Click on the picture to the right to see good spin video >>
Head-Over-Tail
This aerial behavior is probably the most energetic. While the spin is more like a top, this leap is a series of mid-air somersaults.Note: Click on the picture to the right to see head over video >>
Head Slaps
This very young spinner has already learned a way to get mom's attention. Repeated head slaps send an acoustical message. Notice the pinkish underside, normally white, this could mean excitement or the product of vigorous slapping!
Tail or Peduncle Slaps
Often seen before a change in the pods behavior. Most often, immediately after we see this behavior, the pod will change its traveling direction. Tail slap video and how it looks from underwater. The dolphin is excited about his "play toy!"
Nose-Outs
Often seen before going into a rest mode, or when they seem to have interest in us. These, although still classified as aerial behaviors are the least energy taxing.
Fluke-up Dive
Dives with the tail (flukes) raised in the air seem to signal deep dives. This a borderline aerial behavior - as it still happens above the water line, but is not very active.
Playing Behavior
Spinners often make "play-toys" of objects in their environment. In our area, the tradewinds blow lightweight plastic grocery bags into the ocean. The dolphins drape these over their fins and pass them back and forth. Note: Click on the picture to the right to see dolphins play video >>
Echelon Swimming
Newborn calves can be seen swimming near their mothers head for about a week before they swim nearer to her dorsal fin. This is termed as echelon swimming. Dolphins carry their young inside their womb and gestation is about 12 months for a bottlenose. The baby emerges tail first, and will suckle from its mother for up to 4 years.
Breathing
Oceanic dolphins have evolved a method of breathing without surfacing from the water. They blow a bubble when near the water surface and then quickly draw breath in when the bubble forms a bridge between the blowhole and the air, through the water. Dolphins breathe through their blowhole located at the top of their head. A dolphin may empty and refill its lungs in less than a fifth of second. As the dolphin breathes the air leaves the blowhole at speeds of over 100mph. To sleep, a dolphin must shut down only half of its brain, as its breathing is under voluntary control.
Social Behavior
Spinner dolphin's pectoral flippers are used to steer them through the water, and they also use them to stroke one another, increasing the social bond between them. Dolphin "friends" may swim along face to face touching flippers. Dolphins that appear to be closely bonded may swim in synchrony, twisting, turning and swimming in perfect harmony together.
Whistles
Spinner Dolphins can be very noisy under and above water, click here to hear for underwater video and sound of spinner dolphins vocalizing and a signature whistle.
More spinner dolphin photos
Hear a dolphin click train
Our wildlife tours focus on education and conservation so that an interactive relationship can be maintained in the best interest of both humans and dolphins. We strive to foster admiration and deep respect for these wonder-ful marine mammals.
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