For this blog, I am remaining with the Natural World, but am moving from land and into water!
There is a huge fascinating, mysterious world underwater and we know very little about it.
The world is made up of several large salt water oceans, and also fresh water lakes. In between are rivers, inland seas and small collections of water on mountains and plateaux.
They are all completely different and sustain very different forms of life.
A HUGE VARIETY OF MARINE LIFE:
EXOTIC SIAMESE FIGHTER FISH
We all relate to fish. They are found everywhere, from shoals of sea water fish which are harvested by fishermen for commercial purposes, to the amazing leaping salmon which return to their spawning ground against all odds, carrying out amazing feats of negotiating a river in full spate.
THE AMAZING SALMON RETURNING TO ITs SPAWNING GROUND
There are thousands of types of fish, some brilliantly coloured tropical fish, and others which lurk in the shadows and are dark and dramatic.
There are also sharks, whales and dolphins which are at the large end of marine life, along with tiny specimens of multi taskers such as the sponges and "cleaner" fish which help filter water and remove impurities from other marine life.
There are lobsters, prawns, shrimps, crab, octopus and tuna, together with beautiful jellyfish, moving around the ocean like ballet dancers.
AN OYSTER WITH PEARL
Oysters live on the sea bed with their distinctive shells, and after many years may produce a pearl.
Anyone who has watched a wildlife programme featuring underwater scenes, must be amazed at the beauty and colour of a world in which we cannot live.
We may not be able to live beneath the sea, but that has not stopped humans using it to their advantage.
FISHING and OVER FISHING:
FISHING BOATS
We harvest many forms of marine life to eat, but the popularity of certain species such as tuna, has resulted in over fishing which reduces the stocks, and threatens the continuation of the species.
The most alarming situation which is happening to the underwater world, is distinctly man made.
PLASTIC and TOXIC WASTE
Oceans and inland seas and rivers are being polluted by chemicals, fuel and many other toxic waste materials which find their way into the water.
Not only that, but thousands of tons of discarded plastic cause toxicity, harm and death to marine life.
Plastic ropes and bags tangle around fish and small plastic beads widely used in the cosmetic industry, are entering the bodies of sea life which then reach the human chain if the fish is eaten.
The underwater world is a fascinating place, with not only sea creatures, but plants and marine vegetation and beautiful examples of coral.
Mutations which have resulted in some amazing camouflage are quite mind blowing.
CAMOUFGAGE AT ITS BEST
What appears to be a rock lying on the sea bed could suddenly spring into action and pounce on its prey.
Some creatures can generate an electrical current which produces a light and in some cases a mild shock, and can produce a mesmerizing sight in the darkness of the sea bed.
The underwater world is very territorial, with strict rules.
Small fish move around in shoals of thousands for protection and also to give the impression of one large creature.
Movements and habitats are largely dictated by food sources, seasons and water temperatures.
Due to oceans becoming warmer, many species are being found in areas out with their normal territory.
Whales can travel many miles and can be heard communicating and "singing" with each other.
There is evidence of marine life "meeting up" at certain locations.
It is all highly sophisticated and through technology and research we are finding out much more about this secretive world.
Many marine creatures can spend time in and out of water.
Examples are seals and also penguins.
Fish use gills to breathe which filters oxygen out of the water.
Other underwater crustations such as coral take in oxygen from the water via their "skin".
OTHER MAMMALS and BIRDS:
In more inland waterways, crocodiles can lurk both in and out of water, and are still a very real threat to everything living including humans.
Small frogs and newts prefer the shallow waters of ponds and still water where there is an abundance of minute creatures.
Many other mammals and birds view seafood as their main diet.
GULL EATING PLASTIC
Gulls, herons and many other sea birds are constantly on the look out for fish, whilst seals, and otters also eat large quantities of seafood.
Once again, the human hand has not treated this wonderful place in the natural world with respect.
Whilst most smaller and often family fishing boats, take care of the marine environment and fish responsibly, there are many of the larger commercial enterprises which over fish in order to satisfy the human demand for certain types of sea food such as tuna, prawns and lobsters, and do not respect the time it takes to regenerate the numbers or the damage done to the sea bed in the case of dredging.
Humans are ignoring and disrupting the delicate balance of nature, and seem oblivious to what they are doing.
We have many lessons to learn as we risk destroying parts of the fascinating world of marine life at our cost.
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