February 2019

About February – 2019 Underwater Paparazzi Calendar

February’s main photo was one of my favorite snorkeling experiences in San Diego EVER. We had some epic visibility In La Jolla last year and were obsessively jumping into the water every chance we got. One morning as we were observing these cute chubby harbor seals, a few babies decided to take a closer interest in us and swam right up to my camera! It was an encounter I’ll never forget!

Both seals and sea lions are pinnipeds, which means “fin footed” in Latin. People often confuse harbor seals and sea lions. There are a few easy signs to tell them apart. For one, as you can see in the photo, harbor seals have claws. Harbor seals also do not have visible ear flaps like sea lions do. But my favorite distinguishable characteristic is that sea lions can use their fins to “walk” on land and harbor seals… well, they pretty much bounce. 😀

The green turtle is a regular sought after local celebrity in our La Jolla waters. They can be elusive, but a swim in a water wonderland is never a bad day. Unlike most other sea turtles, adult green turtles are herbivorous, and prefer sea grasses and algae. Juvenile green turtles are omnivores, and eat invertebrates like crabs, jellyfish and sponges.

The Channel Islands are one of my favorite dive spots in Southern California! Wandering through a swaying kelp forest is simply magical. The life that thrives here is breathtaking. This image was taken at San Clemente Island, one of the 8 channel islands. It’s a decent trek out there but well worth it!

The Giant Sea Bass eluded me for a long time. I finally had some amazing encounters with them off Catalina Island this past summer. These gentle giants can be very inquisitive and will swim right up to you and check you out. They can grow to lengths over 7 feet long and 700 pounds! There’s an average sized kelp bass in the photo below the giant sea bass for size reference of just how large these awesome animals are! The giant sea bass depleted to critical numbers in the past and are now protected from hunting in our waters.

Have you ordered your 2019 Underwater Paparazzi Calendar yet? Proceeds go to a great cause!  Buy your new calendar here and learn all about the featured photos at the beginning of each month.

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