Sara Hall
Writer
Location: Alhambra
Hometown: Williams, Oregon
I've always been drawn to adventure, especially in nature. I grew up in a small town where my backyard was a dense forest. The forest seemed endless, and it fascinated me. I missed it like crazy when I moved to Southern California. Then I discovered the forest is still right in my backyard, in the giant kelp of the Channel Islands. I've never been diving outside the California coastline, and I know someday I will. But for now, there is plenty of adventure to be had right here.
Biodiversity at Anacapa Island
May 21, 2015
Photo by Chris Shi
Photo by Chris Shi
The second before a diver steps off the boat is often filled with excitement and overwhelming anticipation. With each subsequent dive, we gain a greater understanding of the marine life that captivates us. On March 28th the Ocean Safari Dive Team hosted a trip to Anacapa island aboard the Explorer. The brilliant crimson sea fan captured in this photograph demonstrates the remarkable beauty that awaits divers just under the surface. This elegant red gorgonian (Leptogorgia chilensis) is just one of many filter feeding invertebrates that flourish among the rocks and lush kelp forest. The Blacksmith (Chromis punctipinnis) hover just beyond the divers reach, seemingly suspended in the water as a massive bait ball of smelt swirl around the tall sweeping strands of kelp. These dazzling photographs feed my love for diving. I can’t wait for my next boat trip with Ocean Safari.
