Terressa Kollat

12/25/2024

Diving New Zealand

12/20/2024

Flounders are fascinating fish with some lesser-known facts that make them stand out in the marine world. Here are a few intriguing and lesser-known aspects about flounders:

1. Asymmetrical Body and Eye Migration
One of the most distinctive features of flounders is their asymmetrical body. Flounders start life as bilaterally symmetrical, like most fish, but as they mature, one eye migrates to the other side of their body. This adaptation helps them become bottom dwellers, as their eyes end up on the same side of their body while they lie flat on the ocean floor.
2. They Can Camouflage Perfectly
Flounders have specialized skin cells called chromatophores, which allow them to change color and pattern to blend in with their environment. Depending on the substrate they are on (e.g., sand, mud, or rocks), they can alter their appearance to become nearly invisible to predators and prey alike.
3. They Have a "Strong" Sense of Touch
Although they are vision-oriented predators, flounders also have a remarkable sense of touch, particularly in their lateral lines. This helps them detect the slightest movements in the water, allowing them to locate prey, even in low visibility conditions.
4. Some Species Are Ambush Predators
Flounders are often ambush predators, using their flat bodies to stay concealed on the ocean floor. They wait motionless for unsuspecting prey like shrimp, small fish, and crabs to swim by before striking quickly.
5. They Can Live in Both Salt and Freshwater
While many flounder species are strictly marine, some can tolerate brackish or even freshwater environments. The European flounder (Platichthys flesus), for example, is known to migrate between freshwater rivers and the salty sea, adapting to both conditions.

12/19/2024

Returning the undersized flounder into the sea.

12/17/2024

Yellow foot paua (Queen Paua)

12/15/2024

Paua/Abalone
Blackfoot
Yellow and white foot
(Queen Paua)

12/02/2024

Whitebaiting refers to catching juvenile fish, commonly referred to as "whitebait," as they migrate upstream. It is a popular activity in countries like New Zealand, where it is regulated to protect the sustainability of whitebait populations. Here are five important rules of whitebaiting, which may vary slightly by location but generally align with best practices:

1. Follow the Whitebaiting Season Dates
Whitebaiting is usually permitted only during specific times of the year to protect the fish during critical stages of their lifecycle. Check local regulations for the exact dates of the season.
2. Use Legal Fishing Gear
Ensure your fishing gear complies with local rules, which often regulate:
The size and type of nets (e.g., scoop nets or set nets).
The placement and dimensions of screens or barriers.
Prohibited methods such as blocking the entire waterway with a net.
3. Fish Only in Designated Areas
Many regions restrict whitebaiting to specific rivers, streams, or estuaries. Fishing in protected zones, like wildlife reserves or near spawning grounds, is often prohibited.
4. Limit the Catch
Some areas impose catch limits to prevent overharvesting. Take only what you need and avoid excessive harvesting to protect the population for future seasons.
5. Respect the Environment
Avoid damaging riverbanks, vegetation, or spawning habitats while fishing. Many whitebait species are vulnerable, and maintaining their environment is crucial for their survival.
Dispose of waste responsibly and ensure your activities don’t pollute or disturb the ecosystem.
By adhering to these rules, you can enjoy whitebaiting while helping to conserve these important species for future generations. Always check local regulations, as they can vary widely depending on the country or region.

11/29/2024

Five important rules of diving, essential for both safety and enjoyment in the underwater environment:

1. Never Hold Your Breath
Always breathe continuously when using scuba equipment. Holding your breath while ascending can cause lung over-expansion injuries due to the pressure changes underwater.
2. Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan
Set clear objectives for your dive, including depth limits, time, and emergency procedures. Stick to the plan to avoid unnecessary risks, and always dive within your training and comfort level.
3. Monitor Your Air Supply
Regularly check your air gauge during the dive to ensure you have enough air to safely ascend and complete a safety stop. Never push the limits of your tank’s capacity.
4. Ascend Slowly and Safely
Follow the "no faster than your smallest bubbles" rule when ascending. A slow ascent (not exceeding 18 meters or 60 feet per minute) prevents decompression sickness and allows time to off-gas nitrogen safely.
5. Always Dive with a Buddy
Never dive alone. Diving with a buddy ensures mutual assistance in emergencies and improves overall safety and communication underwater. Conduct pre-dive safety checks with your buddy before entering the water.
By following these rules, divers can minimize risks and maximize their underwater experiences.

11/17/2024

Whitebaiting, New Zealand

09/03/2024

Patiki/Flounder

08/23/2024

08/11/2024

07/24/2024

Physalis Peruviana Cape Gooseberry

07/17/2024

Kiwi in the wild, New Zealand