This weekend we will be assisting in collaborative research efforts with @hawaiiuncharted
If any local operators or fisherman spot whale sharks today through Monday please report your sightings and provide coordinate information to 808-767-3227
Mahalo!
One of the coolest symbiotic relationships we are able to observe offshore is that of the short finned pilot whales and oceanic whitetip sharks. The sharks are often seen trailing behind or within the pod of pilot whales as they will feed off of the indigestible parts of the squid predated on by the pilots.
This relationship gives us the opportunity to observe super cool and unique multispecies interactions.
📸 @taylork.sea
#oceanicwhitetipshark #pilotwhales #sharks #openocean #offshore
Oceanic whitetip sharks are extremely capable predators! These sharks are the scavengers of the open ocean, cruising in search of easy meals out in the middle of the deep blue.
We are lucky to get the chance to encounter oceanic whitetip sharks here in Kona as they are considered critically endangered by the IUCN.
#shark #sharkvideo #oceanicwhitetipshark #sharkdive #savesharks
Based on research done by @cascadiaresearch we know that the population of rough tooth dolphins here on the big island are genetically distinct from the populations found in Kauai and Niihau. Pretty cool that the dolphins we see are unique to our island!
#dolphins #underwaterphoto #oceanlife #dolphinresearch #roughtoothdolphins
What makes the Kona coast so special? @thesaltyskipper explains exactly why these waters are such an epic location to search for pelagic species
#offshore #pelagic #oceansafari #kona #thingstodokona
Do you know the name for the striped fish accompanying this shark? These are pilot fish. They are often seen trailing or leading the sharks. These pilot fish will often pick at the scraps and little pieces of prey that the sharks miss or spit out while hunting.
📸 @taylork.sea
#fish #pilotfish #sharkphoto #sharks #oceanicwhitetipshark
The Hawaiian monk seal is a critically endangered species. Only found here in Hawaii, almost every individual has been named and tracked by researchers for close monitoring of the population. Big island has the lowest number of resident monk seals out of the main Hawaiian chain so we are exceptionally lucky any time we get the chance to observe one.
📸 @taylork.sea
#monkseal #seal #hawaii #hawaiianmonkseal #underwater
Nothing better than finding wildlife out in the middle of the ocean. One of our favorite things about our trips is the fact that there are endless possibilities. We never really know what we could find which makes every trip a unique and exciting experience!
#wildlifesafari #wildlife #oceanlife #offshore #oceanicwhitetipshark sharks openocean
While the akule play a strength in numbers game and form a baitball to hide from predators like the kahala, uku, or kamanu - we play hold your breath.
Check out free dive instructor @renssant_freedive enjoying a mellow dive through the baitball while out on tour with @deepwaterhawaii
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#hawaii #baitball #freediving
We try to give back to the ocean as much as it gives to us. Every trip we do our best to leave the ocean a little bit cleaner than we found it, picking up any garbage we drive past.
#keeptheoceanclean #oceancleanup #saveourseas #oceanlife #offshore hawaii
Rough tooth dolphins are often cooperative hunters. They will work together to accomplish their predation. They have even figured out whales to steal fisherman’s catch without accidentally getting hooked themselves.
#roughtoothdolphins #dolphins #hawaii #offshore #kona
