Capturing the Moment

   The old wreckage of the Mala Pier is the home to many of Maui's famous larger marine life. I often come here to look for white tip reef sharks, green sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays. On this one dive I found all of the big three, plus eels, nudibranchs, and more fish than I could fit in even with a wide angle lens. It is almost like diving a shipwreck with straight lines seldom seen in nature. The wreckage fell in on top of itself in a way that created a lot of hiding spots for creatures that prefer to stay out of sight of hunters. A new hunter was on the reef this day, a human spear fisherman. It is funny how much more nervous some random guy with a spear makes me than a shark while I am underwater. There is already an eerie, almost mysterious feeling with any wreck site, especially under the part of the pier still standing. The light and shadows cast an otherworldly sight.   Some of the animals here acted a bit out of the norm. The spotted eagle ray...

Harlequin Shrimp lined up White Tip Reef Shark  On this dive we came across big and small favorites and a few surprises as well. My favorite pair of Harlequin Shrimp haven't moved far. Sometimes they stay in the same place for months as these two have. On the other hand a white tip reef shark was something new to this site. At a couple of places in Molokini I have seen white tips stay put for months as well. 'Peek-a-boo'. Moray eel just hiding Red Reef Lobster  Checking the crevices for nudibranchs always offers some secret treasures for an underwater biologist. And it is a great way to get surprised by many kinds of moray eels. They are almost always docile knowing that they are well protected if only their head and mouth are exposed. However sometimes seeing their reflection in my camera can bring out the curiosity in them and they will come in for a closer look. I have had them bump right into my camera before. Sphinx Phyllidia Two Oval Butterfly...