PHOTO TIPS FOR PALAU DIVING

by Kevin Davidson

Not all of the ocean's beautiful creatures live at the depths that require use of scuba gear in order for you to see them. A largely unexamined world of marine life lives in the range of six inches to six feet. They are the little guys that dwell in the shallows and sea grass. Crustacean, fish, nudebranchs, snails and marine vegetation can get passed by as the enthusiastic diver treks out to the deeper depths.

The sea grass and mangrove roots act as a filter to the shallow reef when it rains. It helps control  damaging erosion and becomes a nursery for many juvenile species of marine life. Sea grass can hold as many or more varieties of life than the deeper depths of the ocean.

If you bend over into the water with your mask on and take a look around, you would discover a world that will remind you to watch your step next time you stroll through the shallow waters. Some of the most beautiful corals and marine life can be observed with merely a mask, snorkel and fins.

In order for you to enjoy them, you should first be a comfortable in the water. Practice your snorkel and breath holding techniques. Once this is accomplished you'll be able to pay more attention to observing and interacting with the marine life.

Perhaps some might feel a little squeamish about clamoring into a shallow and slightly muddy bottom to look among sea grass or mangrove roots. But if you avoid stirring up the bottom, you will find things that cannot be seen in the open water. The shallows hold many juvenile species which are often are more colorful than adults. Some live their whole lives in the shallows.

Be patient and take your time when swimming around. Even though there seems to be nothing present, continue to observe. Marine animals were designed to blend in with their surroundings to avoid being eaten and to allow them to stalk prey. As fish in the open sea mimic their surroundings, creature in the shallows may look like a blade of grass or algae. Others may bury themselves in the sand, literally up to their eyeballs, to keep watch out for prey. Still others build tunnels in the rocks or sand, hide under larger rocks or blend in with whatever is in the area. They are all looking for a meal and trying to avoid becoming one.

In shallow water you'll find a dazzling array of life under the rocks. I do not advocate disrupting the coral reef, so carefully turn over and replace rocks the way you found them. Concentrate on having a low impact on the fragile shallow reefs. Animals hide under rocks for protection. If you notice other fish waiting around for you to turn things over, don't do it. You will be causing the unnatural death of some small creature.

In sea grass or algae you will find snails nudebranchs and perhaps see a shelless animal called the sea hare feeding along the reef. Some can be coaxed out from it's hiding place momentarily, while others might even tolerate your gently handling of them. Remember to help them back where they belong.

For photographers, these critters are sometimes hard to reach and shooting them can be just as challenging as finding them. Getting your camera in position can sometimes be tricky. Care should be taken when using photo gear. Cameras with framers and small strobes provide easiest handling and the framer can be used for focusing. Take notice of your body placement on the reef.

Please keep in mind at all times while scuba diving or snorkeling to avoid disrupting the reef, marine life has a right to live just as you do.