If you’re interested in the ocean and its aquatic inhabitants, you’ll find that there’s so much you can learn by actually observing things with your own eyes than just reading books or watching documentaries. You probably think that there isn’t a way for you to observe the ocean, especially if you have no means to charter a boat and sail away right into its deepest parts.
Fortunately, there is more to observing the ocean other than just diving straight into its waters— although that is indeed one very good method you should definitely try out sometimes. You’ll find that is it more enriching when you can actually observe the ocean and other aquatic animals in person instead of just looking at them through a screen.
Here are some of the ways you can observe aquatic life.
Check for stranded debris at the beach.
You can have a fun time observing what aquatic life has been living on a beach by exploring its strandline. This is that part that will show the beach’s height of the last high tide. You’ll likely to find algae in shells along these parts of the beach. There are even times when you’ll find kelp holdfasts that might still have living creatures on them like brittle stars and small crabs.
Explore tidepools.
If you’re not keen on the getting wet method of observing the ocean and other aquatic life, check out the tidepools instead. These are water pools that usually get trapped in various rocky outcrops that get exposed upon low tide. These little water bodies are interesting as they can be like a tiny aquarium. Also referred to as a rocky intertidal, you might have to take your hoses off if you are to observe tidepools so you can gingerly and carefully take your steps white having to end up damaging the tiny creatures that may still be attached on the rocks you are stepping on.
Go snorkeling.
If you’re not averse to the idea of going into deep waters to observe aquatic life forms, snorkeling is one activity that would be ideal for you. It’s great for exploring habitats along sandy shores, coral and rocky reefs, as well as kelp forests. Do be careful where you’re stepping onto as there are usually so many delicate organisms that can be disturbed if you’re not very careful. Also, if you can, avoid stirring the sediment too much. Do see to it that you get some good sunblock on before you get into some snorkeling fun because it’s so easy to get sunburned when you are having too much fun.
Some diving fun would be very rewarding.
Thanks to scuba diving, it is now possible to enjoy some in-depth exploration of the aquatic and underwater world. You can stay in the water for significantly longer periods with the right equipment which should give you plenty of time to watch, observe and appreciate all the bustle and activity underwater. This is also a good way to not only make detailed observations but to also assess the organism population or map corals to help with future aquatic studies.
