Secretary Blenny looking out from it home an evacuated space within a coral.                      Secretary blenny (Acanthemblemaria maria). Blennies take up residence in tiny abandoned holes in coral. Most secretive, they spend most of their time hiding inside or cautiously venturing to the opening of their coral home. They are tiny usually less than 8 cm. long. Bonaire

The Living Seas.

This collection of underwater images made at the premier dive locations in the Caribbean and Florida Keys shows beautiful prints of the vibrant marine life within the Ocean.

Human perception of “out of sight out of mind” is a challenge to our insight into nature.  The oceans and seas are particularly vulnerable to our lack of knowledge because the majority of life beneath the surface is unseen and as a result beyond our consciousness.  This gap of knowledge and understanding is an existential threat not only to the health of the oceans but to our lives, livelihoods, and way of life.

This year, 2018, on the Gulf Coast of Florida a major ecological crisis has surfaced.  From within the waters of the Gulf, countless dead fish surfaced washing onto the pristine white crystalline sands of Siesta beach.  Siesta beach has been recognized as having  “the world’s finest, whitest sand”.

Red Tide has been a phenomenon for more than a hundred years resulting in fish kills.  The Red Tide this year has resulted in an extraordinary number of dead fish plus dead turtles, sharks, and dolphins. This year’s red tide event is historic and deadly serious.  It is a serious threat to marine life, human life, and economics.

For those of us experiencing this deadly event, it has been depressing.  I’ve curated a collection of underwater images I made in the Gulf, Florida Keys and Caribbean which are full of life and beauty.  They are offered to show what a Living Sea looks like and to uplift our spirit.

You’re invited to an opening showcasing these prints October 27, 11 am to 4 pm at my gallery Eastep Photography, 1338 Central Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236.