There’s a pretty amazing underwater video that’s been making the rounds this week. It’s so extraordinary that we felt compelled to share it with all of you.
Videographer Ziggy Livnat filmed this visually stunning video in the coral reefs just off of St. John. Turn on the sound if you can, but it’s not necessary, making it perfectly fine to watch at work.
Recognize any of the spots?
I hope you alerted the DNR as to the location of that lionfish, they are decimating the reef fish population.
Really, that’s all you have to say about this video? I’m sure the photographer is well aware of the declining fish population. Do you think over fishing, increasing h20 temp and coral bleaching have anything to do with this problem as we’ll?
Beautiful and well done. Recognized at least what I think were some of the areas, mostly on the Coral Bay side of the island where some pristine reefs can still be found. Although there was some initial fear that lionfish would be uber-predators because they are from the Indo-Pacific and not native to the Caribbean, there is little evidence that has turned out to be the case. They have been on our reefs now for decades (although it took a while to notice them) and the reef fish seem to be doing fine. Spearing one just means another will slip in to takes its place. While scuba diving, I have seen their little ones in all kinds of hidey-holes that most snorkelers don’t see. I think it’s time to accept them. Destruction of the reef through construction run-off, pollution, thoughtless anchoring, and temperature changes are much more of a worry for the health and population-count of our reef fish.
Well said. 🙂
I was the production assistant and safety diver when this video was shot in 2010. These were the last moments for this particular lionfish. The problem continues, however, and their impact is definitely being reflected in the health of the reefs in the Virgin Islands. This is still a major environmental problem, and sightings should continue to be reported.
Thank you thank you for ummh taking care of that lionfish. It is not only a problem of decimation of the fish population, it is extremely dangerous to humans.
Ann and Homer – thank you for pointing out the real problem. As for the Lionfish, Grouper and even some sharks are discovering that they are tasty and can get around those venomous spines so we should see the population eventually stabilizing. That is of course, if we stop overfishing grouper and killing our sharks. Let’s focus on the real problems affecting our reefs and not worry too much about one species of fish.
Ziggi – Thank you for a beautiful video.
The opening scene was Eagle Shoal, and I believe the small arch was at the opening of Mary’s Creek. Very beautiful footage. I tried to capture the underwater beauty of these two spots in the 2015 calendar. Thank you Ziggy and Mary Anne for sharing.
Can’t wait to see it Elaine!