This is a collection of the bigger sea animals around our waters. The water around Brisbane is usually 20-25 degrees throughout the year and attracts a huge variety of species, as the warm water comes south from the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, and the colder water comes up from the Tasman Sea. This provides a huge array of different species. We are very fortunate to have them in our midst and should look after the sea for them.
This black Bull Ray swims up for a closer look at Julian Rocks, Byron Bay
This Manta swam past at Stradbroke Island. We are lucky to have such beautiful fish in nearby waters.
This Minke Whale is approximately 10 metres long and was enjoying seeing the snorkellers and divers as it cruised past us. There were four whales in the pod. It's unusual to see whales whilst in the water.
This Eagle Ray hooned straight past me at Byron Bay. It wanted to see what I was up to; and certainly didn't want to hang around afterwards.
This manta ray resembles a stealth bomber as it flies over a diver
This Manta swam past at Stradbroke Island. We are lucky to have such beautiful fish in nearby waters.
This New Zealand Fur Seal was lying close to a walkway. It was sleeping in the sun; and when it realised it had an observer, proceeded to yawn. The yawn was like being hit in the face by a miasma of rotting fish stench.
This sea krait is digging around the corals looking for dinner
This guy had been in the wars and was scratched up pretty badly. It was probably a lucky escapee from an attack by a much bigger fish.
This green turtle is descending from the surface to hunt jellyfish. The turtles are beautiful and are commonly seen in the waters around Brisbane.
This New Zealand Fur Seal was lying close to a walkway. It was sleeping in the sun; and when it realised it had an observer, proceeded to yawn. The yawn was like being hit in the face by a miasma of rotting fish stench.
This is why it's important not to throw plastic bags into the sea (among many other reasons.) The turtle thinks the jellyfish is the most delicious dessert. The little fish on the far side of the bell are truly terrified!
This mother and juvenile dolphin were demolishing a fish at about 15 metres underwater. Whilst it's common to see them on the surface; it's exceptionally rare to see dolphins underwater as the scuba bubbles confuse them. Their sonar navigation is masked by the noise of the bubbles - this was a very lucky meeting.
This school of Mullaway fish is hanging out at Julian Rocks, Byron Bay
This is a tropical-water cuttlefish
This Whip-Tail Bull Ray was curious to see a diver. It's one of the biggest sting rays we see in Queensland waters and is placid and swims in a very graceful manner.
This Loggerhead Turtle is Ol' Bitey... as evidenced by his somewhat gnarly beak
This Loggerhead Turtle is happily munching soft seaweeds
1/160 second, f3.5, ISO 80. And a Minke Whale.
