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CARIBBEAN

REEFMAGAZINE www.caribbeanreefmag.com Vol 1 Issue 1 April - June 2010

Turks & Caicos’ Dive Hot Spot

Conserving Tobago’s ReefsCOVER

Lion of the Sea

Truth about the Spine Table of Contents

8 DIVE HOT SPOT South Caicos’ Deep Blue 14 CONSERVATION CORNER Conserving Tobago’s Reefs 20 AWARENESS Lion of the Sea 24 MARINE LIFE EXPLORED Truth about the Spine 30 DIVE STORIES Dive Expedition Lessons

Cover Photo by Jim Catlin Boulder Brain Coral photographed in South Caicos

2 www.caribbeanreefmag.com CARIBBEAN

REEFMAGAZINE

Publisher Caribbean Footprints Co. Ltd.

Publication Design & Layout Ife Smenkh-Ka-Ra

Copy Editor Cheryl Ng Foon

Contributing Writers Arielle Aberdeen Jim Catlin Tadessa Harper Diana Vernette-Melville

FOR ADVERTISING SALES, PLEASE CONTACT : [email protected]

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 3 Contributors

Arielle Aberdeen is a 20 year old Advanced and Trinibagonian resident, fairly new to the world of diving. She is currently stuck on land as she completes her law degree. She is in a love affair with diving, the ocean and yoga while dreaming about combining all three. She is eagerly awaiting semester break when she can get her fins back into the water.

Jim Catlin – 27 years old, Dive Master and Tropical Marine Scientist from London in the UK. Began diving in 2001 in Fiji as part of a marine conservation expedition and have since dived all over the world, from Egypt, Thailand and the Solomon Islands to Tobago in the Caribbean. At present I’m working for the School for Field Studies as a Dive Master/ Research Assistant on South Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Tadessa Harper is an avid, non-fiction novel reader, traveller, and goer. She is a native Trinidadian who moved to the United States at the age of 11, where she attended University. A graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technolo- gy, she enjoys trolling the streets of New York and London discovering what each city has to offer. Tadessa is thrilled to be a writer for Caribbean REEF magazine, writing about her experiences learning to dive in the Caribbean. Tadessa and her dog Francois now reside in England.

Diana Vernette-Melville is a young marine zoologist and environmen- tal advocate. Throughout her life ,she has been actively involved in numerous environmental organizations and projects. At college, she re- searched extensively on marine macroflora and macrofauna in seagrass beds in Tobago. Although she is Trinidad born, Diana resides in the sis- ter isle of Tobago, working in the field of environmental protection and management, education, awareness and advocacy. Free-spirited, Diana is also an avid nature-seeker, SCUBA diver, freelance environmental writer and poet. At every available opportunity ,Diana escapes to Trini- dad to spend time with her two parents and her younger sister, Cindy.

4 www.caribbeanreefmag.com FULL PAGE ADVERT

www.swayo.com Editor’s Letter

At the beginning of 2009, at 24 years old, I wanted to Caribbean REEF Magazine is an ONLINE magazine. It embark on a new challenge. I pursued a Reef Con- will be published quarterly and contain articles which servation SCUBA scholarship with Coral Cay Conser- cover dive destinations in the Latin American and Ca- vation (CCC) in Tobago. After making extraordinary ribbean regions. This publication explores the marine friends and experiencing some of the most exhilarating environment, and how to protect and enjoy it. diving experiences with CCC, I was left craving for more underwater adventures. The magazine strives to highlight the hard work by volunteers and conservation groups. It is for the div- Eventually, I observed that most magazines with Carib- ing buffs and those who wished they could dive but bean content made only token mention of Caribbean never had the guts to jump in. Caribbean REEF is for and Latin American reefs (one or two pages if so many). the young, the old and those interested in discovering The lack of informative reef- related issues became the unknown in the underwater world. frustrating and it was then that I recognized the need for a publication that deals with marine life and the vol- I hope you enjoy our first issue; let us know what you unteer work of countless conservation groups within think of it by writing to us or visiting www.Caribbean- the Latin American and Caribbean regions. I jumped ReefMag.com! right in and discovered so many unknown gems in our corner of the world.

After learning about marine conservation through CCC, I felt the need to encourage others to learn more Ife Smenkh-Ka-Ra Publisher and Managing Editor about marine life. Now I am proud to be the Managing Director of Caribbean Footprints Publishing Co. Ltd, and publisher of Caribbean REEF Magazine.

6 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Manta Ray cruising along with two remora fish on tow.

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 7 South Caicos’ DEEP BLUE...

Video by Brett Sylvester Matulis DIVE HOT SPOT DIVE HOT

www.caribbeanreefmag.com Turks & Caicos is a diver’s dream, for South Caicos’ DEEP BLUE... this issue, we focus on South Caicos.

text and photos by Jim Catlin

Where is South Caicos and how do I get there? ter world. Domestic flights from Provo will have you there in approximately 30 minutes. Salt Cay Divers or- South Caicos lies on the southern tip of the Caicos ganise special day trips on request at a cost of $150 Islands archipelago (Turks and Caicos Islands - TCI) U.S per person for two morning boat dives, including and rests on the edge of the Turks Island Passage, a tanks and lunch. Full equipment rental is also avail- stretch of water more than 7000 ft. deep, giving this able for $20 U.S. The boat journey takes around 1hour area some of the world’s most spectacular wall dives! 20 minutes so weather conditions must be good. Div- International access to TCI is via Providenciales ers can expect uncrowded, beautiful wall diving with (Provo), with eight different carriers running direct a great chance to regularly see Eagle rays, Caribbean flights from the U.S.A., U.K., Bahamas, Dominican reef sharks, large Tiger groupers, Barracudas and some Republic, Jamaica, Haiti and Canada, Provo is easily exquisite coral and sponge formations. Visibility is on accessible and is the gateway to the largely undiscov- average over 100 ft. and the water ranges ered beauty of these islands. from mid 80’s in the summer to mid 70’s in the win- ter. A 3-mm is recommended but not essential. With no dive operations currently running on South Caicos itself, trips from neighbouring Salt Cay are the best way to experience this area’s majestic underwa-

THE BAHAMAS

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CUBA (U.K.)

HAITI DOMINICAN REPUBLIC JAMAICA

www.caribbeanreefmag.cowww.caribbeanreefmag.comm 9 Dive Hot Spot // South Caicos’ Deep Blue

A quick look at three of the best and most unique dives new - from corkscrew anemones with resident Pe- South Caicos has to offer: dison cleaner shrimp to colourful Bell tunicates hid- ing on the underside of densely- plated sheet corals! 1. East Bay Spur – ‘Something special for every- one!’ Between the months of January and April, this is also the perfect place to watch and hear the annual Three distinct tiers ranging from 30 ft to deep makes Humpback Whale migration. Often passing close to East Bay Spur a great dive for beginners, intermedi- the reef wall, you may be lucky enough to see these ates and seasoned pro’s alike. Shallow reef and coral magnificent creatures whilst diving, and if you don’t heads near the mooring make way to a beautiful sandy see them, you will almost certainly hear them singing! plain with scattered coral bommies at around 60ft. Ex- pect to see huge Southern Stingrays dotted across the sand, garden eels peering from their holes and Nurse sharks sheltering under delightfully formed ledges and overhangs. At around 80ft, the sandy plain drops away in spectacular fashion and its time to get vertical! The upper reef wall is simply enchanting and teeming with life. Every nook and cranny turns up something

10 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Dive Hot Spot //South Caicos’ Deep Blue

2. The Plane –‘Spectacular wall and wreck com- Reef sharks circling above, silhouetted in the light. bo!’ (South Caicos is one of a handful of places on earth where Eagle rays can be regularly seen in schools The wreckage of a Convair 29A plane lies close to Long of up to 40!) Tiger and Nassau groupers are com- Cay (a narrow island situated to the south of South Caicos) mon here as well as Green and Hawksbill turtles. If in 60ft of water. Intentionally sunk for recreational div- its big and beautiful your after this is the dive for you ers during the 1970’s after crashing nearby, much of the original structure has since been damaged through tropi- cal storms and hurricanes. However, located within vis- ible distance (100ft.) of the steep wall drop-off, it makes for a captivating end to an undeniably spectacular dive!

Descending down the wall, huge stovepipe sponges are accompanied by some of the Caribbean’s largest colonies of sheet and scroll corals, some up to 10ft across! It feels like the edge of the world as the wall plunges down to unfathomable depths! Gazing back towards the sun, you are likely to see Eagle rays and

Eagle Ray easily cruising along, a common sight in South Caicos Photo by Jim Catlin by Photo

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 11 Reef shark found in the pristine waters ofDive South Caicos Hot Spot

3. The Catacombs – ‘An explorers dream!!’ into a plethora of cave passages, swim-throughs and overhangs. Most of these entrances start between 100 and 110ft. and lead The Catacombs is situated on the East coast of South Caicos and directly back into the reef wall. Some may end abruptly; the major- really is an explorer’s dream. The upper reef flat at around 50ft ity will tempt you further. As these passages wind slowly upwards, comprises of an intricate network of channels and trenches carved explorers are rewarded with the remarkable experience of emerg- into the rock and encrusted with hard and soft corals. Openings ing from the darkness and into the welcoming light of the shallow and large crevices can be found disappearing down into the reef reef flat where they began their dive. A truly memorable underwa- at every turn, adding to the anticipation! Following these channels ter adventure!! East, leads quickly to a precipitous drop-off descending to 120ft; it is here that the real exploration begins! For more information about diving in South Caicos, get in touch with Debbie Manos and Ollie Been at Salt Cay Divers. Contact de- Large schools of horse-eye jacks and creole wrasse circle below as tails can be found below. you descend past impressive sheet coral and barrel sponges inhab- ited by a whole host of reef fishes, including Stoplight parrots, Blue Dive operator – Salt Cay Divers Chromis and large Cubera Snapper. Website: www.saltcaydivers.tc Email : [email protected] Conforming to the characteristic spur and groove formation of this Phone: 649 241-1009 region, the wall itself gently undulates back and forth, enticing you Fax : 649 946-6940 12 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Octopus easily camouflaged on the ocean floor Photo by Jim Catlin by Photo Photo by Jim Catlin by Photo into a plethora of cave passages, swim-throughs and overhangs. Most of these entrances start between 100 and 110ft. and lead directly back into the reef wall. Some may end abruptly; the major- ity will tempt you further. As these passages wind slowly upwards, explorers are rewarded with the remarkable experience of emerg- ing from the darkness and into the welcoming light of the shallow reef flat where they began their dive. A truly memorable underwa- ter adventure!!

For more information about diving in South Caicos, get in touch with Debbie Manos and Ollie Been at Salt Cay Divers. Contact de- tails can be found below. Hawksbill Turtle Dive operator – Salt Cay Divers swimming off into Website: www.saltcaydivers.tc the distance

Email : [email protected] Jim Catlin by Photo Phone: 649 241-1009 Fax : 649 946-6940

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 13 Photo by Jim Catlin

Conserving Tobago’s Reefs Why not enjoy simple island life and help save coral reefs? Interview by Arielle Aberdeen

Photos courtesy JIM CATLIN

For this issue’s conservation corner, we look to Tobago and highlight the British- based conservation organization ,Coral Cay Conservation (CCC), which is present on the island to survey the state of Tobago’s reef and help with the country’s conserva- tion effort. Jim Catlin, a British national, and avid diver who just finished a 6- month stint as CCC’s Project Scientist, shares his experience about life in Charlotteville, the project and his love for diving and marine life.

14 www.caribbeanreefmag.com CONSERVATION CORNER

Conserving Tobago’s Reefs

www.caribbeanreefmag.com

15 Conservation Corner // Conserving Tobago’s Reefs

Can you tell us a bit about the conservation proj- (Tobago’s diving hotspot) remained mostly unaf- ect going on at CCC Tobago? fected by the bleaching event. The significantly higher levels of coral cover and fish biomass found Coral Cay Conservation began work in Tobago in here mean that protecting this area in the future March 2007 after initial collaborative efforts with will be of critical importance!! For more informa- the THA and the Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT) follow- tion and further explanation, check out the annual ing the Caribbean -wide coral bleaching event of TCEMP project reports at www.coralcay.org. 2005. With support from the UNDP, the Tobago Ecosystem Mapping Project (TCEMP) is provid- What exactly was your role at CCC? ing baseline ecological data on the status of , mangrove and seagrass ecosystems My role as Project Scientist involved co-ordinating surrounding Tobago. Increasing awareness of To- the marine survey effort and ensuring that the bago’s marine resources is also an important aim quality of the collected data remained as high as of the project, as well as building in country capac- possible. This could be anything from helping to ity through training and education of Trinidad and train volunteers in marine species identification to Tobago nationals. organizing and planning the logistics for the up- coming survey dives. I also communicated and What is the state of Tobago’s coral reefs? maintained relations with our in country project partners. Organizing and running the scholarship Initial findings from the first two years of data col- programme was also an important part of my job. lection are mixed. Hard coral cover has dropped This involved arranging for two TnT nationals to significantly on the Caribbean coast from 22% join the programme every four weeks. in 2005 to 16% in 2008, most likely as a direct result of the bleaching event. The good news is, Why did you decide to volunteer to become the given time and well-directed marine and coastal project scientist at CCC? management, it may be possible for Tobago’s coral reefs to return to 2005 levels. The most encourag- When I was 18, I volunteered for a marine conser- ing data showed that the reefs around Speyside vation diving expedition to Fiji and haven’t really

Queen Parrotfish at its Teminal Phase, just about to chomp away at some coral, its favourite treat however causes coral degradation

16 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Fireworm - these may look cute and furry but don’t touch! Photo by Jim Catlin by Photo looked back. Since then, I tried to gain as much by over 150 people and involved 4 local schools. It experience and as many qualifications as possible was great to see this level of support and showed so that I could eventually apply for a job with an us that with hard work and persistence, progress organization such as CCC. It was 10 years in the could be made. making and definitely worth all the effort. Tell us what it is like to be underwater? What was life like in Charlotteville for 6 months and interacting with the local community? Diving to me is the closest you can come to space exploration, without paying Richard Branson a I loved living in Charlotteville. It’s a small To- small fortune! The feeling of weightlessness is in- bago village but has the most picturesque set- describable until you’ve experienced it for yourself. ting imaginable and a certain country town charm. When I’m diving somewhere new, I feel like an The people were great and very hospitable and explorer on the edge of the known universe, every the pace of life just as I had imagined the Carib- overhang, rock face or swim through can reveal bean would be. Saying that, when something something new! needed to be celebrated ,it was done in style and the town came alive. Some of my best memories What was some of the most interesting marine are from the Charlotteville Fisherman’s festival; creatures you encountered in Tobago? great times I’ll never forget! Working with the local communities in Charlotteville and Speyside was Tobago has a rich and varied array of marine a little daunting at first. As an outsider, you are creatures; there’s something new to see on ev- very aware that people may think you are telling ery dive if you look closely enough. Some of the them what to do, or how to live their lives. Gradu- most interesting marine creatures I encountered ally, as we continued to work with local schools included the Slimy Doris (Dendrodoris krebsii), a and became more familiar to the community, it got large species of Nudibranch found only occasion- easier. In 2009, we held a marine conser- ally across the Caribbean. Spongy Decorator Crabs vation march through Speyside that was attended (Marcocoeloma tripinosum) were also amazing,

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 17 Conservation Corner // Conserving Tobago’s Reefs although very difficult to spot. They are extremely An enormous of silvers sides had gathered well-camouflaged, covering themselves in marine in the shallows, creating a ceiling of flashing sil- sponges to avoid predation. Seen on a night dive ver fish as the sunlight shone through them. They in Speyside, these crabs prefer the yellow tube moved together like a swarm of bees, changing sponge due to its abundance in this area. shape at an instant to avoid Barracudas hunting Manta Rays, Dolphins, Caribbean Reef sharks and them from below. Just an incredible sight and one Nurse sharks. I think Manta Rays (Manta birostris) I’ll never forget. There are also Japanese Gardens were the most humbling of all. For such large and Bookends in Speyside had to be my favor- animals (up to 22 ft. across), they are so graceful ite sites. There’s also a great dive on the eastern and just beautiful to watch. One minute they can point of Man O War Bay where it opens to the be cruising slowly past you, the next they are gone ocean. Huge submerged boulders, steep rock walls with one flap of their wings. So agile and fast for and a massive variety of fish species make this a creatures of that size! must for any diver visiting Tobago.

What were some of the best dive spots and What were you able to take away from your time memorable dive experiences in Tobago? at CCC?

Sisters Rocks off the Caribbean coast where I had Some great friends, some great memories and a one of the best dives during my time in Tobago. real sense of achievement from the work we did.

Caribbean Reef Squid Photo by Jim Catlin by Photo 18 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Conservation Corner

Nurse Shark - These ar- docile marine animals

Slimy Doris - A type of nudibranch commonly found in the Caribbean

www.caribbeanreefmag.cowww.caribbeanreefmag.comm 19 Photo by Jim Catlin by Photo REEF AWARENESS

20 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Lion of the Sea These underwater beauties are more dangerous than you expect... by Diana Vernette-Melville

Perhaps sometime in the future, you may go fishing, , or even in and around our beautiful Caribbean seascape. It is possible that dur- ing one of these activities, you may encounter a crea- ture which you never encountered before. It will be a beautiful fish, ranging in size from about 6 to14 inches long, with distinctive reddish- brown and white verti- cal stripes that strongly resemble the patterning on a zebra. The fish is usually seen hovering around coral reefs and near rocks and crevices near the and further out at sea. But do not be fooled by its beau- ty. This fish has highly venomous fin spines that can produce extremely painful puncture wounds on its victim. The animal of which we speak has a name that lends to its highly predatory nature, as it is well- known for consuming many other organisms living in the oceans. This fish is the Lionfish (Pterois voli- tans), and it may be soon coming to the seas near you.

Lionfish are native to the Pacific, and therefore not found in the Caribbean at this time. However, be- cause of the aquarium trade in Florida and their re- lease from these aquariums during previous hur- ricane events, these animals have been sighted throughout the entire Caribbean - in Florida, the Ba- hamas, Bonaire, and even Venezuela. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before the Lionfish invades your island’s waters, if it hasn’t already done so!!

Lionfish are voracious predators that will eat native species of fish and crustaceans in large quantities. They are equipped with venomous dorsal ventral and anal spines which they use to maim their attackers, includ- ing humans. These fish have a high reproductive rate all year round, and it is expected that their numbers in the wild can become quite large if uncontrolled, as they are not known to have any natural predators. Lionfish grow at a fast rate and are able to outgrow other native species with whom they compete for size and space. Photo by Janeczek Piotr Janeczek by Photo

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 21 REEF AWARENESS // Lion of the Sea Non-native marine fishes such as the Lionfish can seek medical attention. Most importantly, if you pose a major threat to marine fisheries, habitats encounter this creature, whether in your country and eco-system function across the Caribbean. or not, please contact your local Marine Affairs Increased reports of non-native species and the Department immediately and provide the respon- successful invasion of lionfish in Atlantic wa- dents with the information that they need to aid ters have proven the need for early warning and in combating the spread of this beautiful stranger. rapid response to confirmed sightings. Therefore if you do spot the lionfish on one of your out- ings, DO NOT TOUCH IT! If you must handle the fish to remove it from your hook or net, it is recommended that a gaff be used or a thick pair of gloves. If you happen to be stung by the lion- fish, immediately immerse the wound in water as hot as you can tolerate for fifteen minutes and

Lionfish Photo by Coda by Photo

22 www.caribbeanreefmag.comwww.caribbeanreefmag.com Marine Life Explored Your AD should be here.....

To advertise with REEF Magazine email :- [email protected]

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 23 TRUTH ABOUT THE SPINE MarineDiscover Life the Exploredtruth about marine animals with dynamic spines

by Diana Vernette-Melville Kevin Eddy by Photo

As glorious as the sea may ing out my Marine Education this response from the mouth be, it is not for the faint of and Conservation school visits, of a babe, I have come to un- heart. With its beautiful ar- I asked a class of about twen- derstand that many persons, ray of corals, fish and algae, it ty- something seven-year old young and old alike, fear the can also prove to be a place kids what they thought was sea, and its inhabitants be- of unforeseen accidents and the reason for the presence cause they truly believe that potential perils. The sea is an of spines in marine creatures these creatures are out to get extremely dynamic environ- such as the spiny sea urchin. A them! Let’s be real. Many TV ment, one that poses many zealous young man (let’s call shows, movies and some nov- challenges to the organisms him Boysie) jumped right out els depict the great attacks of that reside there. For many of of his seat to answer. After I animals of the deep blue unto them, danger is everywhere, stopped him short to remind humans for no reason except in many shapes and forms. him that he should always possibly for the total annihila- Whether it is in the form of put up his hand in class first, tion of mankind! But it is im- a hunting predator, or in the before answering a question, portant for us to understand form of changing current he acknowledged my cor- the purpose of the weaponry strengths and directions, rections by nodding eagerly possessed by some marine many organisms fight daily to and then replied “Miss, them creatures before adopting

MARINE LIFE EXPLORED MARINE survive. Therefore, numerous spines is to kill we humans!” many of these fallacies and marine animals have evolved You can of course imagine fears when it comes to Marine physically to adapt to their the uproar of laughter from Exploration. ever-changing watery resi- Boysie’s classmates as well as dence. Recently, while carry- my sheer amusement. Despite As many marine enthusi- 24 www.caribbeanreefmag.com MARINE LIFE EXPLORED // Truth about the Spine asts may have noticed, marine recesses when approached by porcupine-like spines radiate TRUTH ABOUT THE SPINE animals are generally alert and divers or snorkelers. With their outward when the fish is in- wary creatures. They behave beige-colored back and small flated and are meant to ward off like this because they never dark spots on their bodies, these ‘bad company’. However, they know when danger is imminent. animals can pale or darken in can produce deep and painful Almost all animals are in dan- attempts to camouflage them- wounds when they come into ger of predation, except for the selves, when threatened. Por- contact with a predator or an sharks which are well known cupinefish are well-known for unsuspecting visitor. The Porcu- apex reef predators. Therefore, a inflating and erecting numerous pinefish’s spines are non-ven- number of marine animals have spikes when molested, which omous, but there are a number evolved a variety of morpho- lend to its resemblance to its of other sea inhabitants that logical and behavioral modifica- terrestrial counterpart, the Por- employ toxic weaponry to keep tions to protect themselves from cupine. Porcupinefish are often the unwelcome at bay. potential predators. Take the confused with its cousin, the Porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix), Pufferfish. However, the spines for example. These creatures of the Porcupinefish are much Southern Stingrays (Dasyatis are generally shy and evasive, larger and heavier than the americana) can be found cruis- often retreating into protective Puffer. These simple but sharp ing over sand patches in and

Porcupinefish - Expect this marine animal to increase in size if it feels threatened Photo by Klaus by Stiefel Photo

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 25 Scorpionfish - not easily spotted, usually camouflaged among coral Marineand on the ocean floorLife Explored Photo by Lazlo Photo by Photo

around coral reefs, but mostly their whip-like tails. The sting- trusty multi-purpose spines as in with their bodies buried in the ray’s tail has one or two serrated the case of Echinoderm (spiny- sand, with their eyes show- venomous spines at the base skinned) creatures, such as sea ing just above the sand. Unlike of its tail which it embeds in its urchins and some sea stars. The the Porcupinefish, stingrays molester’s flesh during an at- Long- Spined Sea Urchin (Dia- are quite docile and appear tack. Stingray venom can be dema antillarum) can be found unconcerned, often swimming deadly to humans and the spine in almost all marine habitats. within close proximity to div- is said to remain dangerous This prickly creature is usually ers. Stingrays are so gentle, that even after the stingray’s death. all black occasionally with some they have come to accept the It is said in Greek mythology grayish white spines which presence of humans at a time that the mighty King Odysseus break off very easily into the without fear, as evident at the of Ithaca was killed when his flesh of the unfortunate victim. Stingray Sandbar in the Grand son, Telegonus, struck him with The embedded spines give off Cayman, where hundreds of a spear tipped with the spine of a purple dye, which may cause people go to feed and swim a stingray. a slight discoloration under with the rays, often hundreds at the skin. Apart from the obvi- a time. It is only with frequent Not all spiny sea creatures utilize ous protective purpose of the and unbearable molestation their spines solely for predator sea urchin’s lengthy spines, the that these animals attack with evasion. There are some with spines also promote secondary

26 www.caribbeanreefmag.com Marine Life Explored

Spiny Lobster - usually found hidden away in crevices Photo by Steven Rendell 2008 Steven by Photo locomotion and even substrate cilitate immobilization. Some cause if one comes into contact attachment of the animal. The organisms do not rely on tubu- with the foredorsal spines of sea urchin primarily moves via lar feet for immobilization, but this fish, it is likely that puncture the tubular feet on the under- trust their ability to camouflage and envenomation will occur side of the organism; however, well and do not have to flee that can cause severe pain and spines present under the urchin from danger, but remain immo- illness. Afflictions on humans also assist in movement. Urchin bilized until they feel the need by the spines usually occur due movement is extremely slow to relocate. One such creature to absent- mindedness while but never painstaking (at least that exhibits this sort of behav- walking on the sand or the reef for the urchin!). Furthermore, iour is the Scorpionfish. The bed, (which is not supposed to Spiny urchins use their spines to various species of Scorpionfish happen on the reef by the way!) attach themselves to substrates of the family Scorpaenidae are Scorpionfish are native to the when they are not in motion, to cryptic fish that rely on camou- Caribbean and generally com- prevent them from being swept flage. This fish family is among mon; however, its less cryptic away by the changing currents. the world’s most venomous cousin, the Lionfish is a beauti- They embed their spines within marine fish species. They simply ful stranger with a deadly mis- substrate cracks and crevices lie motionless, looking more like sion. and also vacuum the substrate algae- covered rocks than fish. with their tubular feet to fa- Scorpionfish are so called be- The Red Lionfish, (Pterois voli-

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 27 MARINE LIFE EXPLORED // Truth about the Spine tans) also of the family Scor- predators in the Caribbean, it is animal attacks. Their stings are paenidae are native to the a voracious predator, gobbling not deadly although individual Pacific but are now known to be up any creature it wants to feed reactions may vary, but they are rapidly invading Atlantic waters. on. When it feels threatened, incredibly painful. An attractive fish species, the the Lionfish injects venom into lionfish, is prized as an aquarium its attacker via its lengthy and The organisms we have so far species. However, image is not graceful spines. They do not use identified as armed and danger- everything. Despite its obvious their spines to capture prey and ous are not usually predated beauty, the Lionfish has 13 fin Lionfish do not generally attack on for food by humans in the spines that mean business, toxic humans, unless provoked as Caribbean. Unfortunately, some business. With no known natural seen in previously mentioned creatures are avidly hunted by

Red Lionfish- Beware of their spines Photo by Jon Hanson by Photo marine predators and humans found hiding in reef crevices spinier than the adults. They alike. The Caribbean Spiny Lob- and recesses during the day have identified that annual fish ster is a perfect candidate for and are quite wary when ap- mortality estimates can reach protection and thus has evolved proached by divers. Evolved for as high as 78% for newly settled its own assemblage of spinal the protection of their soft inner juveniles and larvae on the reefs weapons. The Spiny Lobster bodies, they have short horn- versus 21% for adults, although (Panulirus argus) is among the like protrusions above their eyes these results would vary, de- most hunted marine organ- and along their carapaces and pending on time of the year, isms in the Caribbean. Prized long antennae. Researchers of location and predominance of for its large size and delicious this species have revealed that certain species. This is under- flesh, these creatures are often the juvenile lobsters are even standable, as one can imagine 28 www.caribbeanreefmag.cowww.caribbeanreefmag.comm MARINE LIFE EXPLORED // Truth about the Spine that juveniles and settling larvae spines. So young Boysie (as well ment we enter the blue universe face greater challenges in avoid- as any other “Boysie’s” out there) below, we, as marine enthusi- ing predators, and thus will have if you are reading this, these asts, are expected to keep our to be awarded the full armor of creatures aren’t out to get you, eyes peeled and our hands to spines than its elder generation my dear. We feel the brunt of ourselves to avoid causing any .Lobster catchers often use a these animal weapons when we discomfort to our hosts/hostess- gaff or thick PVC gloves when as marine visitors are inatten- es and to avoid being maimed. handling these animals simply tive, or are not alert in the envi- Now that you know you are not because their “horns” are short ronment which we visit. Some- the intended target, and your but serious, and are capable of times, we humans just don’t fears have been put to rest, go inflicting the most heinous of understand the science behind get your mask and . Now wounds. Despite its spines, the these animals’ physical makeup that you know the truth about Caribbean Spiny Lobster preda- and we unknowingly interfere spines, shouldn’t you be getting tion is still on the rise and these with or molest them to the point back in the water? creatures have been identified where they only react in the way as an animal that could become they know how. Even in the case endangered in the near future. of the Spiny Lobster, we can see the need for these organisms And there you have it, the real to be armed for self defence truth about marine animal and protection. From the mo-

Long Spined Urchin Photo by Sven De Vos De Sven by Photo

www.caribbeanreefmag.com 29 DIVE STORIES // Dive Expedition Lessons

by TADESSA HARPER It was the usual sunny, breezy, day on the island of air was constantly escaping through it. I informed Tobago. I was heading out to a dive site just off Man- the Dive Master and he took two of my off O-War Bay to do my deep-water dive. At this point, and we continued the dive. About five minutes later, my confidence level was fairly high. I decided it was best for me to surface. It was impos- sible for me to continue as the leak worsened and I was accompanied by my friend, Tanya, a more expe- my became laboured. rienced diver who had recently completed a 25-m I gave the signal to Tanya and the Dive Master that dive at Speyside. Our Dive Master took us out to I was surfacing but they should continue their dive. Sister’s Rock on the diving map, one of the farthest I started ascending slowly, without a safety stop as dive sites in Tobago. I tried to keep an eye on Tanya and the Dive Master We loaded the equipment onto the boat and shim- but visibility was very poor, because of the strong currents over the past few days. I started to a bit but looked at my and saw that I was almost at the top. Once I reached the surface, I began to inflate my BCD and realized that I was not close to the boat. In fact, it was far away and moving away from me, towards deeper waters. I used my whistle to get ’s atten- tion but the sound fell on deaf ears. I couldn’t even see the bubbles from the divers below. I struggled to keep myself afloat even though I kept pressing the air button on my BCD. I eventually removed the weights from my belt. I immediately panicked when I saw that I was almost out of air. I wasn’t sure when Tanya and the Dive Mas- ter would surface and the boat was moving further away. What if I run mied into our wet suits. About twenty-five minutes out of air and have to abandon my equipment? What later, we arrived at the site. As we started getting if I get tired of swimming? ready and I realized that my BCD ( control About 20 minutes later, the boat turned around and device) had a minuscule leak. I didn’t think anything started coming in my direction. I stopped swim- of it as the leak was barely noticeable- this was my ming, made the signal of distressed diver at the first mistake as we proceeded with the dive. surface and blew my whistle. I saw when the boat Once we were underwater, Tanya and I were having driver picked up Tanya and the Dive Master. The boat a great time and in complete awe at the coral and was still moving in my direction, but I was quickly variety of fish swimming casually by us. There were running out of air. I looked back and saw the boat beautiful parrot fish and schools of wrasse slowing coming closer. I made the distress signal again and I down curiously to look at us. saw the Dive Master pointing in my direction. Finally, As we began descending, I realised that I had a they found me! I swam to get closer to the boat. problem maintaining my because I immediately felt relieved and collapsed on the deck of the leak. The leak was actually a malfunction of of the boat. Lesson learned - never continue a dive my release valve. I could not close the valve and the when you discover a problem before going under. 30 www.caribbeanreefmag.com BACK

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