Posted on Leave a comment

Fuvahmulah

Discovering the Hidden Gem: Fuvahmulah Island

Nestled amidst the cerulean waters of the Maldives, Fuvahmulah Island stands as a beacon of natural beauty and cultural richness. Often overlooked in favor of more popular tourist destinations, this pristine island paradise holds a myriad of wonders waiting to be explored. Join us on a journey to uncover the enchanting allure of Fuvahmulah.

A Tropical Haven

Fuvahmulah, with its lush vegetation and idyllic beaches, exudes an air of tranquility and serenity. Unlike many other islands in the Maldives, Fuvahmulah boasts a unique topography, characterized by its flat, oval shape and absence of a lagoon. This distinctive feature sets it apart, offering visitors a different perspective of island life.

Rich Biodiversity

Beneath the crystal-clear waters that surround Fuvahmulah lies a thriving ecosystem teeming with marine life. From vibrant coral reefs to majestic whale sharks, the island’s waters are a playground for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its underwater wonders. Dive into the depths and encounter an abundance of colorful fish, graceful manta rays, and elusive sea turtles.

Cultural Heritage

Beyond its natural splendor, Fuvahmulah is steeped in rich cultural heritage and traditions. The island’s inhabitants, known for their warmth and hospitality, welcome visitors with open arms, inviting them to immerse themselves in local customs and traditions. Explore quaint villages, bustling markets, and historic landmarks that offer glimpses into Fuvahmulah’s storied past.

Adventure Awaits

For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, Fuvahmulah offers a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities. Embark on exhilarating excursions such as surfing the island’s legendary waves, trekking through lush jungles, or embarking on a thrilling fishing expedition. With its diverse range of activities, Fuvahmulah promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.

Sustainable Tourism

As visitors revel in the natural beauty of Fuvahmulah, it is imperative to prioritize sustainable tourism practices to preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem. From supporting local businesses to minimizing environmental impact, responsible tourism ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the pristine beauty of Fuvahmulah for years to come.

Conclusion

Fuvahmulah Island, with its unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage, beckons travelers from around the world to experience its wonders. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sun-kissed beaches, thrilling adventures in the great outdoors, or cultural immersion in local traditions, Fuvahmulah offers an unforgettable escape into paradise. Come discover the hidden gem of the Maldives and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery unlike any other.

Posted on Leave a comment

Tiger Sharks in the Maldives

Exploring the Depths: Tiger Sharks of Fuvahmulah, Maldives

Nestled within the azure waters of the Maldives lies an underwater paradise teeming with life. Fuvahmulah, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, offers a captivating glimpse into the mysterious realm beneath the waves. Among its many inhabitants, the majestic tiger shark reigns supreme, captivating adventurers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Discovering Tiger Sharks

Venturing into the depths surrounding Fuvahmulah unveils a world unlike any other. Tiger sharks, with their distinctive markings and imposing presence, gracefully navigate the ocean currents, epitomizing the raw beauty of the underwater realm. These apex predators, known for their strength and agility, command respect as they roam the expansive ocean waters.

Captivating Underwater Photography

Capturing the essence of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks through photography is an awe-inspiring endeavor. Submerged beneath the surface, photographers are immersed in a surreal environment where light dances through the water, illuminating the vibrant colors and intricate details of the marine ecosystem. Each click of the camera lens reveals a mesmerizing tableau of life beneath the waves.

Conservation and Appreciation

While tiger sharks inspire awe and admiration, they also serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of marine conservation. Fuvahmulah’s delicate ecosystem relies on the balance and harmony of its inhabitants, underscoring the need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Through responsible tourism and conservation efforts, we can preserve this natural wonder for future generations to cherish.

A Call to Adventure

For adventurers and nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience, Fuvahmulah beckons with its enchanting underwater world. From diving alongside tiger sharks to exploring the vibrant coral reefs, there’s no shortage of wonders to behold in this aquatic paradise. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a curious traveler, Fuvahmulah offers an extraordinary journey into the heart of the ocean.

Conclusion

As the sun sets on another day in Fuvahmulah, the allure of its underwater treasures endures. Through the lens of underwater photography, we gain a glimpse into the captivating world of tiger sharks and the vibrant marine life that thrives beneath the surface. With each image captured, we celebrate the beauty of Fuvahmulah and the importance of preserving our planet’s precious oceans for generations to come.

Posted on 1 Comment

Gallery of Marine Invertebrates

A gallery of Marine (Sea) Invertebrate images by Toby Gibson Photography

Posted on Leave a comment

Moorhens fighting – all is not as it seems.

Moorhen fights

Moorhens fight during the breeding season. Water and feathers fly. (Gallinula chloropus). North Devon. April

These two moorhens Gallinula chloropus are fighting over a mate, but it is more likely to be two females fighting over a male than the other way round. The male is more likely to be seen passively sitting on the nest. This behaviour typically occurs around April at the start of the breeding season.

Moorhens are very commonly found on ponds and lakes around the UK. The adults have a distinctive red beak with yellow tip. When swimming, they often flick their tails, giving a flash of white.

These birds belong to the rails family, which also includes coots and water rails.

More information:

Water birds gallery – Toby Gibson portfolio website.
Video showing this behaviour on the BBC website

More photographs of Moorhens:

Posted on Leave a comment

Racing stripe flatworm

Racing stripe flatworm swims over Discosoma coral

Racing stripe flatworm {Pseudoceros bifurcus} on Discosoma sp. which is a corallimorph. There is a contrast between the colours of the flatworm and the coral. Malapascua, Philippines. November

Location & date

Chocolate Island, Malapascua, Philippines. 16th November 2014

Subject

The racing stripe flatworm Pseudoceros bifurcus is a ‘say what you see’ species. The distinctive white stripe with dark border easily identifies this species. This example has a cut, possibly a bite mark, on one side. This particular flatworm was moving fairly quickly over coral. Species of the Discosoma genus are corallimorphs, with large wide oral discs. The discs are often brightly coloured, as in this specimen. The colour comes from symbiotic algae.

About this image

At first glance this looked like a fast moving nudibranch. In tropical waters, flatworms are often similar in look to sea slugs. Often brightly coloured and slug-like in appearance, they move sinuously across the substrate. In this case I saw this racing stripe flatworm was moving across a particularly photogenic coral. The length of the flatworm made it difficult to get the whole thing in frame.

Camera setup

Nikon D800, 105 mm Nikon lens in a Nauticam NA-D800 housing with two Inon Z240 strobes.
ISO 100, f/22, 1/125 sec

More like this:

Marine invertebrates photography (on this site)

Posted on Leave a comment

Biodiversity of coral reefs

Coral reef scene in the Red Sea

Reef scene – Port Ghalib, Red Sea, June

Location & date

Emperor divers house reef at Palace and Sahara Sands Hotels, Marsa Alam, Egypt: 21st June 2014

Subject – Biodiversity of coral reefs

This image for me encapsulates the biodiversity of coral reefs in one picture. It is probably the most species I have ever crammed into one shot, and I would defy anyone to photograph more in any other environment than coral reefs. Below I have tried to identify most of them, but these are just the visible species. Many species of invertebrates and fish live within the crevices. The same scene photographed at night would look very different with invertebrates such as urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers, feather stars and crustaceans coming out to feed. Also fish such as parrot fish go to the reef to sleep in a cocoon. Even turtles might be present too.

Species in this photograph include:

Coralline red algae:
Sporolithon sp. (many similar species)

Sponges:
Various species including honeycomb sponge Crella cyathophora

Fire coral:
Millepora dichotoma

Soft corals:
Xenia umbellata
Anthelia glauca

Hard corals:
Porites sp.
Acropora sp. (multiple)
Coscinaraea monile

Fishes:
Longjawed squirrelfish Sargocentron spiniferum
Common lionfish Pterois miles
Juvenile barracuda Sphyraena sp.
Lyretail anthias Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Golden sweeper Parapriacanthus ransonneti
Arabian chromis Chromis flavaxilla
Various juvenile fish

About this image

This photograph was taken as part of my project on coral reefs. The location was a very busy house reef near Marsa Alam. Although it looks like a typical coral reef scene, views like this are sadly relatively rare. The section of reef in this photograph was the top of a small pinnacle, which serves as a nursery for small fish. There are also two lion fish against the table coral on the left. These are highly efficient ambush predators. Although it seems odd to see a top predator right in the midst of a nursery ground for some of its prey species, this can often happen on coral reefs.

Camera setup

Nikon D800, 16-35mm Nikon lens @16mm in a Nauticam NA-D800 housing with two Inon Z240 strobes
ISO 100, f/22, 1/125 sec

More like this:

Underwater photography section of this website, including a subsection on Coral reefs.

Posted on Leave a comment

Fluorescent coral polyps

Image under ultraviolet showing fluorescent coral polyps

Polyps of a reef building coral {Pocillopora sp.} fluoresce green under ultraviolet light.

Location & date

Wadi Lahami, Red Sea, Egypt: 23rd June 2014

Subject

Corals of the Pocillopora genus are some of the fastest growing on the coral reef, and are therefore an important part of the reef building process. They tend to be found in shallow water – this one was at about 5m on the reef edge. The fluorescent coral polyps contain zooxanthellae – symbiotic algae which provide the energy for growth through photosynthesis.

About this image

This was my first attempt at Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence underwater photography. I was diving with Red Sea Diving Safari,  on a shallow night dive close to shore on Torfa house reef. Apart from creating eyecatching ‘different’ photographs, my interest in fluoro photography was mainly the conservation aspect. This technique is used by conservationists to assess the health of coral reefs. Healthy coral fluoresces at a different intensity to less healthy coral. By comparing the same species on healthy reefs and unhealthy reefs, conservationists can build up a pattern and start to predict when reefs are under stress, before mass bleaching events occur.

Camera setup

Nikon D800, 105 mm Nikon lens in a Nauticam NA-D800 housing with two Inon Z240 strobes (each with blue filter), Nauticam Super Macro Converter with orange filter.
ISO 100, f/14, 1/30 sec

More like this:

Red Sea portfolio gallery (on Toby Gibson Portfolio site)

Coral reefs portfolio gallery (on Toby Gibson Portfolio site)

Posted on Leave a comment

Skye Landscape – Old man of Storr

View from the Old Man of Storr

The old man of Storr overlooks the sea across to the Scottish Mainland. Evening sunset landscape. Skye, January.

Location & date

Isle of Skye, UK: 17th January 2014

Subject

The Isle of Skye is one of the most inspirational places in the UK for landscape photography. This is a view from the Old Man of Storr back towards the Scottish mainland. A few snow-peaked mountains can be seen in the distance.

About this image

This Skye landscape photograph was taken at the end of a trip to Skye and Mull with a couple of fellow students from the University of Nottingham. We were specifically photographing landscapes for a magazine project. After a fairly sharp walk up the side of the hill, we were rewarded with this view. The grassy landscape in the foreground really was that colour and velvety texture. The sun had just gone down, so I made the most of the ‘golden hour’, where the light is at its most even, and detail can be kept in the sky.

Camera setup

Nikon D800, 16-35 mm lens at 16mm
ISO 100, f/16. 1/6 sec. Tripod used.

More like this:

More Skye landscape photographs from this trip are available on my Portfolio website.