As many of you may not be aware of the recent work being performed to deepen the main shipping channel leading into the Port Of Miami, know that for much of this year the Army Corps of Engineers has been directing dredging operations at Government Cut in order to allow the passage of the large Panamex tankers which will soon be transiting through the refurbished Panama Canal. Of course the grand mucky-mucks claimed that the environmental impact of this dredging would be negligible, but this has of course not been the case. The current off this section of the Florida coast most often runs northward, and untold tons of debris has been carried north as well. Corals and sponges have been covered with sand, silt, and other particulate. As you might well expect, days where you might hope to dive in clear water have been clouded with the effluvia that the dredging operation has released.
As a result, I’ve found myself shooting much more macro than would normally be the case in summer, when I can usually count on experiencing several of the years’ “Top Ten” days, which feature clear, blue water, and 100’ visibility.
On the other hand, just so you don’t think that I’m prone to complaining and thinking of the glass as half empty all the time, the rapidly expanding population of invasive Lionfish, despite being a threat to many local species, are at least beautiful. Therefore, I usually make certain to photograph them before culling and often eating them.
Ocean Surgeonfish, Acanthurus bahianus, being cleaned by a Spanish Hogfish, Bodianus rufus
Zebra Lionfish, Pterois volitans and French Grunts, Haemulon flavolineatum on the Crane Wreck
Juvenile Queen Angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris
Baitfish on the Almirante Wreck
Highhat, Equetus acuminatus
White Speckled Hermit, Paguristes punticeps
Andro Wreck on a day when poor visibility and green water prompted me to think in black and white.
As a result, I’ve found myself shooting much more macro than would normally be the case in summer, when I can usually count on experiencing several of the years’ “Top Ten” days, which feature clear, blue water, and 100’ visibility.
On the other hand, just so you don’t think that I’m prone to complaining and thinking of the glass as half empty all the time, the rapidly expanding population of invasive Lionfish, despite being a threat to many local species, are at least beautiful. Therefore, I usually make certain to photograph them before culling and often eating them.
Ocean Surgeonfish, Acanthurus bahianus, being cleaned by a Spanish Hogfish, Bodianus rufus
Zebra Lionfish, Pterois volitans and French Grunts, Haemulon flavolineatum on the Crane Wreck
Juvenile Queen Angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris
Baitfish on the Almirante Wreck
Highhat, Equetus acuminatus
White Speckled Hermit, Paguristes punticeps
Andro Wreck on a day when poor visibility and green water prompted me to think in black and white.
Last edited:
No. 5 looks like a juvenile high hat as opposed to a juvenile drum...
