Researching Giant Pacific Octopus

Giant Pacific Octopus are one of the most amazing creatures on our planet. During my eight short years of scuba diving in our very cold, somewhat murky green Northwest waters, I’ve enjoyed many encounters with various octopuses. For nearly five years, while volunteering in Life Sciences at the Seattle Aquarium, I was able to study them up close and very personal. These exceptional animals, with their mysterious and curious personalities fascinate me greatly.
 
As a photographer, some of my first underwater images were of Octo’s. I’ve shot thousands of images of them. As my video work has developed, I’ve incorporated a more extensive, informative and creative focus on octopuses. I’ve created a multitude of videos ranging from eggs hatching to hunting behaviors. Last years ‘Giant Pacific Octopus and the Pilings at Keystone’ includes the first ever HD recording of ‘Web Over Hunting’ behavior in the wild. Other videos also feature a multitude of other interesting behaviors. All are available to view in the ‘Videos Gallery’ section of my website.
 
Recently I’ve completed a new article about GPO’s entitled: ‘Solitary, Formidable, Endearing, The Giant Pacific Octopus of Puget Sound’. My expose includes interesting facts about and images of octopuses photographed by me, all based on my personal experiences and explorations.
 
My future work will include informative and educational videos on many other various animals of Puget Sound, in their own habitats. Our local waters are home to many unique, exceptional, and recognizable animals. For instance, Lingcod, the largest of the Greenlings, and Cabezon, the largest Sculpin both flourish in our waters. Many of these animals are the largest of their kind in the world. Metridium, or Plumose Anemones can grow as large as 4 feet tall. These abundant filter feeders are gorgeous and are the largest anemone in the world. Wolf eels can grow to 10 feet in length and live up to 45 years. Geoduck Clams are a famous delicacy from our waters. These and many others will be featured in my upcoming work.

Occasionally, this area is also home to the largest dolphin in the world, the Orca. Both the residents and transients regularly inhabit our waters. Although both are killer whales, they're very different. They do not mingle, communicate with each other, or even hunt the same prey.

Go to my website regularly to learn more and find new information. I regularly post new images, videos and blogs. Including issues regarding our animals, our environment and much more. 

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