Biodiversity and Photodocumentation

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Jake Levenson

Earlier Reports:
Links by day:
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1

What is known about this topic....

Well, a lot...sort of. Since thousands of people take to the water each year with camera equipment, underwater photography is by no means a rare activity among divers. It's the opposite: every photographer goes into the water with a different vision. Some see the artistic side of a beautiful, colorful coral reef. While others take a scientific and ecological approach to photographing a coral reef ecosystem, I'd like to think that my view is combination of the two. I want to bring home the science of a tropical reef while doing my best to do the beauty of a reef justice. Anyway, the bottom line is that every photographer is different, and each day brings a new discovery into the drastic changes of light and motions underwater.

Jake in the pool

Here's Jake practicing with some of his equipment 4 days before departure!

What is believed to be true, but not yet proven...

Well, there are lots of things that I would like to observe with my camera. Fish reproductive behaviors is one. I would love to observe some of nightime behaviors of some nocturnal fishes such as black bar soliderfish and cardnialfish.

What is needed for greater understanding...

More Photographs!
I think that's the number one thing that would help us learn more about 3/4 of the world! Wouldn't it be great if we could see what happens at every depth of the ocean all over the world. Kinda like your own personal TV channel, always tuned in to the deep. Imagine how many new species have been discovered just from a camera being lowered into the depths on a rope! The possibilities are endless! All we need is some creativity and a whole lot of film. Hopefully with "on location" we will be taking a step towards you exploring the oceans by having your own personal TV show featuring coral reefs without even leaving your home.

Why is this topic important?

Hmm, good question. Photographing fish is important. Something new is always learned. Sometimes new species are dicovered. Sometimes species that have only been seen as dead specimins washed ashore or dragged up parts in fishermans nets. An example of this is the Oarfish, no one has ever captured alive one on film until a few years ago. So you can see what photographs can tell us. We can also learn about the mechanics of fish, like how they move or hunt.

Relate to everyday concerns...

This is related to everyday concerns because how else can people have a chance to view a coral reef? I mean...come on, how many of us are acually going to get a chance to go diving on a coral reef? Which would you rather do, shell out a few grand for a scuba vacation or sit at home at your computer and see almost live images right at home! Seriously though, Photography is an important catalyst towards conservation. It helps people see all the amazing life out there.

Data being gathered...

Lots of pictures!!! Tons! I'm bringing about 60 rolls of film and about 12 zip disks for the digital images! I plan on going to about 14 sites, ranging from reef walls at depths of 100 feet to shallow patch reefs in the lagoon of Glovers. I want to shoot as many fish as possible. Big Amberjacks to small Chromis: I'm gonna get em all!

Jud at the pool

Jud Star is one of the guys headed down south on the UNE trip. He is also one of my helpers on my photodiversity project. This is his second trip to Belize. Jud is just starting to master underwater photography as well diving in general.

Shawn at the pool

This is Shawn, he's one of the two guys helping me out with my photodiversity project. He is actively invloved in the UNE scuba club and student senate. This is his second trip to Glovers Atoll.

Josh at the pool

Josh Buck is my roomate. Unfortunately, I think sometimes he feels like my personal sherpa, but he's a ton of help in getting all the gear to the pool and in doing pool testing.