School of Convict Tangs

 A huge school of convict tangs scours the reef in Hanauma Bay, Oahu. Large schools of herbivorous fish like these tangs are an indicator of a healthy coral reef ecosystem. Corals thrive in nutrient poor environments around the tropics. But if there is an influx of nutrients then algae can quickly overgrow and smother the reef. These fish schools help keep that algae in check.

Green Sea Turtle in Hanauma Bay

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle

 The Hawaiian green sea turtle has made a remarkable recovery since being protected by the federal government. Nowadays an encounter like this one in Hanauma Bay, Oahu is an experience that many people get to enjoy.

Find sea turtle pictures and more at www.daimarsphotos.com

Pod of Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris)

A pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) cruise silently past me near the ocean floor. A few eyes turn up to check out this new creature sharing their habitat.

Sea Turtle Juvenile

Everyone loves a good sea turtle encounter. I swam with this young green sea turtle in the crystal blue waters near the Halona blowhole on Oahu. I was surprised at how comfortable this juvenile turtle was with me taking photos of it. I wasn't using flash but young turtles usually are way more timid that the bigger adults. Maybe this one was a bit on the curious side.

Dolphin and Diver

There was one baby dolphin already in this pod of spinner dolphins. My friend Nate was checking this dolphin out closely to see if there was perhaps another baby on the way.

Spinner Dolphin Close Encounter

A close swim by from a pod of spinner dolphins. I liked this picture because it seems all four dolphins are looking right at me. It is incredible to be in the water with such beautiful and intelligent animals.

Sting Ray vs Nudibranch

I'm watching you. A blue spotted stingray lies in wait and eyes a nearby phyllidia sea slug off the little island of Kanawa, on the outskirts of the Komodo Islands National Park.