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Marine Life & Conservation Blogs

The blue-ringed octopus: a beautiful but dangerous creature (Watch Video)

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The third in an exciting new series of blogs introducing some of the amazing marine life you can encounter at Magic Resorts in the Philippines…

One of the most popular octopuses that’s high on almost every divers’ bucket lists, is the blue-ringed octopus. The aptly named creature gets its name from the blue rings on its skin. These creatures usually turn out smaller than everyone’s expectations, but don’t underestimate the power of these critters!

Did you know that the blue-ringed octopus is actually one of the most venomous animals in the world? You definitely don’t want to make this creature angry. So how do you know that you have gone too far and annoyed the octopus? This creature will warn you! Usually a dark brown to yellow color with blue patches or rings, it will turn darker and the blue rings will become brighter and brighter! Though usually shy in nature, if they are stepped on or angered, they will bite!

This little octopus produces two types of venom – one for protection and one for hunting. The one for protection is produced by bacteria that live in its salivary glands. The tetrodotoxin it produces is the same deadly toxin that pufferfishes have. Experiments show that one single blue-ringed octopus has enough venom to fatally paralyze 26 adult humans… at the same time! Unfortunately, there is no antivenom yet and treatment requirements include life-support machines such as artificial ventilation.

There is not just one type of blue-ringed octopus though, there are at least 10 different species which can be found in tidal pools and reefs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

During the night, these little octopuses will search for food. They tend to hunt for crabs, clams, shrimps, small fish, etc. But they also have to be wary of their predators, mainly eels.

Fun fact: when a blue-ringed octopus loses a tentacle, it will grow back automatically!

Come and dive at Magic Oceans and let the guides show you these docile blue-ringed octopuses in Anda, Bohol. The guides will help you capture that perfect picture, and you can witness how the little octopus goes about its daily life.

Some general facts!

  • Blue-ringed octopuses can have up to 50 – 60 blue rings on their skin.
  • They are roughly 5 – 8 inches in size.
  • The bite of a blue-ringed octopus is usually reported as painless
  • They tend to have a life expectancy of up to 2 years and lay 50-100 eggs when they mate.

Visit Magic Oceans Anda, Bohol and Magic Island Moalboal, Cebu… find out more at www.magicresorts.online.

Also on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

Magic Resorts Philippines has two dive resorts: Magic Oceans Anda, Bohol and Magic Island Moalboal, Cebu. Have the Magic experience in two different locations. Rely on the same atmosphere, service and standards during every vacation! Blogs are supported by Marlon Managa, Dive Master and Marine Biologist at Magic Oceans.

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Seal Encounter Dives at Lundy Island

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diving with seals

Voted No. 3 on the Top 10 Ultimate British Isles Bucket List by The Independent, these dives offer the closest marine mammal encounter available to divers in the UK.  Friendly and playful, respectful divers are often rewarded by incredible interaction with the Lundy Seals.

diving with seals

Easy Divers has been running guided dive trips to Lundy for nearly 10 years and offers dive equipment hire if required.  Trips depart from the stunning harbour town of Ilfracombe in North Devon and Dolphins are often seen during the boat passage.

diving with seals

In addition to diving, Ilfracombe is a great base from which to hike the South West Coast Path, dip into surfing at the UK’s first World Surf reserve, enjoy other water sports or head to Exmoor National Park.

diving with seals

Easy Divers also runs a diver-friendly guest house, with a discount for diving customers and kit rinsing and drying facilities.

diving with seals

The Seal encounter dive sites are shallow and sheltered and are suitable for divers of all levels, making them a great introduction to British diving.

Exclusive Offer for Scubaverse Subscribers

Use your exclusive Scubaverse discount code scubaverse10% before the end of June and join us for a Seal encounter dive trip to Lundy Island, on any trip date with availability this Summer.  Visit https://www.easydiversnorthdevon.co.uk/lundy-dive-trips/seal-encounter-dive-trips/ and enter code scubaverse10% at the on-line check out.

Trips book out well ahead, so book now to avoid disappointment. To save 10% on any 1 night stay at our guest house, please call 07833 020424. We offer free cancellation for divers who book a 1 night stay, if we have to re-schedule due to unsafe weather.

Join us for Britain’s best marine mammal diving experience!

Trips run from end of May to mid-October and are bookable via email at info@easydiversnorthdevon.co.ukon-line via the Easy Divers website, www.easydiversnorthdevon.co.uk, or call 07833 020424 for more info

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Heading out on the water this Summer? Watch for manatees

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manatee

As National Safe Boating Week approaches, Save the Manatee® Club is urging boaters, and anyone that enjoys Florida’s waterways, to respect and protect the defenseless manatees that inhabit our shared waterways. From May 18 to 24, leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, the campaign aims to raise awareness about recreational boating safety and the importance of safeguarding imperiled manatees during the summer boating season. This week also emphasizes the importance of encouraging boaters to enroll in a boating safety course.

Manatees are semi-migratory marine mammals that are commonly found in shallow estuaries, bays, rivers, canals, and coastal areas throughout Florida and neighboring states. With some manatees venturing as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, collisions between these gentle giants and watercraft have become distressingly frequent. Boat propellers and high-speed collisions pose significant threats to manatees, often resulting in severe injuries or even death.

Save the Manatee Club is calling on all water enthusiasts to follow essential manatee safety tips to ensure the well-being of the imperiled manatee:

  • Obey Speed Zone Signs: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent collisions with manatees.
  • Reduce Glare with Polarized Sunglasses: Wear polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and spot manatees below the water’s surface.
  • Recognize Manatee Signs: Learn to identify signs of manatees in the area, such as swirls or flat spots on the water caused by their movements.
  • Respect Manatee Sanctuaries: Keep a safe distance from posted manatee sanctuaries and avoid pursuing or harassing these marine mammals, as it is illegal and can disrupt their natural behaviors.
  • Report Distressed Manatees: In Florida, promptly report distressed, injured, tagged, or orphaned manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). Outside of Florida, report sightings to the appropriate state agency or rescue organization. A list of agencies to contact is available at savethemanatee.org/report.
  • Protect Seagrass Beds: Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow areas where manatees may be feeding. Stick to deep water channels while remaining vigilant, as manatees also utilize these channels during their travels.
  • Dispose of Fishing Line Responsibly: Anglers should properly dispose of or recycle used fishing line to prevent entanglement hazards for manatees.

“Each year, National Safe Boating Week provides an excellent reminder for all of us to be aware that we share our waterways with vulnerable manatees,” emphasized Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “With the recent Unusual Mortality Event on Florida’s East Coast claiming an alarming number of manatees’ lives, it is more crucial than ever to prevent preventable deaths caused by watercraft collisions. By following manatee-safe boating guidelines, such as obeying speed zones and remaining vigilant for manatees, everyone on the water can contribute to the protection of these gentle giants.”

Save the Manatee Club offers a range of free materials to help safeguard manatees and raise awareness about manatee-safe boating practices. Shoreline property owners and park or marina managers can order aluminum dock signs to alert others about the presence of manatees in their areas. Boaters and paddlers can request packets containing a safety tips card, a waterproof boat banner, and a decal to display on their vessels, providing the number to report manatees in distress. To view and request these materials, visit savethemanatee.org/resources. Save the Manatee Club will also be hosting a live webinar for National Safe Boating Week on Tuesday, May 21st at 6pm EST. To register, visit savethemanatee.org/register.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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