The Bahamas from below: Dramatic images of divers exploring marine life inside the same ocean cave James Bond was airlifted from in Thunderball
By Emily Allen
Many cave-divers tell of awe-inspiring locations to explore the hidden depths but surely this one in the Bahamas must be one of the best.
When divers float through the hollowed-out limestone rock at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, free from the constraints of gravity, natural light pours in through gaps created by the eroding rock bathing the azure blue water in sunlight and moonlight.
The cave ceiling in some places is low, just above the diver’s head and in other areas it opens up to a staggering 20ft making it an exhilarating place to explore the wildlife and pristine beauty.
When divers float through the hollowed-out limestone rock at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, (Thunderball cave is pictured) free from the constraints of gravity, natural light pours in through gaps created by the eroding rock bathing the azure blue water in sunlight and moonlight
This underwater wonderland has been recently explored by Mission Blue. It aims to establish marine protected areas - or 'hope spots' around the globe
The underwater wonderland has been recently explored by Mission Blue, which was established by American oceanographer and scientist Sylvia Earle. It aims to establish marine protected areas - or 'hope spots' around the globe.
The alliance team is currently carrying out a series of expeditions to further its vision and bring new areas under the spotlight.
The team's breathtaking images show the stunning natural beauty of this majestic spot once under threat from overfishing.
The alliance team, a diver pictured, is currently carrying out a series of expeditions to further its vision and bring new areas of interest under the spotlight
Dr Earle said lionfish (pictured) numbers have grown as all the predators have been taken away
One of many species of fish at the park which was made a protected replenishment zone in 1985 and all fishing was stopped in the park boundaries
Many commercial species of fish declined in number from the Exuma Park but it was made a protected replenishment zone in 1985 and all fishing was stopped within the boundaries of the park.
Now the area is flourishing and more species are reaching adulthood but work still needs to be done in other areas.
The team explored Thunderball Grotto, or Thunderball Cave as it’s also known, is just west of Staniel Cay in the Exumas chain and has been made famous in several Hollywood films, including the James Bond film Thunderball where 007 was airlifted from one of the cave openings.
Once inside, they admired the striking orange sponges and an abundance of wildlife, including lionfish, and on the cliffs outside, Black Noddy can be seen, along with more corals and sponges.
Mission Blue was established by American oceanographer and scientist Sylvia Earle, pictured, who said lionfish numbers have grown as all the predators have gone
Red spotted hawkfish was photographed by the Mission Blue team at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Sylvia Earle and her team explored Thunderball Grotto, or Thunderball Cave as it’s also known, is just west of Staniel Cay in the Exumas chain and has been made famous in several Hollywood films, including the James Bond film Thunderball where 007 was airlifted from one of the cave openings
The park, maintained by the Bahamas Trust, was the first of its kind in the world, when it was established in 1958, and was the first marine fishery reserve in the Caribbean in 1985.
Dr Earle said lionfish numbers have grown as all the predators have been taken away.
She said: 'Groupers eat lionfish but the groupers have been over-fished. Invasive species can’t set up house until you’ve cleared a space and a healthy system wouldn’t have space.'
Eleanor Phillips of The Nature Conservancy, said there is debate regarding how these Indo-specific fish entered the Atlantic seaboard and the insular Caribbean.
Some scientists believe the lionfish may have been introduced the reef through an accidental release from an aquarium in the early 1990’s. Another possibility is a deliberate introduction by private aquarium owners or from foreign ship ballasts.
However, diver Lisa Robertson said: 'This is a magical place. We can already see what protection can do here at Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which was established in 1986. There is hope, but we have to act now to protect more of the ocean than we currently do.'
Diver Lisa Robertson, one of the expedition guests, has visited the park over the last 30 years. She said that the number of fish and colors has decreased over the years作者: lindachan 時間: 2012-5-27 09:43 PM
