An Ocean of Life to Preserve

Columbretes Islands, Mediterranean, Spain

The Mediterranean Sea is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to iconic species like sea turtles, monk seals, groupers, dolphins, and whales. 

Despite covering less than 1% of the world’s ocean surface, the Mediterranean Sea is home to 10% of all known marine species, and 28% of them are found nowhere else on Earth.

But this precious sea is in crisis...

 

Centuries of overfishing, coastal development, and pollution have pushed many species and ecosystems in the Med to the edge. 

To turn the tide, one of the most effective tools we have is the creation of marine reserves, areas of the sea where nature is given space to recover and thrive, free from harmful human activity.

An example is the Columbretes Natural and Marine Reserve, situated northeast of Valencia off the eastern coast of Spain.

Established in 1990, this protected area surrounds a small volcanic archipelago and serves as a vital sanctuary for marine life. Fishing is strictly prohibited, allowing the ecosystem to recover and thrive.

 

 

In reserves like Columbretes, we see the real, measurable benefits of protection: fish populations recover, habitats regenerate, and biodiversity flourishes. These positive effects often extend beyond the borders of the reserve, contributing to healthier seas and more sustainable fisheries in surrounding areas.

Only a small fraction of the Mediterranean is fully protected, far less than what is needed to safeguard the future of this unique sea. 

We urgently need to expand and support marine protected areas, they are not about closing the sea, they're about giving it a chance to heal.

 

Every Ripple Holds A Story

New Caledonia, Coral Sea, South Pacific

 

Let the wind guide you, with endless curiosity for the mysteries beneath the sea, where the underwater world calls out, whispering stories of deep, timeless dimensions. 

 

There’s something magical about being out here, where the horizon meets the sky, and the ocean stretches endlessly in every direction. 

 

Every ripple tells a tale, every breeze carries a secret...

 

 

 

Here’s a collection of photos from some of our ventures among the salty waves, where every wavelet holds a story... 

 

Each picture is a frozen moment, a snapshot when we are completely immersed in the rhythm of the sea. The salty air, the turquoise water, the play of light and wind on the surface of the sea, everything becomes a part of us, blending with our own saga.

 

 

 

There’s a unique thrill in playing with the wind, whether carving through the waves on a kiteboard or soaring over the water on a foil. 

The wind calls to adventure, lifting you into a playful interaction with the sea. Kitesurfing and wing foiling are not just sports, they are invitations to embrace nature's energy, to glide with the wind as it carries you across the water.

 

 

And then there’s the wonderful underwater world, my greatest passion. Whether I’m exploring life beneath the surface while diving, or gliding by on a single breath when freediving, the ocean feels alive in a way that words can’t capture. It’s a realm of quiet wonder, where time seems to stand still, and every movement is embraced by the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.

 

 

 

While seeking shelter from stronger winds, we discover a hidden gem, a sweet little treat by a peaceful creek, where time yet again seems to slow, and the lively flow of water whisper its own energetic tales.

 

Out at sea or in a cozy, flourishing shelter, nature’s magic is everywhere.  It’s not just a feeling, it’s a constant companion, ever-present, ever awe-inspiring...

 

 

Marine Reserves with "No Take Zones"

New Caledonia, Coral Sea, South Pacific

Spending plenty time on boats, exploring both above and below the water, I’m always heartened by the positive impact marine protected areas have on the environment and its inhabitants. 

It gives me hope to see how no-take zones serve as lifelines for marine species, offering them a safe haven to thrive and grow.

 

 

Marine protected areas with no-take zones are like safe havens for fish, allowing them to grow big and live long. 

Take the Humphead wrasse, or Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus), for example. These majestic creatures are among the largest reef fish in the world, reaching up to 2 meters and weighing as much as 180 kg. 

When left undisturbed in their vibrant coral reef homes, these gentle giants can live for around 30 years, a powerful reminder of the importance of protection and peace in nature.

No-take marine reserves are among our most vital sanctuaries, safeguarding ocean ecosystems and the precious species that depend on them. In these sacred spaces, where fishing and extraction are forbidden, marine life flourishes undisturbed, allowed to thrive in peace, peace that is quickly fading elsewhere in our seas.

When comparing protected and non-protected areas, the importance of no-take reserves cannot be emphasized enough.

They serve as sanctuaries where marine life can recover, grow, and contribute to the overall stability of our oceans.

 

Lagoon neighbour: Ocellated Eagle Ray

New Caledonia, Coral Sea, South Pacific

Every time I see an eagle ray gliding through the water, a strange calm washes over me.

They move as if they carry the ocean’s deepest secrets, quiet, timeless, and filled with a beauty that stirs the soul.

Like in a silent dance, they drift by like whispers in the sea, elegant, unhurried, and full of wonder...

 

 

The ocellated eagle ray (Aetobatus ocellatus) is a species of cartilaginous fish, just like all rays and sharks.

It's known for its broad, wing-like fins and the eye-catching spots that cover its back -those spots are actually what inspired its name, since ocellatus means "having little eyes" in Latin.

 

The beautiful pattern of spots on its back is unique to each individual, much like a human fingerprint.

 

You can find this ray in warm, tropical waters across the Indo-West Pacific. It tends to stick around coastal areas, where it glides effortlessly through the water.

Interestingly, this species used to be grouped together with the spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), but scientists later found enough differences to split them into separate species. The spotted eagle ray is now considered an Atlantic-only species, while the ocellated eagle ray lives in the Indo-Pacific. 

 

Ocellated eagle rays mainly feed on shellfish, like clams, crabs, and other small creatures that live on the seafloor. They use their flat, strong teeth to crush the hard shells of their prey.

They give birth to live young, a process called ovoviviparity, where the babies develop inside eggs that stay within the mother’s body until they hatch.

Since they don't have many offspring and reproduce slowly, their populations are sensitive to fishing pressure and habitat loss. Due to its vulnerability and declining populations in some regions, Aetobatus ocellatus is of conservation concern.

 

Lagoon neighbour: Cowtail Stingray

New Caledonia, Coral Sea, South Pacific

Five meters beneath our sailboat, a cowtail stingray is feeding on the sea floor. One of our many aquatic neighbours in the New Caledonian lagoon so fun to watch and observe...

Also called broad cowtail stingray, fantail ray or feathertail stingray, this stingray's name refers to its tail. In latin it is named Pastinachus ater. This species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific and can reach a total length of 3 meters and width of 1,8 meters.

It is a bottom feeder, foraging on the seafloor, sifting through the sand in search for food such as small bony fishes and a range of benthic invertebrates, including crustaceans, molluscs and marine worms. When finding its meal the ray use suction force to inhale the prey before chewing and swallowing it…

 

"Våra Andetag" -new song release!

 

 My dear sister Nanna releases yet another of her masterpieces.

 This time:  

"Våra Andetag"

(Our Breaths)   
 

- on February 27! ❤️

 

Listen on Spotify HERE 🤠

Other music channels HERE 💃

 

Merry Everything & Happy Always!

Wonderful Planet Tellus, Dec-Jan 2024/25

From the blue lagoon of New Caledonia, to the pristine white continent of Antarctica, followed by South Georgia´s wondrous, mountainous landscape, I am wishing you all a wonderful and happy 2025!

Be kind, spread smiles, merry everything and happy always! 🌟