Strawberry Fields Forever

Yes I’m stealing a line from a very famous song from one of the greats musical acts of all time but it relates to one of the most prolific sights you can see underwater one the coast of British Columbia.

The waters around Vancouver Island and all up and down the coastline of the Pacific North West are current rich. These tidal forces flow in some places at breakneck speed while in others just at a trickle. This water movement brings nutrients to all the plants and animals all along the coastal regions.

One place in particular is Discovery Passage. This long narrow stretch of fast moving water separates Vancouver Island from Quadra Island. Beneath the waves along the walls and reefs off the west side of Quadra Island, grow vast fields of underwater anemones.

These beautiful tiny little creatures carpet the bottom like wild flowers blooming in a spring field.

The Strawberry Anemones (Corynactis californica) or Club Tipped Anemone is an amazing variation to the Corallimorphidae family. These corallimorphs grow only to 1" (2.5 cm) and come in oranges, greens, pinks, and reds, which can be almost fluorescent and are extremely vibrant. These colors are especially striking with animals that have clear tentacles and contrasting colored tips.

As with most anemones, this animal cannot move quickly to pursue food. Instead, it relies on an unsuspecting fish or crustacean to come within range of its stingy tentacles.

The Strawberry Anemone reproduces using a method called “longitudinal division.” Put simply, the animal will produce clones of itself that may cover a square meter or more. As a result, you will usually find Strawberry Anemones in large clusters with all of the animals being descendants of one original anemone.

When diving around the Campbell River/Quadra Island area go with an experienced guide and boat operator. Weather and water conditions can be very treacherous during most parts of the year. The marine life in this area is amazingly diverse and diving during the best conditions will just enhance your experience even more.

Thanks for reading.

Scott

For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/