Comox Valley Naturalists Society

Sunday, March 16, 2003
Kevin Hale
Deep Sea Life

" Football Fish: Himantolophus Groenlandicus"

The mysteries of the deep sea were explored at the meeting of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society on Sunday March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Filberg Seniors Lounge, 411 Anderton Ave. in Courtenay.

Guest speaker Kevin Hale discussed the dynamics of the ocean systems, as well as revealing some of the bizarre and fascinating fauna that live deep in the sea. The effects on the fauna and physical components of oceans, by weather, geographic, and oceanographic factors, were discussed, as well as how these developed.

The fauna in the deep sea is infinitely varied. Many of the animals are in the sea cucumber, sea pen, and sponge families, but there are also huge varieties of eels, corals, anglerfish, sharks, and other creatures. As almost all the sunlight is blocked well above the bottom of the ocean, many of the animals developed bioluminescent organs to attract mates and repel predators in the pitch-black darkness.

Kevin Hale has had a long-standing interest in natural history, along with experience in working in the fishing industry. He has lectured on a wide range of subjects, including historical and cultural talks about trips to Guatemala, China, and Morocco, and is also an accomplished local songwriter and musician.

Click on a link below to view descriptions of previous guest speakers.