This weekend, my four year old had his first experience seeing fish underwater.  While many wouldn’t consider it as spectacular as snorkeling on a coral reef or diving on a ship wreck, I truly don’t believe he could have been happier than seeing those friendly little bluegills in a West Virginia reservoir.  His excitement was contagious and I was thrilled for him. 

While I have no idea what professional path my son will chose, I do know, from my own personal experience (and others affiliated with this blog), that fascination can be sparked from getting a window into that foreign, miraculous underwater world – be it through a small tank at the dentist’s office, a visit to an aquarium, or strapping on a pair of goggles at a reservoir. 

I reflect back on this recent memory now and wonder what if more people had an opportunity to develop their own sense of wonder about the underwater world? Often it is hidden, just below the surface. While I understand my son’s experience may not be readily available for everyone, another way to reach new communities – and potential future fisheries professionals – is through underwater photography. In this repeat spawner series, let’s revisit a 2017 post from guest blogger Derek Wheaton (edited by Patrick Cooney) on how to share the underwater world with others through photography.

A waterproof camera and snorkel gear should be part of everyone’s toolbox, especially fisheries professionals that rely on an array of techniques to collect data and communicate with the public…

While the art and science of underwater photography is by no means a new development, the ability to capture stunning images of life underwater has now become part of the mainstream when it was formerly but a rivulet.

Derek Wheaton, A Look Below: A Guide to Underwater Fish Photography

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