Kauai Sea Riders

It’s a Fluke!!

CaptainTara — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:46:02 +0000

The underside of a Whales’ Tail is unique to each individual, hence a modern way of tagging and counting the North Pacific Humpback Whales is done through digital photography. Our Presidents Day Charter Passengers had a rare and close encounter and I would like to share these visions from Alexa Boyes. Mahalo Alexa!

Whales!!!

CaptainTara — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:31:06 +0000

Megaptera novengliae

They’re Back! The North Pacific Humpback whales are frolicing along Kaua’i shores once again! What a great blessing to view these animals in a respectful manner from the Zodiac. Please join us for an experience like no other in the winter months! I will let the passengers blog and share photos for me in the coming weeks so that I can concentrate on Charters and Acoustic Research while the Gentle Giants are here!

A Hui Hou! Cap’t Tara

Kauai Whale Watch

CaptainTara — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:25:08 +0000

“We had a great time on the whale watch. Seeing the whales so close was amazing! I did manage to get one shot of a whale before I put my camera away and I thought I’d share it with you. Thanks for a wonderful adventure.”

Sue & Mark Pieper

Jim & Martha

michelle — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:49:06 +0000

“The best part of going on these tours (we went on two during our visit to Kauai) was Captain Tara and her wealth of knowledge. As a marine biologist with thirty years of experience in Hawaii, she knows absolutely everything about the animals, their patterns, and ecological preservation. We were able to go to places that were lesser known because of her experience. Some captains will take you to the popular places and, if there’s nothing there, blame it on bad luck. Not so with Tara, she knows her stuff and there’s no such thing as bad luck. On our trip we saw rays, dolphins (they jumped out of the water!) and huge tortoises – not to mention hundreds of absolutely beautiful fish.”

Kaua’i Reef Conservation

CaptainTara — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:51:10 +0000

False Killer Whales

Kauai Sea Riders is a charter for Kauai visitors who want a personal and unique experience in and on the Ocean. Yet, few realize that a large portion of the use of our Navy Seal Zodiac “HOOKAHI” is for scientific purposes.

This type of boat is referred to as a RHIB, or rigid hull inflatable and is a documented small craft that can get into the inaccessible areas. Powered by twin 140hp. 4-stroke Suzuki motors, which are “Green” friendly, this craft is perfect for Hawaiian ocean conditions and Marine life Research. Kauai Reef Conservation was formed to be a non-profit service to Federal, State , Private and other Community Non-Profit Organizations. The goal is to promote education and awareness of the diverse and unusual habitat in Hawa’ii.

In the past we have been contracted to conduct field research with Coral Reef Monitoring, Fish Kill Studies, turtle tumor and turtle mortality and retrieval, Marine Mammal entanglement, Seal de-hooking and the monitoring of the rare and endangered toothed whale species, such as the False Killer Whales. So when you support Kauai Sea Riders by coming out on a Kauai Snorkel Tour or Whale Watch Tour, you are also a partner in Kauai Reef Conservation.

Fieldwork is my expertise, so any legal (501 c-3) advice , marketing help, or future grant ideas are greatly needed and appreciated ! Mahalo!

Captain Tara Leota

That’s A Moray!

CaptainTara — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:16:29 +0000

During the day fishes swim and forage, their bright colors and behavior admired by snorkelers and divers. As twilight approaches night critters emerge from their burrows and coral polyps open their delicate tentacles to feed on plankton. The reef comes alive at night. This is the domain of the moray eel slithering down a lava rock ledge to disappear in a dark cave.
Long feared and respected, moray eels evoke visions of serpents waiting to pounce on unsuspecting humans. In ancient Rome, the emperor Nero was said to punish disobedient servants by throwing them into pits of hungry eels. In modern times, Mike Nelson of the 1960’s series “Sea Hunt” had frequent encounters with eels and fought them off with his trusty dive knife. Movies like “The Deep”, portray the moray eel as a creature to be feared. Yet contrary to these images, eels are not vicious man eaters, but fascinating reef fish with an odd appearance.

Moray eels, or puhi in Hawaiian, are very abundant in island waters. Represented by 40 species in the family Muraenidae, they are quite diverse in size, appearance and habits. The Giant Moray can reach a length of 10 ft. and weigh 75 lbs. Imagine coming face to face with this creature, the vision appearing 25% larger due to refraction from a mask!

Lacking scales and protruding fins, it is easy to think of Moray Eels as separate category, but they are truly bony fishes. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are fused, and instead of scales, nature has provided them with a layer of mucus which protects the skin from germs and parasites. Perfectly adapted for the Hawaiian reef, the moray are efficient hunters. They have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell. They hunt at night, locating resting prey such as damsel fish or cardinal fish. One inhabitant of the reef that outsmarts the moray is the parrot fish, which sleeps in a gelatinous cocoon that hides its smell.

During the day, moray eels can be seen poking their heads out of the reef, opening and closing their mouths, their rows of backward teeth looking menacing. This is not a sign of hunger or aggression, but the way these creatures breathe, pumping water over gills which are located behind the jaw. The configuration of the teeth ensure that a slippery fish will have a one-way journey to the stomach! Some of the moray, such as the Snowflake or Zebra eels, don’t have teeth but grinding plates for crushing crabs, urchins and other invertebrates. Like most predators with big appetites, this family of marine life, will “luau” and then rest for a few days.

It is best not to stick your hands into holes and crevices while snorkeling and diving. An eel will defend it’s territory and can inflict painful bites. Some Dive masters feed eels making them “tame”, but since the eel’s eyesight is poor, this is unwise. The animals cannot discern fingers from squid! As always on Kaua’i Sea Riders Snorkel Eco-Tour we educate passengers that it is better to observe reef animals in the wild, instead of changing their behavior.

Popular in Europe, Japan and China as a culinary delight, moray eels are raised for food. Thousands of tons are harvested each year to the delight of the fishing industry.

With your new understanding of these curious animals, you will be able to exclaim to your dive buddy, “That’s a Moray!” without fear.

The Italian accent is optional.

Spinner Dolphin

CaptainTara — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:41:37 +0000

We often encounter Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin on our Kauai Sea Rider Adventure tours! Named for their playful mid-air spins, the Nai’a have the reputation of being the “clowns” of all marine mammals of Hawai’i.
They are known for their friendly bow-riding behavior – but, they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Through “Echolocation”: the ability to “see” by sound interpretation, dolphin can determine the exact location of a vessel or swimmer and are acutely aware when they are being chased or surrounded.

Our Kauai Snorkel Tours includes the blessings that nature offers and yet everyday is different. The Spinner Dolphin always bring the passengers and crew of the our Zodiac to a “lighter side” and brings out the playful spirit in all of us!

Spotted Eagle Rays!

CaptainTara — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:10:36 +0000

Aetobatus narinari

Yesterday, the passengers and crew on our 3 hour Kauai Southshore Snorkel Tour had a rare treat and vision!

Two large “Hihimanu” or Spotted Eagle Rays swam close by. They were 4-6 feet across and looked like ancient underwater pterodactyl. Viewing these wild creatures “flying” through the Ocean with a diving mask was a highlight of the passengers vacation and this Marine Biologists’ month!

This type of Ray has to constantly swim and is easily recognized by it’s bright white spots and long tail. They have between 2 and 5 stinging barbs at the base, which are venomous but only used for defense. I haven’t ever heard this species ever injuring a Snorkeler or SCUBA Diver in Hawai’i.

Unlike Manta Ray, who use their cephalic fins like scoops to eat plankton on or near the surface, the Eagle Rays have a shovel-like mouth that can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure to eat mollusks or shells. Their excellent sensory system allows this animal to “see” several feet down under the sand and commence digging.

We will be on the lookout at this Dive Site for the Eagle Rays and as always, on our Kauai Sea Rider Adventures– Seeking the Rare and Unusual Marine Life!

Hawaiian Monk Seal

CaptainTara — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:18:26 +0000

Hawaiian Monk Seal

“Ilio Holo Kai”: The Dog that Runs in the Sea
Virtually unchanged for 15 million years, the Hawaiian Monk Seal is considered a treat for visitors on their Kaua’i vacation and a focus of local pride as they are Only found in Hawa’ii. Considered the 2nd most endangered species of marine mammal in the world. If you happen to encounter a Hawaiian Monk Seal that is hauled -out on the beach and resting, (Or especially if you believe the animal is injured or entangled) usually volunteers will have used ropes and sign to barricade the animal from interference, but feel free to call me Captain Tara @ (808)332-7238 (RAFT) and I will alert the Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Team of Kaua’i. Your interest and eyes and ears are truly welcome and appreciated.

Great Environmental news is that along with some moralities of these rare mammals, there have been 2 newborn pups, successfully weaned, tagged and doing well. As you can see in the photo they are a delight to observe from a distance and as I always say when left alone nature does a great job without human interference!

: Photo by Dr. Mimi Olry and Team

Hawaii’s Butterflyfish – Bold & Beautiful!

CaptainTara — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 05:55:08 +0000

The delicate and brightly colored butterflyfish, stand out as one of the most beautiful reef fish you will encounter while snorkeling or SCUBA diving in Hawaii. More characteristic of coral reefs than any other family of fishes, these brightly colored and intricately patterned fish are an underwater delight.

Recognizing butterflyfish is easy. Look for yellow coloration and bold patterns that conceal certyain body features. There is often a dark bar near the eaye as well as the tail. These dark markings, called “blind eyes”, confuse predators as to which part of the fish is the butterfly’s head or tail. The disc-shaped body is designed to move quickly, especially in and out of tight places in the lava rocks and corals.

Marine Biologists who study coral reefs in tropical waters use population studies of butterflyfish as an indicator of coral health. A visual census of these coral feeders can help monitor small changes, due for example, to a chronic low level of pollutants that would be otherwise difficult for humans to detect.

Feeding fish is not recommended as it upsets the natural balance and chemistry of the water in an area. Racoon butterfy or “ki kakapu” were mentioned in spiritual chants and were “strictly forbidden” to take in old Hawai’i. It is unknown whether this was due to their strong fish spines that would give fisherman a prickly mouthful or because they were sacred.