The United Nations has proclaimed 22 May 2009 International Day for Biological Diversity (AKA Biodiversity) to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues. The term biodiversity was coined by E.O. Wilson and refers to “the variety of living things, including diversity within species (genetic diversity), [Continue]
The kilometre-long breakwater is a place people go to relax, explore, take in nature or to reconnect with themselves. The lighthouse at the end of the breakwater is a popular destination. People often stop to admire the little lamp that plays such an important role in keeping ships away. The lighthouse itself frequently sports a [Continue]
Victoria Harbour–including Ogden Point–is a busy place. During the summer season dozens of cruise ships visit, several a week and sometimes three at once. They’re on their way to or from Alaska. The regular vessels, though, are the two pilot boats that go out and meet the large freighters travelling through the Strait of Juan [Continue]
There’s no shortage of spectacular fish awaiting those lucky enough to SCUBA dive at Ogden Point. Wolf eels, kelp greenling and rockfish alone are some of the wonders waiting among the 10,000 granite blocks and forests of bull kelp. But even for those just walking out to the point, there is much to see. Chinook [Continue]
You’re likely to see a harbour seal in the water any time you walk the Ogden Point breakwater. They are pretty tame and come close for a good look at you. The harbour seal is the common seal found around Victoria or Vancouver, the western counterpart to the harp seal in the east and the [Continue]
Countless invertebrates float in the water or on the rocks of the breakwater. This time around we’ll look at just a few of them. A guide book such as The Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest by J. Duane Sept (Harbour Publishing) can help a lot. Remember: Just look!Often, moon jellyfish and [Continue]