Don't Forget Mother Ocean Day!

On May 10th we will celebrate Mother Ocean Day.  It was introduced by the South Florida Kayak Fishing Club in 2013.  It stands to reason that the Floridians came up with this idea, as Florida is famous for its white sand beaches and clear, aquamarine waters.  It is a day dedicated to appreciating the importance of the oceans on Earth.   

There are five oceans on our planet, the Antarctic or the Southern Ocean, the Arctic, the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.  Together they cover about 70 % of the earth and are responsible for producing more than half of the world's oxygen. Plus, it absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere.  The oceans also help to regulate the Earth's climate and weather patterns.  The number of creatures living in the oceans is unknown but is estimated to be about one-quarter of all the Earth's species.  According to the World Register of Marine Species, there are 240,470 accepted species.

There are more historic artifacts under the ocean than in museums around the world and about 1,000 shipwrecks off the Florida Keys.  Plus, there are underwater museums!  The Mid-Ocean Ridge is the longest chain of mountains and stretches a distance of 40,389 miles beneath the ocean. The ocean is less explored than the surfaces of Mars and Venus.  Only 5% of the world's oceans have been explored.  Another mind-boggling fact is that 94 % of our living species exist within the oceans!

So, how do we celebrate this important day?  You could be on the water in a boat or on a surfboard.  You can be in the water for a swim or snorkeling or scuba diving and viewing the plants, fish, and other creatures that call it their home.  If you prefer to stay on land you could picnic on the beach listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.  If staying home is your thing, then make a meal of the food of the oceans, such as fish and shellfish.  

Just think about the many explorers that braved the ocean's waters leading to amazing discoveries that increased our knowledge of our civilization and our planet.  Celebrate the majesty and peril of our oceans!

We would like to share with you the photographs of our visits to four of five oceans.

"Longsnout Seahorse III" was taken on our dive off the coast of Curacao Island which is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, which is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean.  The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans.  It covers about 20% of the Earth's surface.  On average it is the saltiest major ocean.

We found Nemo!!  "Clown Anemonefish II" was found on a dive around the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceans. Only 13.8% of the Pacific Ocean floor has been mapped.

"Looking" was taken in the Svalbard Archipelago 600 miles south of the North Pole and 600 miles north of Norway.  We caught this polar bear checking out the Arctic Ocean's contents for a possible meal.  Unfortunately, he went hungry!

Our view is from the ferry of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India (Bombay).  The ferry is one of several on the Arabian Sea, which is a region of the northern Indian Ocean.  It is the third largest of the 5 oceans.  

These images are available in tabletop to wall size, triple matted, and with or without a frame.  The matted versions are yours at a 10% discount and the framed matted versions in sizes 11x14 and larger can be yours at a 15% discount.

Visit our website, www.throughthelensoflee-margaret.com for available sizes and prices.

Stop by and see us on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The gallery is open for arranged Saturday appointments.  Call us at 904-387-8710 to schedule your special visit.  Come see us and order now.

"The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach.  I have heard them all, and of the three elemental voices, that of the ocean is the most awesome, beautiful, and varied."

Henry Beston