Kona Science Cafe Presents Blackwater Creatures

Presenter: Jeff Milisen

If you are like 90% of the rest of the diving world, most of your underwater time has been spent with a visible bottom not-too-far beneath. While having bottom contours to follow may provide a sense of security, sticking to shallow waters leaves the vast majority of the ocean out of bounds. This talk takes place miles away from the near shore comfort zone and into open-ocean pelagic waters for a completely different kind of experience. The best way to encounter creatures in this vast submerged world is to go at night, thus the name: blackwater. Here, Jeff Milisen presents data-driven observations and a selection from his unique photo catalog to expose you to this strange world.

Jeff is equal parts underwater photographer and biologist. He has worked with white-tipped reef sharks, aquaculture, cone snail venom, marine debris, and even box jellies. But his real passion is the open ocean. His lens has been focused on the plankton and micronekton that occupy the blackwater community for the past 5 years.

After the presentation, we will have pupus, drinks, and conversation. We are informal and it is potluck, so please bring a pupu and non-alcoholic beverage to share. Reusable plates and cups are encouraged, as is taking home your own trash.

Agenda:

5:00-5:15 p.m. Gather and Networking
5:15-6:00 p.m. Presentation and Q&A
6:00-7:30 p.m. more networking, pupus