The history of our communication with pinnipeds

Pinnipeds were one of the main themes of photo-shooting for our group in the Far East each year.


Unfortunately in the first expedition the weather did not allow us to get to the rookery of Steller sea lions on Sakhalin. And we were satisfied with only a few pictures of one individual near the shore. On the other days, the rain and the strongest wind did not even let us enter the water. For that reason, we could not get to the island of Moneron. I had to leave it for the next year. And only with the second attempt we were so lucky.



On the very Kunashir, Steller sea lions are only in the course of a short period of time in the spring. But there are several large rookeries of true seals (Steller sea lion as seals are eared seals). Unlike the Commander, most of the local seals are larghas, the other spices are less common. According to our calculations, the ratio is about 1 to 5. In addition, they are more cautious and do not let to get close.



For two weeks on the island we tried to dive both on the Pacific and on the Sea of Okhotsk. Ocean water was not only colder but also much less transparent. A large amount of heterogeneous suspension very spoil photography. And if we did not meet one very sociable seal then all the time spent in this area could be safely erased.



But we were lucky. A wonderful example of how important the personality of a particular individual is. Already in an hour or two, this seal wrapped around us and literally poked into the sphere of the camera. For comparison, in our experience, a less stable habit takes 3-4 days and approximately 12-16 hours in water.

A similar case was told in the reserve. A few years ago, a film crew from Japan stumbled upon a "crazy" sea otter. Instead of floating away, he on the contrary swam to the people and tried to drive them away from his territory. Now all the albums, guides and magnets are equipped with his photographs.



In many ways, for the same reason, large rookeries are preferable for shooting, since there is a much greater chance of meeting a more sociable and courageous individual.

Again, according to our calculations, made from shots from the Copter, the number of rookeries on the Middle Island, where we dived about 120 seals during the week. Which, incidentally, is one and a half times more than recorded there earlier.



But what is interesting. When the first day or two we dived in this place, and the number of seals in the field of view over the water was estimated in dozens. None of them approached us close enough. And soon all of them scattered about their business. This is an example of the fact that no number gives guarantees of good shooting from the first time.



Also, during the filming, we were convinced of the important (if not the most important) role of the fins in establishing contact with the pinnipeds. Long free-diving fins were great again, attracting seals to like a magnet. My soft rubber fins, too, showed themselves not badly, the only thing they lacked in length.



Well, the main plus for yourself in all the shootings, it's probably the beginning of interaction with the seals in the stage when he began to include us in his games and communication. Thanks to this, it was possible to observe and photograph their relationship being very close. They could deal with their affairs almost without paying attention to the person. Search for food, rest, games and communication. The result: amazing impressions and interesting shots for our entire group.


Photos of our project The underwater world of the Far East.

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