| Photos & Videos A place to post and discuss images |
 |
08-11-2009, 06:12 AM
|
 |
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SoWal
Posts: 881
Thanks: 609
Thanked 1,292 Times in 567 Posts
|
|
|
Video - whale sharks at Grayton Beach, Florida
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
Whale shark video at Seagrove Beach by Austin Buzzett >
|
|
The Following 45 Users Say Thank You to kurt For This Useful Post:
|
aggieb (08-11-2009), ameness (08-12-2009), Arkiehawg (08-12-2009), Beach Hawk (08-11-2009), BeachBebe (08-11-2009), beachwanabe (08-11-2009), bluecat (08-11-2009), Bluznbeach (08-12-2009), Caroling (08-12-2009), Cheapet4 (08-12-2009), ChillPill (08-11-2009), coastal-edge (08-12-2009), dunelover (08-12-2009), Everytime (08-12-2009), EZTekDirect (08-12-2009), flipflopflo (08-12-2009), Franny (08-11-2009), gerryok (08-12-2009), goodwitch58 (08-11-2009), Grayton Girl (08-11-2009), ItzKatzTime (08-12-2009), Johnrudy (08-11-2009), kathydwells (08-12-2009), lerxst (08-11-2009), LightWorker (08-11-2009), lisaloebmalone (08-12-2009), Lynnie (08-11-2009), Magic Hour (08-12-2009), MattChrist Live (08-11-2009), micki (08-17-2009), MissCritter (08-12-2009), Moby (08-12-2009), mtlinscomb (08-11-2009), pk305 (08-11-2009), Rita (08-11-2009), Sandcastle (08-12-2009), shakennotstirred (08-12-2009), Starfish (08-12-2009), tivoli (08-12-2009), TooFarTampa (08-11-2009), totally (08-11-2009), truluv (08-11-2009), upstatefl (08-14-2009), whaddyasay (08-12-2009), yippie (09-09-2009) |
08-11-2009, 06:58 AM
|
 |
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Eastern Lake
Posts: 698
Thanks: 2
Thanked 136 Times in 74 Posts
|
|
|
Absolutely stunning footage! Thanks to all who helped show off that grayt creature.
__________________
My mind tends to wander... but fortunately, it's so weak, it doesn't get very far...
|
08-11-2009, 08:01 AM
|
 |
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Dune Allen
Posts: 1,954
Thanks: 45
Thanked 65 Times in 44 Posts
|
|
|
wow, that is special! look at all the cobia just hanging out with it!
__________________
LIVE...BREATHE...LOVE
"I needed the pom poms. Tragically, I can't thread a needle, but Bdarg has skillz." ~jdarg
|
08-11-2009, 08:13 AM
|
 |
Beach Lover
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sowal
Posts: 250
Thanks: 67
Thanked 170 Times in 34 Posts
|
|
|
That is one beautiful video! Many thanks, Edmond and James! The water is so incredibly clear!
My bro-in-law actually swam with this group of whale sharks yesterday!! I am going fishing with him on Thursday and am keeping my fingers crossed that they will still be out there and that we might see them!
|
08-11-2009, 08:18 AM
|
 |
flossie hole
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pt. Washington
Posts: 2,849
Thanks: 91
Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts
|
|
Amazing. The cobia must feel some protection from the whale shark. Also interesting to notice towards the end of the video the view of the beach. She was so close to shore. Thanks Kurt. 
|
08-11-2009, 09:03 AM
|
 |
Beach Lover
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Posts: 386
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
WOW! Have not lurked in a long while. Glad I decided to check in and see this. Very cool 
__________________
I suffer from "adult-onset adolescence"
|
08-11-2009, 09:13 AM
|
 |
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Point Washington, Florida
Posts: 612
Thanks: 146
Thanked 111 Times in 57 Posts
|
|
|
wow that was a beautiful Tuesday morning gift..thank you!
|
08-11-2009, 09:20 AM
|
 |
Beach Nut
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Point Washington
Posts: 470
Thanks: 92
Thanked 66 Times in 34 Posts
|
|
|
I am completely mesmerized by this. Incredible experience!
__________________
|
08-11-2009, 09:49 AM
|
 |
Beach Native
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Historic Old Point Washington
Posts: 3,172
Thanks: 443
Thanked 234 Times in 142 Posts
|
|
|
Amazing video...thank you. Love that Capt. Mike's dog Sadie was watching the whales. How come Capt. Mike Valentino wasn't mentioned?
__________________
"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall
"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby
|
08-11-2009, 12:09 PM
|
 |
got any pics?
SoWal Legend
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Just South Of Nowhere
Posts: 10,711
Thanks: 23
Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts
|
|
Wow! I am standing here beside myslef... sitting  . Has anyone noticed Whale Sharks in the area before?
|
08-11-2009, 01:39 PM
|
|
Beach Dreamer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: kentucky
Posts: 60
Thanks: 15
Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts
|
|
|
wow, beautiful, calming, so many adjectives could use . Great to watch.
|
08-11-2009, 01:41 PM
|
|
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ibx
Posts: 2,658
Thanks: 143
Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts
|
|
that's pretty incredible. i'd much rather witness that than jessica simpson and/or KC. 
__________________
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. - Albert Einstein
Last edited by aggieb; 08-11-2009 at 01:47 PM.
|
08-11-2009, 02:05 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: North Georgia & Grayton Beach
Posts: 8
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
That is so cool, and goes to show there's so much beneath the surface that we're missing when we sit on the beach and just look at the waves coming in from the Gulf.
__________________
Grayton Beach Dreamer
|
08-11-2009, 09:35 PM
|
 |
treehole
SoWal Legend
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Point Washington, SoWal, FL
Posts: 12,691
Thanks: 695
Thanked 566 Times in 320 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by RiverOtter
Wow! I am standing here beside myslef... sitting . Has anyone noticed Whale Sharks in the area before? |
hey, I'm doing the exact same thing!
no, I've never heard of whale sharks in the area...???
|
08-11-2009, 10:27 PM
|
 |
Beach Lover
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 136
Thanks: 2
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
|
how far out were they?
|
08-11-2009, 10:30 PM
|
 |
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Seagrove.
Posts: 609
Thanks: 51
Thanked 254 Times in 87 Posts
|
|
|
I was in its mouth! No really. Somebody hook a brother up. I've been seeing some neat stuff and sure, I found around 15 golf balls in the Gulf today, but a Whale shark? That's exclusive.
If anyone has any idea or dibs on where I can maybe get out to them in a kayak or other means, let me know 985-860-2377. I'm crossing my fingers for a camera soon and would love that kind of adrenailne footage.
|
08-11-2009, 10:34 PM
|
 |
margarita brocolia
Beach Native
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Arlington, TX & Dune Allen Beach
Posts: 3,849
Thanks: 1,157
Thanked 258 Times in 151 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by aggieb
that's pretty incredible. i'd much rather witness that than jessica simpson and/or KC. |
.
 ...I'm with ya aggieb!
.
__________________
 
"Peace .... starts with the person who attempts to diffuse the tension and backs away from the inflammatory rhetoric."
|
08-11-2009, 10:40 PM
|
 |
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Dallas, Tx
Posts: 1,774
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
Thanks Kurt for sending this! That is amazing footage and so cool! Clever way to get me out of my slump and force me to post!! I miss all of you guys and think of you often. I guess its time for me to stop in more often! 
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to CastlesOfSand For This Useful Post:
|
|
08-11-2009, 10:45 PM
|
 |
Beach Legend
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SoBuc
Posts: 5,339
Thanks: 232
Thanked 199 Times in 156 Posts
|
|
|
Wow, so docile and beautiful!
Thank you!!
__________________
Who is Lynnie?? ~~~~~~~Signed, All Y'all
|
08-11-2009, 10:56 PM
|
 |
Beach Dreamer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Missouri
Posts: 50
Thanks: 5
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
|
I can't thank SoWal.com enough. To get a notification about such a great event, sharing with all of us. I feel like I am part of SoWal all the time..... Thanks to all that post.
|
08-11-2009, 11:36 PM
|
 |
Beach Lover
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: 30A
Posts: 176
Thanks: 0
Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts
|
|
|
Tlhanks for this fine video.
__________________
North is a direction. South is a way of life.
|
08-11-2009, 11:55 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Destin
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
That's not a whale-shark;
it's the dreaded Jaguar shark.
|
08-11-2009, 11:56 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Thanks for the reminder
Yes, I have been away from this lovely site for a while. Promise to check back more often.
Tidewater.
|
08-12-2009, 03:19 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Atlanta - no beach
Posts: 11
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Holy Poop! This is life moving stuff...thank you so much. Sadie, can we maybe go out?
|
08-12-2009, 05:01 AM
|
 |
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Amelia Island, FL
Posts: 1,476
Thanks: 36
Thanked 35 Times in 22 Posts
|
|
|
Beautiful!
I love how a creature so large can have such grace and dignity.
Thanks for the headsup.
__________________
Hipster Credentials Expired
|
08-12-2009, 05:35 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Part time in paradise, So Walton
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Incredible video. Just another of the wonders of So Wal and 30A. thanks to the crew for videoing and sharing their find.
|
08-12-2009, 06:50 AM
|
 |
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,602
Thanks: 2
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
|
Pretty amazing. That is more calming than any drug!
Thanks for sending this to me and drawing me out of hibernation!
__________________
People will forget what you said.
People will forget what you did.
But people will never forget how you made them feel.
|
08-12-2009, 07:52 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Whale Sharks video
Thanks for beautiful video-I'll be alot more observant when looking at the Gulf waters now. Sadie's looks like a great dog
|
08-12-2009, 08:35 AM
|
|
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Eastern Lake
Posts: 698
Thanks: 2
Thanked 136 Times in 74 Posts
|
|
|
Well, I know if anybody wanted to get a WHALE of a Deal on Real Estate, call me!
:clap:
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
__________________
My mind tends to wander... but fortunately, it's so weak, it doesn't get very far...
|
08-12-2009, 08:36 AM
|
|
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Eastern Lake
Posts: 698
Thanks: 2
Thanked 136 Times in 74 Posts
|
|
|
Wanna go surfing in Grayton?
__________________
My mind tends to wander... but fortunately, it's so weak, it doesn't get very far...
|
08-12-2009, 09:03 AM
|
|
Beach Comber
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 28
Thanks: 15
Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
Thanks Kurt for the post, and to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith for capturing the moment for us all... the music and videography were very well done!
|
08-12-2009, 09:03 AM
|
 |
Beach Lover
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Decatur,Alabama
Posts: 259
Thanks: 6
Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lake View Too
Wanna go surfing in Grayton?
|
The first sign of whale sharks started back in may in PC, some divers I know got the first glimpse of them. Then I have heard of some off Gulf Shores also. Very rare for them to be in these waters.
As a diver, it would be a thrill to see one!!
|
08-12-2009, 09:19 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 14
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
|
Beautiful!!
|
08-12-2009, 09:33 AM
|
 |
Beach Comber
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Miramar Beach, Florida
Posts: 41
Thanks: 18
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
I bet that was just to awesome for them to swim an to see how beautiful an amazing those animals are & to be so close to shore!!! All I can say is ..WOW...!!!! I would have loved to be there~!
|
08-12-2009, 09:39 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Whale Shark
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I'm making my first visit to Grayton Beach in September and I was already excited but this is beyond all my dreams! I'm an ocean lover that's been landlocked for way too long! Your video reminded me to breathe and dream! Thanks again! LaRita
|
08-12-2009, 11:04 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 6
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Thanks
Thanks so much for sharing. What an amazing sight.
|
08-12-2009, 11:20 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18
Thanks: 14
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
|
I can't wait to share this video with my son! He absolutely loves sharks!
|
08-12-2009, 11:22 AM
|
|
Beach Comber
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 46
Thanks: 1
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
|
Amazing!
What a spectacular event to have witnessed. Thank you so much for the incredible video. I had been a resident down in Seagrove since 2001 and stuck here in Dallas this summer. I can't wait to get back. Wish I hadn't missed that but that awesome video sure helps.
|
08-12-2009, 12:20 PM
|
 |
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MS
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Thank you soooo much for this! I wish I was there!!!
missing the action...somewhere in Ms..
|
08-12-2009, 12:28 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
|
08-12-2009, 07:14 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 9
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
That was amazing! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that with us. How beautiful. It so makes me want to be there instead of New York.
|
08-12-2009, 07:21 PM
|
 |
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10
Thanks: 1
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
Thank you for the fabulous video! We see Trigger Happy was in there too!
Hi to everyone from St. Augustine-hope to head your way in the fall!
|
08-12-2009, 07:24 PM
|
 |
Beach Dreamer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 71
Thanks: 24
Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post
|
|
|
__________________
"Begin each day, end each day, and live each day with a sincerely thankful heart. And as each day passes, you'll have more and more for which to be thankful".
-- Ralph Marston
|
|
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to MiMi n MiRaMaR For This Useful Post:
|
|
08-12-2009, 08:55 PM
|
 |
Beach Comber
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Fairhope, Alabama (Near Gulf Shores Al.)
Posts: 31
Thanks: 22
Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post
|
|
|
To All Gods Helpers
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
Thank you KURT, and to all the others! On a day when I am fending off the woes of a family emergency, I get and e-mail from Kurt, by way of GOD. Life in the sea, and viewing such wonders gives me hope like no other. Thank you, Diane
__________________
grammy c ---always at play!
|
08-12-2009, 09:53 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Indianpolis, Seagrove Beach
Posts: 3
Thanks: 2
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
Beautigul!
Thanks for the notification regarding the sharks swimming off Grayton Beach...what an amazing video. Must have been quite an experience for the divers involved!
|
08-12-2009, 10:15 PM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
|
|
Whale shark
I was out in a one person kayak on the morning of August 7th. I was in the second sandbar off Watersound Beaches and I came upon one of the whale sharks. I had no idea what it was but thought it looked like a whale or a huge ray. It came right over to the kayak and I could see all of the fish swimming with it. It was rather unsettling being out so far by myself with such a huge creature but it was also fascinating!!!
I paddled back in and insisted that my husband go out and see it because I knew that no one would believe me without validation. When he got back to shore told me that it was definately a shark but he didn't get close enough to see what kind. We had a great time telling our great shark story all day. I am so glad to know that it was a whale shark. I wish that I had know what it was that day and I would have spent a lot more time following it.
Yesterday, Aug. 11th we followed a manatee swimming east from Watersound.
I had a fantastic week there!!!
|
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Babs O For This Useful Post:
|
|
08-12-2009, 11:23 PM
|
 |
Beach Legend
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: O'do
Posts: 6,341
Thanks: 329
Thanked 541 Times in 341 Posts
|
|
|
never thought i would see that, thank you
|
08-13-2009, 06:54 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Thanks: 0
Thanked 6 Times in 1 Post
|
|
|
Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach
Hello SoWAL lovers,
I am so happy to see the responses to the YouTube movie I created with the underwater footage from James Griffith and still photos from Captain Larry of the Dead Fish (I love movie making). Sorry I did not mention my good friend Captain Mike Valintino in the video. I just credited the main characters.
I missed the first couple of days of Whale Shark action off of Grayton Beach and then spent 3 Days in a row looking for them in my boat. Yesterday was a payday. The charter boat Dead Fish first spotted the Whale Sharks off of the Wheel House in Seagrove beach yesterday and most of the Grayton beach launchers gathered for a photo opportunity.
Yesterday I saw the Whale Sharks live, I photographed them (poorly) and I got to touch the dorsal fin of one of the beautiful creatures when it surfaced right next to my boat. I was an amazing experience. Today is ladies day as I will take Leslie Provow, Celeste Cobina and Cynthia (my wife) out to look for them again.
Yesterday the Whale sharks were spotted around 9:30 am about a mile to a mile and a half off the beach. I think there were five whales and they ranged in size from just over twenty feet to just under forty feet long. The water depth in the area is about 60 feet.
After the YouTube post I got a call from USM's Gulf Coast Ocean Research Laboratory in Springs, MS seeking information about the sighting. I was told that the Whale Sharks have been appearing between PC and Orange Beach for a while now. Scientist there are seeking lateral left side head photos of the Whale Sharks for identification purposes. It seems that the spots pattern in the gills/pectoral fin area are all unique to an individual and can be used as "finger prints" to identify them.
Send photos to:
Eric Hoffmayer, Ph.D.
MSAFS President
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Dr.
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Ph: 228-872-4257
Kindest regards to all,
Edmond
EDMOND ALEXANDER | MEDICAL ILLUSTRATOR
Alexander and Turner Inc. Medical Illustration Studio
56 Old Miller Place
Grayton Beach, Fl 32459 USA
t 850.231.4112
f 850.231.4142
e edmondalexander@earthlink.net
w www.alexanderandturnerstock.com
w Alexander and Turner Medical Illustration Studio
w www.artfromgraytonbeach.com
|
|
The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to edmondalexander For This Useful Post:
|
|
08-13-2009, 08:25 AM
|
|
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SoWal
Posts: 881
Thanks: 609
Thanked 1,292 Times in 567 Posts
|
|
|
Thanks Edmond - we are thrilled to share your fine work. Please keep us up on your further adventures!
|
08-13-2009, 08:25 AM
|
|
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ibx
Posts: 2,658
Thanks: 143
Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts
|
|
Mr. Alexander,
Thank you for such an outstanding video. I've watched your other videos and one that stands out to me as well is Mr. Buzz. 
However, the whale shark video I have watched the past 3 nights before falling off to sleep, and as iwishiwasthere said it's more calming than any drug. Again, thank you, I can't get enough of this incredible piece of work.
AggieB
__________________
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. - Albert Einstein
Last edited by aggieb; 08-13-2009 at 08:56 AM.
|
08-13-2009, 09:24 AM
|
|
Beach Crab
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: pinelog st. freeport
Posts: 9
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
|
totally amazing, fantastic job of filming. god bless to all envolved!
Quote:
Originally Posted by kurt
Five Whale Sharks appeared just offshore from Grayton Beach, Florida in the first week of August in 2009. They remained in the local waters for two days. Many of the people chartering Grayton Beach fishing boats and one group of divers photographed and swam with the whales during the two-day event. A Whale Shark is not a whale (mammal) but is a gentle, non-dangerous, filter-feeding shark that is the largest living fish species.
James Griffith, a local firefighter/diver in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida captured the beautiful underwater video. The large school of bigger fish swimming with the whale shark are cobia.
Thanks to Edmond Alexander and James Griffith.
YouTube - Whale Sharks of Grayton Beach |
|
08-15-2009, 03:36 PM
|
 |
Beach Lover
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 102
Thanks: 4
Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
|
|
Apparently this is part of a pattern, which the scientists haven't figured out. This article mentions the Grayton visitors toward the end.
Whale shark sightings baffle scientists*| ajc.com
P.S: Kurt and everybody else who contributed to the video, thanks again!!!!!
|
08-15-2009, 04:09 PM
|
 |
Beach Bum
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Destin while building @ Blue Mtn Beach!!
Posts: 1,022
Thanks: 384
Thanked 200 Times in 108 Posts
|
|
|
Amazing - thank you for sharing that!
G
__________________
Quote:
|
"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." ~ William Cullen Bryant
|
|
08-15-2009, 08:44 PM
|
 |
SoWal Legend
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sowal
Posts: 10,322
Thanks: 1,009
Thanked 1,465 Times in 872 Posts
|
|
Very cool!
__________________
The enemy is ignorance.
|
08-18-2009, 07:06 PM
|
|
Beach Fanatic
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SoWal
Posts: 881
Thanks: 609
Thanked 1,292 Times in 567 Posts
|
|
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:54 PM.
|
|
|
|
Write For Us!
SoWal.com is looking for "Featured Bloggers" to write about local music, events, activities, dining, business, & more.
Learn More>
|
|
|
|
|
