As we dive into the ocean, we’re immediately greeted by schools of fish swimming in unison. They’re not just aimlessly floating around, though. In winter, fish like cod, haddock, and pollock migrate to shallower waters to breed and lay their eggs. It’s a strategic move to increase the survival chances of their offspring. These schools of fish can consist of thousands of individuals, making it quite a spectacle to witness.
As we swim further down, we come across the crustaceans. Lobsters, crabs, and prawns are a common sight in the winter ocean. In fact, lobsters are at their most active during this season. As cold-blooded animals, their metabolism is affected by the temperature of their environment. In winter, their metabolism slows down, which means they require less food to survive. However, they still need to move around to search for food, which is why lobsters can often be seen scurrying across the ocean floor.
Another crustacean that’s easily identifiable in the winter ocean is the blue crab. Blue crabs are known for their ability to tolerate cold temperatures and can still stay active even when the water is close to freezing point. They’re mostly found in estuaries and bays, where they feed on small fish and marine plants. In just 30 seconds, you can see a blue crab crawl out of its hiding spot and scuttle across the ocean floor in search of its next meal.
But it’s not just fish and crustaceans that are active in the winter sea. Seabirds are also a common sight during this season. As fish migrate to shallower waters, it becomes easier for birds to catch them. Species like gulls, terns, and cormorants can be seen diving into the water to catch their prey. In just 30 seconds, you might witness a gull swooping down to grab a fish in its beak before flying off to eat it.
Lastly, winter is the season for seals. Grey seals and harbor seals are two of the most common species that can be found in the winter sea. They’re known to haul themselves out of the water onto rocks or ice to rest and warm themselves up. Despite the cold temperature, they’re well adapted to living in the water, with their streamlined bodies and blubber layers providing insulation against the cold.
In just 30 seconds, you can see a grey seal pop up its head out of the water and look around, curious about its surroundings. These seals are known for their playful behavior, so it’s not uncommon to see them swimming around in circles or playing with each other in the water.
Winter may not be the most inviting season for us humans to jump into the ocean, but for the animals that live there, it’s just another day. In just 30 seconds, you can witness an array of activities happening in the winter sea, from fish migration, crab scavenging, and bird hunting to seal resting and playing. It’s a magical world beneath the water’s surface, and one that’s worth exploring.