When strolling along the pier – perhaps with an ice cream – it’s easy to forget that there’s also a bustling community of marine animals living out their lives beneath the surface.
Now, people can watch a HD live stream of marine animals passing by underneath the Scripps Pier by watching the Scripps Pier Underwater Camera.
“Hosted by the Coastal Ocean Observation Lab at Scripps Oceanography, this camera provides marine enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes and under-the-water glimpse at the thriving ecosystem right underneath the iconic research pier,” says Scripps Institution of Oceanography on LinkedIn.
Footage shared by the Scripps team shows a lobster clambering right over the camera lens – totally unaware of the world watching its every move. You can even see the underneath of its shell in detail as it scuttles back and forth across the camera.
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Through the live cam, viewers will also be able to observe the changing ocean conditions.
“Water colour and the amount of particles seen in the camera, determine water clarity,” explains the Scripps Pier Live Cam website. “Dark green or reddish-brown water indicate a bloom of phytoplankton. Fast moving, small particles are generally indicative of high surf or current that kicks up the sand and detritus into the water column.”
Sometimes, though, tiny bits and pieces in the water might be living things. “Mysid shrimp are often seen early in the morning and near sunset,” they add. “Watch closely to see the difference between floating organic bits and mysid shrimp zooming by. Get lucky and see a school of top smelt, a curious lobster, even a leopard shark or bat ray!”
Top image credit: Scripps Pier Underwater Camera, Coastal Ocean Observing Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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