Kelp Forest Eye Candy

Written & Photographed by Chloe Ellison

It’s ocean conservation week here at The Athena Collective, and it would not be

complete without a little eye candy! I’ve curated this collection of some of my favorite

photos from one of my favorite places: the kelp forests of Cape Town, South Africa.

I go into the ocean because discovering fragments of its mystery brings me joy. While

investigating the abundant kelp around Cape Town, I have encountered many gifts: I felt

like I was flying as I descended the canopy into the heart of the forest. I squealed with

delight watching an octopus change color. I felt tenderness upon seeing a family of

catsharks sleeping in their den, sprawled over each other in a slumber party scene. I

giggled when I saw a seabird swimming in the depths. We exchanged bewildered looks

at the surprise of seeing the other; two tourists in an enchanted world. I felt awe at

seeing a stingray flutter past like a whimsy butterfly. I felt ashamed for scaring a gully

shark, one of the larger predators in the kelp forest, when I accidentally cornered her

while swimming through a shallow canyon. I saw terror in her movement as she

thrashed through a crack to safety. Sometimes you have to break the spell to

understand the hold of the magic.

Ocean conservancy is of critical importance: the ocean feeds us, regulates temperature and

weather patterns, and provides at least 50% of our oxygen. I think of the ocean as a

mirror—it reflects our flaws, but can also show us beauty. When we overfish ancient species, it shows our greed. When storm surge grows more powerful and more cities drown, it demonstrates our stubbornness. When coral reefs disintegrate, it reflects our apathy. How can we change the image so that the ocean reflects our stewardship, our imaginative spirit, and our compassion?

My hope is that these photos serve as a reminder that the ocean is a mirror, and it is also a portal. Maybe if we go through it, we can discover a new and better way to be. See you on the other side.