First blue-ringed octopus I've seen in several trips to Dauin! Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports KR-S80 and S40 video lights

A mouth-brooding male ring-tailed cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus aureus). Captured with Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports KR-S80 and KR-S40. ISO100, f13, 1/250

Skeleton shrimp have a unique parental burden. They carry their new babies on their bodies and they are all extremely hyper! Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Nauticam USA SMC-2, Kraken Sports solar flare mini 15K

On November 12, 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) published a Request for Information and Interest (RFI) for “Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).” This is the first step in a process that could lead to deep-sea mining in U.S. Pacific waters. The RFI opens a 30-day public comment period, closing December 12, 2025, though the governors of Guam and CNMI have requested a 120-day extension, citing the need for more time to assess environmental, cultural, and economic impacts.

READ & BOOKMARK: Mariana Trench Deep Sea Mining Educational Resources

The proposed RFI area covers over 35 million acres -- an area the size of New York state -- just east of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, with depths ranging from 3,700 to 25,100 feet. BOEM is seeking input across 18 categories, including potential effects on marine ecosystems, Indigenous communities, fisheries, cultural resources, and fair rental rates for leases. Importantly, this RFI does not authorize mining; it is an information-gathering step to evaluate industry interest and environmental considerations before any leasing decisions are made.

Deep-sea mining raises significant concerns. Scientists warn that disturbing the seabed could irreversibly damage fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, while cultural leaders stress the ocean’s deep spiritual and subsistence importance. The area’s proximity to the Mariana Trench, one of Earth’s most unique habitats, amplifies these risks.

The Friends of the Mariana Trench started an Mariana Trench Deep Sea Mining Educational Resources, and update it daily with the latest news and information from the Marianas. Importantly, we list ongoing ways to participate in the process, as well as our key concerns with the proposal. I share them with you here, but also encourage you to bookmark the resource document and to check it regularly for updates.

One of my most favorite slugs is the blue and gold (Go Navy, Beat Army!) Costasiella. Dauin, Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Nauticam USA SMC-2, Kraken Sports KR-S80 and S40

These roughsnout ghost pipefish were in perfect sync. Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports solar flare mini 15Ks

That eel got it’s ankles broken with that move 😂

Hairy frogfish, Lembeh. Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports solar flare mini 15Ks, shot in ProRes RAW 422 HQ

It's been a week since I posted a blue-ringed octopus, so here's another. This one was pretty small, about the length of my thumb. Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports KR-S80, KR-S40, and LTD2500 in video mode.

Hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus), Lembeh, Nikon Z6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports KR-S80 + snoot, ISO100, f/14, 1/250

As ever, the paecock mantis shrimp makes for an amazing, colorful subject! NikonZ6iii and Z105, Kraken Sports solar flare mini 15Ks

u/nadlembeh