ocean – Nature Stock Photo Agency

Californian sea lions (Zalophus californianus) on a red buoy, Monterey Bay, California

Willi Van Boven — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:24:35 +0000

Harlequin duck on the rocky shoares of Botanical Beach, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:35:40 +0000

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in the water near Lajos de Pico, Portugal

Willi Van Boven — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:15:03 +0000

The blue whale, scientifically known as Balaenoptera musculus, is the largest creature to have ever existed on Earth. This magnificent marine mammal, a member of the baleen whale family, roams the world’s oceans, with a range that spans from polar to tropical waters. Renowned for its colossal size, a fully grown blue whale can reach lengths of up to 100 feet or more and weigh as much as 200 tons. Characterized by a mottled blue-gray coloration and a heart that can be as large as a small car, the blue whale is a gentle giant that sustains itself by filtering small shrimp-like creatures called krill through its baleen plates. Despite their immense size, blue whales are known for their graceful swimming and acrobatic displays, often breaching the ocean’s surface. Sadly, this awe-inspiring species faced severe threats from commercial whaling in the past, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. Conservation efforts and international protection have contributed to a slow recovery, but ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this endangered species and the preservation of the delicate marine ecosystems they inhabit.

Harlequick duck on Botanical beach, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:48:45 +0000

Killer whale swimming through a Canadian inlet

Willi Van Boven — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 15:14:54 +0000

Harlequin duck on Botany Beach, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:35:57 +0000

Sperm whale with a fluke an some pooh

Willi Van Boven — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:15:55 +0000

Harbor seal balancing on a rock, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:14:48 +0000

Killer whale swimming through the inlets near Alert Bay

Willi Van Boven — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:13:51 +0000

Small group of harlequin ducks on Paradise Beach, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:00:04 +0000