Video: Octopus Life, Death & Birth at Three Tree Point

A Beautiful Film Documenting a Giant Pacific Octopus and her Eggs

March 6, 2014

Drew Collins and Myra Wisotzky made a great discovery while diving Three Tree Point in the Puget Sound this past November. They were searching the tire reefs at the site after a friend mentioned seeing a Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) in a den lined with eggs - a sight that many underwater photographers dream about. Over the next 6 weeks, Drew and Myra made as many dives as possible to watch and document the maturation of the eggs and behavior of the soon-to-be "Octo Mom." 

The video below is the product of their efforts; it is beautifully made and very informative, especially for those who don't often get to dive with enormous octopuses.

"I learned more about the Giant Pacific Octopus during the six-week real life laboratory that was diving to Octo-Mom's den than I have in the last three years. I dive regularly and often in Puget Sound, I do 'Life Science' work each week, I've read multiple books and web blogs about Octopuses and have discussed all of the developments weekly with the world's leading authorities on GPOs. This entire experience was truly amazing, inspiring and rewarding beyond my expectations."   - Drew Collins

"I was always thrilled at the unique privilege of witnessing the unfolding life cycle of an animal that lives in such a different environment than the one we know above the water. Although an octopus is about as different from a human being as you can get, there was something about seeing her eye and seeing the developing eyes in the eggs that made me feel a strong connection."  - Myra Wisotzky

For those interested in reading the full story and learning even more about the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO), you can read Drew and Myra's writeup linked below. Enjoy!

- Brent Durand, UWPG Editor

Read the Article:  Octopus Life, Death & Birth at Three Tree Point

VIDEO:  Octopus Life, Death & Birth at Three Tree Point

A Made in Puget Sound Production in association with MW Consulting.

Further Reading

• Octopus Steals Diver's Camera Rig!

• Story Behind the Shot: Hatching Octopus

• Fascinating Creatures of the Pacific Northwest

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