For anyone reading this article, you are presumably doing so on the internet (the exception being the few octogenarian ocean enthusiasts, whose grandkids kindly printed this out for them in size 48 font to read). But for the rest of us, we’ve all become well too aware that the internet has a dark and unwelcoming side. It’s all too common to find “doomsday” scenarios, as these typically attract the most views and likes. However, we’re all about embodying a complete opposite mentality when it comes to what we circulate and subscribe to a different type of clickbait.
Because of this, a common way we search for partners is through their social media to see if the content aligns with our values. It's one of the best ways to get a surface-level look at the work that they do, what they stand for and how they view the world. And by surface-level I mean, there’s SO MUCH more to uncover once we start actually corresponding and eventually meet in person if it’s a good fit. One of the biggest requirements for reaching out to partners is checking to see how they represent the bad news about our planet and offer solutions, shining a light on the good.
One person in particular always stood out to me for this very reason. I had been following Michael Boyd for a while before extending the outreach note and I always loved his content for a few reasons. First, it was simple. Second, it was fun and wholesome. Third, he’d always talk about ocean issues with a clear call to action for how people in his local community could get involved. And lastly, he was just an all-around good guy and this was evident in the way he talked, wrote and shared. I wanted to meet Michael where he was, and I knew the team would want the same as well.
So, with a single slide into the DMs, Michael and I became internet friends. Michael was getting known around San Diego for being the pinniped guy. He would freedive San Diego's top sites and document his epic marine animal encounters, all while picking up trash in the ocean. He’d give insight into the lives of his friends that live beneath the surface, each of which he’d named based on their personalities and behaviors. He was making the underwater world feel way more accessible—like anyone could get in and give it a try. That’s what I loved the most about Michael’s approach: he highlighted a connection with the ocean that was possible for anyone.
Sea lions are distinguished by their external ear flaps and large flippers which they use to propel themselves through the water. They can also rotate these flippers to walk on land, a skill that highlights their agility compared to their seal cousins. Meanwhile, seals, although very similar-looking to sea lions, are quite different. Seals have smaller flippers and lack external ear flaps, features that streamline their bodies for efficient swimming but make them more cumbersome on land, where they move in a worm-like fashion.
Both sea lions and seals are pinnipeds, a group of marine mammals that are semiaquatic, but their physical adaptations make for different lifestyles. Sea lions are often found in noisy colonies and can be very social animals, frequently seen sunning in large groups on beaches or docks. Seals are generally more solitary, except during breeding seasons when they come ashore in large groups. The diet of both consists mainly of fish, squid, and other marine foods, but their hunting behaviors and social interactions vary significantly due to their physical differences.
Both sea lions and seals are abundant in California, albeit facing massive threats. The convergence of habitat degradation, pollution, and human disturbances continues to put their populations at risk. Despite these challenges, efforts to protect and restore their habitats are underway, highlighting the importance of continued conservation measures to ensure these charismatic marine mammals thrive along the California coast. Every marine encounter with these animals got Michael more interested in finding ways to ensure their success. That’s exactly what we wanted to further explore, getting a glimpse into Michael’s world of diving and conservation—and how he’s using social media to educate.
So, after about 6 months of talking back-and-forth, the time had finally come to meet this local legend in the flesh. We got our scuba gear from our favorite San Diego dive shop, Beyond Land Adventures, and we chose one of Michael’s favorite beaches to meet: La Jolla Cove. We were to dive out in the shallows to see what encounters we could have of our own, all while learning about sea lions and seals from the California naturalist himself.
Meeting Michael was exactly as we expected—there was no difference between how he was online versus how he was in person. Genuine, kind, and just all around good. He even introduced us to his girlfriend, who equally, was just as awesome as he was. For Michael, all of this internet fame and pinniped obsession started with surfing. As an avid wave rider, he was out on the water all the time and started to notice the fun animals that would cruise alongside him. Wanting to get a closer look, he taught himself how to freedive, as scuba was a bit too expensive for this nursing school student.
As he grew more skilled in freediving, his interactions with the local sea lions and seals deepened, transforming them into familiar faces. However, he also became increasingly aware of the pervasive trash affecting these marine habitats. Motivated to raise awareness, he began creating bite-sized videos documenting his encounters in the challenging waters, coupling visuals with educational content about the pinnipeds. This initiative quickly catapulted his social media presence, drawing widespread attention and engagement.
Michael received global encouragement, with messages urging him to continue his impactful work. Simultaneously, he faced another facet of online criticism, claiming his information was inaccurate and oftentimes simply condemning his actions outright. This mix of praise and criticism highlighted a universal truth of online visibility: gaining attention inevitably invites both support and opposition no matter who you are, what you do or how genuinely good your motivations are.
Michael's resilience against negativity remains unshaken. He channels his creative efforts into uplifting hospital patients in emergency rooms (where he works as a nurse), and sharing his diving experiences with those unable to explore the ocean themselves. Through these actions, Michael not only offers a glimpse into the underwater world but also fosters hope among those facing health challenges. His videos serve as a powerful incentive for recovery, connecting patients to the ocean's beauty and reinforcing the therapeutic potential of nature. Entering the nursing profession was fundamentally about aiding others for Michael, and now, he feels he offers something uniquely uplifting to those in distress.
Outside of his hospital and diving commitments, Michael dedicates time to volunteering as a naturalist. He aims to educate San Diegans about their marine neighbors, especially how to interact safely with sea lions and seals. Although these creatures appear friendly and often approach him during dives, Michael stresses the importance of not touching the wildlife. "It's important that we never ever touch wildlife, even if they seem like they want us to," he advises. "They need to use their energy for essential activities like feeding or nursing, and interacting with humans can distract from these vital behaviors."
This perspective aligns closely with insights from Dirk Holeman, a leading expert on the endangered Australian sea lions we met in South Australia. Dirk emphasized that sea lion behavior isn't always what it appears, as these interactions can disrupt their natural patterns and behaviors. Michael takes this seriously, advocating for a respectful distance during encounters and educating his audience on recognizing when these animals are in need of help. He emphasizes the importance of calling Animal Rescue hotlines if a seal or sea lion appears hurt, ensuring his followers are equipped to help without intervening directly.
Professionals trained in animal rescue are equipped to handle marine animals during emergencies—a skill beyond the scope of divers and even medical professionals like Michael. We even got to see Michael’s approach for calling in a rescue right before our first dive with him. At 6am as we made our way to La Jolla Cove for a chilly end-of-winter dive, we encountered a juvenile sea lion with severe injuries. Analyzing the situation, Michael speculated, “This looks like it could be the damage from a juvenile great white shark on the hunt. There's bone entirely exposed.” He immediately called in the pros, wondering how long it would take this early in the morning. His quick assessment and immediate call for action was a perfect demonstration of what anyone should do in this exact situation, which happens often around California.
Michael is the epitome of humility and never considers himself a "pro," yet his expertise is undeniable. Being an ocean expert doesn't necessarily require formal education as a scientist or researcher; it often comes merely from profound experience. Michael embodies this, having gained immense knowledge and skills through extensive freediving and surfing around San Diego. His deep familiarity with the local marine environment makes him a well-known authority in his community, respected for both his skills and his experiences.
Without Michael, we might have overlooked San Diego as a diving destination. But thankfully, we didn't. California boasts some of the most spectacular underwater experiences in the world, often underrated yet teeming with marine life. Diving here ranks among the best in America, particularly for those eager to encounter a diverse range of marine mammals. Our online search and outreach paid off handsomely when Michael, embodying the genuine spirit we'd seen online, welcomed us to his world.
He humbly describes himself as "just a guy that likes to freedive and pick up trash, and have some cool encounters along the way," but to us, he's a vital guide to the ocean's wonders. And he’s exactly what the world needs right now to keep pushing and promoting that good news online. It’s the stuff we are all deeply craving at the end of the day.
To be continued …
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