News
Volunteer diver and underwater photographer writes Children’s book based on resident eel
By [unknown placeholder $article.art_field1$]
Jun 12, 2009 - 9:59 AM

Proceeds from sale of “Howard’s Search for a Home: An Underwater Adventure of a Moray Eel” to benefit aquarium

Tim Watson, a volunteer SCUBA diver and underwater photographer at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, has used his unique hobbies and extensive experience to bring a former aquarium resident to life for children. His children’s book, “Howard’s Search for a Home: An Underwater Adventure of a Moray Eel,” uses digital underwater photography, fun animal facts and an entertaining story to inspire children to learn about and appreciate our oceans. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go back to the aquarium in the form of donations toward programs and research.

Watson’s humorous story focuses on Howard, a moray eel who has decided to retire and sets out to find a new home. He eventually discovers that Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, where he will be cared for by friendly people, is the perfect place to spend the rest of his life. The book provides educational facts on each animal featured and Watson’s vivid underwater images of various sea creatures, including sea turtles, beluga whales and sharks that can be seen in the aquarium’s exhibits.

“I had many photos of Howard the moray eel, and my kids and I began discussing what we could do with them, eventually deciding on a book,” said Watson, a volunteer at the aquarium for more than six years. “We settled on the topic of retirement – a subject children of all ages can understand and relate to as they watch their own grandparents retire. I worked with aquarium staff to come up with fun and interesting facts on each animal, and it all began coming together. My job requires a lot of travel, and this book was the best way to give back to the aquarium since I can‘t volunteer there as much anymore.”

Watson, an associate research fellow in chemical research and development at Pfizer, started diving at Wittenberg University in 1992 and became an instructor under the direction of longtime friend, Captain Ed Porter, in 1996. As he and his wife Michelle took numerous dive trips around the world, digital underwater photography became a hobby. Watson currently lives in Waterford, Conn., and continues to dive and photograph his underwater adventures as often as he can.

“Howard’s Search for a Home: An Underwater Adventure of a Moray Eel” can be purchased at Lulu.com for $19.95, or can be downloaded for $12.50.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.

Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

© Copyright by ConnecticutPlus.com