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Writer hopes to open underwater window

Visit the Pier this weekend and gain a point of view that usually requires goggles and fins.

By FRANKIE HOWLEY
Published April 12, 2006

The key, he says, is an interesting and comprehensive subject. With his book Fishy Friends and underwater photography, O'Neill introduces children to an ocean of knowledge.

On Saturday, O'Neill, 39, will participate in the Pier Aquarium's bimonthly event, "A FISH-ful Saturday." From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., O'Neill will show his first published book, which is illustrated with his underwater photographs of unusual fish, during a presentation and slide show for children and adults.

He said emphasizing strange fish like the scorpion fish, the goby and flounder gets kids thinking: "Wow, what am I looking at?" His photographs help make them aware of the ocean creatures.

Emily Stehle, the aquarium's public relations marketing specialist, appreciates O'Neill's approach.

"He doesn't just show his book. He will talk about where he's been and what it was like,'' she said.

His message is to respect the environment and to keep learning, she said, and it's also fun.

O'Neill said he has always been inspired to encourage children to read and take an interest in conservation and science.

But the former freelance magazine writer admits it can be challenging to convey those ideas to children.

For that reason, O'Neill consistently adds to his collection of images so he can update his work and discover ways to appeal to children of different ages.

O'Neill also often visits elementary and middle schools. On Thursday, he will visit Bay Pointe Elementary. On Friday, he'll be at Campbell Park Elementary.

O'Neill customizes his presentation for older children by focusing on marine biology topics and how human activity and hurricanes affect the marine environment.

O'Neill's performance at the aquarium will target children and adults.

"It's a great opportunity to get my message across through a unique photo presentation while working on my books," he said.

The book involved a lot of hard work, he said, but it was worth it.

"When a kid says, 'I love your book,' it's an amazing experience."

[Last modified April 12, 2006, 08:14:01]