11/30/2012 7:51 AM
Simon Jones

FRIDAY, NOV. 30: A new Apple app showcasing Bermuda’s spectacular reefs and marine life has been launched.

The Bermuda Reef Life app went live this week and gives users a unique chance to see and learn about the island’s marine environment.

The project is the brainchild of underwater photographer Ron Lucas and many of the wildlife pictures featured on the app were taken from his 2008 book Bermuda Reef Portraits.

He told the Sun: “This has been three months in the making.

“It’s been a lot of work and I have had a lot of help from a lot of different people along the way.

“There are 240 photos on the app compared to the 108 in the book so there is a lot of new material.

“And then each photo has a caption providing information about the species or the wreck site.

“We have created various categories on the app like Seldom Seen in Bermuda, Reef Activity and Reef and Wrecks.

“There are also two maps of the islands as well as the reef platform.

Resource: Marine photographer Ron Lucas
has launched his Apple app showcasing
Bermuda's reefs and marine life.
* Photo by Kageaki Smith

“We think it provides a comprehensive and attractive look at our beautiful marine environment here in Bermuda.”

This new app is the first of its kind to feature Bermuda’s reef system.

And it is the result of a team effort from Mr Lucas, Bermuda Zoological Society and the Atlantic Conservation Partnership.

Mr Lucas hopes it will become an education tool for youngsters as well as a field book for divers while they are out at sea.

He said: “The book has sold almost 2,500 copies and there are only a few hundred left now.

Accessible

“So we wanted to create something that would follow up on that and was more permanent and that was easily accessible to people across the world.

“We are thrilled with how it has turned out and believe it could even encourage people to come to Bermuda and visit our wonderful reefs.”

There are 240 photos in the Bermuda Reef
Life app. *Photo by Ron Lucas

The app itself was developed by Left Coast R&D. while Dr Ian Walker, the aquarium’s Principal Curator, created the icon.

It costs $4.99 and is available to buy online now.

Dr Walker said: “While this project has been wholeheartedly a team effort, the vast bulk of the content work has been done by Ron Lucas.

“This fantastic app would not have happened were it not for his efforts and skill as a underwater photographer.

“The BZS greatly appreciates all his efforts to make this app a reality and for supporting our conservation education programmes.”