Welcome to Diaries of a Waterwoman : Gabriella's Ocean Chronicles! Dive into my world of ocean exploration, marine conservation, and exciting underwater adventures. From spearfishing in tropical waters to discovering unique seashells, I share my passion for the ocean and the incredible experiences it offers. Join me as I explore the beauty beneath the waves, advocate for a cleaner, healthier planet, and celebrate the wonders of marine life. Let's embark on this journey together and make waves for a better future! 🌊🐠🪸

Diving with Kelly Young in Key West | Hand Spearing fish in murky water (catch, clean & cooking over primitive fire)

Gabriella Gerbasi May 9, 2023

I went diving with Kelly Young a few weekends ago in Key West. I was busy taking pictures of mangroves and crabs but she was hand spearing mangrove snappers in murky water and the made dinner over the fire in the backyard! She prepared it with pineapple and Valentine Thomas’ Bahama Mama blackened spice mix and it was 🔥

Why are stone crab claws so expensive?

Gabriella Gerbasi January 22, 2023

Why are stone crab claws so expensive? The reason fresh stone crab comes at such a premium is because of the short harvest season and how carefully regulated stone crabbing is by the state. Florida’s stone crab season is monitored closely to ensure that stone crabs aren’t over-harvested and that just the claw is removed without harming or killing the crab.

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Bringing awareness to ocean conservation and empowering action through art.

ocean-friendly favorites

Explore brands, companies, and products that share my passion for ocean conservation, sustainability, and conscious travel.

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Listen to my playlist and escape to a tropical beach with me.

favorite books

Ocean, mindfulness, lifestyle and empowerment, here are the books that changed my life and perspective on it.

featured posts

Featured

Sep 21, 2024

Make Waves: The Importance of Coastal Cleanup on International Coastal Cleanup Day

Sep 21, 2024

Beach clean-ups are essential for preserving our oceans and protecting marine life, but it’s important to remember that sustainability is a journey we can all embark on, no matter how imperfectly. We often think that to make a difference, we must achieve perfection, but the reality is that many people taking small, imperfect actions can collectively lead to significant change.

Sep 21, 2024

Sep 16, 2024

The Joy of Being a Fish Wife: Sorting Rock Shrimp

Sep 16, 2024

The other day, CJ brought home some fresh rock shrimp, and I couldn’t help but feel like a true “fish wife”—the one who sells fish and loves every moment of it! 🦐 After we got them home, it was time for the real work: sorting and cleaning. This process involves removing the heads and deveining the shrimp. It was my first time ‘‘processing’’ shrimps and every time we bring a fish or seafood home, I find it fascinating and I am always learning something new.

Sep 16, 2024

Sep 8, 2024

Why I Choose to Harvest My Own Food (And Why It Matters)

Sep 8, 2024

You wouldn’t believe the number of comments I’ve received lately suggesting that I should "just go to the grocery store" instead of harvesting my own food from the ocean or my backyard. It’s as if people forget that the pre-packaged meat or seafood they buy didn’t magically appear on the shelf. The reality is, if you’re eating meat, shrimp, oysters, or any seafood, the process of getting that food to your plate isn’t clean or pretty—you’re just letting someone else do the hard part.

Sep 8, 2024

Aug 17, 2024

Welcome to My Ocean Chronicles

Aug 17, 2024

Hey everyone! 🌊 Welcome to my blog! For those of you who are new here, I’m Gabriella, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey.

Aug 17, 2024

Aug 7, 2024

Fascinating Facts About Queen Conch Shells

Aug 7, 2024

The queen conch (Lobatus gigas) is a large, marine mollusk found in the warm waters of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. Known for its beautiful, spiraled shell, the queen conch is not only a popular find among beachcombers but also an important species for local ecosystems and economies.

Aug 7, 2024

Aug 3, 2024

The Vital Role of Sharks in Our Ecosystem

Aug 3, 2024

Sharks are often misunderstood and feared, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of our marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they regulate the populations of other marine species, ensuring that the ecosystem remains balanced and healthy. By preying on the sick, weak, or old, sharks help keep fish populations robust and diverse, preventing any single species from dominating and disrupting the ecosystem.

Aug 3, 2024

Jul 29, 2024

How to Tell the Difference Between a Live Sand Dollar and One That Isn't Alive

Jul 29, 2024

Beachcombing often brings the excitement of discovering sand dollars, those fascinating, delicate treasures of the sea. However, it’s important to distinguish between live sand dollars and those that are no longer alive to ensure we respect and preserve marine life. Here’s how you can tell the difference!

Jul 29, 2024

Jul 23, 2024

10 Fascinating Facts About Sand Dollars

Jul 23, 2024

Today, let's uncover some intriguing facts about one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures: the sand dollar. These flat, burrowing sea urchins are often found washed up on beaches, but there's much more to them than meets the eye.

Jul 23, 2024

Jul 9, 2024

Shark Squalene: Protecting Marine Life with Sustainable Alternatives

Jul 9, 2024

Squalene, a natural oil found in shark liver, has been used in cosmetics and skincare products for its moisturizing properties. However, the demand for squalene has led to the overfishing of sharks, putting many species at risk. Millions of sharks are killed each year solely for their liver oil, contributing to the decline of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems.

Jul 9, 2024

Jul 8, 2024

Celebrating Shark Week and Shark Awareness Month: Amazing Facts About Sharks

Jul 8, 2024

As we celebrate Shark Week this July, let's dive into the fascinating world of sharks! These incredible creatures are often misunderstood, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of our marine ecosystems.

Jul 8, 2024