Strange Sunfish and Hope for the Ocean | National Geographic

National Geographic Explorer Tierney Thys, marine biologist and adventurer extraordinaire, is perhaps best known for her work tracking massive 10-foot long, 5,000-pound ocean sunfish, or mola, around the globe. Her research on giant mola has spanned over a decade, and this breezy Northern Californian gives no indication of slowing down anytime soon.
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Not only is Tierney a champion for the ocean in the scientific world, but also in the world of theater and dance. Along with fellow ocean advocate, Sylvia Earle, the duo acted as lead science advisers for the performance Okeanos, a multidisciplinary portrait of ocean life through dance.
Tierney conveys an inspiring message of hope, even amidst seemingly constant bad news. "I see incredible hope in the eyes of our children," says Tierney. She is currently working with National Geographic Student Expeditions to create a summer marine-biology expedition for high-schoolers in Belize.
Her work in the field, in classrooms, and on-line as the Daily Explorer in National Geographic's Animal Jam, an interactive game for young explorers-in-training, makes Tierney one of our most well-rounded and well-respected Emerging Explorers.
Strange Sunfish and Hope for the Ocean | National Geographic
• Strange Sunfish and Ho...
National Geographic
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[@ainoaguy]

She is so cute! I love her enthusiasm. We need more people like that in the world.

[@hissukka6619]

what is enthusiasm

[@blackbeamer_25]

@@hissukka6619 excitement

[@basketballbrian]

she seems really happy with her life

[@Steph-vh6fx]

@MAVIS YEOH YANG YUEN Moe someones unhappy

[@AverageBass1627]

@MAVIS YEOH YANG YUEN Moe You want to reduce people to your miserable life, don't ya?

[@yellowsunfish4219]

I am too

[@aidendelbridge7405]

So does the person

[@kapridus1144]

@MAVIS YEOH YANG YUEN Moe oh no a ghost

[@zelichen6465]

She has also given a terrific TED speech about sunfish, really a passonate person about sunfish!

[@pixelsbooks7418]

I love how enthusiastic this marine biologist is! She is amazinggg

[@notofthisworld5267]

As a fish lover, she gives me hope.

[@kapridus1144]

do you still love fish

[@Ardent_Black]

I am a fish lover too...... i love to eat them.

[@MultiSamSami]

@@Ardent_Black you just love their taste then

[@Ardent_Black]

@@MultiSamSami yes 👍

[@mariyastoyanova31]

@@Ardent_Black lol

[@JCPatrick]

I love ocean sun fish 🐠 they’re so interesting & cute that they sun bathe after coming up from the deep ocean to warm up.

[@marderoMS]

I was 10 miles offshore a big pine when I heard something breathing right next to my head on the side of the hull of the boat. Then I spotted a huge 2 foot fin straight up next to my head !heard a a deep breath oh my god what could that be a sunfish chewing on the bag CHUM. This sunfish was bigger than a full car edit took a breath like a human being. With age 2 foot fin sticking up right next to my head I am had a heart attack. Of all days not to have camera on me I always will regret the day don’t have a bicameral with me the sad fish stayed around the boat for hours eating the baked as it went through the current. Next time I hear a big breath offshore and I chew foot friend appeared next to my head Aldo to what it is. And it definitely is a Bizzarre looking shish it looks as if somebody cut it in half. And it’s got very bright color. It was one of the most beautiful experiences all the water off all day start to have my camera I never go offshore anymore and if I ever do I’ll make sure I have a camera. Take a deep breath and let it out

[@marderoMS]

Yes

[@marderoMS]

Face book

[@TomMKW]

now all we need to find is a moonfish

[@TheVildee]

Haha, in Norway they are actually named moonfish - "månefisk" :)

[@extrememark13]

TheVildee Same in Greece.We call them φεγγαροψαρο=moonfish

[@TheVildee]

extrememark13 Nice :) They look more like moons than suns!

[@calebkim7445]

tomschrauwen actually the jellyfish they feed on are called "moon jellies". interesting relationship between sun and moon haha

[@mrskitkats]

they're called moon fish in france

[@spiffyclip]

JAY LOOK AT THESE FUCKIN THINGS

[@ashleypg1708]

+Imgonnagogetthepapers getthepapers hahaha it's a fuckin' tunar err somethin!

[@antromy]

WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY JAY?! THEY LOOK LIKE BABY WHEELS!!!1!1

[@TheLastHylianTitan]

AH SHIT, WE GAHTA COHL THE AQUARIUM OR SUMTHIN', DUDE.

[@krystalconer9715]

IT'S A WHEEL JAY. ARE YOU SHITIN ME?

[@endofyraaaaryfodne3389]

It is such a joy to watch her passion for marine life and positivity. Warms my heart that there are people like her out there and advancing the way.

[@ValiaValiant]

the first time I saw this fish in the Monterey Bay Aquarium I knew it was going to be my favorite for a while. I was so confused by it, because they just stop. like they forgot to develop 1/2 their body. I would love her job, it sounds incredible.

[@RexTorres]

What a jolly person! I found myself smiling, listening to her... :D And yes, don't forget about the sunfish... xp

[@crazyjedi7407]

Aww their so cute when they all swim together love this fish :3

[@108077854]

Sunfish are weird in the fact that their not scared you. They will come up and stare at you

[@bwncars]

1:33 "hi world!!" *waves with a cute little fin.

[@TheVildee]

I really like her:) First time I saw a sunfish was in a huge aquarium in Denmark. We could watch a diver feed a couple of them.

[@thecrazysunflower9360]

The first time I saw a sunfish was in Denmark to!

[@s0d00]

she looks like bjork!

[@zachdavis9748]

With the flowers in her hair she's just as weird too.

[@RunnerRB]

Do u mean björk from iceland?

[@flt528]

OMG I was thinking the same thing. She must get that all the time.

[@christinehonour9829]

Whilst out in a panga off the Galapagos Islands last week, I came across a sun fish for the first time. We were actually out watching the sea turtles and then saw the fin of the sun fish. We followed it for a while and then it slowed right down and was within a foot of our panga, a beautiful bronze and white enormous creature, absolutely amazing. It stayed with us for several minutes before swimming off. Incredible experience.

[@Daisymaow]

My favourite fish! they are so beautiful, just perfect really. Maybe someday I will see one in person :)

[@victorwaddell6530]

Karen Wenchel I was in the US Navy . One day I was on lookout on the starboard bridge wing , about noon . My ship was about halfway between California and Hawaii . I saw one of these fish sunning itself just a few feet below the surface . I watched it pass along side my ship and I swear we made eye contact ! I had kept aquaria for many years before joining the navy , and I know that fish can see humans and make eye contact with us . I'll never forget that moment .

[@rohaan.]

Karen Wenchel beautiful? 😂

[@BECOMINGSKYY]

Rohan XD right

[@excuseyou7198]

@@victorwaddell6530 I don’t think the sunfish was sunning itself. I’m pretty sure they go to the surface to get rid of parasites.

[@Leelz247]

This scientist is so adventurous!

[@angrybirdnate0626]

I caught an ocean sunfish! Good thing I'm wearing ocean sunscreen!

[@cinnabar555]

Is that a quote from animal crossing?

[@bobbyguns100]

this women has a very kind soul, it is very rare to find people like her in life.

[@RitaLacey]

Awesome!!! You're a great role model for young girls everywhere! Your passion shows in listening to what you do...love hope!!

[@TheAdeleLonestar]

I LOVE this! And I never knew these beautiful fish existed until today! Tierney seems lovely. Thank you NatGeo, and thank you world for always giving me something new to learn about! :*

[@comercomerce2478]

0:14 i love her braid hair and that bow

[@seykai]

This fish is fantastic! I just found out that it is also known as the "Mola Mola" and I just love this lady's enthusiasm! :)

[@AmigOGood]

her voice is so beautiful and calming.

[@coryshay]

What an incredible woman. There's someone who absolutely loves her job and her life. We should all be so compassionate!!

[@baboon500]

so inspiring!

[@Lvthepresent]

Beautiful! I'm happy that someone does care about all the species especially those unknown ones found in the ocean. They are all beautiful even if they look strange. All animals and aquatic animals have a purpose. Ironically, only humans don't have a purpose. :)

[@zachosen]

Super Like ... God Bless you

[@djdangler]

I saw one of those at the aquarium in Valencia, Spain. Freaky and awesome! I was glad to be able to take pictures of it.

[@faroshscale]

I'm glad there's a scientist giving molas the time of day. They truly are the weirdest cutest creatures.

[@KSK_Berlin]

good job, lots of success!

[@SaelPalani]

I adore the ocean. Just adore it.

[@Paul-pj5qu]

Inspiring, positive person. It is a nice message

[@KAI-mt4vr]

0:45 what creature is this??? gave me goosebumps.

[@hyphenatedhippie]

Yes, thank you! Why is nobody talking about this? I need to know what that is. 😳

[@star5crue]

what a truly amazing lady who you can tell sincerely cares...if only there were more people like this...

[@aconfusedazn]

NatGeo, these are the kind of clips that I think about when I hear about you guys. Please make more of these and fewer of the reality TV-esque stuff.

[@jaym.7045]

Grown up Dorothy out here became a marine biologist

[@eliasy.g.9897]

This lady is amazing.

[@Dr_Diaz]

Shes such an inspiration

[@hollyken3]

That was such a cute picture of her with the sunfish! It looked like they were taking a selfie 😃

[@JesusMostHigh]

Great clip.

[@rioalbert23]

Beautiful

[@kuiolani]

I love sun fish! I love her!

[@kuiolani]

oh. i didnʻt know it would connect my youtube comment to this weird google thing. what is happening? the world is too connected. is this posting on youtube too? so confused and technology illiterate. ugh. that was like the first youtube post i ever made. i guess i wonʻt make another one ʻcause this is weird.

[@vitianinhi]

i think you should post more sun/oceanfish stuff because i

[@vitianinhi]

weird

[@jjlovelord]

Very cute fish love it

[@justicewillprevail1106]

What a inspiration

[@oriente7905]

More of this NatGeo, you have the means to change the world, take it seriously!

[@ttortilla]

Only real ogs remember her from that one online game called animal jam that you joined in 3rd grade

[@whitealliance9540]

Kickin it Oldskool i see

[@TheWalf999]

amazing.

[@mjb4126]

What a legend!

[@xrq3223]

“I’m here” omg so cute

[@elaines679]

She's so inspiring :)

[@Gmal51]

😀 this is the most friendliest fish you would ever see.

[@MaoRuiqi]

Raves! Great!!

[@NahedElrayes]

I love her :)

[@gloryannvillamor6714]

wow!!

[@frankiefriday7768]

What a wonderful life you have.

[@ChiakiMimi]

that is the most adorable fish ever...!! XD

[@TheNightmareTroll]

i like that fish!! its gonna be big on the internet one day... it loooks so great.

[@cathleentaylor6545]

we spotted one while on a whale watch out of Gloucester, MA. I have had the opportunity to dive all over the world and I have never seen a fish like it. It truly looked like it was waving at us and I think it became more of a focus of the group than the whales did. I have a great picture of it and have it on my desk....it's so unique.

[@edoffher]

hey I agree, when I first saw a sun fish in the wild and not in a picture,I was working in a remote pearl farm in the Kimberley of West Australia, and was amazed at how big they were, about 20-30 of them circling a pontoon, all going clockwise, looking at me, looking at them, magnificent.

[@JibHyourinmaru]

my dream i want to be a marine biologist and i think this video is inspiring me. taking picture below the sea is much cooler than on the land. i like her hair btw. :)

[@matchmasterqueen5054]

She's adorable. Lovely person

[@_xxxmlgxxx_3203]

WOW

[@freediveryoubuur]

Thats amazing and she is amazing! I wish more people started to dive, because like she points out it is almost impossible to not care for the ocean when you do. And we need the ocean even if we never would wanna step a foot into it. But you should - just a mask and a snorkel and then you dive!! Learn to freedive its the best!

[@MORELOCK1989]

Thanks.

[@zennyfieldster4220]

I saw not only one but 2 in northern nova Scotia, Canada last summer!

[@victorwaddell6530]

Chris Fielding Good sighting . I saw one in the Pacific while in the navy about 1994 . Halfway between California and Hawaii.

[@Vanessa-ud7iq]

this is a cool video

[@MeeMoo4141]

thnx

[@matbroomfield]

Yes - she reminds me of Pippi Longstocking! But enthusiasm for a good cause is always endearing!

[@jennyreynolds30]

I spotted one, albeit small, about half the length of a common dolphin, in the Bay of Biscay! We were on a cruise, 5 Decks up. At first I thought ooo there's plastic carrier bag down there floating in the ocean by the side of this huge liner, then I saw the fins flopping about. No tail, really odd. Checked it out in the library and found it. I will never forget it. Bizarre but beautiful.

[@supersobhy1]

Very peaceful she is

[@evanrutherfordlazyahole9079]

One of nature's miracles

[@epicguardian]

The :O FISH . LOL

[@renxo909]

THESE FISH ARE SO CUTE

[@allisfaith]

Dr Tease, can you please explain the digestive system of the sunfish, I have a feeling that is the most interesting part of this fish

[@mcintosh5681]

Me when i leave my room lol

[@frankymunoz1436]

I love sunfish there so grace full I want to meet one in real life

[@AngelinaParker]

awwww i wanna swim with the sunfish!!!

[@forgedude]

You have my deepest wishes mam, best of luck :)

[@lu8201]

💛💛💛

[@luvmylittles]

I wanna do thins the ocean a beautiful and inspiring place

[@Tel0510]

i love fish

[@megamushroom]

Cute fish kine in real life is beautiful

[@TheGiantKiller8]

I love sharks yet im terrified of em, they just look amazing

[@tbone007]

MOLA MOLA!!

[@kugelmanno]

Haha, cool :D

[@pkaren2288]

she's so cute!

[@jnperez01]

Gonna buy me a snorkel!

[@galihprasetyo6214]

1:13 when my parent gave birth to me

[@DrunkyMonkey8008ies]

whoa where is that place near the beginning of the video around :32

[@manny4552]

Sunfish are cool

[@whitealliance9540]

What's the 1 tool you would give? The lady: "a mask and snorkel" Me: counting doesn't count here

[@Lavenderblue333]

Ocean sunfish feed primarily on jellyfish. And since the jellyfish are dependant on a stable temperature in which to thrive, the sunfish are indirectly threatened by rising ocean temperatures.

[@watchensee]

Awww they're neat looking fish. I think their actually considered endangered?

[@humbleone6405]

Remarkable what education can do for a person's life. Opens doors.

[@lucythedog13]

Are they found anywhere around tampa florida??

[@Stingerbillion]

I am not afraid of sharks, but more from jelly fishes. My god, some of them you can't even spot. LOL

[@smokemeowtt]

I found one of these washed up at. Pismo Beach CA