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GLOBAL EDITION Vancouver Island April : May 2005 Honduras Number 4 Roatan Sharks Technology Rebreathers Ecology Fish Sense Equipment Apeks Profile Amos Nachoum Win the new Portfolio Thermocline garment Jon Gross DETAILS ON PAGE 69-70 1 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 Cover photo: Jack Connick DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by Blue Horizons Expedition & Dive Club Copenhagen, Denmark www.bluehorizons.dk www.xray-mag.com

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Peter Symes contents [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR Gunild Pak Symes [email protected] TECHNICAL MANAGER Søren Reinke [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Michael Arvedlund Nonoy Tan Bill Becher Amos Nachoum Andrey Bizyukin Michel Tagliati Edwin Marcow John Collins John Collins Edwin Marcow Garold Sneegas Michael Arvedlund Leigh Cunningham Svetlana Murashkina Kai Garseg Yann Saint-Yves Karen Gowlette Holmes Tony White Leigh Cunningham Jeff Dudas Michael Symes Jordi Chias Barb Roy Jack Connick Jon Gross Kevin Gurr SCIENCE EDITOR Michael Symes [email protected]

Further info on our contacts page on our website

GREEN ANEMONE, CAPE FLATTERY, WASHINGTON, USA. PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK X-RAY MAG is distributed six times per year on the Internet.All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced or transferred electronically in 17 29 32 36 43 Plus... any form without written permission. PACIFIC NORTHWEST NEAH BAY OH CANADA! DIVING VANCOUVER ISLAND WRECKS OF EDITORIAL 3 EDITED BY PETER SYMES BY JACK CONNICK BRITISH COLUMBIA BY JOHN COLLINS VANCOUVER ISLAND; DIVE NEWS 5 Views and information expressed in articles are that EQUIPMENT 55 of the individual author and are not necessarily repre- & GUNILD PAK SYMES BY PETER SYMES MAKE REEFS NOT WAR BOOKS•CDs•DVDs 62 sentative of views held by X-RAY MAG or its affiliates. BY PETER SYMES COLUMN: 66 Redundancy Ethic Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and illustrations by Leigh Cunningham should be emailed to [email protected]. X-RAY TRIED & TESTED: 69 MAG and Blue Horizons accepts no responsibility for Thermocline Underwear unsolicited materials sent to its office, nor is it liable for SHARK TALES: 75 loss or damage to such materials. 47 58 64 71 82 by Edwin Marcow EUREKA ALASKA! SHARKS OF HONDURAS MARATHON FISH LARVAE A FISHY SIXTH SENSE REBREATHERS: SUBSCRIPTION MANUFACTERER: 76 DIVING THE LAND OF BY BILL BECHER BY MICHAEL ARVELUND BY MICHAEL SYMES SCRUBBERS & SENSORS Apeks X-RAY International Edition in English is FREE. THE MIDNIGHT SUN BY MICHEL TAGLIATI To subscribe, go to: www.xray-mag.com by Andrey Bizyukin BY BARB ROY & PETER SYMES WET & WEIRD 80 CLASSIFIED 88 COVER PHOTO PROFILE: 89 Octopus, Quadra Island, BC Canada Amos Nachoum by Jack Connick by Edwin Marcow PORTFOLIO: 93 Jon Gross 2 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 editorial We explore Lego-blocks, Starfish and Sci-Fi... Text by Peter Symes

We just can’t help being But what, aside from the size of We admire the great explorers fascinated, can we? The ice-cream cones, has changed, and ponder what mysteries lie really? Decades later, I am now beyond. And here’s the deal: other day while I was tidy- an adult, a responsible citizen and When it comes to water and the ing up the attic, I stum- all that. But, first of all, I have to deep blue realm, we can all be bled across one of the old confess that I couldn’t help fid- be explorers. A popular saying dusty boxes containing dling around with the good ol’ goes that more is known about Legos for a while before snapping the cosmos than is known about my old Lego-blocks and out it of again. And what about our oceans. While this may be other childhood memora- this thing with the crabs, the star- just another urban myth, it is cer- bilia, which also included fish and the sea? With the break- tainly true that even today, aston- a now mummified starfish. ing waves and the rumbling surf? ishing creatures—weirder and I still love the beach. I am as more exotic than even the most It instantaneously took fascinated and drawn towards advanced sci-fi movies could me back to sweeter times the sea—that mystic realm—as I describe—are now being discov- when ice-cream cones was as a child. Only now, I also ered on a regular basis. Every day have the option of donning a dive we live on this planet is a chance were truly gigantic, and suit, which enables me to venture to get out and discover its awe- there were no mortages further and to experience even inspiring beauty and diversity. ■ or Osama bin Ladens to stranger creatures than the small worry about. sand shrimp that my childhood’s cheap mask-and-snorkel toy set Back in those less complicated allowed me to do. It still fills me times, life was pure joy, and days with a sense of joy and fullfillment. were happy on the sunny beach I guess that the bottom line is where we built sandcastles. We that fascination and the urge were full of cheerful curiosity, and to explore seems to be we ran around bare-butted in the a fundamental char- Win shallows with our small red buck- acteristic of being ets catching starfish, shrimps and human. We watch the new tiny crabs. I could almost smell the the Discovery seaweed and taste the salty air Channel and Thermocline again. sci-fi movies. garment from Fourth Element See details on p. 69-70

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3 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED editorial lakeville.se New Job Opportunity

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4 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED deep & current

News edited by Peter Symes & Michael Symes NEWS Tighter regulations for Red Sea boats and guests

• Possess medical certification of fitness to dive, issued less than one year before start of the trip • Possess diving accident insurance from a “reputable company”

All day-diving boats need to provide:

• One guide for every ten NOAA PHOTO BY PETER SYMES divers, where the divers New rules brought in by the Red Sea have at least 25 logged New species of coral discovered off Association for Diving and Watersports have dives set stricter requirements for liveaboard and • One guide for every six day diving charter boats in Southern Egypt, divers, where divers have southern California and the divers who holiday aboard them. fewer than 25 logged dives Scientists from NOAA has found a giant new species of black coral The new rules are as follows: • All guides possessing a valid around the Channel Islands just off the megapolis of Los Angeles Red Sea Association profes- All Red Sea liveaboard dive charter boats sional ID card The discovery came during dives by the new coral is Antipathes dendrochristos. The need to provide: researchers from NOAA Fisheries in “Delta,” word for black coral is “Anti” for against, and • One guide for every eight guests Day-diving guests will need to: the submersible conducting a survey of rock- “pathos,” for disease, a reference to the fact • One guide for surface support and • Present diving logbook and fishes on deep rocky banks about 40 miles off that black coral amulets were once thought supervision agency certification the coast, west of Los Angeles. to provide protection against disease and • All guides possessing a valid Red Sea • Possess medical certification The find of the new species, at depths from evil spirits. Association professional ID card and accident insurance, as 100m (300ft) to 220m (725 ft), is being pub- Many of the deepwater reefs in southern • All guides carrying an SMB, reflective above lished this week in the online scientific jour- California harbor remarkably healthy com- mirror, strobe and torch nal Zootaxa by taxonomist Dennis Opresko munities of corals, sponges, and other large The Red Sea Association for of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Love invertebrates. This may be the case because, Guests on such holidays will need to: Diving and Watersports, asso have named the new species “Christmas historically, there has been relatively little • Show evidence of at least 50 logged dives ciation@redseaexperience. Tree Coral” (dendochristos in Greek) since it trawling over reefs in our area. What we • Each carry an SMB and, within buddy com, welcome comments on grows to a height greater than two meters need to know is the role that these large PHOTO BY PETER SYMES pairs, possess at least one torch, even on the new regulations. ■ and resembles pink, white and red flocked invertebrates play as deep-water habitats for morning dives Due to a series of recent accidents, dive boats and Christmas trees. fishes and other marine life.”said Love. ■ divers enjoying the Red Sea must adhere to stricter The complete scientific Greek name for the safety regulations

5 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Treasure trove of news underwater arrowheads Edited by Peter Symes & Mi’kmaq artifacts found campsites. Michael Symes in Nova Scotia And one During repairs last summer to generat- barbed ing stations on the Mersey River, near harpoon Kejimkujik National Park, water levels appeared to dropped, exposing the riverbed for have been NATO urged to CBC NEWS the first time since dams were built 70 used to spear years ago. Suddenly hundreds of arrow- salmon and Arrowheads found in the reduce use of high- waters of Nova Scotia heads and tools, some 8 000 years old, eels 3 000 intensity sonar appeared in the mud. years ago. The powerful military alliance of the There was already a real, func- Although the discovery was kept a

North Atlantic Treaty Organization NASA tioning civilization here before the secret, the RCMP was brought in to con- (NATO), which Europeans began to come en masse, trol looting, since the artifacts were lying includes USA, Ocean color data reveals green pigment of chlorophyll contained in but the evidence for this has mostly been on the surface. The discovered artifacts has been phytoplankton found in the ocean destroyed. Then, suddenly, here was have now been placed in a museum, challenged to substantial evidence at hand. Pottery and the Mersey River encampments are change how fragments, spear points, knives and other now once again under water. ■ it conducts New internet tool for ocean items were found around 109 ancient naval exer- cises, in order to prevent colour data analysis needless injury US Coast Guard and death to A new NASA Internet tool, called The second tutorial whales, por- Giovanni, allows analysis of satellite- investigates the Red Sea, to protect ports poises and derived ocean colour data. These data which has two seasonal

NOAA other marine provide information about ocean biol- patterns, one in the north from scuba divers life. ogy by looking at phytoplankton through and another in the south. Hull-mounted multibeam sonar A coalition changes in the colour of the ocean sur- However, a very small of international conservation organiza- face. These changes are primarily due area of relatively high tions, representing millions of members, to the green chlorophyll contained in chlorophyll concentra- The security device scans port waters, has sent a letter to NATO urging its mem- phytoplankton, free-floating plants that tions was also seen near and alerts authorities on land, to any ber states to reduce harm from high- are the foundation of the ocean’s food the Egyptian coast. It possible divers. A response boat then intensity sonar systems. These systems chain. looked like a small river US COAST GUARD drops a second sonar below the surface blast extraordinarily loud sound under- Three Giovanni tutorials are now avail- was entering the Red U.S. Coast Guard patrols American ports for confirmation and sends back high- water to locate submarines and surface able, demonstrating research with ocean Sea, but there aren’t any Concerns about terrorist strikes by scuba resolution images of the diver. Instead vessels. Despite mounting evidence that color data. rivers near here. It was found that this divers were raised three years ago, after of getting an alert from every sea lion, it can devastate marine life, the use of it The first tutorial looks at the chlorophyll area was associated with a large coral the FBI announced it was investigating manatee or fish, this system will help iden- has been expanded by the United States patterns in the Gulf of Panama which reef complex on the Red Sea coast. whether al-Qaida operatives took scuba tify objects as a diver who just got lost, or Navy and other militaries. has a seasonal pattern caused by strong A third tutorial examines the California training to help blow up ships at anchor, someone who intends on doing harm. Those petitioning NATO include winds that blow through the Panama coast near Monterey Bay, and discusses power plants, bridges, depots or other No detailed information was available NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Canal Zone in winter. The winds mix nutri- the influence of clouds on the data. ■ waterfront targets. The US Coast Guard is on how the system differentiates humans Council), Green Cross International ents from deeper waters to the surface, therefore seeking to protect the nation’s from animals, how far away it can detect (headed by former Soviet President promoting phytoplankton growth. As For more information on this release: ports from terrorist attacks by scuba divers, or how many were being used. It Mikhail Gorbachev), Humane Society expected, the strong 1997-1998 El Niño For the Ocean Color Time-Series Online divers with a sonar system so powerful it is claimed that the device would only be International (HSI), the International reduced the productivity of the phyto- Visualization and Analysis System, please can distinguish swimmers from dolphins. deployed periodically, and that it could Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the plankton in this region. In the summer of visit: reason.gsfc.nasa.gov/Giovanni Sonars have long been used aboard sub- prove especially useful to inspect waters Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society 2001, however, there were short bursts marines but apparently without sufficient during major public events, like welcome (WDCS), Ocean Futures Society and its of higher productivity not seen in other resolution to tell divers and other objects ceremonies for military ships returning to founder Jean-Michel Cousteau. ■ years. apart. port. ■

6 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Conservation plans for dugongs & turtles news Indigenous communities band together to conserve Edited by sea life Peter Symes & Northern Australian Aboriginal Michael Symes communities are working together to develop conservation plans for dugongs and turtles, and the Federal Government has allocated $3.8 million over the next three Crabs dine on ‘snowfall’ of zooplankton years towards this purpose.

The unusual feeding behaviour of a shal- In periods of calm UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE The North Australia Indigenous low-water crab that lives off Kueishan water, thousands of Vent Crab Land and Sea Management Island, part of the Okinawa Arc, has now crabs were observed Alliance (NAILSMA) stated that been explained. Scientists discovered swarming out in a feeding frenzy on the crab specimens revealed that their guts some Aboriginal communities were that crabs of diverse sizes feed on vast sea floor over an area of a few square were full of zooplankton. It was therefore already involved in collecting dis- numbers of zooplankton that are killed meters. It is estimated the population concluded that the crabs were feeding carded fishing nets in which dug- UNIVERSITY OF MASARYKIANA BRNO Dugong of Australia by toxic plumes emitted from underwater density of the crab exceeds 364 per on zooplankton. ongs and turtles become trapped. vents. The vent discharges are sulphur- square meter, in waters ranging from Jeng stated that the swarming behav- It is intended to extend these types of initia- Kimberleys, the Northern Territory, the Torres rich and highly acidic, with pH levels of 3m to 30m deep. The unusually massive, iour is seen only during periods of calm tives across northern Australia, to include the Strait and Cape York. ■ between 1.75 and 4.60, and tempera- dense crab population was what first water, when the mass of descending tures of 65°C to 116°C. motivated the research. What are the zooplankton has the appearance of fall- Jeng Ming-shiou, a zoologist from crabs feeding on, and how could the ing snow. The crabs time their foraging to Academia Sinica’s Institute of Zoology, ecosystem support such a substantial coincide with these marine “snow falls” in Diving vessel home after 4-month said that he had been observing the crab population? order to maximize their efficiency in har- behaviour of the hydrothermal vent crab, After five years were spent on observ- vesting the plankton. ■ detention in Indonesia Xenograpsus testudinatus, since 1999. ing the crabs underwater, dissection of Lessons Learned Lessons to be learned by European divers “Especially the Now, after more than four Thirty of his diving custom- European divers who months of filing the proper ers were stranded after his paperwork, a diving ves- boat was intercepted by work here, they need Sharks appear to flee hurricanes sel, the White Manta, has the Indonesian Navy. to have a visa to enter The boat was final- Sharks appear to have fled the area The total number of shark ly released after being Indonesia prior to as hurricanes battered Florida last attacks in American waters charged with a minor the trip. We have year, causing a big drop in shark fell to 30 last year, being the offence. attacks in the state that usually has a lowest number in a decade Now that the boat is back proper sailing and div- third of the world’s annual total. It is peaking at 52 attacks in in business, its owners are ing permits to enter thought that the drop in Florida was 2000. happy to be able to start due to the large number of strong hur- Worldwide, 61 shark sailing again. But the lost Indonesian waters,”

ricanes and a tropical storm. attacks were reported last WHITEMANTA.COM time has meant lost busi- Mr Chew said. Florida normally has more shark year, slightly more than the The White Manta back in port ness in those four months, attacks than most other places 57 counted in 2003, but for the dive operator could time to start sailing again because its long coastline, dense below the three previous years, when finally made its journey have had at least 16 dive in early March, stating that population and year-round swimming the total ranged from 63 to 78. Seven back to Singapore. The trips during the weekends. they now had proper sail- frequently bring sharks and people of last year’s attacks were fatal - two White Manta, owned by During the peak season, ing and diving permits to

COMMANDER JOHN BORTNIAK, NOAA CORPS together. Last year, however, Florida in Australia and one each in Brazil, Vincent Chew, was inter- there would be about 30 enter Indonesian waters. had only 12 shark attacks, compared California, Egypt, Hawaii, and South cepted and detained by divers on board. But with There are lessons to Hammerhead shark with 30 in 2003. Africa. ■ the Indonesian Navy last the boat held at Tanjong learned from this, especial- October for illegal entry. Pinang, Mr Chew lost hun- ly for the European divers Mr Chew, a dive opera- dreds of customers and who work here. They need tor, very nearly lost his liveli- thousands of dollars more to have a visa to enter hood when a diving trip in income. He hopes to Indonesia prior to the trip. turned into a nightmare. get his boat ship-shape in ■

7 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Mapping, mapping, mapping... Edited by Peter Symes & Michael Symes

Mapping the underwater world in 3-D NOAA

Following new investment and puter software ping, defence and survey. ity image, allowing scientists collaboration, scientists in the and hardware CodaOctopus has a strong to walk the sea bed from the Deep-Sea HD TV School of Earth, Ocean and provided by tradition of bringing sci- laboratory. It features novel Planetary Science at Cardiff CodaOctopus, entific research into 3-D methods to map the The National Oceanic and University will be able to view an interna- commercial seabed, addressing risks in Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the seabed in great 3-D tionally rec- applications. terms of marine security, the converting a 224-foot Navy ship into a detail. ognised Little is known environment and health and science research vessel that will pro- The University has recently company about the sea safety. duce high-definition video from the invested over £200,000 in specialis- around Wales, This collaboration will pro- bottom of the sea. The USNS Capable seabed mapping technol- ing in and the new vide visualisation of the sea- will be the only ship with a dedicated ogy from Science Research under- CodaOctopus bed for scientists and strategic science-class deep-ocean robot, or Investment Fund (SRIF). The water laboratory will map decision makers for purposes remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). impact of this has been tech- extensive areas off of renewable energy, port In the new setup, a tow sled will enhanced by a further nologies for the coast of Wales to operations, dredging and descend on 6000 meters of cable. £50,000 sponsorship in com- imaging, map- create a virtual real- environmental protection. ■ Thirty meters of separate cable will connect the tow sled to a mobile ROV that can take samples of the water, along with collecting other data and images. The cable will send data back Blueprinting the Malaysian shoreline PHOTO BY PETER SYMES and forth and provide power for bright Malaysian corals lights. Through high-speed Internet 2 con- Ecologically sensitive archaeological sites, and not the area being proposed is environment. nections, scientists onshore at special areas to be mapped disturb critical natural areas. suitable or not. An example Besides environmentally sensi- Science Command Centers will be A blueprint being drawn up on Coastlines and land 5 km is the Tioman marina project tive areas, the blueprint would able to exchange data, and see deep- the country’s 4800 km shoreline inland are being studied to where development was also map out sensitive areas like ocean images and specimens taken will map out every ecologi- develop the blueprint, which allowed on an environmen- archaeological sites to prevent by ROVs at the same time as their cally sensitive area which should will specify what these pieces of tally sensitive area. It was their destruction. For example, counterparts on the ship. remain out of bounds to devel- land can be used for. thought that some might the inventory has been started With 71 percent of the Earth covered opment by state governments. Local authorities considering want Tioman island to be on the coast of northern Pahang by ocean, and with 95 percent of that The integrated shoreline man- any projects along the coast preserved for its nature while and includes archaeological unexplored and unseen by human agement plan would identify would first have to consult others may want to develop shipwrecks like the HMS Repulse eyes, a good part of the ship’s mission every aspect of the coastline for the blueprint long before the infrastructure to accom- and HMS Prince of Wales off the will be to just find out what’s actually development, tourism and even subject of an Environmental modate tourists who head east coast of the peninsula. out there. conservation. It would ensure Impact Assessment arises. With there. An attempt will be The blueprint also covered The conversion is expected to be

that state governments avoid this document, local authorities THE LIVING EARTH / EARTH IMAGING marry the two and at the the shorelines of Sabah and completed within 18 months. ■ destroying sensitive areas like can straight away tell whether Map of Malaysia and surrounding region same time, not disturb the Sarawak. ■

8 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Vietnam Ocean Institute helps news replenish seagrass and coral Edited by Peter Symes & Over the past decade, the coral and sea- erosion, acts as a polluting filter, and provides Michael Symes grass ecosystem in central Vietnam has an environment where hundreds of kinds of been adversely affected by the heavy use marine animals live, grow and reproduce, of dynamite and electric- and is therefore con- ity by fishermen, and also sidered an important Map of Great Britain by pollution from different biological component and surrounding seas THE LIVING EARTH / EARTH IMAGING sources. Methods have in the sea eco-system. therefore been developed The institute therefore at the Vietnam Institute of began studying sea- Most species are in decline in British seas Oceanography, to replen- grass in 1997, and later UK prime minister Tony Blair calls for a new marine bill ish much of the coral developed successful Antifouling reef and sea grass off the methods of re-plant- A report published by the World Wildlife Fund the dredging of the seabed for minerals and coasts of central Vietnam. ing it. (WWF) shows that 13 out of the 16 marine the increased traffic in shipping lanes are paints may cause For coral replenishment, The research was species in the all taking a heavy toll hearing difficulties in coral seeds are planted carried out under seas around beneath the surface. in dead reefs at strategic a larger national Britain are in The pink sea fan marine mammals locations. Another, more project whose aim is to decline. Species coral, Eunicella ver- It has been reported by the Yale School of expensive and labour- improve the sea envi- that may disap- rucosa, is declining in Medicine that tributyltin oxide (TBTO), an intensive method, which ronment for aquatic pear include the least likely place active component in antifouling paints for creates conditions similar breeding, and to pro- the leatherback - England’s only natu- ships, affects the mechanical activity of the to the natural environment, tect and restore the turtle, the native ral marine reserve, off outer hair cells of whales. These outer cells grows coral on iron stakes ecosystem for coral oyster and the the coast of the island modulate and boost incoming sound energy in a cement foundation. reef and sea grass. ■ NOAA pink sea fan. The of Lundy in the Bristol to the inner hair cells. Seagrass helps prevent report highlights Channel, whose waters TBTO is known to damage the immune COURTESY OF NPS the increasing should be among the system and the hormonal system of marine demand on the Leatherback Turtle most protected in the mammals. However, this is the first time it seas around world. has been demonstrated that TBTO could Coral trade threatens marine life Britain and their marine life from trawling, Tony Blair has signalled his support for a be working directly on the auditory system. Scientists consider coral reef to be the coastal areas. Shrimp farmers also use coral dredging, and excavation from the bottom new marine bill to modernise the way Britain Mammals are the only group of animals that ‘tropical forest of the sea’, because it has a to make limestone for cleaning their shrimp of the sea. Horse mussel beds create a habi- manages its marine environment. The bill is have outer hair cells. complete ecology and makes up an impor- cages. tat for about 100 other likely to create a new agency with powers Sensitive hearing in mammals relies on tant element of underwater life. However, Unfortunately, coral protection in some species, but they are to crack down on illegal fishing. ■ cochlear amplification resulting from the increased demand and over-fishing could preservation areas has not been imple- being destroyed by scal- mechanical activation of outer hair cells. In mean the end of Vietnam’s coral reefs, mented seriously or effectively. So, while sci- lop dredging. guinea pigs, a rapid and profound effect of which could be exhausted in as soon as 20 entists at Vietnam’s Oceanography Institute The decline in cod has TBTO was found on the outer hair cells, where years. Approximately 80 % of coral off the are working to protect coral reef, products been well publicised, chloride ion exchange was affected across nation’s coast is threatened, the main dan- made of coral appear along coastal areas but skate have also the outer hair cell membrane. TBTO bypasses gers being over-fishing, shrimp breeding and, all the way from Da Nang city to Binh Thuan been hit. Not a single the normal chloride ion pathway, thereby in particular, coral exploitation for trade. Province. And in some cases, coral is trans- BIM IRISH SEA FISHERIES BOARD example of the spe- altering the ion’s modulating effects of the Vietnamese coral earns a lot in foreign mar- ported to HCM City for export. Native Oyster cies was uncovered in protein prestin, and this may degrade coch- kets. Coral exploitation will hurt marine life and the survey. However, the lear amplification. In the past, residents left the coral alone, habitat, as well as fish breeding, according to WWF is most worried that habitats that are This observation identifies a new environ- but times have changed due to increas- the Oceanography Institute. The organisation the basis of marine life are being destroyed. mental threat for marine mammals by TBTO, ing demand. It has become fashionable also predicts negative effects on the coastal It blames inadequate planning and poor which is known to accumulate in the food to use coral for house decoration, and the ecology in central and southern areas of the CHARMOUTH HERITAGE COAST CENTRE management by the authorities. Overfishing, chain. ■ trend has lead to a damaging coral trade in country. ■ Pink Sea Fan

9 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Fun and archaeology for divers Baltic Sea in Divers to look for archaeology in two Edited by Krishna’s Bet Dwarka projects as divers bad condition Peter Symes & can look for the Michael Symes The Dwarka of Lord Krishna was Lord’s abode. Artificial respiration might be long believed to exist only in the The first project needed realm of mythology, before the concerns scuba div- Archeological Survey of India ing off Bet Dwarka, Swedish scientists warn that the Baltic the auto- conclusively proved its existence or Shankhodar, the is much more polluted than previous- mobile, on the basis of underwater find- island on which ly thought. If the eco-system is to be artificial ings. A sports firm, Adventure Dwarka is located, saved, it may be necessary to give manure, UNEP Sports Limited, bringing Gujarat’s with a centre for the sea ‘artificial respiration’. and first scuba diving project near Bet scuba diving in the It is stated by the Swedish Council industrialisation at the end of the Dwarka, will combine fun and Marine National for the Environment that the situation 1800’s. Sanctuary. It will be PAK TRIBUNE is so serious that the eco-system of Ragnar Elmgren, professor in the the first time that ing scuba diving facilities which will the Baltic has probably completely ecology of the Baltic at the University people will get a chance to differ- enable the divers to glimpse the broken down. It is believed that of Stockholm, states that in order to entiate between mythology and underwater Bet Dwarka. The firm decades of attempting to improve rescue the Baltic it might be neces-

AFP history. Research has proved the will provide the necessary scuba the water environment of the Baltic sary to use a form of artificial respi- existence of the original Dwarka, diving equipment, as well as train- by reducing the release of nitrogen ration in which oxygen is pumped and with remains of a walled ing, if required, to participants as and phosphorous compounds, have down into the depths. Tsunami uncovered city and remains of pottery still part of packages of varying dura- been without effect. On the contrary, The Swedish Environmental Minister found underwater, divers will get tions. International certification the eco-system has in fact has even acknowledges the problems with the Ancient Indian City a chance to observe ancient programmes will be conducted. deteriorated in the deep, central sea Baltic, stating that current voluntary remains. Lodging and boarding facilities areas. international agreements must be Underwater excavations have been started The second project concerns will be provided at the island. The If the Baltic is to be saved then the replaced by binding agreements on the remains of an ancient city, uncovered diving facility centres on Ajod project will work both as a training supply of nitrogen and phosphorous within the EU. All the countries around

by the recent Asian tsunami, near the coastal AFP Island, 13 km from the mainland. and certification centre and as a must be brought down to the level the Baltic, with the exception of town of Mahabalipuram, 50 km south of Tsunami uncovered Buddha Adventure Sports Limited is launch- diving facility centre. ■ at which it was before the advent of Russia, are now members of the EU. ■ Madras, India. Mahabalipuram is already well known for its ancient, intricately carved shore temples. According to early British travel writ- ers, the area was also home to seven pago- das, six of which were submerged by the sea. After the tsunami had hit the coast, the force of the water removed sand depos- its that had covered the structures. Three, two meter high, rocky structures include an elaborately carved head of an elephant and a horse in flight. Above the elephant’s head is a small square-shaped niche with a carved statue of a deity. Another structure uncovered by the tsunami has a reclining lion sculpted on it. Lions, elephants and peacocks were commonly used to decorate walls and temples during the Pallava period in the sev- enth and eighth centuries. The structures thus appear to belong to a port city built in the seventh century. The tsunami has also exposed a bas relief which appears to be part of a temple wall or a portion of the ancient port city. ■ www.inmodivers.de

10 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Edited by Peter Symes & Michael Symes Dive shows Barcelona, Spain Moscow Diveshow Salón de la Inmersíon With the Russian capital still covered in snow the third international annual Moscow Dive Festival took place Lately, many of the biggest collection of dive bags and other in the Olimpiyusky Sports Complex during the fours brands have been absent from interesting products that they dis- days between February 24-27. many of the international dive tribute in Spain, like the impressive More than 12,000 visitors came to see what the shows and Spain proved to be range of Atomic regulators. 171 exhibiting companies and the beautiful under- no exception. Only Aqualung, water realm had to offer in various places aided by Poseidon and Beuchat were Also worth noting is the contin- the film festival and other events. Many of this years present at the “Salón de la ued growth in the number of exhibitors came from foreign countries such as Egypt, Inmersión” dving show in present travel agencies. Two Australia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Barcelona. Nonetheless, the show years ago there were just three the Maldives and DEMAs presi- was a success because of the important dive travel agencies dent Bob Hollis also visited. overall growth in numbers of both at the show, but this year eight A growth in the number of exhibitors as well as attendees. In were present a clear indication certified divers by more than its sixth edition, this 3-day show, that also Spanish divers are travel- 10,000 is a remarkable result for had more than 15.000 visitors, an ling more and more every year. a nation that not so long ago clear indicator that the diving The hottest destinations were the was a closed country. This suc- industry in Spain is in good health. Red Sea, Maldives, Galápagos Islands had the biggest rep- cessful exhibition with its large and Indonesia, but a few agen- resentation with dive centres number of attendees is a clear Among the highlights of the show cies showed some exceptional coming from all seven islands testimony to the fact that Russia were the many exhibitors repre- trips like a trip to Antartica, which (Tenerife, Gomera, Lanzarote, also on this area are becoming senting technical diving, some- is something completely new for Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma an interesting growth marked for thing that was underdeveloped Spanish divers. and Gran Canaria). The Spanish investors in the diving industry as in Spain only few years ago but Mediterranean coast was also Russians are gaining influence now seems to have grown into Most of the space were occu- well represented. We found a and presence in the global an important market. For the first pied by dive centers. Their sec- large quantity of diving centres scuba diving industry. time different rebreathers were tion gets bigger at every show from the Costa Brava (North of In contrast to the crisis on display. And Dive Rite, one of which shows how attractive the Barcelona), Alicante, Murcia and elsewhere in the industry the leaders in technical diving Spanish coast is. The Canary the Balearic Islands, some of the Russian divers are ready equipment, exhibited at most popular Spanish des- and willing to pay for the the De Profundis stand tinations. best diving equipment together with Green It seems that the organ- available and for exotic Force, the Belgian torch izers are planning more dive trips all over our maker who demon- activities next year in watery globe. strated the latest devel- order to attract more opments in LED lighting. visitors and make the big www.exposport.ru One of the best stands brands to exhibit again. of the show, however, Reporting by was the Ralf Tech stand Reporting by Jordi Chias Andrey Bizyukin where we saw the nice

11 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Edited by Ominous loss of Antarctica sea ice... Peter Symes & Michael Symes Antarctic iceshelves collapsing

Decline in krill associated with about 80 percent since The Antarctic conti- loss of Antarctic ice 1979, correlating with a nent is still cold, but the drop of at least 30 days Antarctic peninsula has The western Antarctic Peninsula is one of in the duration of sea ice warmed by up to 3°C in the world’s fastest warming areas, and, in the crustacean’s main the last 50 years. There atypically for the southern ocean, winter breeding ground here. have been big losses of sea-ice duration is shortening here. Key Open water is bad for ice shelves and glaciers, spawning and nursery areas of krill are krill because there is less recession of ice, and thus located in a region that is sensitive food. The food is on the new habitable areas to environmental change. sea ice, so, with the ice for animals have thus A decline in numbers of the crusta- melting earlier, there’s less appeared, with grass cean krill will pose a risk to other marine time for the krill to feed. and mosses. Seals and wildlife that feed on it. Krill, Euphausia penguins are adapted Superba, is a shrimp-like crustacean that Penguins and to dramatic seasonal grows to a length of about 6 centim- whales affected changes in temperature eters and can live for five to six years, and travel huge distanc- and flourish in their billions. In winter, krill Changes in the krill MICHAEL VAN WOERT, NOAA es for food. But polar life depend on thick mats of green algae population will have The seaward edge of the float- is unforgiving, and small that flourish on the underside of ice profound implications for ing Ross Ice Shelf cyclical shifts in tem- shelves which extend out of the polar the Southern Ocean food peratures in the equato- darkness into the sub-Antarctic light. web. Penguins, albatrosses, rial Pacific already cause NOAA As the oceans warm, the winter ice will seals and whales have wide foraging huge losses to penguin colonies further retreat, and the algae will vanish. ranges, but are prone to krill shortage. south. Angus Atkinson of the British Antarctic Thus, even a small increase in sea Survey has stated that the amount of krill temperature could dramatically affect a Human life could also be in the southwest Atlantic has fallen by host of marine creatures, stated Professor seriously affected Lloyd Peck, a scuba-diving expert on the strange fauna of the south polar seabed. Human life, of course, depends critically Under Antarctic Ice: When you have low krill stocks penguins on a healthy sea life. However, there is The Photographs of Norbert Wu die, and they die when their chicks get to also the effect of increasing sea levels. USNPS fledgling age. The time when the chicks If findings of a team led by Prof Duncan by Jim Mastro and need food most is just when they are Wingham at UCL turn out to be correct, Norbert Wu about to go to sea. If the food predictions about sea level rises in Hardcover: 176 pages supply is not enough, you can the next century may have to revised Publisher: University of have up to 99% mortality in a upwards significantly. Renewed emphasis California Press couple of weeks. Thus, if one has been placed on the expansion of (September 1, 2004) of the key species in the sys- the oceans caused by warming, and ISBN: 0520235045 tem goes, then very quickly you has shown that the effects of shrinking See Books Section... can lose a lot of the whole sys- Antarctic ice are minimal, though they

tem. For example, fishery areas may soon be significant. PHOTO BY LEE FUIMAN, NOAA around the Antarctic would be Many millions of people live in areas affected. within one metre of the sea level. If ► PHOTO BY MICHAEL VAN WOERT, NOAA The global warming trend poses a threat to several marine species, such as penguins, whales and seals, by reducing food sources dependent on Antarctic iceshelves which are collapsing

12 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED “No experience is needed” 30th April – 7th May

news Grand Cayman Adventure Week Edited by Peter Symes & Adventure Week is for all lev- Cayman, with the location of these cash- Michael Symes els of fitness and experience to es found on the Internet. GPS users can WWW.THEKAIROSCOMPANY.COM then use the location co-ordinates to find share what they love most in the the caches. Once found, a cache may models of the thermal expansion of the tropical elements of Cayman. provide the visitor with a wide variety of ocean due to global warming are cor- rewards. Participating in Geocaching is rect, they could all be under water in The Caymanian love of nature and inher- deceptively easy. It’s one thing to see two centuries. Over the next 100 years, it ent sensibility has ensured that large where an item is; it’s a totally different is estimated that this thermal expansion expanses of Cayman is untouched and story to actually get there. You can geo- will elevate sea levels by 49cm. But new protected by the National Trust. For you, cach both above and below the water! findings indicate that thermal expansion this means that the many activities avail- The topside ambience and marine may have already had a much bigger able – snorkelling, kayaking, bike trailing, wilderness that defines the East End is impact on sea levels. diving, geocaching and dry-caving – definitely reason enough to venture off New data show that over the past 100 are held in some quite extraordinary sur- the beaten track when visiting Grand years sea levels have risen about 18cm. roundings, including the turquoise crystal Cayman. You will be exposed to the Previously it had been assumed that the New exiciting diving-expedition liveaboard in blue waters that are the signature of the best coral reefs and the best wall diving shrinking ice sheet could have contrib- Cayman Islands. in the Caribbean in a safe, enjoyable uted as much as 14cm. If this scenario the Mozambique Channel in the making “The geography on Cayman gives and relaxing atmosphere with profession- had proved correct, the height of the us the perfect opportunity to introduce al, courteous service and ecologically Antarctic Ice Sheet should be falling by The Kairos Company Ltd. is to The first expedition (June and July 2005) is Geocaching or GPS Stash Hunt as part minded staff. And all tours are operated about 5cm a year. But these estimates launch a new concept of diving lead by Jean Marc Bour who worked with of this Adventure Week”, stated Steve by certified and experienced guides or were largely based on very sparse different film makers such as Luc Besson Broadbelt co-owner of Ocean Frontiers, instructors, trained in rescue and first aid. ground measurements. A more accurate oceanographic expeditions for (The Big Blue) and Jean-Michel Cousteau one of Cayman’s leading Dive Centres For more information check out these all in the Mozambique Channel (White Sharks in South Africa, without and co-arranger of Adventure Week. web sites: (Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, cage). The objective of this expedition is “Geocaching is an entertaining www.oceanfrontiers.com Madagascar, Comores islands) the making of a TV documentary about adventure game. The basic idea is www.compasspoint.ky Indian Ocean South Equatorial Currents that caches have been sent up all over www.ecoventures.ky ■ The concept is to organise five expeditions (SEC) and their effects on the marine a year, for a two months period each, species. with the help of an expedition leader and a highly qualified crew, writes the Departures for divers (1 week) are Tanzania-based Kairos Company in a available from Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) newsrelease. Each expedition is divided from May 29 to Aug 7. New expeditions into periods of 7 days, enabling divers to about unexplored wrecks and marine life

NOAA team up with specialists, scientists and studies will be scheduled very soon. More professional divers. The Kairos Company information is available on the website: estimate has come by using signals from uses a real oceanographic research vessel www.thekairoscompany.com or at their two satellites to measure the thickness equipped with a large set of professional Paris-based agent Catherine Dulin tel of the ice to within half a centimetre. devices such as Sony PD150 DV camera, (+33( 6 21 04 00 50 or catherine@thekairos Measurements taken over five years cut Extrem’Vision camera houses, 200w HMI company.com ■ the contribution of Antarctic ice from spotlights, rebreathers, facial masks with 14cm to 1.7cm. underwater communication system, The results support the view that global scooters, facial masks, Nitrox, Trimix, warming has so far caused sea levels to oceanographic winches, and more. rise by thermal expansion, with other fac- tors, such as melting mountain glaciers These expeditions targets divers looking and the pumping out of groundwater, for a new type of active holidays and probably being of minor significance. ■ something from classical liveaboards such as real expeditions. WWW.THEKAIROSCOMPANY.COM OCEAN FRONTIERS 13 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Changes in the dive training industry...

Founded by Hall Watts in 1962, grams for the quality and afforded the Professional Scuba Association direct cross-over certification, but International is one of the oldest cross-over certification to PSAI scuba instructional training agen- requires careful evaluation as well cies in the world. For many years as a written examination on the his- it was a small, specialized organi- tory and philosophy of PSAI. zation that was predominantly involved with diving training associ- A matter of philosophy ated with extended range diving. One of the hallmarks of the Hall Watts has always been dedi- Professional Scuba Association is cated to developing that the programs have always proven, effective stressed high quality in instruc- Simon Pridmore diving techniques tors. Instructor Trainers are all for dives to depths hand selected for their skill and has taken over greater than the dedication to scuba education. normal recreational At PSAI each Instructor Trainer is IANTD UK range of 40 meters. fully taught the background of the FROM LEFT: PSAI founder Hal Watts, new VP Dave Crockford Thus, in 1968, using PSAI philosophy of skill, knowledge After more than a decade and PSAI President Joe Odom the methods he and integrity. Due to this proc- of technical training and developed, Hal set ess, administrative cross-overs are the World’s Record not practical nor justifiable from a setting up IANTD UK Kevin Dave Crockford named European Depth by diving to quality and defensibility standpoint. Gurr has now passed 119 meters (390 feet). In 1970, Hal During the 1990’s Hal had long the baton on to Simon Vice President for Professional Scuba wrote and copyrighted the first discussions of the philosophy with Pridmore. manual for Extended Range Deep Joe Odom in this regard. Joe had Association International Diving for instructors. been chairman of the National In the early 90’s Kevin Gurr set up Little known facts include that he Speleological Society’s Cave IANTD UK (International Association of Although PSAI may not be his previous engineering and diving diving and truly international sup- developed and coined the term Diving Section and was also well Nitrox and Technical Divers), as the as well known as some and rebreather research experi- port text will be such powerful tools “octopus” for the additional sec- known as an author of technical first technical diver training agency in ences with Maurice Cross at DDRC for the discerning professional I just ond stage, to eliminate problems diving articles and manuals for Europe. other training agencies, (Diving Diseases Research Centre) had to say yes!” associated with buddy breath- Technical Diving International (TDI). Simon Pridmore has been involved key personnel at PSAI and technical diving advisory with ing. Rather than sharing a single Consequently, when Joe resigned in diving since 1981 and is no have a long accomplished British Sub Aqua Club. regulator, which was the stand- from TDI in 2004, it was only natural stranger to IANTD, having run IANTD history in the diving indus- At PSAI Crockford will be responsi- PSAI is known in ard practise in “the old days” , that Hal Watts felt Joe Odom was Micronesia, with dive centres in such ble for all forms of business develop- Europe through today where we simply pass the ideally suited to push PSAI forward. exotic destinations as Truk, Palau, try, and this quality contin- ment and technical operations. He “octopus”! Another contribution In early 2005, the PSAI course Pohnpei, Saipan and Majuro. As ues with Dave Crockford. joins Mike Ange, VP of the Americas, a small but dedi- to safety awareness is his devo- structure was re-configured into such Simon brings to IANTD UK a in bringing the proven PSAI pro- cated group of tion to dive planning. The common more logical paths of their normal wealth of experience in the fields of Crockford has been instrumental in gramme to all interested divers and phrase “Plan your dive, Dive your extended range programs, a tra- customer service and professional developing a wide range of stand- professionals alike. instructors, but Plan” have also ben coined by Hal ditional path of technical deep management. ards for acceptance within the EU “I am looking forward to this new now, with Dave Watts. diving from nitrox to trimix and a “My primary aim is to maintain and as well as involvement with Police challenge”, stated Dave Crockford. rebreather path. This technique enhance IANTD’s reputation as a Diving Teams, Scuba Industries Trade “Hal Watts maintains an incred- on board, this will The forerunner gives the students the style and pioneering body at the very top of Association and the Health & Safety ible track record and still so keen bring to the fore PSAI was already in place as the courses that fit their desired training this sport. IANTD’s name was made Executive. Dave has also acted as to learn from others. His philosophy mainstream technical agencies objectives, without any un-neces- through its place at the forefront of an Equipment Diving Techniques of The ‘Safety-Integrity-Knowledge’ the true impact of burst onto the market in the mid- sary diversions. At the same time, Technical diving” says Simon. Expert Witness for many of Her Golden Triangle still holds true 20 performance based 1980’s and continued their pro- every PSAI diver will receive the Majesty’s Coroners over the last years after introducing it. That certification.” gram of careful selection of instruc- highest quality training from the IANTD UK can be contacted by email 15 years. This key inquest role has spirit, along with fun and the shared tors and adherence to safe diving best instructors available. ■ on [email protected] included the use of rebreath- experience, reminds me just why I Hall Watts, techniques. Many of the other or telephone +44 (0)1202 – 840 366 ■ ers. In addition, Dave brings go diving in our wonderful temper- PSAI Founder agencies recognized the PSAI pro- a wealth of background from ate waters! Performance based

14 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED  City Seahorse Inc.   Ancient ships discovered in Egypt

Archaelogists recently discovered the first ancient remains of Egyptian seafaring ships inside two man-made caves on Egypt’s Red Millions of Sweetlips Sea coast. Can’t be Wrong These remains are the first pieces planks that were probably the distance travel because very few ever recovered from Egyptian steering oars on a 70-foot-long ship remains of these sites have been Raja Ampat is our favorite ! seagoing vessels, and along with from Queen Hatshepsut’s famous found.” hieroglyphic inscriptions found near 15th-century b.c. naval expedition Based on texts discovered over one of the caves, they promise to Punt, a trade destination a century ago, reseachers have  to shed light on an elaborate somewhere in the southern Red known that Egyptians mounted network of ancient Red Sea trade. Sea region. naval expeditions to Punt as far  Inside the caves the archaologists “I think it is a very exciting back as the Old Kingdom (2686– found cedar beams and blocks discovery,” says John Baines, an 2125 b.c.). In Punt they acquired  of limestone that were former ship Egyptologist on the faculty of gold, ebony, elephant ivory, anchors and an assortment of oriental studies at Oxford University. leopard skins, and exotic animals nautical items, among them ropes, “People have tended to assume such as baboons that were kept as  a wooden bowl, and a mesh bag. that the Egyptians didn’t do a pets, along with the frankincense They also found two curved cedar tremendous amount of long- necessary for religious rituals. ■            Remains of a frozen ocean Underwater terrorism could be     spotted on Mars the newest threat

Planetary geologists led by John Murray of Britain’s Open Philippine military intelligence said that terror  University said the evidence comes from pictures sent groups with links to al-Qaida have been training  home by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express with scuba gear.Two of the most dangerous orbiter. High resolution, stereoscopic images reveal a flat, al Qaeda-linked groups in Southeast Asia are  “plate-like terrain” in the region of southern Elysium Planitia, working together to train militants in scuba diving near the Martian equator, that appears remarkably like for seaborne terror attacks, according to the  fields of pack ice on Earth, they say. The “frozen lake” interrogation of a recently captured guerrilla. measures about 800 by 900km and is probably about The undersea attacks could target anything 45m deep on average, making it similar in size and depth from boats to power plants and bridges. The  to the North Sea. Murray’s team contends the water is terror suspect also said that the leaders of Abu  the relic of an ocean created from sub-surface ice that Saayf, Philipines largest terror group, has direct  was melted by volcanic activity. “If our interpretation is communication with Osama bin Laden. ■  confirmed, this is a place that might preserve evidence of primitive life, if it has ever developed on Mars”. ■

15 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED UV-fotoutrustning för proffs Även för digitalkameror

1935 8th Ave West Seattle, WA 98119-2817 Phone: 206-284-1142 Toll-free: 800-359-1295 www.jackconnick.com

AQUA-BILDER Leif-Göran Hjelm www.aqua-bilder.nu Tel: 0708-293341

New dive trade show to launch in Las Vegas this winter

Press release Trade shows that serve as fund raisers for We are excited about producing the associations add unnecessary expenses event. We chose Las Vegas because it DiveBIZ is answering the need in the dive back on to the attendees; our philosophy provides the greatest access to the larg- industry. DiveBIZ offers dive equipment is a trade event should be an affordable est amount of people to attend (US and manufacturers, service providers, and business event for buyers and sellers to INT). We worked hard on reducing lodging travel suppliers an affordable opportunity interact. Some people believe that having costs, freight handling and others. We frim- to achieve their tradeshow and market- two trade events may be redundant, that ly believe that having a trade show in the ing goals for 2006. would be like saying that more than one same location at the same time each year An exhibitor’s and buyer’s primary fac- certification agency would be redundant. is a strong benefit to the industry. Having tor should be where to achieve the best We believe the industry wants options and the show in January is really market driven. ROI and ROO for their company at a they want them now. Product phasing and not interrupting the tradeshow. selling season were critical factors when We will assist every DiveBIZ 2006 par- We are giving the industry a valuable we decided to make Jan the constant. ticpant with determining their objectives choice. The only membership people need and finding the best way to achieve to have to attend DiveBIZ is to be an active Change is inevitable and the time is right them. DiveBIZ announced its Hosted Retail business in the diving industry. for many reasons. I have enjoyed evey- Buyer Program, offering among other We are providing a business trade venue ones input on this forum. I would urge you items: FREE show registration, FREE trans- that recognizes the need for cost reduc- all to continue to share as openly as you portation to and from McCarron Airport tion and the need for a fresh format. We have. and FREE hotel rooms at the Las Vegas are giving back to the industry by reducing Hilton to qualified buyers. This program the expense of exhibitors and attendees to Guy Miller demonstrates our commitment to the participate in a business event and not a International Sales and Marketing industry and the value we place on the social event. We are producing this show Manager - DiveBIZ retailer and the success of the exhibitor. because a large portion of this industry has been disenchanted by their current options. www.divebizexpo.com

16 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED North America

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ◄ Dendronotid Nudibranch Pacific Northwest ◄ Giant Pacific Octopus Puget Sound • San Juan Islands • Strait of Juan de Fuca • Vancouver Island • Alaska ◄ Swimming Anemone The waters of the northern Pacific coast breath-taking scenery and coastal ◄ Orange Starfish of North America are some of the rich- beauty. It is a region that boasts some of ◄ Lemon Nudibranch of the wildest areas of America as well ◄ Pink Anemone est in the world in terms of marine life ◄ Nudibranch eggs and natural resources due to a continual as several of the most cosmopolitan cit- influx of nutrients brought by currents ies on the continent. While the visibility is that circulate in the region. Divers will more fickle and the water is a bit cooler find both awe-inspiring and challeng- than most tropical divers can appreci- ing experiences to enjoy here. Wildlife ate, those that enjoy a bit of adventure, on the large and small scale is abun- cold water divers and dry suit divers, will dant top side and below the surface. find a wealth of underwater treasures to Great mountains and rivers reach right explore in this region for beginners and down to the ocean, so visitors can enjoy advanced divers alike. Introduction by Gunild Pak Symes Photography by Jack Connick, Jon Gross, and Washington State Tourism Map courtesy of The Living Earth / Earth Imaging

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY JACK CONNICK

17 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Pacific Northwest Picking the right dive site at the right Neighborhood operators, who know Orca whales, close to the cities and southern Alaskan coast. A land of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA time of year and the right time of the region like the back of their out among the gentle islands. dramatic extremes, Alaska provides day with the right dive operator, hands because they dive these We, then, head north to the Strait the visitor with a taste of how the those of us who are avid underwater sights for personal enjoyment weekly, of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay and planet was in its most pristine state. photographers can capture some are very happy to help newcomers Cape Flattery at the most western There, the midnight sun and the fantastic images on film. The people enjoy the riches of the underwater point of the contiguous United States Northern Lights are a constant back- who live in realm found practically in their back- where the Makah Nation, the Native drop to the wilderness and remote the Pacific yards. American tribe indigenous to the cities that dot the southern coast of VancouverVancouver IslandIsland Northwest The complete scope of diving in region, make their home. Local diver this region, which reaches up into are friendly the Pacific Northwest cannot be and member of Marker Buoy Dive the Arctic circle. and casual, covered in one article alone, howev- Club, the largest dive club in Seattle, helpful folk. er, highlights of both well known dive Jack Connick, gives us a bird’s eye Puget Sound sites and lesser known sites can be view of the lesser known dive spots in For folks in Seattle and Tacoma, North provided here for curious dive travel- the area. the Puget Sound is a neighborhood Puget Strait of Juan de Fuca lers who are yearning to explore the Continuing northwords, our cor- playground for divers, snorklers, hik- Strait of Juan de Fuca Sound Wild West. respondent, Jon Collins, explores ers, whale watchers, anglers, kayak- We start in the Puget Sound, the the amazing diving in and around ers and other outdoor enthusiasts. sea of emerald islands located in Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Because of the nutrient rich currents, the northwest corner of the state Canada, a fascinating place with the sound is abundant with sea of Washington, where the cities of a complex history that blends life. Residents in the cities regularly Central Seattle and Tacoma border the European, American and native cul- spend time during the work week Central lower and upper sound. Getting the tures, nestled in a magestic natural and weekends enjoying this beauti- PugetPuget Sound inside scoop from local dive charter setting. ful area. What follows are a few high Sound operator, Mike Ferguson of Porthole Finally, we head up to Alaska, points regarding the incredible diving Olympic Peninsula Dive Charters, readers will learn where correspondent, Barb Roy, to be found so close to an urban about the numerous places to dive shares her dive adventure in Prince area. HoodHood and observe marine life, such as William Sound and points along the CanalCanal

SouthSouth PugetPuget ◄ FAR LEFT: Blood Starfish SoundSound ◄ CENTER: Alabaster Nudi- branch and Shrimp ▼ BELOW: Rockfish and soft coral

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY JACK CONNICK Two great PNW dive resources include these guides by writ- ers who know the area very well: The Pacific Northwest by Edward Weber and Northwest Boat Dives by Dave Bliss. See www.amazon.com

18 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCSCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATIONEDUCATION PROFILESPROFILES PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED 1. South Pacific Northwest 2. mended approach is to artificial reef developed in dive the West Wall on the harbor of Edmonds by a Vashon the flooding tide and few heroic members of the Puget Island 3. then the North Wall in the community who took interest 4. ebbing tide. The terrain in marine conservation and of this site is uneven and diversity. Edmonds is a quaint 7. full of life. Giant Pacific little northwestern town of Sound Octopus, Mosshead small cafés and boutiques on 6. 5. Wabonnets and Grunt a gentle slope leaning down Sculpins can be found to the coast a few miles 8. here. Divers can also north of Seattle. It is probably 9. find Wolf-eel, Striped the best-known dive location 10. Sea Perch, Red Irish in the state. 11. Lords, Buffalo Sculpins, The dive park is located 12. Brown Rockfish, Ratfish just north of the ferry landing 14. and Painted Greenlings. at Edmonds. It offers terrific 13. Tacoma Orange Sunflower Stars diving for several reasons. At add brilliant color to the this site, the depths are shal- PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK seascape. Point Defiance low and there is an absense Rockfish, Plumose Anemones, Pile is located in the Port Orchard area, is a popular fishing spot, of strong currents, the beaches are Perch, Striped Sea Perch, Shiner just south of Bainbridge Island. so divers should be care- well kept and scenic, the facilities Perch, gunnels, Sailfin Sculpines, The terrain consists of shear faced ful of old fishing sinkers, are very good and include show- Rock Soles, some Red Irish Lords, walls, long ledges, rock piles and lures and line lying on the ers, there is easy parking, lots of Ratfish, lots of seafloor as well as the different places to grab a bite shrimp, crabs boat traffic. to eat between dives, a well- and massive 7. Olympia equipped dive shop nearby called Sunflower Stars. Shore Dives Underwater Sports, and close prox- Central There are popular shore imity to Seattle. The marine life here Waterman’s SOUTH PUGET SOUND: Although the northern end dives in the southern and central is in unique condition and serves as Wall 1. Alki Reef of the Puget Sound is known sections of the Puget Sound includ- a testament to how it can bounce Considered Puget 2. Seahurst Park ing Three Tree Point, which holds back if people give it a chance. one of the 3. Three Tree Point for several outstanding diverse marine life in a “junk yard” The dive park is a favorite for begin- best wall dives 4. KVI Tower dive sites, south and cen- reef and eel grass beds—on rare ning divers as it has a whole lot in the state, 5. Maury Island Barges Sound tral Puget Sound also has a occasions there may be a six gill to see in easy dives. The reef is Waterman’s wall 8. 6. Dalco Wall shark looming here; Titlow Beach, an extensive organ- 9. 7. Sunrise Beach good number of interesting a good place to check out sea ized hodge-podge of 8. Point Defiance sites with diverse and abun- 9. Point Defiance, West Wall life among pilings; Deadman attractions marked CENTRAL PUGET SOUND 10.Deadman Wall dant sea life. Wall where you may have a rare by buoys including an 1. Waterman’s Wall 11.Les Davis Reef encounter with eel-like creatures old dry dock, wooden 2. Orchard Rocks Bainbridge 12.Titlow Beach Local divers including Jon Gross called Red Brotulas; Seahurst Park, boats including a tug- 3. Blakely Harbor Island 10. 13.Day Island Wall and Keith Clements, authors of a a subtle site that is noted for being boat “The Triumph”, 4. The Boss 14.Z’s Reef comprehensive online guide to a fine place to find various large tire collections, con- 5. China Wall 3. 6. over 45 sites in the Puget Sound, nudibranchs and sea pens; Les crete blocks, rock piles, 6. Shangri-la 4. ► TOP RIGHT: Crimson Anem- The Marine Life Index at seaotter. Davis Reef where you can find wire hoops and other 7. Edmonds Underwater Park Seattle one 2. 5. com, dive these areas regularly. huge schools of perch; and Sunrise materials. It is also a site 8. Golden Gardens 1. 11. They point to Point Defiance as Beach, known for friendly Wolf- with a large number of 9. Shilshole Breakwater 12. one of the favorites. There is a eels and large-sized Giant Pacific enormous Lingcod that 10.Virginia Mason Hospital massive shear wall at this site to Octopus. grow up to 4 or 5 feet (Deco chamber) explore. However, due to depth long (1-2 m). Other spe- 11.Alki Reef and currents, it is considered an Edmonds Underwater Park cies include Cabezon, 12.West Seattle Trench advanced dive site. The recom- Edmonds Underwater Park is an Quillback and Copper

19 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 1. North Pacific Northwest FIELD GUIDES

Puget PACIFIC COAST FISHES boulders, large cracks and crevices. Whidbey Island. Considered BY ESCHMEYER, HERALD & HAMMANN PAPERBACK: 267 PAGES Marine life on the wall is abundant and an advanced dive due to PUBLISHER: STANFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Sound representative of why the Puget Sound strong currents, the site sports ISBN: 0804713855 is considered by many divers to be a an unique terrain of sheer Mecca of marine life. Divers can find vertical walls with countless 2. Giant Barnacles, scallops, and an assort- caves sheltering Lingcod, ment of sea stars including Leather Stars, rockfish, Wolf-eel, rather large Vermillion Stars, Morning Stars, Sunflower Giant Pacific Octopus, and a Stars and Pink Short Spined Stars. Brown, splendid symphony of color- Copper and Quillback Rockfish are also ful nudibranchs including Red present here as well as Lingcod and Nudibranchs, Orange Spotted 3. Buffalo Sculpins. Divers should bring a Nudibranchs, Sea Lemons, Whidbey good light torch to enjoy the color of this White Lined Dironas, Yellow- Island site where you will also find orange, pur- Edged Cadlinas and Hudson ple and yellow sponges and yellow Sea Dorids. 4. Lemon Nudibranchs. COASTAL FISH IDENTIFICATION BY H. HALL & N. MCDANIEL Wreck Dives SPIRAL BOUND PUBLISHER: NEW WORLD PUBLICATIONS North Puget Sound Although not a major attrac- ISBN: 1878348124 There are several spectacular dive sites tion of the region, there are NORTH PUGET SOUND in the northern end of the Puget Sound. several wreck dives in the 1. Skyline Marina Keystone is an extremely popular site Puget Sound. Large sunken 2. Keystone among local divers who crowd there on wooden barges can be 3. Gedney Island Barges 4. Possession Point Fingers the weekends. Octopus can be spotted explored on the northwest here. Two hours drive north of Seattle side of Gedney Island, a ► TOP CENTER: Lemon Nudibranch on Purple is an inspiring wall small island situated between Encrusting Bryozoan dive at Skyline Whidbey Island and the main- ► BOTTOM CENTER: Mosshead Warbonnet Marina. Experts say land. A 70-foot long wooden that it is a shore dive boat is wrecked at a site FISHES OF THE PACIFIC COAST that provides plenty called “The Boss” located BY GAR GOODSON PAPERBACK: 336 PAGES of subject matter for in Blakely Harbor. A verti- PUBLISHER: HOUGHTON MIFFLIN ISBN: 0395331889 macro photography cal barge and tugboat can SEEN AT $ 4.95 AT AMAZON.COM as it has a plentiful be explored at the Shilshole and colorful array Bay and West Point area. of invertebrate life There are also barge wrecks including Candy- at Seahurst Park and Maury Striped shrimp, Island. Umbrella crabs, Giant barnacles, Crimson anemones, hard corals and sponges. Divers who know the region say that one of the best dives in the Puget Sound is located at Possession Point Fingers, which

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY JACK CONNICK can be reached by boat from ▲ Various invertebrates, Puget Sound Sponges, Puget Sound ►

20 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 9 San Juan Islands Pacific Northwest 8 7 man’s fingers, banded feather Pacific electric ray, por- dusters, tiny creeping pedal poise and octopus. Bull kelp Orcas cucumbers with bright red tenta- grows quite large here and Island cles, basket stars and tiny black sea pens loom up from the and white brittle stars, brightly depths. colored rose star and vermillion Underwater photogra- stars, sea cucumbers, red cancer phers recommend Goose crabs, nudibranchs and a host of Island and Skipjack Island, Shaw other species. which is a private wildlife Island Fish that live in this area include refuge, since visibility is often San Juan lingcod, cabezon, painted green- very good between 20- Island 45 feet (6-15 m). Killer 6 whales have been spot- ted at Bellevue Point 5 Lopez 1 and Pile Point, which Island are regular feeding 4 grounds, and Eagle PHOTO BY J. POTH. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM 3 Point where you can for its unique beauty. The sheer also spot eagles soaring over- numbers of fish make Parker Reef 2 head. Sucia Island is a marine an exciting dive site. state park and is very popular There a several protected wilderness areas and bird sanc- mal life in this area, as a tuaries throughout the San Juan 1. Belle Rocks combination of soft mud Islands where you can enjoy 2. Long Island and sand as well as rocky wildlife topside including Tufted 3. Goose Island formations upon which Puffins, Bald Eagles, Pelagic 4. Eagle Point marine ecosystems have Cormorants, Arctic Loons and 5. Pile Point evolved. The area teems PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM Arctic Terns. 6. Bellevue Point with life from some of the 7. Skipjack Island

largest marine mammals, hump- ling, black cod and WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM 8. Parker Reef Strait of Juan de Fuca 9. Puffin Island back, minke and orca whales, to flounder. You will also find If you ask avid Puget Sound loveable harbour seals and sea wolf-eels, brilliant blue divers, Neah Bay gets the most ▲ TOP: Aerial view, San Juan Islands otters, to the tiniest of sea life still striped sea perch school- votes for the best diving in the ▲ BOTTOM: People dining outside, ► Harbour seal, San Juan Islands viewable by the naked eye. ing among cliffs, grunt state. The clarity of water, diversity Dockside Restaurant, San Juans

► Breaching killer whale, San Divers will find an abundance and sailfin sculpin, spiney PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM and abundance of marine life, Juan Islands of colors and textures among the dogfish. There are dunge- many species that call the San ness and red rock crab, Puget San Juan Islands Juans their home including spong- Sound king crab, kelp crab and Local divers describe diving the es, barnacles, pectin scallops, tiny sunflower stars in brilliant shades San Juan Islands as an exercise in orange cup coral named stag- of pink, orange Strait of Juan de Fuca 2. variety. According to Dareld and horn bryozoa, pink-tipped, white and purple, red 1. Janine Clark who wrote the guide, plumed and orange anemones, sea gherkins, 1. Mushroom Rock 3. Diving the San Juans (Evergreen tiny ostrich plumed hydroids sea pumpkins, 2. Waadah Island Fingers Pacific Publishing), there are over —a close relative to the jelly- vari-colored 3. Tiger Ridge 60 dive spots in the San Juans, fish—hairy sea squirts and giant worms, reddish 4. Third Beach Pinnacle 4. 5. 7. many of the more exciting ones red sea urchins, rockfish, quillback gum boot or 5. Snow Creek Ridge 6. One Mile Beach 6. accessible only by boat. rockfish and kelp greenlings, warty giant chiton, 8. 9. 7. Sekiu Jetty Experts describe the strata, sponges, purple-hinged rock scal- Mosshead 8. Wreck of the Diamond Knot which supports plant and ani- lops, haunting protrusions of dead Warbonnet, 9. Salt Creek State Park (Tongue Point)

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rents, lots of boat traffic and discarded be hardpressed to find in the lower fishing gear such as stainless downrigger Puget Sound. cable and monofilament. Other specacular “ridge” dives This spectacular terrain supports a wide include Tiger Ridge and Third variety of marine life. The canyon walls, Beach Pinnacle where the awe- which have small caves, deep ledges, inspiring mix of unusual underwater

PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM some swim-throughs, lots of holes, crev- topography and ample marine life ices and cracks, make good homes make for more examples of the for an assortment of marine species typical Neah Bay diving experi- including Giant Pacific octopus, Wolf- ence. eels, Vermillion Rockfish, rare Yellow-eye There are also several shore dives Rockfish, hard and soft corals, nudi- in the strait including Tongue Point branchs and various invertebrates. at Salt Creek State Park where you can swim through thick kelp beds Ridge Diving and find an explosion of color Several other dive sites in the Strait among Green, Red, and Purple and around Neah Bay have unusual Sea Urchins and large, brightly topside scenery, challenging currents, rock formations and dramatic topog- colored anemones along a rocky thick kelp forests and unique underwa- raphy that make for intriguing dive bottom; and One Mile Beach, a ter topography add up to an incredible experiences. Snow Creek Ridge has remote location where there are cold water diving experience. a 20-30 ft high (6-10 m) rock ridge. Its carpets of purple urchins. Diving in this area is for experienced walls are teaming with huge schools advanced divers. This area is exposed of Blue and Black Rockfish as well as The Diamond Knot to the storms of the Pacific Ocean, Canary, Quillback, Tiger, Yellowtail, In 1946, the container ship the which can prevent divers from getting Copper and China rockfish. Sponges, Diamond Knot, came down from PHOTO BY SUNNY WALTER. WASHINGTON STATE TOURISM out beyond the Neah Bay breakwater. hydrocorals, nudibranchs, snails and Alaska with a huge load of canned The wreck is now completely covered Locals say the best time to come is sum- numerous anemones create a color- salmon and rammed another boat in with marine life including giant pluose mer or early fall when there is more pre- ful show. the middle of the channel. While it did anemones, sponges, corals, and a varie- dictable weather. However, it is a good Sekiu Jetty is another site with not sink immediately, it did finally find a ty of invertebrate life. Divers can also find

idea to try to avoid the height of the PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK strange rock pinnacles, ledges, resting place on its side at about 130 ft decorator crab, Sharpnose crab, Ling salmon fishing season. caves, crevices and thick beds of depth (43 m) as it was towed to shore. Cod and the occassional Red Irish Lord. Dive sites in the strait are some of the Waadah Island Fingers kelp. Here, divers can In addition, there are schools of best kept secrets. Notable sites for their Located just north of Neah Bay, the rug- discover that it is not Black Rockfish, Quillback and color, diversity of marine life and odd ged Northwest topography of Waadah always necessary to Yellowtail Rockfish making their topography due to volcanic formations Island Fingers makes it an intriguing site to go deep to find a home at this wreck. ■ are Mushroom Rock and Waadah Island dive, where it is said one can see more symphony of color Fingers. marine species in one place than any and a great diversity SOURCES: Marine Life Index, At Mushroom Rock, divers spot huge other dive site in the Pacific Northwest of sea life. The spe- by Keith Clements & Jon Gross; schools of Black Rockfish lounging region. Over millenia of being pounded cies that populate Diving the San Juans, by Dareld around in the kelp, large gatherings by strong currents, sheer canyons over 20 this area include Kelp & Janine Clark; Mike Ferguson of krill and shrimp covering the sea- ft (6 m) deep and up to 40 ft (13 m) wide Greenlings, Copper, of Porthole Charters. floor and plentiful species of seasquirts, in some places have been carved out China, and Quillback nudibranch, and chitons. Giant Pacific of the rock. The canyons run parallel to Rockfish; volleyball- Octobups and Puget Sound King Crab each other and extend far out under the sized Brilliant Red and CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: can be spotted here as well as Red- surf. Purple Sea Urchins; ◄ Sunrise on the cliffs, Tongue Eyed Jellies, various Rockfish and Painted This site is considered an advanced massive and glamor- Point, Salt Creek State Park Greenlings. The area is covered with cor- dive due to strong currents and storms. ous anemones; as ◄ Eye of the Red Irish Lord als, sponges and large kelp forests. One must be able to handle over 80 ft well as hundreds of ▲ Seastacks, beach, & tidepools (36 m) of free descents, over 50 feet (16 species of inverte- at the Point of Arches on Shi Shi m) of free ascents, surge and strong cur- brates that one would Beach South of Neah Bay ◄ Bull Kelp PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK

22 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 23 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIALTDI SDI FEATURES ERDI PADI TRAVEL CMAS NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Pacific Northwest Rhapsody in Red

Text by Gunild Pak Symes Photos by Jack Connick What wonderfully brilliant red colors one can find in the underwater realm, espe- ▲ Crimson Anemone, Cape Flattery, Washington state cially in the Pacific Northwest ◄ Mouth of Anemone, Long Island, San Juans ▼ Striped Anemone, Long Island, San Juans regions of North America. Why are these marine spe- cies so red? How do they get that color? What purpose does it serve? As in many cases in nature, it comes down to simple survival. Quotes: Duis dic- tum massa ac leo. Nam dictum dolor in felis. Mauris quis libero at wisi bibendum consectetuer.

◄ Crimson Anemone, Cape Flattery, Washington state ▼ NEXT PAGE: Snakelock Anemone, Long Island, San Juans

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◄ Pink Anemone, Long Island, San Juans ◄ INSET: Red Irish Lord, San Juans ▲ Bloodstar, Puget Sound ▼ Invertebrates, Puget Sound

According to marine experts, there are the algae, its red color is a substance Carotenoids must be absorbed in an tain their pigmentation, other- at least three possibilities for the red color called carotenoids. animal’s diet and then into the animal’s wise they lose their red color. in many of these creatures. These involve Carotenoids are a widely distributed tissues. Some fish species such as koi and This is because carotenoids feeding, protection and camouflage. group of natural occurring lipid-soluble various crustaceans process carotenoids. have metabolic turnover and pigments that are primarily produced The Southern Kelp Crab (Taliepus) feeds must be supplied in the diet to be main- causes the anemones to lose the sym- Food within algae, plants, and phytoplank- on seaweeds and kelp. It converts the tained in the animals. Interiors of under- biotic algae that normally gives color to What creatures eat can dictate how ton. They are responsible for the brilliant beta-carotene and xanthophylls it ingests water caves are covered with inverte- them, and so they return to a white color. they appear. In the case of the sea colors found in nature such as yellow, into astaxanthin, a form of carotenoid, brate life including aggregation anemo- Almost all red algae live in marine anemone Actinia, it relies on algae for its orange, and red colors of fruits, leaves, which is then stored in its exoskeleton, nes, hydrocoral and colorful sponges. In habitats, even though some species are nutrition. Algae comes in various colors and aquatic animals. Although many hence the crab appears bright red. some caves, there are also a lot of snow- found in damp soil or fresh water. Many including red. What give algae, and organisms can synthesize carotenoids, Marine animals must constantly con- white, giant green anemones. It is the types of seaweed typically found grow- hence the anemone that consumes they cannot produce them on their own. sume a source of carotenoids to main- absence of sunlight in these caves that ing along the North American coasts

26 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT TO RIGHT: ◄ Shrimp and pink Pacific Northwest anemones, Long Island, San Juans are red algae. Another species of algae bright red. It has called coralline algae, is an important toxins in its spi- ◄ Tube Worms, Puget Sound member of the coral reefs. Its cell walls cules. become hardened with calcium carbon- ate, thereby producing new material Camouflage and cementing together other organisms Creatures that which build the reefs. live on the reef Algae require light to synthesize food. have adapted to Red algae, which is found in warm coast- the reefs environ- al waters and in water as deep as 260 ment. One survival m (850 ft), has adapted to varied water scheme used by depths by having different proportions of many animals is of water, various pigments. Chlorophyll is their primary pig- camouflage. If you can’t see me, you colors of its spec- ment, which is green. They have a sec- can’t eat me! So, species have evolved trum are gradually ondary pigment, phycoerythrin, which to display the colors of their homes, and filtered out selec- produces their red color, that can absorb in the case of many reef fishes and crus- tively, one-by-one. blue light, which penetrates to greater taceans such as shrimp, that color is red. For example, most depths underwater than other colors Look more closely at red corals and kelp of the red, some of light. In deep waters, red algae can next time you go diving, you may discov- orange and some appear almost black due to the large er that there is more life on that innocent yellow are gone from the light after 3 m conditions that make diving interest- liant colors that would have gone unno- amount of phycoerythrin, but in the shal- looking sponge than you first thought. (10 ft). At 8 m (25 ft), most of the orange ing. Taking a photograph at 10 m (30 ft) ticed without a torch! ■ lows, red algae appears green as there is gone. At 11 m (35 ft), most of the yel- would result in most objects appearing is not enough phycoerythrin to mask the Properties of water low is gone. This continues throughout the green, blue, violet, or black. Taking the For more information on coloration, visit: green of the chlorophyll. There is one more factor that plays an spectrum until the only color left is violet same photograph with a flash (white www.carotenoidsociety.org important role in the issue of color under- light, which fades out after several more light) would reveal surprising colors that www.ucmp.berkeley.edu Protection water. George Campbell, an underwa- meters. So, at a depth of 333 m (1000 ft), could not have been seen by the diver www.deep-six.com Let’s suppose you are a bright red octo- ter dive instructor and photographer at there would be little or no light at all. without a visual aid. So, be sure to carry George Campbell at Deep Six: pus. What emotion do you suppose Deep Six in New Paltz, New York state, So, if red disappears at depth, does this a flashlight with you when you are scuba [email protected] you are exhibiting? Bright colors such as said in his guide, Diving with Deep Six, mean that creatures that are red also diving. Even a small light will reveal bril- red and yellow in many marine animals that water acts as a selective filter. White disappear? Is this, yet, another are described by experts as warning light is made up of a spectrum of colors survival tactic perhaps? Be invis- coloration. This type of coloration is not from deep red, to orange, yellow, green, ible, then nobody will eat you. intended to camouflage the animal, but blue and deep violet. As white light But how do we know which to make it stand out. The bright color lets passes through a thousand feet (333 m) predators can see red under their predators or neigh- water? Perhaps, these red bors know that they are species are banking on a not to be antagonized. theory that many underwa- Some creatures are born ter creatures cannot see with bright colors while color, only light and dark others, like the octo- shades. In that case, red, pus, can change colors which transforms to grey depending on reactions on the shade scale, would to a situation. cause an animal to “disap- Intimidation through pear” in the murky depths color is also used when where only stong shades an organsim wants to (blacks and whites) show advertise that it is poi- up. sionous. The fire sponge, Selective filtration in the for instance, displays a underwater realm creates

◄ Strawberry anemone, 600 W. Nickerson Street, Seattle WA, 98119 • 206.286.6596 • [email protected] Long Island, San Juans

27 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIALEDITORIAL FEATURESFEATURES TRAVELTRAVEL NEWSNEWS EQUIPMENTEQUIPMENT BOOKSBOOKS SCSCIENCEIENCE && ECOLOGYECOLOGY EDUCATIONEDUCATION PROFILESPROFILES PORTFOLIOPORTFOLIO CLASSIFIEDCLASSIFIED Octopus facts The Cephalopods With more than a 250 species, octo- arms from constantly tangling them- puses are members of an ancient group

PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK selves up, each arm has an independ- of animals called cephalopods. The ent peripheral nervous system and giant Pacific octopus (Octopus dofleini) neural circuitry. This allows the brain can grow to over 20 feet (6 meters) to essentially give a command—”Arm and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 Four, fetch that tasty crab crawling kilograms). The tiny Californian octopus by”—and have the arm carry out the (Octopus micropyrsus), by contrast, is no order without the brain thinking about it more than half an inch to an inch (1.3 again. to 2.5 centimeters) long. This ability is combined with excel- There have been numerous accounts lent eyesight. Once an octopus spots of (and searches for) an as yet unknown its prey, it has a remarkable ability to species of deep-sea octopus that is reach out with one of its arms and grab believed to grow to over 100 feet (30 it with one of the suckers that form a meters) across and weigh several tons. double line up each of the octopus’s arms. Some scientists studying octopus mazes, open jars, and break out of their arms conclude that they may represent aquariums in search of food. the optimal design for robotic arms. These characteristics are usually Arms all over attributed to “higher animals” such as Right or left-handed? Quasi joints The brainy mollusc mammals. The Octupus however is a Most octopuses favor one arm and use Theoretically, there are any number of Octopuses have intrigued scientists for mollusc, related to snails, clams and combinations of arms in particular orders ways an octopus could use its long flex- years, because they have both long- mussels. Take a closer look: It has a shell 9001 South 19th Street when handling objects, zoologists at the ible arms to move an object. But the and short-term memory, they remem- (outer or inner) and siphon ■ Tacoma, WA 98466 Office/Reservations: (253)564-5335 University of Vienna have discovered. method they actually use is surprisingly ber solutions to problems, and they can Mike Ferguson: cell (253) 405-3462 Although all of an octopus’ eight arms close to how animals with rigid skel- go on to solve the same or similar prob- essentially operate equally, research- etons—including humans—do, scientists lems. They have been known to climb www.portholedivecharters.com ers studied eight octopuses and found say. aboard fishing boats and open holds they tended to use a favorite arm when When hunting and grabbing dinner, in search of crabs. They can figure out exploring new nooks or objects. This is the octopus uses all the flexibility the the first time the eight-limbed animal has arm is capable of. But to bring cap- been found to show any preference in tured prey to its mouth, the octopus choosing which limb to use for a job. turns the arm into a semi-rigid struc- Researchers placed unfamiliar objects ture that bends to form quasi joints. into an octopus’s tank or presented it Just as a human arm has joints at

with a T-shaped cavity to explore and the shoulder, elbow and wrist that PHOTO BY JACK CONNICK found each octopus tended to favor allow our arms to bend and rotate, front arms to explore and used rear limbs the octopus bends its arm to form- more for locomotion. ing three segments of roughly equal They also observed the octopuses length. used only 49 different combinations of The arms are composed almost one, two or three limbs from a possible entirely of muscle, with no bone or 448 combinations, and they found 92 external skeleton—a structure known percent of octopuses use a favored as a muscular hydrostat. Elephant eye, which may dictate which arm is trunks and tongues are other exam- April Fools News favored, researchers said. ples of a muscular hydrostat. THE ENDANGERED PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE OCTOPUS (OCTOPUS PAXARBOLIS) Unlike in humans, the scientists said, Earlier research funded by the CAN BE FOUND IN THE TEMPERATE RAIN- FORESTS OF THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA IN THE right or left handedness was split about U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research REPUBLIC OF CASCADIA, PEACEFULLY FROL- 50-50 in the octopuses. (ONR) suggests that, to keep the ICING IN THE CONIFER TREES. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INTELLIGENT AND INQUISITIVE CEPHALOPOD AT:

ZAPATOPI.NET/TREEOCTOPUS/

28 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel

Neah Bay

Irish lord ▲ Finger Sponge ►

FAR RIGHT: Tatoosh Island ►

Text and photos by Jack Connick We got on the boat after a somewhat over to Tatoosh Island, which has lots of less than restful night in a cheap hotel. nooks and crannies that are out of the Well, it was a long road trip, We got out to the rock right at predict- current. but we went out to Neah Bay ed slack time, in fairly heavy fog and There was a fair amount of surge, and glassy seas, but found a 2-3 knot cur- not very good viz, sort of milky water, on Saturday night and went rent that made it less than dive-able. but cool rocks, kelp, passageways, out on The Puffin Adventures This is one of those very advanced swim-thoughs and tunnels. Lots of rock- charter to try to dive Duncan dives, basically a spec of a rock out fish, invertebrates and color. Not very Rock. at the entrance of the straits, that deep — 60-70 feet max (20-23 meters). you look at a lot and are able to dive I did shoot some photos of some of the infrequently. We thumbed it and went huge beautiful dahlia anemones, etc.

29 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Neah Bay

Hole-in-the-Wall We went over to a little nook called Hole-in-the- Wall for our surface interval. After changing tanks and resting a bit out of the swell, we went back over to another corner of Tatoosh Island and dove there. The viz was better, but not great. There was a couple of long, somewhat deep cuts that we fol- Hole-in-the-Wall, Tatoosh Island ▲ Dendrobum Anemone ► lowed and enjoyed swimming about and taking Tunicates ► pictures. There was a whole school of black rock- fish that we don’t see often and one rather large ling cod that was acting territorial — wished I’d had a speargun to make lunch out of him! At the end of the dive, I had some problems with my inflator leaking and had to make a somewhat

30 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Neah Bay

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ◄ Neah Bay ◄ Black Cod fish ◄ Jelly fish ▼ Stellar sea lions

quick, but not an emergency assent. We later hiked up to Cape Flattery and The boat was on the other side of the enjoyed the view of the rocks and then rock that was covered in rather large very heavy fog. Then another long, but fun seals and huge Stellar sea lions. They scenic, drive home. were looking at us as intruders and as they are easily 400 pounds (90 kg) or Dive notes more, I blasted them with my DiveAlert The dives we went on were advanced horn to scare them away. About then in a fair amount of tidal surge. Duncan the boat came around the corner with Rock is very advanced. If you are an out- Steve (the captain, and a bit of a hot- of-town diver, I wouldn’t attempt it. Cold head) yelling at us to get on quickly. All water experience in drysuits and poor was well, and we motored back to Neah conditions is recommended.■ Bay in patchy fog and bright sun. Near Wahah Island, on the outside of Neah Bay, we saw a fairly large grey whale feeding on the krill that had been part of Author and photographer Jack our visibility problem. Connick is a Seattle-based graphic designer who develops highly-craft- ed and creative graphic communi- cations. www.deepics.com

31 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Great Plains

Northern Oh Canada! Central Plateau & Mountains Diving British Columbia

the marine life growing on the sea lions, harbour seals, false killer outer wave-swept reefs and the whales, and pacific white-sided dol- Thompson abundance of early 1900s wrecks. phins, the attractions often start long Okanagan Nicknamed Graveyard of the Pacific before you don your suit. Whether this is the place to go if wrecks inter- you are a novice beginner or a sea- such as est you, while offering plenty of safe soned wreck diver, into technical those we Interior Kootenay and attractive dive sites at the back diving or photography, the Inside find at Plateau Rockies of the various protected inlets, for Passage, with its unique combina- Agamemnon Cariboo & the new or novice diver. tion of marine life spread variably Channel and Fearney Bluffs, provide Chilcotin Barkley Sound is one of the most throughout, is a must-do diving desti- fine opportunities to do extended Coast popular West Coast dive destina- nation. dives in protected waters. A con- tions, with a reputation for providing Divers have the choice of an array trasting experience is offered at something for everyone. From fields of unique dive locations, and of plumose anemones, rock pin- many simply rotate through the The Islands nacles teeming with marine life, to magnificent sites stretching from six-gill sharks, octopusses and wolf Port Hardy (Browning Pass), Port Vancouver Coast eel everywhere. Clayoquot Sound to McNeil (Stubbs Island), Campbell & Mountains the north is noted for its inland water- River (Discovery Pass), Hornby ways with fields of sea pens flourish- Island, Sunshine Coast, Nanaimo/ Stretching from Washington Also known as the Emerald Sea ing in places with sandy bottoms. Gulf Islands and Howe Sound in state in the south to Alaska these waters owe their name to Tofino, near Ucluelet, is the access the south in the north, the 29,000 the abundance of microscopic point for exploring Clayoquot Sound. plants which form the basis of the Nootka, where Captain Cook land- The Sunshine Coast kilometres (17,000 miles) of entire food chain, supporting a ed in 1788, and Kyuqout Sounds are The aptly named Sunshine coast, British Columbia’s tangled vast number of species of animals. remote areas further north which are which is just a short ferry ride coastline provides a wide Variations in topography from the best explored by liveaboard charter across from Vancouver, boasts weather-beaten outer coasts with vessels. Diving services are available an exceptional visibility which in range of accessible and the dense kelp forests and the nar- at Port Alberni, Bamfield or Ucluelet. winter will exceed 30m /100 ft. exciting dive sites for the row tidal passages with the surging This is, in part, attributed to the novice and experienced currents, to the steepwalled fjords The inside passage from absence of any major freshwater diver. with deep still waters sheltered inner Victoria to Port Hardy has both var- inflow which carries silt, and the coasts, make a wide range of habi- ied and protected waters, and pro- huge exchange of water without tats. vides countless dive sites that can be current. Which could be why the Shaped by the relentless pound- dived all year, and has something late Jacques Cousteau made ing surf, the rugged West Coast to offer for all levels of experience a point of visiting the Sunshine of Vancouver Island offers a wide The nutrient-rich waters from Indian Coast to investigate its octopus- diversity of diving experiences. Arm to Powell River, off the southern ses and wolf eels. The coastline between Bamfield coast of British Columbia, boast an Here, we also find some of the and Port Renfrew is known for “aquarium” unrivaled throughout the only hard coral found in temper-

both the colour and diversity of world! Frequented by killer whales, ate waters. Vertical drop-offs, LEIF-GÖRAN HJELM - WWW.AQUA-BILDER.NU A diver experiences a close encounter with a wolf-eel

32 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 1 2 3 CANADA Diving BC 29 4 28 5 to see six-gill sharks The waters 6 Hornby Island In Northern Vancouver and it is without around Hornby Island are full of a Island just the topside scenery is 8 7 strong currents. The rich variety of marine life. In any enough to leave you breathless. 27 10 9 11 large boulders on the season, you can encounter Giant Wild, untouched and with the blue 13 26 12 30 steep rocky under- Pacific octopusses, wolf eels, har- mountains as a backdrop, and 14 15 19 water slopes also bour seals, large lingcod and rock with a deep tranquility is that is all 25 USA 16 17 20 make ideal homes for fish, colourful anemones and nudi- but enhanced by the blows of the 21 18 22 octopusses and wolf branchs. Good visibility and gentle passing whales. These more north- Vancouver Island 24 eels, two favourite currents make the Hornby Island ern waters are cooler and more 23 subjects for scuba area easy to dive. Drift dives, wall oxygen-rich, which means more enthusiasts. A short dives, deep dives, and sculpted life, producing an extraordinary boat ride from Sidney sandstone reefs are all part of the array of invertebrates and a multi- 1 Port Hardy 16 Duncan you will find the artificial reefs underwater terrain. Hornby is also tude of fish. Rumour has it, that up 2 Port McNeill 17 Cobble Hill HMCS MacKenzie and the G.B. well known for its excellent ‘big to 13 species of nudibranch have 3 Telegraph Cove 18 Shawnigan Lake Church. animal’ dives. Six-gill sharks are been seen on a single dive. Giant 4 Quadra Island 19 Galiano Island probably the best-known reason Pacific octopuses and wolf eels 5 Campbell River 20 Mayne Island Howe Sound is a favorite to dive Hornby. Swimming beside are abundant and many organ- 6 Courtenay 21 Sidney Area dive destination for both visitors a six-gill is an experience of a life- isms often exceed the sizes stated 7 Union Bay 22 Brentwood Bay 8 Hornby Island 23 Victoria and locals, and is host to two time! During the winter, Stellar’s in field guides. From the concen- 9 Parksville 24 Sooke shore-access marine protected and California sea lions congre- tration of dives in the Broughton 10 Port Alberni 25 Bamfield areas – Whytecliff Park and gate near Hornby to feed on and Blackfish Archipelagos, to 11 Lantzville 26 Ucluelet Porteau Cove Provincial Park. migrating herring. They are curious the gardens of the West Coast, to 12 Nanaimo 27 Tolfino These two parks are arguably and love to interact with divers. the expanses of life around Port 13 Gabriola Island 28 Tahsis the most popular dive sites in 14 Ladysmith 29 Zeballos the province. Many ships and 15 Chemainus 30 Greater Vancouver vessels have been scuttled over the past years to cre- Skookumchuk Rapids – the sec- ate awe-inspiring artificial reefs ond fastest tidal rapids in North and steep drop-offs provide the America harbouring spectacu- perfect environment to explore lar sea life. The destroyer HMCS underwater walls However, vis- Chaudiere was scuttled here in ibility can be an issue, as much 1992 to create an artificial reef. of the bottom of Howe Sound is covered in a thick silt. South Vancouver Island has too many great sites LEIF-GÖRAN HJELM - WWW.AQUA-BILDER.NU to mention, but one of the most well known areas around Victoria is Race Rocks, only minutes away by boat from downtown Victoria. It is a spectacu- lar area above and below the water, and with good

chances of diving with sea LEIF-GÖRAN HJELM - WWW.AQUA-BILDER.NU lions. Close by is the Saanich ▲ Exploring the bottom around God’s Pocket Resort in Northern Inlet, which is a great site Vancouver Island is like walking in beautifull gardens with flowers ◄ Also a macrohotographer’s paradise - God’s Pocket Resort in Northern Vancouver Island

33 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Diving BC

80 side- and stern-wheelers steamed around the extensive lake system leaving numerous wrecks to dive, including the S.S. Whitesmith and the M.V. Lady Rose in Shuswap Lake, several wrecks in the Kootenays and numer- ous other small craft including houseboats, barges and tugboats. And not to forget a 1920’s Chevrolet towing five sleighs full of in mail in Shuswap lake. In Pavillion Lake, Hardy and Browning Pass and the magic that is the beautiful crystalline turquoise water acts as a Haida Gwaii – these seemingly infinite stretches of catalyst for the development of fresh water stro- coastline offer equally endless dive opportunities. matolites, structures formed from fossilized remains of microorganisms in various shapes and sizes. The The interior is maybe not something that natu- stromatolites are currently being studied by scien- rally springs to mind when it comes to scuba diving, tists. As the lake is extremely sensitive to human but the interior of British Colombia actually boasts interaction the Underwater Council of BC is apply- a number of historic wrecks, underwater cave sys- ing to have Pavillion Lake recognized as a pro- tems, ice diving, current dives and large marine tected area. It is recommended that you contact life. Adams Lake offers cave systems and walls a local scuba shop for information and assistance of peculiar limestone formations that begin high in diving this site. on the mountainside and continuing underwater, Other unique dives include the world famous to include chimneys large enough for a diver to Adams River Sockeye run which takes place in the ascend through. fall. Hundreds of thousands of sockeye salmon form Around the turn of the past century more than a virtual wall of fish and is an amazing sight. ■

active and dormant volcanos. More size and position over time, moving the South American plate to form the The current issue of Xray-mag has as than half of the world’s approximately at speeds of between 1 cm and 10 Andes and the volcanos Cotopaxi a theme the western seaboard of the 1500 active volcanos above sea level cm every year. As the plates move, and Azul. The major plate covering USA, including Alaska. This coastal are part of the ring. And about ten intense geologic activity occurs at the Pacific ocean area is called, not area is part of what is known as the percent of these are located in the the plate edges, where one of three surprisingly, the Pacific plate. Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanos and United States. things may occur; the plates may be Around the Ring of Fire, the Pacific oceanic trenches partly encircling This huge ring of volcanic and moving away from each other, leav- plate is colliding with and sliding the Pacific Basin, forming a zone of seismic activity was noticed and ing space for the creation of new underneath other plates. This proc- Ring of frequent earthquakes and volcanic described long before the invention ocean floor; the plates may be mov- ess is known as subduction, and the eruptions. This activity naturally has a of the plate tectonics theory. It is now ing towards each other, causing one volcanically and seismically active large effect on the marine-biological known that the Ring of Fire is located to submerge beneath the other; or area nearby is known as a subduc- diversity of the region. at the borders of the Pacific plate the boundaries of the plates may slide tion zone. There is a tremendous It will be seen from the map that and other tectonic plates. past each other without much distur- amount of energy created by these Fire the Ring of Fire stretches from New bance to either plate. plates and they easily melt rock into Zealand, along the eastern edge of TECTONIC PLATES There are 7 major plates and 8 magma, which rises to the surface as Asia, north across the Aleutian Islands Tectonic plates are like giant rafts of minor plates, named according to lava and forms the volcanos of the of Alaska, and south along the coast rock floating on the earth’s hot, soft where they are positioned on the Ring of Fire. of North and South America. It is mantle. These massive rigid plates earth’s surface. For example, we have Between Northern California and Text by Michael Symes composed of over 75% of the world’s are about 80 km thick, but change the Nazca plate which is colliding with British Columbia, the Pacific plate,

34 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED the Juan de Fuca plate, and Francisco. As the plates the Gorda tectonic plate never stop moving there is have built the Cascades and a fearful expectancy that a Mount Saint Helens, which new major earthquake will erupted in 1980. Alaska’s occur in the near future. Aleutian Islands are growing as the Pacific plate hits the TSUNAMIS North American plate. The It is the earthquakes occur- deep Aleutian Trench, with a ing in the more intensely maximum depth of 7679 m, inhabited land areas that has been created at the sub- generally cause the great- duction zone here. est devastation, like that in USGS San Francisco. However, SAN ANDREAS FAULT when there is an earth- a great earthquake struck San Although plates may slide past quake under the sea, one side of Francisco and a long narrow band one another in opposite directions the ocean floor can suddenly drop of towns, villages, and countryside to without much disturbance to either downwards, beneath the top edge the northwest and southeast. Many plate some may cause major earth- of the subducting plate. The resulting buildings were wrecked, hundreds quakes, affecting thousands of peo- vertical fault will then generate a tsu- of people were killed, and electric ple. This is the case with the infamous nami. The movements of the plates power lines and gas mains were bro- Californian San Andreas fault, where usually allow little warning for those ken. The ground had broken apart the Pacific and North American at risk in coastal areas. One warning for more than 400 km along the San plates interact, whose shift caused of a tsunami is that there is a rush of Andreas fault. The country on the the enormous earthquake in San water away from the coastline, but east side of the fault had moved Fransisco in 1906. this predictor may mean the forth- southward relative to the country coming seismic wave is only minutes on the west side of the fault. The EARTHQUAKE IN SAN FANCISCO away. ■ greatest displacement had been On April 18, 1906, shortly after 05:00, 7 m about 50 km northwest of San

Marine images for editorial, commercial, scientific, and fine art use

web: www.jongrossphotography.com email: [email protected] phone: 206-782-5864

www.oceanfest.com Ocean Fest Dive & Adventure Sports Expo April 15 through 17, 2005 • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

35 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Emerald Seas – The Pacific Northwest

LEIF-GÖRAN HJELM - WWW.AQUA-BILDER.NU Vancouver Island

Text and photos by John Collins The vast Pacific defines our water planet, when viewed from space. An seem- ingly endless blue mass, it covers half of spaceship Earth. In doing so, all of the ocean habitats are con- tained within it. Of its tem- perate waters, those along the western seaboard of North America have the greatest diversity and sheer mass of ocean life.

Without the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, ▲ ABOVE: Red Anemone these waters are colder than comparable lati- tudes in Europe – a chilly five degrees Celcius CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: in winter. The cold is invigorating, not just to the ▲ Vancouver Island intrepid diver, but to the life in these rich seas. It ► Lighthouse on Vancouver Island brings oxygen and nutrients from the deep ocean ► Sculpin portrait that are distributed by upwelling currents and tidal streams along the coasts, from Alaska to California. Vancouver Island, off Canada’s British Columbia is bathed by particularly lush seas. In

36 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel

Vancouver Island

early summer, as the plankton coast tumbles quickly to moved among its folds and ▲ Plumose anemones growth explodes, the sheer quan- depth beneath the surface. shadows, feeding and shelter- ▲ Lost rifle, Tahsis, tity of life is staggering. Thanks to I inhaled the rich aroma of ing. The cold can make these Vancouver Island modern diving equipment and the cedars, preparing for dives short however, without the ▲ Wreck of the Vanlene of dry-suits, diving here is especially the first dive in the fjord-like right equipment. Austin Island rewarding. waters off Andersen Island. In Advances in scuba gear have ◄ Detail of anemone I made the journey to Vancouver the first few meters, the water brought about great changes in in early June, when this action was was a dense emerald green. how we can visit even the cold- at its peak. Joining a live-aboard A single liter of this plank- est waters. The Rebreather, a boat, the Nautilus Explorer, we tonic soup contains millions forerunner to the popular aqua- were going to circumnavigate the of tiny plants and animals. lung, has made a comeback in island, diving as we went. It would Suddenly, at depth, the cur- modern times. By re-using the take eleven days. As we steamed tains part and a darkened diver’s breathing gas, dive times north from Vancouver city, the landscape emerged. Walls can be greatly extended. The quiet wildness of the island was a of cloud sponges, bright yel- exhaled breath is scrubbed of welcome contrast to the hustle of low, appear in the dive lights. carbon dioxide with soda lime – city life. The steep, forest-covered A community of busy fish life a process that generates heat.

37 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Vancouver Island

▲ Giant Nudibranch, Dendronotus iris ▲ Sun star, Solaster stimpsoni ◄ Sea Pen, Ptilosarcus gurneyi ◄ Mug-shot of friendly Wolf-eel, ▼ Opalescent Nudibranch, Anarrhichthys ocellatus Hermissenda crassicornis

The enriched gas is thus warmed and It’s the size of everything that is different. prevents heat loss through the lungs. This Flower-like anemones go from blossoms comfort, along with that from modern to bushes, dahlias to dinner plates. Their insulating fabrics and electrically-heated size causes them to hang limp from the vests worn under the dry-suit, allows rock faces, the super-rich plankton giv- dives of an hour or more in cold water. ing everything a steroid boost. It is most My lips and face were starting to feel the noticeable in areas of strong tides, as chill after that first dive, as I spun around billions of liters of water are channeled at the surface to look for the boat. A ris- through the narrows and islets twice ing full moon had just appeared in the daily. The dive sites at the northern end twilight sky, sending pastel reflections of the island are best known for these along the water’s surface. The cold was forests of invertebrate life. The coral- forgotten, among anticipation of further like filter feeders blanket every surface exploration in these special waters. and whole walls are color-washed red Much of the cliff hanging anemones and white. The diffuse light, having pen- and other plankton feeders are similar to etrated the plankton layer is soft and those seen in northern European waters. subtle giving the large white anemones

38 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Vancouver Island

▲ Detail of totem pole ► A gift from Spain, 1957, this stained glass window marks the reunion in 1792 of the Spanish captains Quad- ra and Vancouver who led explora- tory and diplomatic expeditions to the Vancouver Island area

a glow. It immediately feels black and weather, nobody tired of these white to my photographic eye and I fantastic dives. turn off flashguns and torches to savor Eventually we round Cape the moment Scott on the northern tip of the island and enter the greater Port Hardy The best-known area on Pacific. We are greeted with this north eastern part of Vancouver large swells, after several days of rough Island is that around Port Hardy. Here, weather. This wild coast endures harsh sites such as Dillon Rock and Browning winters, however, evidenced by the Pass are probably the most sought-after lack of any visible settlements. An dives along British Columbia’s 29,000 experimental drilling platform witnessed km coastline. Diving these remarkable the severity of the winter storms here, walls of soft coral, the blanket of color and measured one wave at 35 meters goes from unbroken red to dazzling high. white. Every possible space is taken in this thriving metropolis of sea life. The First Nations Residents such as the shy, giant Pacific The name ‘raincoast’ is apt. The native octopus and inquisitive wolf eels bring a peoples here enjoyed the bounty of the big animal experience unlike any other. sea in summer, but wisely moved inland When we were forced to stay in this for winter. The First Nations heritage in area longer than planned, due to bad this area is fascinating. ▲ Aerial view of the coast of Vancouver Island ► View from the plane as it banks over the sound of Vancouver ► The live-aboard ship, Nautilus Explorer

39 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Vancouver Island

In Nootka Sound, the now quiet vil- Kuyquot sound is a delightful submer- CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: lage of Yuquot, named Friendly Cove sion into this mesmerizing world. These ◄ LEFT: Sea Kelp and hermit crab by Captain Cook, was the scene of first forests of giant kelp seen on California’s ▲ TOP THREE IMAGES: Close-up contact with Europeans. The Spanish offshore islands are familiar from televi- details of a variety of anemones had made previous trips to the area sion documentaries. Here in Vancouver, ► FAR RIGHT: Vermillion seastar, but did not go ashore. So it was not the kelp is shallower – in 10-20 m depth. Mediaster aequalis until Cook landed in 1778 that the The fronds sway gently, caressed by the ▼ BELOW: Giant barnacle, Balanus land was claimed under England’s soft morning light. The gas-filled floats nubilus flag. At this time Captain Cook and form endless patterns Chief Maquinna had the famous first in the clear water. encounter between the Europeans and It is one of the most the First Nations people. The Spanish peaceful and endear- Government still considers Friendly Cove ing diving experiences part of their history, and in 1957, Spain I have enjoyed. donated two stained glass windows for the church on Nootka Island in Nootka Wrecks Sound. and sea-lions As we move further Kelp Forests south towards Victoria, Underwater, the seaward sides of the the weather is warmer rocks and cliffs are bare. The constant and the sea bright Pacific surge gives fledgling kelp lit- and clear. The diving tle chance. Only in the shelter of bays continues to be diverse does it get a chance to flourish into and fresh every time – the famous kelp forests seen along this from the 1972 wreck of Pacific coast. An early morning dive in the Vanlene in Barkley

40 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Vancouver Island Sound to the aptly-named Race Entering Victoria harbor signals Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. the end of our circumnaviga- Like the sites of Port Hardy in the tion, as this is the final stop before north, these sites must be dived our return to Vancouver city. It on a slack tide. Approaching in has been a superb trip, care- the dive skiff, the loud barks of fully planned and organized by Stellar sea-lions protest our arrival. Captain Mike Lever and the crew Once in the water, however, the of the Nautilus Explorer (www.nau- younger, curious sea-lions cannot tilusexplorer.com). The only ques- resist checking out the divers. I find tion in my mind on this final day is, myself shooting some beautiful when can I get back here and go PHOTO BY BOB WILSON. NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES, NOAA red-bodied sea anemones, only to north to Alaska? ■ ▲ Stellar sea-lions nuzzle one another on the rocks feel a tug at my fin. Large black eyes plead to me for play instead To order prints of images of photography, but we humans from this story directly from are a poor match for these agile the photographer, contact: masters of the aquatic world. [email protected]

▲ An underwater photographer passes through an archway of sea kelp ◄ Close-up portrait of a Kelp Greenling ▲ The vibrant city of Vancouver ▲ INSET: Underwater photographer and dive writer, John Collins

41 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED fact file Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada

History Canada is a country of rich natural resources and vast distances. In 1867, Canada became a self-governing territory while retaining its relationship with the British crown. The country has developed economically and technologi- cally in parallel with its southen neighbor along an unfortified border, the United States. After a decade of budget cuts, the country’s great- est political issues are improving education and health care services. Recently, the issue of recon- ciling Quebec’s francophone heritage with the Currency Canadian dollar (CAD) Exchange rest of the country’s population which is anglo- rate: 1 CAD = $ .82 USD / € .63 EURO phone, has receded after a referendum held by the Quebec government failed to pass in 1995. Language English 59.3% (official), French Government: confederation with parliamentary 23.2% (official), other 17.5% democracy. Web sites Geography Located on the northern half Vancouver Island Tourism of the North American continent, Canada is www.islands.bc.ca bordered by three oceans: the North Atlantic Economy Canada closely resembles the US Vancouver Island & Victoria BC Ocean on the east and the North Pacific Ocean in its market-oriented economic system, pattern Tourism Travel Guide on the west, as well as the Artic Ocean to the of production, and high living standards. It is an www.vancouverisland.com north. After Russia, Canada is the second largest affluent, high-tech industrial society. Agriculture: Diving Vancouver Island country in the world. It has a strategic position wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegeta- www.bcdiving.com between Russia and the US on the north polar bles; dairy products; forest products; fish; Indus- route; about 90% of Canadian are concentrated tries: transportation equipment, chemicals, proc- Dive Operators in the area within 160 km of the border with the essed and unprocessed minerals, food products; British Columbia Dive Guide US. Terrain: wide plains with mountains in the west wood and paper products; fish products, petro- www.bcdiveguide.com and lowlands in the southeast; Natural resources: leum and natural gas. Dive charter operators and dive resorts in British iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, mo- Columbia lybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, www.johncollinskinsale.com Climate varies from temperate in the south to dive.bc.ca/links/charters.html wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydro- power; Natural hazards: continuous permafrost in subarctic and arctic in the north north is a serious obstacle to development; as a Deco Chamber Vancouver Coastal Health result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Population 32,507,874 (July 2004 est.) 10th Floor, 601 West Broadway Pacific, and North American interior, cyclonic Ethnicity: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4C2 storms form east of the Rocky Mountains and other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, most- Information Line: produce most of the country’s rain and snow ly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 1.866.884.0888 or 604.875.4252 east of the mountains. 26%; Religions: Roman Catholic 46%, Protestant www.vanhosp.bc.ca ■ 36%, other 18%

42 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED AFTER BIGELOW AND SCHROEDER, 1948 Wrecks of Vancouver Island Every rugged coastline close edies that have taken place here. In many cases, all the available is also possible to begin the search Sixgill sharks to major economic centers A popular saying goes that there information was the name of the by researching in libraries and is densely dotted with ship- is a wrecked ship for every mile of vessel and where it probably sank, archives to find information about Why is swimming next to these large coast. In reality this is most likely an sometimes extracted from insur- the type, construction and special wrecks. Vancouver Island underestimate because of all the ance records, or newspaper notices. features of the wreck, and hopefully sharks like swimming back in time? and Juan de Fuca Strait many shipwrecks that went down Later in history, information obviously also about its location, and the con- being the entrance the US unnoticed. In the days of sailing became more accurate but gener- ditions under which it sank. ■ Given its large size, broad, flat face and slow, deliber- ships, before they had engines, not ally it is mostly the fate of larger ate motion, the bluntnosed sixgill shark may look like Pacific North West and west- to speak of radars, radios and GPS, vessels which is known. But the a throwback to Jurassic Times. But these deep-sea ern Canada is certainly no a severe storm would often spell the wrecks come in all sizes and sharks aren’t very primitive at all. The shark’s sixth gill, exception. end for several ships at the same varieties. There are Canadian a unique feature of its family the Hexanchiformes, and time. Sometimes there is a record of and foreign vessels, war ships, other parts of its well-adapted anatomy, are recent, A coastline that has been dubbed these tragedies, sometimes not. In freighters and passenger fer- specialized innovations. They’re simply different from the Graveyard of the Pacific and those days, more often than not, you ries as well as working tugs, the majority of today’s modern sharks. The Unforgiving Coast, a clear tes- only learnt that a ship was probably lumber barges and small craft According to the most accepted version of the timony to the many human trag- lost at sea because it failed to show lost on the rocks and breakers. shark family tree, they belong to a whole other up at its destination. The ocean did not distinguish branch: the squalomorph sharks which living repre- Ignorance of the between them. sentatives are limited to dogfish, the Greenland shark, local geography, a SOURCE: MARITIME MUSEUM OF BRITISH COLUMBIA and the six and seven-gilled sharks, which probably tired and overworked Wreckdiving As in many split from a common ancestry around 200 million years crew, a vessel unfit other parts of the world, there are ago, the age in which the oldest Hexanchiform fossils to sail, surprise winds laws in place to protect historic are found. “There is nothing remarkable in the separa- and greedy shipping wrecks in British Colombia but also tion of the lineage,” says sixgill researcher Dr. Robert agents who overload a plethora of wrecks to explore. Other useful Dunbrack. “Lineages split continually. Since most line- on cargo, have all Sometimes wrecks are found by and interesting links: ages go extinct, the only surprising thing is that there contributed to the random searches, which have are still Hexanchiform species around today, 200 mil- shipwrecks and many recently been greatly facilitated by Underwater Archaeological Society lion years later.” tragic losses of lives the advent of affordable sidescan of British Columbia Scientists may know more about the sixgill shark’s off the Vancouver sonars, which build a very precise

past than they do about its current biology. Like other SOURCE: MARITIME MUSEUM OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Island coast. picture of what lies on the bottom. It Dive.bc.ca northern water sharks, and especially the deep water ones, basic information about the sixgill’s lifecycle isn’t known. Scientists aren’t sure how long it lives, how fast it grows, how often it reproduces, or even why it Graveyard of the Pacific! migrates from its usual depths of around 2500 metres www.pacificshipwrecks.ca reflect a long historical era. to the shallower British Columbia waters each year. This is an excellent website about the From Boston, Tonquin and shipwrecks off Vancouver Island. It is Lord Western which date Flora Islet is world famous as one of the only two made and operated by the Maritime back to the early years of places where a diver can count on seeing the giant Museum of British Columbia, and is trade, and exploration by sixgill shark. Some of the smaller sixgills are about 8 one of those rare pleasant surprises Americans and Europeans feet long and much larger ones have been spotted. where design, database, message around Vancouver Island, These sharks swim slowly along the bottom and can and usability actually works together to examples of how even To screenshots of the interactive wreckmap. LEFT: the easily be matched by divers. Swimming along side in a sensible whole. modern freighters are not shipwrecks in the year 1908. RIGHT: the year 1928 one of these docile giants is one of the most amazing A section called “Shipwreck Times” safe from the rough coast. thrills any diver can experience. ■ features ten stories of shipwrecks Most interesting is the interactive wreck- The interactive map only seems to work along the Vancouver Island coast, map. Under the map is a slider that one properly in Internet Explorer. There seems gives a series of good exaples of how can pull along a time axis that goes from to be a problem displaying it in NetScape different the shipwrecks are, and that 1750 to present day 2005. Mozilla/Firefox. ■

43 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Artificial Reef Society ake reefs - notof Britishwar Columbia M Text edited by Peter Symes Photos courtesy of the ARSBC and Divers Choice

Artificial reefs are created down to the bare steel. As diver safe- spin-offs from the new diving attrac- when vessels are sunk in a ty is, obviously, an important consid- tion, and for a flat sandy bottom on eration it also means cutting holes for which to land the ship. All coast guard special area. This is where diver access, removing any hazardous and navigation requirements also had ARSBC comes into the pic- obstacles and either sealing off con- to be met when choosing locations. ture. The Artificial Reef Society fined spaces or opening them up for The sunken ships have quickly since of British Columbia is the easy entry and exit. became overcome with rich marine The sinking sites were often chosen life including octopus and wolf-eels, Canadian non-profit organisa- for close proximity to local dive shop and today they are testimonials to the tion behind a series of spec- operators to enable positive economic positive environmental impact that tacular and highly publicised sinkings of predominantly decommisioned warships dur- M ing the past decade.

Since 1990, the ARSBC has created six dive sites in British Columbia. The Coastal Freighter and former WW2 supplyship GB Church was was the first WW.DIVINGBCCANADA.CO

W project of the ARSBC and Vancouver Island’s first artificial reef, sunk in Princess Margaret Marine Park in 1991. It served an important role as a prov- ing ground for the larger and more complex naval artificial reef projects that were to follow. Preparation of the ships meant cleaning them down completely, including cleaning all fuel and oil lines and removing all environmental haz- PHOTO COURTESY OF DIVERS CHOICE CHARTERS.

ards, often gutting them all the way ARSBC

Sinking of HMCS Cape Breton

44 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The HMCS The Saskatchewan was sunk in two steps. On the day prior to the sinking, the RECOMMEND engine room was flooded in an attempt to lower the X-RAY MAG ship’s center of gravity ► PHOTO: ARBSCS WEBSITE TO YOUR FRIENDS!

PHOTO: JAY STRAITH Place our banner link on your web site artificial reefs have on the 33m of water. The site is just a final salute marine ecosystem. Not north of the USA - Canadian to her tour of only do artificial reefs pro- border and marker buoys duty. She sank PHOTO: ARBSC’S WEBSITE mote marine life, they also are attached to the bow, to the bottom ▲ The HMCS Cape Breton before reduce diver impact on sur- bridge and stern of the ship in three minutes ARBSC took good care of her. rounding natural and histor- for direct access to the ship and forty-five ical shipwreck dive sites by from the surface. seconds, bow first. Donate to our diverting diver traffic from Columbia, located near Then followed the destroy- to each other the length of the contributors those sites. Campbell River, was the er Saskatchewan which was ship. Although an exit is visible fund The 111m destroyer third naval destroyer sunk sunk in 1997 off Snake Island, from any entry point along the escort Chaudiere was sunk by the ARSBC as an artificial a few miles east of Nanaimo. ship, it is still highly recommend- in Sechelt Inlet in 1992, and reef, just nine months after The site has mooring buoys ed that divers receive proper aided by these experiences Mackenzie. Again, know- adjacent to the ship and wreck training before penetrat- a second naval ship soon ledge gained from two prior marker buoys attached ing the vessel. followed. On a beauti- destroyer projects further at the bow, bridge, and 2001 then saw the creation of ful September day in 1995 improved the preparation stern of Saskatchewan. This the world’s largest artificial reef surrounded by more than efficiency, diver access and fourth sinking of a destroyer sinking when the 111m former Visit our 1,200 boats, aircraft and safety features incorporated was also the subject of a WW2 Victory ship HMCS Cape sponsors or thousands of spectators, into the ship. In addition to International contest to Breton was also sent to the become one the former antisubmarine the explosives used to sink “push the button” and sink ocean floor near Snake Island destroyer Mackenzie was the ship, the crowd was the ship. Cousteau Society where she now rests at 40 metres sent to the bottom too. treated to a spectacular sponsored the contest as below the surface. She now rests on the sea- display of pyrotechnics that a fund-raiser to replace its floor off Sidney in about lit the guns of Columbia as former ship Calypso which The ARS-540 is a decommis- WWW.XRAY-MAG.COM sank two years earlier follow- sioned Boeing 737-200 airframe ing a collision in Singapore. that was donated to the Artificial The ARSBC writes on its Reef Society by Qwest Airparts website that it went through Ltd. of Memphis, Tennessee. Why Become an ARSBC Member! a great deal of trouble to the number 540? Why the cryp- make this wreck diveable for tic name ARS-540? Well, the Air Would you like to dive on the most all skill levels by cutting many Canada internal designation of interesting un-natural sites in B.C.? large holes at close proximity the plane was FIN-540, and ARS Would you like to help out to main- stands for Artificial Reef Society. tain and monitor - or just dive for The new reef project has been fun - the 6 (and soon to be 7) wreck

LESTER LIGHTSTONE, ARSBC quite a while in the making, but sites which the ARSBC has created? ▲ ABOVE: The 737 is the ARBSC’s next project. However as this the plane is still waiting for the Would you like to meet other divers magazine goes to press, the former jet is still waiting for the sinking permit to be issued by with similar interests? Then we’d like sinking permit to be issued by Environment Canada Environment Canada. The plane to invite you to become a mem- ▲ TOP LEFT: Diving the Saskatchewan is still in Comox, but is being ber. Visit ARSBCs Members’ Page stored on a lot, which the owner for more details and an application wants to develop, so he wants form. the plane out of there asap. The Comox Valley Dive Association Click here: www.artificialreef.bc.ca has begun an impressive fund- Diving the Saskatchewan ► PHOTO: JAY STRAITH 45 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED raising and promotional effort for the 737 artificial reef. The CVDA has a limited Seafloor earthquakes signal number of advertising and sponsorship eruption off Vancouver Island opportunities available, and would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you Seismic activity on the Endeavour Ridge further. All gold level sponsors will receive a limited edition bronze statue by Simon An underwater eruption some 200 miles off Morris (morrissculpture.com) of Saltspring the coast of Vancouver Island may be under Island. Additionally, all donations can way. Recently the area has been rocked have tax receipts issued. by thousands tremors, most tiny, but some Until the sinking date, the 737 is being exceeding magnitude 4. “It has been going stored beside a marina in Courtney, in full on long enough

view of the public. Then, after it’s sunk, ARSBC that we’re pretty every diver to the new artificial reef will sure lava is mov- see your company’s logo for years to Rivtow Lion was sucessfully sunk across the North Atlantic on a three ing,” said Edward come. Click here for more information. on February 6th, 2005. The Rivtow week voyage through winter gales Baker, an ocea- Lion is a 157-foot (47 metre) long and U-boat attacks, towing dam- nographer at the North Sea Rescue Tug. Built in 1940 aged ships in all kinds of weather. Pacific Marine Underwater Treasure Hunting in Selby England, she was originally She was part of a rescue fleet that Environmental Along the east coast of Vancouver Island • named the HMRT (His Majesty’s saved 140 American, 245 allied Laboratory, which is the city of Nanaimo, one of North Rescue Tug) Prudent, later named and neutral ships, 750 British and is part of the America’s premier dive destinations, but HMRT Cautious in 1947 and finally Commonwealth ships along with National Oceanic did you know that there are treasures to becoming Rivtow Lion in 1966. This 245 allied warships and millions of and Atmospheric be found in the emerald waters that sur- 561-ton vessel was first stationed in tons of supplies during the war. ■ Administration round the harbour city? We are not just THE LIVING EARTH® INC./EARTH IMAGING Iceland and the Shetland Islands. (NOAA). talking about the amazingly abundant Built to tow convoy ships dam- Source and photocredit: Researchers keep sea life and healthy marine environment, aged by German U-boats in WWII, www.oceanexplorersdiving.com scientific instruments packed and ready to we mean actual treasures. Well! Tokens these tugs accompanied convoys go so they can act quickly when an under- for treasures — Citizen Watches to be water eruption starts. The Juan de Fuca exact. plate, is a tectonic time bomb capable of As a part of the promotion of the Advertisements West Coast Dive Package producing earthquakes and tsunamis on wrecks, a long-time locally-owned jew- Port Alberni’s Coast Hospitality Inn is offering a year-round West Coast par with the disaster that struck the Indian elry store, Grassicks, donated women’s Dive Package from CAD155 per person based on double occupancy. Ocean in December. “ An eruption along and men’s Citizen Watches. Tokens were Package includes two dives with Six Gill Adventures, breakfast, boxed the ridge doesn’t directly raise the risk of an created and hidden amongst the wrecks lunch, dinner, and one night accommodation in a Coast Comfort Guest earthquake on the subduction zone. But the by members of the Nanaimo Dive Asso- Room. Guests will be whisked via the Alberni Inlet on a short ride to the regions are closely linked, like pieces in a puz- ciation. To date, none of the three tokens dive sites. Experience the wonder of Barkley Sound…reefs covered in zle.We really don’t know what to expect,” have been found. For those planning to stunning sponges and hard corals, sea lions, and possibly a glimpse of the Baker said. search for them, the only tip we can offer elusive Six Gill Sharks. Rental equipment available for additional charge. Among the researchers tools is a network of is that there are two tokens to be found For more information, call 250-723-8111 or visit portalberni.coasthotels.com Navy hydrophones originally used to monitor within the Cape Breton wreck—one at enemy submarines. The sensitive instruments recreational level and the second at Snorkelling with Seals can detect underwater earthquakes that technical level. The third token is some- Get up close and personal with harbour seals during a snorkelling experi- are too faint and far away to be picked up where amidst the wreck of the Saskatch- ence unique to Nanaimo. Guided excursions allow snorkellers to spend up by land-based seismographs. “It’s left over ewan. ■ to two hours in the water with the playful and curious critters that make from the Cold War, and it’s become very use-

their home at Snake Island, a short boat trip outside of Nanaimo’s har- ful,” Baker said. “But even I’m not allowed to For information on dive charters in Nan- bour. Dive operators offer snorkelling tours from CAD 75 per person which know where the microphones are. The sen- ▲ The sinking of the HMCS Mackenzie in 1995. aimo, call 1- 250-756-0106 or visit She went under in 3 mins, 45 secs. includes all necessary equipment. sors located the shaking on the Juan de Fuca Tourism Nanaimo’s website: Photos: ARSBC’s website Stay and play in Nanaimo with a Seal Adventure Package starting at Ridge, where fresh oceanic crust forms as www.tourismnanaimo.com CAD189.95 per person based on double occupancy. Package includes tectonic plates pull apart and magma wells two nights accommodation, two snorkelling adventures, and a number of up from deep within the earth. This seafloor Tourism Vancouver Island’s website: extras. One night packages available. spreading is slowly forcing the Juan de Fuca www.islands.bc.ca For more information or to book your snorkeling and accommodation plate under the North American plate, creat- package, call 1-250-753-1246 or visit www.buccaneerinn.com ing a subduction zone that has unleashed massive earthquakes in the past. ■

46 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Diving the Land of the Midnight Sun...

Text by Barb Roy Eureka Alaska!

Colorful Northern Lights danced Within seconds, across a late evening sky in I spotted several Dungeness crabs, Whittier, Alaska. As my husband, causing them Wayne Grant, and I donned to flee from our our scuba gear for our first night approaching path dive in this mysterious Land of of light. Although the water was 49 the Midnight Sun, I wondered if degrees, visibility the native legends were actu- was particle-free ally true, and that the dancing and excellent. As lights were actually happy spirits the depth gradu- ally increased, we enjoying a night of play. At the noticed an abun- same moment this beautiful and dance of red rock and hermit crabs, huge ◄ LEFT: Mountains surround Resurrection Bay unusual phenomenon took place sea stars, shrimp, and an odd-looking juve- ◄ CENTER: Snakelock Anemone nile Alaskan king crab. To walk, the baby ▲ RIGHT: Nudibranch, White-lined Dirona above us, we saw the water bub- king crab stood tall on its prickly pink spiky- bling in the boat’s wake sparkle thin legs and moved with uncanny speed. with phosphorescence below Just a few meters ahead, Wayne had a us. The lights of the sea and sky flounder in his sights and encouraged me to follow. In an undulating motion, the glimmered as if waiting to illus- flat fish slowly moved forward trying to trate a magical story. Wayne keep up with Wayne’s light. Little did we handed me my camera, and we know we were following the small flounder Text by Barb Roy submerged into the glassy, calm along a pre-marked trail to the remains of an old ‘bush’ plane. Careful not to stir Photos by Barb Roy, NOAA realm of the aquatic world. up the sediment, we surveyed the site Photo Library, Alaska Tourism PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY BARB ROY

47 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Did you get the previous travel issues of X-RAY MAG? They are also free

MALAYSIA. Coralreeefs after the Tsunami. Whalebeachings. Tragedy in South Africa. Nemos Nose The Science of Fish Fashion, Ice Diving in Russia. Tod Essick. Link: X-RAY #3

Diving in the Himalayas, Swimming with Orcas in Norway, El Dorado in the Philippines. Gaansbai in South Africa. Link: X-RAY#2

▲ Anemone, Fish-eating Urticina

with our torches. I noticed two big eyes attention for the rest of the dive. We took tory known in search of gold and fame. tion of Alaska’s extensive underwater ter- peeking over a portion of debris. In the the opportunity to take some close-up Today, visitors are held in awe of Alaska’s rain. For the truly daring, this cold water Featuring Belize’s Blue Hole; Tasmania; process of approaching the site, we must and macro shots. extremely long summer days— hence the haven can offer a seemingly endless sup- Balmorhea, Texas; Norways Egersund, have attracted the attention of a curi- reference, land of the midnight sun—and ply of exploratory possibilities. Liveaboard on Lake Baikal, Siberia ous medium-sized giant Pacific octopus. Alaska the seemingly endless supply of majestic For our excursion, Wayne and I chose Instantly a game of hide-and-seek devel- The state of Alaska encompasses 587,878 scenic beauty. Among these adventur- the month of September to explore the Link: X-RAY#1 oped. Needless to say, this quirky, square miles (1,522,596 square km). Past ers, are often a number of curious divers Alaskan coast. By doing this, we avoided almost comical, octopus held our explorers were drawn to this vast terri- yearning for a chance to explore a por- large crowds of tourists and took advan-

48 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Alaska PHOTO BY BARB ROY

▲ Denali National Park ◄ Prince William Sound ▼ Alaskan Railroad NOAA PHOTO LIBRARY tage of the water’s clear visibility. Since that due to the melting glaciers, spring community of mud flats with Opting for the rail transport, it didn’t Alaska is so big, our main focus would be and summer water run-off carries fine silt Whittier. incoming tides. take long for the gentle rocking to put the South Central portion of the state, to the ocean sometimes producing an Beluga whales Wayne to sleep. We passed beauti- beginning in Anchorage, the largest city underwater ‘cloud layer.’ Therefore, vis- The Seward can also be seen ful wildflower fields, tinted with colours PHOTO BY BARB ROY and home to an international airport. ibility is usually best during late fall, winter Highway contently feeding of autumn and scenic waterfalls rolling For two hours, we mulled over maps and early spring months ranging from From Anchorage offshore during the off the mountainside. As we exited the and possible dive sites at a popular java 35 to 90 feet depending on the loca- we headed summer. I had to last tunnel, the train entered into a val- joint called Café Del Mundo. Our plan tion. With water temperatures of 30 to south past the keep telling myself ley nestled between more mountains. was to squeeze in the sight-seeing, wild- 45 degrees F, winter snowfall can pose a Potter Point State this was all REAL Continuing past a magnificent display of life photography, gold panning and sou- problem with regard to access to some Game Refuge and not a show on water falling from the base of blue-green venir shopping around the diving. Faced shore locations. Summer months, how- for about 46 miles (75.2 km) down the the Discovery channel! mountaintop glacier, and past a colony with a possible mutiny, I reluctantly ever, tend to yield 20 to 60 feet, with Seward Highway. I could not believe the Although visitors can now drive to of nesting shorebirds, we pulled to a stop agreed. water temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees scenery! Shades of lavender Lupine flow- Whittier, through two consecutive tun- in the middle of town. F. With this in mind, I’m glad we brought ers bordered the winding curves around nels, the Alaskan Railroad also offers a Diving drysuits! After obtaining a map of our first Turnagain Arm, a shallow stretch of water passenger/vehicle train, which travels Whitter Several dive facilities are available in underwater destination, Smitty’s Cove, extending from Cook Inlet. This is where along the same path. If time permits, The U.S. Army established Whittier dur- Anchorage for rentals, air and overall we were on our way to catch an auto bore-tides, up to five feet high, are often Portage Glacier is a great side trip, only a ing World War II for its secluded strategic site information. They informed us, shuttle train, or rail-ferry, to the secluded seen as walls of water race across the few extra miles beyond the train depot. location in Prince William Sound. To this

49 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Alaska

day, Whittier still possesses a quaint bottom to 90 feet (27 meters), at ish brown tubesnouts and a variety remote-location charm, attract- the outer perimeters of the cove. of colourful nudibranchs. Reddish- ing thousands each year for fishing There, we found a field of white, orange California sea cucumbers, and whale-watching charters, kay- thin, five to six-feet tall Sea Whips. multi-coloured sunflower stars and aking and wildlife tours and scuba A few tiny Basket Stars clung to small white metridium anemones diving. several whips, gently swaying in added even more to the collage. We headed for Smitty’s Cove a slight current. Heading back to Both wide angle and close-up (where we later did our night dive) shallower depths, we paused at photography worked well at this down a gravel road along the 50 feet (15 meters), to watch an location. waters edge. Parking is readily adult wolf eel out in the open. It available, for a nominal fee, but paid us little attention as it foraged Glacier gazing public washrooms are scarce on through an overgrowth of ground- With an ample supply of accom- site. A wide concrete path leads covering kelp in search of a tasty modations, restaurants and camp- COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: into the water making entries and snack of green urchins, crabs or grounds, Whittier also offered some Portage Glacier ► exits easy. Other divers, already perhaps a bed of swimming scal- excellent hiking trails. After a short Grunt Sculpin fish ▲ finishing their first dive, were warm- lops. Shrimp, lingcod and painted hike and our night dive, Wayne Curious Lingcod ▲ ing up pots of water for some tea. greenlings were among the cove’s and I opted to stay overnight and Diver encounters wolf-eel ► Visitors might want to add a port- other many residents.Tiny deco- take in a bit of sightseeing on able stove and a pot to the pack- rator crabs busied themselves, Phillips’ 26 Glacier Cruise the fol- ing list. gathering new décor for their lowing day. shells near a bunch of old pipes During our cruise we passed gla- Smitty’s Cove and other debris. At 30 feet (9 cier after magnificent glacier. Bird Wayne and I geared up and meters) we came across the skel- rookeries, breaching whales and entered the cool refreshing cove. etal remains of an old barge. This furry sea otters filled our view. As Once underwater, we gradu- was my favorite attraction, as the divers though, we really wanted to

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY BARB ROY ally descended with the sloping area teamed with juvenile green- have them stop their high-speed

50 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CORAL_Dirt_Day_8.25x10.875.qxd 11/19/04 1:25 PM Page 1

Trawling to be banned near Aleutian Islands

banned from more than a million coral-rich areas that already are off square kilometers of ocean near the limits. It will prevent the industry from Aleutian Islands. This is the largest spreading out into the Aleutians and area ever closed to fishing solely for further destroying coral, which ulti- conservation. mately could prove to be essential to A whole new approach to protect- the ecosystem. It’s called ing the rocky, colourful seafloor habi- The action was mainly fueled by tat has thus been initiated. Coming an explosion in coral exploration, shortly after two scientific panels and the quest to understand its role proclaimed the world’s seas were in the ecosystem. In recent years, Earth Day. in ecological trouble, the decision scientists have been taking deep- WWW.NOAA.GOV signals a shift in thinking about how sea submersibles 350 meters or more to manage oceans, and puts new deep along the volcanic flanks of Trawling, in which boats drag pressure on the bodies that oversee the Aleutians. Here they found acres mammoth nets along the sea fishing in Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of coral gardens: red corals shaped Coast waters to follow suit. like a Joshua tree; sponges shaped That’s not to say bottom for miles, can easily Typically, entire oceans are open like spatulas, barrels or crooked crush the long-lived, brittle to fishing except in areas that have human fingers; and a 1½ meter creatures on the Aleutian sea been specifically set aside to protect sponge that looked like a little girl’s floor, which scientists believe sea lions or rare birds, or to rebuild pigtails. They were a brilliant green, we need to treat it fallen crab stocks, for example. In violent shades of orange and bright may be the most diverse and this case, the opposite approach yellow. Scientists even saw a lone abundant cold-water coral was taken. It recommended outlaw- predatory sponge that captured and sponge habitat on Earth. ing bottom-trawling everywhere in crustaceans for food. More than like Dirt Day. Scientists believe the coral the Aleutians, except in the some two dozen were coral species found 65,000 square kilometers of seas nowhere else on earth. ■ may help incubate a fertile where boats fish today, minus a few fishing area that helps supply a significant portion of U.S. seafood.

Therefore, in a plan to protect the deep-water corals and sponges that help nurse Alaska’s fishing grounds, commercial trawling nets will be

After more than thirty years, we thought it was time that the other 72% of the planet got some attention. Which is why we’re asking people to Dive In To Earth Day the week of April 18 to 24. So grab some friends and install a mooring, do a reef survey, or organize an underwater cleanup. Everybody into the water. For more information, visit www.coral.org or call (415) 834-0900. WWW.NOAA.GOV. ALASKA FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER, MARINE OBSERVER PROGRAM Bringing a huge trawl aboard a commercial fishing vessel. (Filephoto NOAA)

51 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Alaska catamaran, so we could jump in and check out all these critters below all the breathtaking scenery! Yes, another day in Alaska’s paradise, I thought to myself as we boarded the train. Seward Seward, our next destination was another 80 miles (129 km) south over Turnagain Pass (elev. 988 feet / 301 m) and through Chugach National Forest. Coming into Seward, we detoured long enough to visit Exit Glacier. Although they do not permit this now, I had never touched a real glacier before today! It wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be… The Alaska SeaLife Center is another attraction wor- thy of investigation, located on the water down- town. A diver can see firsthand the various species of marine fish and invertebrates they may encoun- ter, before they even get wet. While shore diving in Seward is limited to a handful of sites, most requiring a climb over large boulders, there are several seasonal dive charters available. We came across two, one based in Anchorage, Dive Alaska, and another based in Sterling, The Dive Shop. PHOTO BY BARB ROY Barwell Island It was great to have an opportunity to explore Resurrection Bay, so we arranged a dive to Barwell Island the next morning with Ed Lindquist, owner of The Dive Shop. Ed met us at the boat harbor with his 22-foot (6.6 meters) Seasport boat. In no time at all we are heading down the long narrow pas- sage of Resurrection Bay. The water was as smooth PHOTO BY BARB ROY as satin sheets, making it easy to spot a small group of sea otters lounging in the sun. Sea Lions, Bald 1,849 Eagles, and shore birds were all around. I was really impressed with the rugged mountain coastline run- 400 ning parallel on one side of the bay and the weath- Cup er-beaten islands on the other. Gorgonian Barwell Island turned out to be a very remote Hydrocoral Soft chunk of rock, open to the fury or the Gulf of 200 Alaska. It was surrounded by clean blue ocean water. Looking at the island up close, I could see Frequency ◄ TOP LEFT: Barwell Island reef wall ◄ BOTTOM LEFT: Chart of coral growth 0 NOAA PHOTO LIBRARY in Alaska regions Aleutians Bering Sea Gulf of Alaska ► TOP RIGHT: View of The Sleeping Lady from Anchorage, Alaska

► BOTTOM RIGHT: Map of marine parks ALASKA TOURSIM in south eastern Alaska

52 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Travel Alaska

years of erosion caused that nature had from enormous pound- painted a can- ing ocean swells and vas of orange surf. Today however, it tunicates, yellow was calm and weather cup corals, tan permitted an explora- feather stars and tory dive on the open white sea squirts. ocean-side, which was In some areas I normally unreachable. found pink mouth We descended to a hydroids and multi- carpet of tan and yel- coloured painted low encrusting northern anemones. Huge staghorn bryozoan Snakelock (or covering the ocean’s Crimson) anemo- floor. Macro size brit- nes sat high on tle stars stretched tiny rocks, with their red arms out from the long delicate tentacles gathering food their tangled shelter to in the surge. White-spotted (Tealia) filter the water. Clusters anemones, yellow and white coloured of red and pink sea strawberries (soft swimming anemones and lacy orange coral) dotted the terrain as we contin- peel nudibranchs were everywhere. ued to the 60-foot (18 meters) range. Both dives proved to be superb for wide The various porifera (sponge) included; angle, close-up or macro photography. yellow breadcrumb sponge, orange fin- Before heading back Ed took us ger sponge and brown chimney sponge around the island to get some shots. An housing juvenile rockfish. Stripped old wartime shelter could be seen from prawns, orange and red anemones and the highest point. It must have been an assortment of invertebrates filled my some kind of a lookout where soldiers macro framer, causing me to fly through would watch for approaching enemy my film way to fast! ships during times of war. Now, the only A similar environment was discovered fighting that goes one is from squab- on the inside of the island during our bling nesting seabirds. second dive. Thankfully I had switched As we passed by Fox Island, Ed point- to a 50mm lens, because a friendly wolf ed out the location of a sunken barge. eel peeked out from its den of inver- Covered in a growth of kelp, the wreck tebrate-covered boulders. With huge is home to a countless number of fish, round eyes on a flabby gray mottled nudibranchs, a pair of wolf eels and sev- face, the eel stared out at us with curi- eral giant Pacific octopuses. osity. Realizing that some adults can ▲ TOP LEFT: Orange Peel Nudibranch attain a length of up to eight-feet, we Afterwords ▲ BOTTOM LEFT: Year-round diving at Whittier guessed this one to be pretty close During our journey back to Seward, ► TOP RIGHT: Weathered Island, Resurrection Bay to that. With a diet of giant red sea Wayne and I were already planning ► BOTTOM RIGHT: Sculpin at Barwell Island urchins, no wonder they are so unusual our return journey. Homer, Seldovia, critters. Kodiak Island and hiking through Denali As we continued on, we came across National Park were added to the next huge rock faces, also blanketed in inver- adventure’s agenda and I’m sure time tebrate life. In some areas it appeared won’t pass by quickly enough! ■ ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY BARB ROY

53 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED factAlaska, file USA

History The 13 American colonies coasts; tornadoes in the midwest and of the decisions. The federal and state broke with Britain in 1776. They were southeast; mud slides in California; for- governments buy most of the needed recognized as a new nation called est fires in the west; flooding; perma- goods and services in the private mar- the United States of America after the frost in northern Alaska, a major obsta- ketplace. 1783 Treaty of Paris. Thirty-seven new cle to development; Note: The U.S. is states and overseas possessions were the third-largest country in the world Travel: added during the 19th and 20th cen- by size after Russia and Canada, and The Alaska Marine Highway turies as the nation expanded west- by population after China and India. ward over the North American conti- 1-800-526-6731 nent. The Civil War (1861-65) and the Climate is mostly temperate, but www.akferry.com Great Depression of the 1930s were arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great Alaska Travel Industry Association Map of the United States of America including Alaska and Hawaii the two most traumatic experiences in plains west of the Mississippi River, arid www.travelalaska.com the nation’s history. Victories in World in the Great Basin of the southwest, Alaska Railroad Corporation Wars I and II as well as the end of the and tropical in Hawaii and Florida; low 1-800-544-0552 or 907-265-2494 Cold War in 1991, has boosted the US winter temperatures in the northwest www.akrr.com are relieved occasionally in January into a seat as the world’s most pow- Denali National Park and Preserve and February by warm chinook winds erful nation state. Rapid advances 907-683-2294 (winter phone) in technology encourage a steadily from the eastern slopes of the Rocky 907-683-1266 (summer phone) growing economy marked by low Mountains. unemployment and inflation. www.nps.gov/dena Population 293,027,571(2004) Geography Located in North white 77.1%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Diving: America, the U.S. borders both the Amerindian and Alaska native 1.5%, The Dive Shop North Atlantic Ocean and the North native Hawaiian and other Pacific Ed Linguist, 907-252-9017 Pacific Ocean, between Canada and islander 0.3%, other 4% (2000); Note: www.scubaalaska.com Mexico; Total area: 9,631,418 sq km, Census bureau Hispanic numbers are Dive Alaska land: 9,161,923 sq km, water: 469,495 included in the percentages of white, Scott Anderson, 907-770-1778 sq km; Coastline: 19,924 km; Terrain: black and Asian groups. Religions: www.divealaska.net Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 24%, vast central plains, mountains in the Last Frontier Diving West, hills and low mountains in the Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%, Loic Thomas, 907-222-6706 East; broad river valleys and rugged other 10%, none 10% (2002 est.); Below mountains in Alaska; rugged, volcanic poverty: 12% www.lastfrontierdiving.com topography in Hawaii; Lowest point: www.nps.gov Death Valley -86 m; Highest point: Currency US Dollar (USD$); Ex- Reference Books: Mount McKinley 6,194 m; Natural change rate: USD 1 = EUR .77 Under Alaskan Seas, by Lou and resources: coal, copper, lead, molyb- Language English, Spanish Nancy Barr denum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, Alaska Wildlife Viewing Guide, by gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, sil- Economy With a per capita GDP Michelle Sydeman, Annabel Lund ver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural of $37,800, the U.S. has the largest Natural Wonders of Alaska – A Guide gas, timber; Natural hazards: tsunamis, and most technologically powerful to Parks, Preserves & Wild Places, by volcanoes, and earthquake activ- economy in the world. It is market-ori- Kent Sturgis ity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes ented and driven by private individu- The Milepost, An annual publication of along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico als and business firms who make most Morris Communications Corporation ■

54 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED THE FACTS AND VIEWPOINTS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF X-RAY MAG. EQUIPMENT PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAS NOT BEEN TESTED BY X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTED, INFORMATION PROVIDED IS CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED Let there be Light! FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE LINKS ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATIONS Nocturnal Lights are now introducing a whole POINT & CLICK new series of dive lamps for the discerning ON BOLD LINKS user. The mid-range SL50, uses rechargeable NiMH batteries which have been overcharged to 14.4v , which increase light output to 30 – 40% more than standard 12v systems. The lamp comes with New & Interesting 20w, 35w, and 50w bulbs that are interchangeable. Edited by Burntimes are: 120min at 20w, 80min at 35w, and 45min Andrey Bizuykin at 50w respectively. The lantern style handle also dou- & Peter Symes bles as a video arm or camera arm mount, which includes mounting hole. Priced at USD 330. Equipment www.nocturnallights.com Back to the Future FD-70 housing The Fantasea FD-70 for the Nikon Interesting D-70 is a compact and lightweight inventions polycarbonate housing with ergo- The new nomically designed handles, making Mistral is a it easy to hold and use. The FD-70 also modern version of the Thermocline protects against damage from rain, original double hose regulator invented by Jacques Cousteau snow, dust, sand and dirt. It is a valu- and Emille Gagnan in 1943, combined with the refinements of mod- Explorer able tool for many commercial, ern regulator technology. Incorporating a timeproven dry sealed first stage, industrial, and medical applica- a unique completely sealed second stage, the unique double hose design THERMAL tions, because it is resistant to will appeal to underwater photographers, videographers and ice divers. PROTECTION Compatible with EAN 40 most liquids and sprays. The FD- www.aqualung.com HAS EVOLVED 70 housing is rated to a depth of right out of the box. 200 feet (60m). Suggested retail price: USD 999 The new www.fantasea.com Thermocline Explorer exposure suit for warm water div- ing from Fourth Element has been heralded as a revolution in scuba diving thermal protection. As it is neutrally buoy- ant and very lightweight, there ScubaDoRag Poseidon: To BeSea or not to... is no, or very little, need for lead. Unlike cotton products, the original We make the best regulators in the tem. The length can be altered to Obviously, this means less strain ScubaDoRag material dries fast, world, says Yaniv Bertele, responsi- fit from XXS to XXL. Lumbar Support on the lower back, and fluctua- stretches to fit, and will maintain its ble for R&D at Poseidon. “Now we placed where back meets the seat, tions in the buoyancy of the suit color and shape. The ScubaDoRag are hoping to take the same lead- without needing any tools. It distrib- with depth are no longer a factor. is designed for divers to tame the ing position on BC´s as well.” utes all weight absorbed by the lum- The increased comfort and free- hair, identify them underwater and The Harness is available in two dif- bar support, spread around the waist dom of a neutrally buoyant suit is provide sun protection on the sur- ferent models, Advanced and Sport, instead of around the shoulders. clear. face. For longer hair, the Ragtails developed to fit everyone from the Together with the ergonomically can be tied over and under the smallest woman to the biggest guy. shaped shoulder straps, the lumbar With the equivalent thermal ponytail and stuffed into the Secret The ergonomic of the harness makes support system and the anatomically protection to 2.5mm neoprene, Compartment in the Stingray Pouch™ you carry the heavy tanks with your correct HybroBack™, anyone from the breathable, fleecelined or use for storing cash, credit card/ID, hips instead of around shoulders the smallest woman to the biggest material developed by Polartec, key or a lucky charm. The limited edi- The HybroBack™ has a soft upper guy can make BeSea fit perfectly. is perfect as a high performance tion prints, solids, and textures are highly back and a hard lower back is hard successor to neoprene. Fast drying, visible above and below the sea. connected via a size adjustment sys- besea.poseidon.se lightweight and machine washable, www.scubadorag.com (cont´d next page)

55 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dry Delta 4 Kinesis (from previous page) “One hot new regulator ready to take on all challengers with improved per- The new Kinesis fins from the fabric is perfect for an exposure suit formance,” states Oceanics website. New features, improved styling, and Sherwood Scuba utilizes designed with travel in mind. the new FDX-10 First Stage, featuring the exclusive Dry Reg Technology, its patented Optimal Pivot which prevents moisture and contaminants from entering your first Blade (OPB) technology The Thermocline Explorer is a zipless suit giv- stage, even if the dust cap is left off. No more corrosion of criti- to increase kick efficiency, ing exposure protection to the legs and minimize fatigue and maxi- cal internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and body. When worn with a long or short- mize acceleration. Effortless damaged gauges and computers. When your dive is propulsion with optimum sleeved top, this combination ensures a finished, before the regulator is even removed from thrust.Offered in two models, double layer on the body core, maximising the tank valve, the Dry Reg Technology system the Kinesis, and the Kinesis thermal protection and performance. is already closed, sealing out moisture and EX, which is designed for The Thermocline range also includes a any other contamination. advanced divers seeking short sleeved top, men’s and women’s www.oceanicworldwide.com higher performance. The vests and shorts and even a bikini. The gar- KINESIS comes in blue and yel- ments can also be used to add comfort low colors with black accents, add warmth, worn underneath a wetsuit the EX model only in black in black. Suggested retail prices for extra protection without the associated are USD129.95 and for the EX, buoyancy increases. USD149.95. For more details visit www.sherwoodscuba.com www.fourthelement.com Also see the test review in this issue

Seaspy This underwater housing from Equinox Underwater Products, designed to fit a majority of today’s popu- lar cameras, provides an affordable solution to pho- tographers wanting to expand to digital underwater photography. The SEASPY housing can also be cus- tom-manufactured to individual needs and cameras at no additional cost on request. Priced at USD 325. Depth Rating: 50 meters.www.diveequinox.com

co Have a Blast! ibi The new Blast is designed so that divers ph can operate it easily with cold hands m A fine touch! A or gloves in an emergency. There m Radar, echo-sounder, charter, GPS and are no tiny buttons to locate – you ro what not - all in one. More than just another just grip the body of the unit and f Amphibico has launched its all-new, sophisticated chart plotter, Maptech i3 is d squeeze the spring-loaded halves e full-featured Phenom FXZ1 HDV marine an extraordinary, integrated nautical infor- r together to activate. The Blast u housing for the Sony® HDR-FX1 & HVR-Z1U mation system. All operated effortlessly by t operates from a medium pres- a HDV camcorders. With its ergonomic function- Touch Screen you can send and receive e f sure hose and comes in three - ality and high quality construction, the phenom emails or send messages via fax or voice. l versions, each with a swivel l fxz1 will once again afford its users the best possi- You can even send a message show- connection so that the unit u ble underwater “images……….even better than the ing your boat’s location on a real chart. F can be rotated to the ideal real thing”, as Amphibico puts it. This full-featured hous- Request and receive weather reports based position. The new Blast is also ing provides access to all key camcorder functions to on your actual GPS position. And you can useful as an air-gun for fill- depths of 330 feet or 100 meters and, in addition to a even automatically monitor vital onboard ing SMBs or liftbags under- long list of features, Amphibico’s usual high quality, systems when you’re away from your boat. water. full zoom-through 94 degree optics will comple- www.apvalves.com ment the package. www.amphibico.com www.maptech.com

56 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED It’s springtime, says Beaver Beaver’s Easy Fin Springs not only make fitting your fins easier, but give you a more secure and rugged fitting than standard fin straps. No Elegant Everywhere adjustment is necessary when you dive, and most types of Snorkel, ski, or a stunning wedding,This latest digital fin will fit the Easy Spring Straps. The Easy Spring Straps delivers both on land and in the sea with a faster .6 retail at GBP 16.95, making them highly competitive second start up, a quick .05 second shutter release, and are available at all good dive stores. To find movie mode and a generous 2.0 inch monitor. A your local supplier or to order a free bro- beautiful, petite JIS Class 8 waterproof-rated exterior promises you’ll capture chure: www.beaversports.co.uk images proudly just under the water’s surface or in the most for- mal settings. Finally, your wait is over for petite, durable, go eve- rywhere digital. Priced at under USD 400. www.pentaximaging.com

How about a Great White Wine and a good Book? Great White Wine Do you like good white wine and understood and threatened spe- Marks came up with the idea of are you passionate about sharks? cies have declined worldwide combining a wine-tasting hobby Well, if that is the case then you by 80 percent over the past 15 with marine conservation some probably have a lot in common years. Great White Wines have years ago after returning with the founders of Great White pledged to work towards from a scuba Wines, Melanie Marks, 33, and her changing the image of diving vaca- husband, Mark Horton, 37, who the shark from a feared Don’t tion to South founded their company partly out and hunted species to drink Africa, where of interest for great wines and a respected and val- she dove with in an effort to protect the ued one. The two have and dive white sharks in great white sharks. pledged to donate 10 what proved to These fascinat- percent of Great White Wines’ be an life-altering experi- ing, widely mis- profits to shark research and edu- ence. cational institu- After some initial Read a book tions, such as the research into the wine Monterey Bay industry, the couple hired on your Dive Aquarium. small-business consultants to help them lauch their new label. Marks and Computer!! Horton put their custom label on Delta P Technology UK have released a new optional fea- bottles and import the wine from ture for the VR2 and VR3. Deco Books allows a diver to the Zidela winery in South Africa, download an electronic book or any text file from a PC whose government was the first to into his dive computer to read during long shallow decom- protect white sharks. pression stops or even on deck during surface intervals. True to their label, they carry 20,000 characters (around 40 pages in a paperback) can only varieties made from white be stored at a time. The Deco Books feature is only acces- grapes. They refuse to bottle red sible by a diver at a depth of 6 metres or shallower, just like wine because it might evoke the the famous Octopus Game. And talking of Games, Deco kind of blood-thirsty image about Books comes bundled with two brand new games, Wreck sharks they want to erase. Finder and Buddies, that divers can play on their VRs as they hang around. Full details at: www.vr3.co.uk www.greatwhitewines.com

57 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Divers get an up close and personal encounter with sharks at Anthony´s Key Resort

Text and photos Sharks of Honduras by Bill Becher ROATAN ISLAND, Honduras --- The attorney strokes the white belly of an eight-foot-long reef shark. This is not a lawyer joke. I’m 70 feet (23 m) deep in the clear blue Caribbean water off Roatan Island with a half dozen scuba divers from Anthony’s Key Resort. We’re at a dive site called “Cara a cara,” which in Spanish means “face-to-face.”

58 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Maybe worth knowing features Roatan Sharks Tidbits

gregated at a spot off the windward coast of Roatan, an island in the west- ern Caribbean popular with scuba divers. Tritto decided to make a busi- ness out of leading shark dives. In the pre-dive briefing he told us to descend the anchor line and form up on at a sandy patch with our backs against a coral wall so the sharks can’t sneak up on us. Like Spitfire pilots in a school of Messerschmitts we protect our six o’clock. If everything is right we will get to swim with the sharks before the feeding frenzy said Tritto. Cannon balls retrieved from ancient Tritto has brought a white plastic shipwrecks should be handled with pail full of fish to feed the sharks. He’s care, they may explode even centu- wearing a pair of chain mail gloves ries later. Marine archaeologists have as a shark did bite his hand once. So recorded several occurrences of the much for professional courtesy. rusted iron balls spontaneously heat- Tritto signals us that we can swim ing up and exploding after exposure freely with the sharks. Seeing the reef to the air. In one case, at the National sharks slowly circling around us is Museums and Galleries of Wales in something none of us will soon forget. Cardiff, a cannonball retrieved from a 1691 wreck heated up to a few hun- Feeding Frenzy dred degrees after several minutes in We line up again in front of the coral the open air, began to glow a dull red wall. Tritto opens the fish bucket and and started burning its way through a the feeding frenzy is on. The sharks are pine table top. especially aroused by the sound of Others have split open by themselves jaws snapping on fish and there is a lot many weeks after they were pulled of snapping going on. from the sea. One shark gets his head stuck in the It has been suggested that the iron bucket. develops a lattice-like porous structure Tritto grabs the shark and tries to turn over the hundreds of years spent under- it on it’s back to calm it, but the shark water that reacts exothermically with just shakes his head, bucket attached. the oxygen in the air to produce mas- The bucket comes off and the shark sive amounts of heat. The combination swims away. of oxygen and sea salt caused rapid A diver swims with the sharks of Roatan We head back up the anchor line. oxidation resulting in the balls “explod- On the boat everyone is talking at ing” open and crumbling into bits. We’re cara a cara with 20 gray reef sharks’ sloppy eating habits and dine hands.” The sharks might mistake a once about their amazing experience sharks. The biggest are nine feet long. on scraps of fish the sharks miss. hand for a fish and bite it. with the sharks. The sharks glide by silently, swimming Sergio Tritto, our dive master and slowly past schools of smaller fish that a former lawyer from Italy, is the one Shark to Shark Guide Controversy seem unafraid. petting the animals. It’s a case of “Do Tritto said he had been unhappy in Feeding sharks is somewhat contro- Remoras attach and reattach as I say, not as I do,” as he warned his job as a legale in Naples and was versial. Opponents say it can be dan- themselves to the sharks. They’re not us before the dive not to touch the searching for a new career. A friend gerous and that it alters wild creature parasites — the remoras count on the sharks. He also said, “Don’t wave your told him about the sharks that con- behavior. Those who defend it say that

59 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Roatan Sharks

the shark encounters help educate people about sharks and create support for conser- vation programs. Tritto says he’s careful and only feeds the sharks a small amount of food so they won’t become dependent on the handouts. His feeding spot is far from any beaches where swimmers might congregate. Anthony’s Key Resort The shark dive is one of the optional activities at Anthony’s Key Resort. There is also a Monday night beach party with crab races and a limbo contest. I divide my time between eating, diving, riding, pad- dling and thinking about sharks while sway- ing in a hammock watching the sunset.

Bill Becher can be reached at [email protected] ■

Remoras attach and reattach themselves to sharks so they can scavange on scraps left over by their hosts ▲

An adult gray reef shark can be about 3 meters in length ►

60 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED �������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ �����������������������������������������

factHonduras file ��������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� History: Honduras became independ- ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ent of Spain's vast empire in 1821. ���� ���� ����������� ����� �������� �������� ���� ����� ���������� ��� ���� ����� �������� ������������� ���������� A freely elected civilian government �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� came to power in 1982, after 25 years ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ of military rule. However, Honduras ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� became a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan ����������������� Government and an ally to Salvadoran ������������� Government forces fighting against left- ist guerrillas during the 1980s. In 1998, the country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch, which killed 5,600 people and caused $2 billion in damage.

Government: democratic constitutional republic Capital: Tegucigalpa Currency: lempira (HNL) Exchange Map of Honduras rates: lempiras per US dollar - 17.3453 Languages: ricanes and floods along the Caribbean 90%, Amerindian 7%, Black 2%, White Spanish, Amerindian dialects coast; Agriculture: bananas, coffee, 1%; Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, �������������������� Climate: subtropical in lowlands, tem- citrus; beef; timber; shrimp; Industries: Protestant minority perate in mountains sugar, coffee, textiles, clothing, wood products Medical/Deco chambers: Geography: Central America, bor- Cornerstone Decompression Cham- dering the Caribbean Sea, between Environment issues: urban spawl; defor- bers and Clinic at Anthony’s Key Resort ��������������������������� Guatemala and Nicaragua and bor- estation from logging and clearing; in Sandy Bay tel. 455 1049 / 445 1003. �������������������������� dering the Gulf of Fonseca (North land degradation, soil erosion, farm- Fantasy Island at French Key. Woods Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador ing of marginal lands; mining activities Medical Center 24 hour service Tel. and Nicaragua; Terrain: mountains in cause heavy metal polluting of fresh (504) 445-1080. the interior, narrow coastal plains, has a water sources. short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean Dive Travel: shoreline, including the uninhabited Population: 6,823,568 Anthony's Key Resort eastern Mosquito Coast, Elevation High mortality due to AIDS cause lower www.anthonyskey.com extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea life expectancy, higher infant mortal- Bahia Tours 0 m; highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 ity, higher death rates, lower popu- Email: [email protected] m; Coastline: 820 km, Natural hazards: lation and growth rates; Below pov- 800-227-3483 or 954-929-0090 ■ ������������������������������������������������������ frequent but mild earthquakes; hur- erty line: 53%; Ethnic groups: Mestizo ����������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �����������������������������������������������������

61 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Torpedoed! Scientific stuff media The long forgotten story of the loss had an impact around the sinking of the R.M.S. Leinster in globe. This remarkable book Books Film DVDs CDs the dying days of the First World tells the stories of those on Edited by Peter Symes War is brought back to life in this board the Leinster and UB- WORLD ATLAS OF & Michael Symes intriguing tale of the disaster. 123 and sympathetically CORAL REEFS Torpedoed by the German sub- examines not only the sink- POINT & CLICK marine UB-123, 501 of the 771 ing but also its ramifications This guide is ON BOLD LINKS people on board were killed, for those left behind. This an invaluable marking the event as the worst well-researched work will resource that can maritime tragedy ever witnessed appeal to any with an inter- be appreciated in the Irish Sea. The Leinster car- est in the sea, as well as mili- and enjoyed by ried civilian passengers, postal tary and maritime historians a broad audience workers and military personnel and genealogists. Price: — from scientists from Ireland, Britain, the United GBP 15.99 to world travel- States, Canada, New Zealand lers, including and Australia, and as such its periscopepublishing.com individuals with an interest in the natural history of coral reefs, travel organisations, resource managers and college students. The book will also aid divers and boat owners with For the wreckies key information on reefs worldwide. ISBN 0 520 23255 0. Price: USD 55.00 or GBP 35.95. Buy the atlas from University of California Press, IUCN World Conservation Bookstore Booom! SS Thistlegorm or Earthprint. www.unep-wcmc.org

A New Focus for Divers and Here for the first time the true story of Scientists, writes the National the Red Sea’s greatest ship wreck is now FIELD GUIDE TO ALASKAN CORALS Marine Aquarium in Plymouh, revealed in spectacular detail in John England. Scylla Reef is a tremendous Kean’s SS Thistlegorm. Spanning a period Two marine sci- local outreach project that provides a of over one hundred years, from the ori- entists, Dr. Bruce venue for leisure diving and a centre for education gins of Thistle Ships to present day diving Wing of NOAA and research as the vessel becomes a reef. on the wreck, this explosive new book Fisheries in Juneau Like all reefs, Scylla is a fragile environment. As silences, once and for all, the rumours and Dr. David she is colonised the anemones, sea squirts and and speculation surrounding this famous Barnard of the other marine life will settle, and fish and other and mysterious dive site that has attract- Alaska Department mobile animals will be attracted to the developing ed nearly a quarter of a million visitors of Fish and Game reef. from all over the world. in Kodiak, have The Reef Guide released a pho- includes an exten- Packed full of never-seen-before pho- tographic field sive plan of the tography, including the only two pictures guide to deep superstructure and known to exist of the Thistlegorm on the sea Alaskan cor- the decks of Scylla, surface, the book gives living eye-witness als. Wing and Barnard relied on their own dive and harbour accounts of the ship’s final hours through observations, fisheries observer data, and information and a a series of exclusive interviews. specimens from as far back as 1905 in marine species guide. It is printed in full their five-year writing effort. The book’s colour on waterproof paper and is not GBP 21.95 plus P&P at BSAC’s webshop photos depict the corals after they’ve only a useful planning tool but also a been pulled up on deck, the way fisher- great memento of this brilliant dive. men and fisheries observers see them. www.bsac.org/shop/bookshop.html www.sitnews.us www.national-aquarium.co.uk

62 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Email from a shark

media It’s the second biggest shark in the world, yet Books Film DVDs CDs very little is known about it - where it comes from, where it goes - until now. This is a story of the discovery of the secrets of one of the most ancient fish on the planet by a combi- nation of modern technology and scientific detective work. One of wildlife’s greatest Women’s Guide mysteries unravelled... with a few surprises. to Scuba Diving Format: Video. Seen at Fourth Element’s webshop for GBP 15.00 Snipped from Amazon’s review: This edition to the successful Ragged Mountain Press Woman’s Guides will introduce the rapidly-growing sport of scuba div- www.fourthelement.com ing, the fastest growing segment of which is women. Claire Walter addresses women’s issues in everything from getting started and diving basics to advanced diving. As with other titles in the series, she weaves women’s voices into the narrative to provide a range of assuring experiences. Among topics covered are overcoming one’s fears, choosing the right instructor, equipment, your first dive, and expanding your hori- zons. Price from USD 25.74

www.amazon.com Under Antarctic The Ice Certified Extraordinary Fish Frances Dipper The Photographs of Diver’s Handbook Paperback: 99 pages Norbert Wu BBC Books Jim Mastro, Norbert Wu Clay Coleman ISBN: 0563534095 Hardcover: 198 pages Paperback: 384 pages Amazon price: GBP 6.39 University of California Press International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press www.amazon.co.uk ISBN: 0520235045 ISBN: 0071414606 Amazon price: GBP 19.21 Amazon price: USD 15.61 With some 25,000 species, there are many more kinds www.amazon.co.uk www.amazon.co.uk of fish than mammals alive today. To scan the whole This is a collection of the finest photographs ever taken Want to enjoy scuba diving to the fullest? This of their world is a tall order but this book provides a underwater in deep Antarctica, illuminating a world of guide will help you create your own diving beautifully illustrated overview of these remarkable strange and beautiful life forms. Internationally renowned adventures on any budget, schedule, local des- creatures, who were around over 350 million years photographer Norbert Wu was given access to the icy waters tination or distant travel, without the restrictions ago. Since they have been around for so long it is off Antarctica by the U.S. National Science Foundation to of group travel. Author, Clay Coleman, offers not surprising that they are so diverse and success- obtain these photographs. In the extreme conditions that insider’s tips and advice for divers about how to ful. Fish have occupied virtually all the corners of the prevail in these seas, invertebrates can grow to enormous organize dive travel plans, equipment and expe- aquatic world from the wonderful variety of cichlids sizes: sponges are as big as bears, jellyfish tentacles extend ditions. Readers will learn how to buy or rent the which live far inland in the lakes of the East African thirty feet, and giant sea spiders crawl through beds of soft best SCUBA equipment at the best prices; plan Rift Valley to the rat-tails which haunt the wreck of coral. Wu has also focused his lens on the birds and mam- dives for their maximum enjoyment and safety; the Titanic and the monstrous-looking angler fish of mals living at the edge of water and ice. Jim Mastro’s intro- find great diving sites near home; learn underwa- ductory text condenses forty years of scientific research into ter rescue procedures and shore- and night-div- ocean depths. Packed with information, and with an a clear and concise natural history of this unique place. ing techniques; explore wrecks, reefs and under- illustration on practically every page, Extraordinary water caves. Fish shows how life, survival and reproduction are as difficult for a fish as for any other animal.

63 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Coral reef fish larvae and temperate Ecology fish larvae – not to be compared

Coral reef fish larvae & Blooper Science

Edited by Michael Arvedlund Marathon Fish larvae

Coral reef fish ecology is a new many more species in much lower num- coral reef of free-swimming larvae for an average of 40.7 km (some up to 140 research area, probably just bers on a coral reef than in a temperate over 50 species of 15 families. Both sets of km) in laboratory experiments, unfed and ecosystem, where there are a few spe- research were conducted by Australian without rest before exhaustion. The mean about 40 years old, compared, cies in very high numbers. Therefore, to researchers. Temperate fish larvae of 1–2 time to exhaustion was 83.7 hours (maxi- for example, to research in tem- establish important coral reef fish disper- cm apparently swim at 1–5 body lengths mum 288.5 hours). On a persize basis, perate fish ecology, which has sal models for predicting the size of reef per second, whereas similarly sized larvae this is equivalent to a human swimming been studied extensively for fish populations, ecolo- of coral reef fishes swim roughly 4000 km! gists assumed that coral at a mean speed of 13.7 Swimming far and fast may simply more than 100 years. Therefore, reef fish larvae behave body lengths per second, increase the possibility of encountering a coral reef fish ecologists often exactly as temperate fish When the first swim- with some as fast as 34 reef by chance alone, but pelagic reef have to “borrow” knowledge larvae out there in the ming results with reef body lengths per second. fish larvae in blue water may be able to from what we know about tem- blue water. However, fish larvae turned Put into perspective, a detect and orient to reefs. Orientation, when finally the first freestyle human swim- combined with effective swimming abili- perate fishes, simply in order swimming results with reef up it caused a shock mer capable of 13.7 body ties, would greatly increase the capacity to establish the first research in fish larvae turned up it among coral reef lengths per second would of larvae to find a reef. In either case, coral reef fish ecology. caused a shock among swim the 100-m race in this capacity would vary among species coral reef fish ecologists. fish ecologists. They 3.6 seconds; the Olympic because swimming abilities vary among However, this sometimes causes They swim fast and very swim fast and very record for 100-m freestyle is species. some big “bloopers”. Such a long distances. 48 seconds. long distances. Comparison and contrast blooper is the case regarding Surprising results The actual speeds Why are temperate fish larvae so differ- the swimming abilities of coral The results of swimming of reef fish larvae aver- ent from reef fish larvae? reef fish larvae. tests with coral reef fish larvae showed age 20.6 cm per second with some as Coral reef fishes are overwhelmingly of that larvae of coral reef fishes are strong, fast as 65 cm per second. This is faster the order Perciformes, or perch-like fishes. The life cycle of most coral reef fishes effective swimmers, capable of sustained than the average ambient ocean cur- In contrast, most research on temperate includes a larval planktonic stage, last- speeds higher than ambient ocean cur- rent speed in the studied areas, so the marine fish larvae has been on herrings, ing from a few days up to several weeks, rents, and of swimming non-stop for tens average reef fish larva near the end of its sardines, and anchovies, cods, flatfishes. before settling to a benthic habitat. This of kilometers over tens of hours. Further, pelagic stage is indeed These latter five types of fish are so-called phase has been considered the ‘black they are much faster than larvae of an effective non-perciform fishes. Most of the litera- box’ by coral reef ecologist, because temperate species of similar size, par- swimmer. Just as ture on fish larvae from temperate waters the coral reef fish larvae ticularly the well-studied herrings and remarkable as concerns species that are pelagic or live field is very difficult to cods. This surprising information on their swimming on soft bottoms (sand or mud) as adults examine. For exam- settlement-stage larvae is the result speeds, these rather than species from (rocky) reefs. ple, they are quite of laboratory swimming-chamber (or larvae have This alone may confound temperate/ difficult to sample flume) measurements of swimming great endur- coral reef comparisons. Adult pelagic in large numbers, endurance in 51 species of 9 families, ance, being fishes usually have habitat requirements because of the and speed measurements on the able to swim that differ from those of their larvae, but

64 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Marathon Fish Larvae

Pan Borneo Tours and Travel was established with the aim of being a one stop center for travelers wishing to see the great sights of Borneo. Located in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, we are the gateway to Borneo and within easy access to most of the attractions. The people behind Pan Borneo come with years of experience in the travel industry and knowing Sabah like the back of our own hands, take pride in showing you our country.

Join us on one of our rain forest walks or trek the highest mountain in South East Asia. Spend the night in a long house with descendants of Head hunters and explore the mysteriums of the deep at one of the richest sites for marine life in South East Asia, the greater Sipadan area. Our services include: • Airport meet & greet • Sightseeing tours • Diving tours • Special event planning & coordination • Hotel & Airline reservations they never make the abrupt perate larvae Whether its on land or under the sea, we’ll show you the ”Best of both Worlds”. changes entailed by settle- such as herring ment out of the pelagic envi- and cod at the CONTACT US AT: [email protected] ronment and into the benthos. sizes at which or call 6-088-221221 Except on oceanic islands, reef fish larvae soft-bottom habitats are usual- commonly set- ly far more extensive and less tle (1–2 cm). At all sizes, the behaviour have a major influ- discrete than reef habitats, so reef fish larvae have more ence on the dynamics of reef larvae of reef fishes have a complete fins. They develop fish populations In much smaller target to find at scales at a smaller size, seem- the foreseeable the end of the pelagic phase ingly have better developed future, we should than do fishes of soft bot- sensory apparatus at any have a firm and toms. Further, it is thought that size, and are morphologi- defendable basis most reef fishes are relatively cally equipped for effective for design of sedentary as adults, whereas feeding within a few days of marine reserves adults of many pelagic and hatching, and at a smaller size and of the geo- soft-bottom species undertake than the herring and cod. graphical size of extensive migrations. A major reef fish popula- difference between coral reef Looking ahead tion units for man- fishes and temperate marine So what of the future in agement purposes, based on fishes is the incubation period research of coral reef fish lar- this increased understanding of their eggs. Pelagic eggs of vae? of reef fish larval biology. most coral reef fish species Recent research on the ”Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is home to the oldest tropical rainforest and oldest coral reefs in the world. Sixty-five million years of evolution uninterrupted by Ice hatch within 1 day, far more pelagic stage of reef fishes Litterature Ages has populated Borneo’s forests and seas with the world’s most diverse ecosystem.” rapidly than pelagic eggs of has given coral reef fish ecolo- This text has mainly been Fish Watch Borneo is a specialized inbound dive travel program offering temperate fishes, which com- gist an excellent look into the based on: Leis, J.M. & sought after dive trips to world-renouned great reefs of Borneo. Destinations iinclude sipadan, Mabul, Mataking, Layang-Layang, Sangalaki, Lankayan monly have incubation peri- black box of larval biology. McCormick, M.I. 2002. The and many more… ods of 3–20 days. A second This look reveals that these biology, behaviour, and Special dive packages and combo programs are available through Pan major difference between pelagic stages are real fishes ecology of the pelagic lar- Borneo, a licenses inbound tour operator operating via Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the main gateway to the exotic island of Borneo. coral reef fish and most tem- with capabilities in excess val stage of coral reef fish- perate fish larvae is that, at of the larvae of well-studied es, Coral reef fishes: Dynamics The team behind Pan Borneo comes with years of experience in the travel Pictures of Fish Larvae, industry and is eager to show and bring you the best of both worlds, from any given size, the reef fish lar- temperate fishes. This has and diversity in a complex ocean deep to mountain high. courtesy of Northwest vae are more developed. This changed thinking about the ecosystem (P.F. Sale, ed.) Fisheries Science Center, Hi, call me Jenny! I have been diving and selling inbound dive travel since is particularly apparent if one behavior and ecology of reef Academic Press: San Diego & 1990 and yet, just by talking about all the exciting diving Borneo has to offer, National Atmospheric and it gets my adrenalin going! compares the state of devel- fish larvae. We now know London, pp. 171−199. ■ Oceanographic Administration opment of well-studied tem- that reef fish larvae and their

65 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Technical Leigh Cunningham is Matters the technical manag- er and TDI Instructor Trainer for Ocean Redundancy ethic? Don’t be dead – be a double bagger! College, Sharm El Sheikh.

Probably best known for his records - Leigh once Leigh held the record for the Cunningham deepest dive in the Red Sea - and attempts of Double Bagging reaching extreme depths, he also has a wide range of teaching credentials to his cur- riculum:

TDI instructor trainer, DSAT Tech for Divers Trimix instructor, PADI MSDT IANTD Technical diver instructor CMAS 3 star instructor. In the world of tech- Better be safe than sorry. This old The meaning of redun- So where is nical diving, a direct adage certainly applies to diving too, dancy In dive-speak, redun- this point? ascent to the surface and in this case redundancy pretty much dancy usually translates into hav- Turning once translates into having a back-up for all ing double tanks, double regula- more towards the Being more concrete So, are there is not an option if you important systems. After all, diving is sup- tors, double this and double that. above definition, no absolute criteria as to when one run into a problem posed to be fun and a means of hav- But what does redundancy really the entire system should wear back-ups? Absolutely! For or emergency. For ing adventures that enrich our lives, not mean? The dictionary give us the refers not just to starters, with any kind of diving that car- something that will make us lose it. following definition. the mechanical ries a decompression obligation, and div- this reason, technical Fortunately, there are a lot of good les- equipment but ing in overhead environment obviously divers are required to sons and readily applicable techniques Redundancy, in general terms, also to the diver, qualifies, as set forth by various training carry back-up sys- to be learned from the world of technical refers to the quality or state of along with his or agencies. But before it comes to that, tems to resolve prob- diving, that can make diving much safer, being redundant, that is: exceed- her training and why not make it a policy always to have without being a real bother or overshad- ing what is necessary or normal, contain- ability to cope with critical situations. For a sensible margin of safety, and always lems associated with owing the experience. Using a seat-belt ing an excess. This can have a negative this reason, when to use then becomes use redundant systems for any diving equipment malfunc- when driving a car has become second connotation, superfluous, but also posi- a somewhat subjective and individual close to the NDL limits or beyond, say, 30 tion during a dive. nature, as is carrying a spare tyre in the tive, serving as a duplicate for prevent- question. It is not, however, just a matter meters? trunk. We will probably never, or rarely, ing failure of an entire system. of what the diver can safely handle but actually have need of them, but when also a question of mental comfort dur- What is needed? Regarding deeper But what about the needed we surely appreciate these sim- The last sentence in the above definition ing a dive. Diving, we should not forget, dives, or dives with long bottom times, rest of us? ple measures. is interesting, because it raises a very is also about having a good time. Simply redundancy means diving with twin tanks But here the similarities between driv- important question, also in terms of div- bringing the extra equipment - even and two sets of regulators. These tanks ing and diving stops. Running out of ing: When is something superfluous, and on dives that do not venture into those may either be independent or, which is gas when driving a car is mostly just an when is it an important safety measure depth zones where conventional wis- more common, connected by a mani- embarrassment and inconvenience, but ‘preventing failure of an entire system’? dom would deem it absolutely necessary fold. In either case, if there is a regulator Text by Leigh for a diver it can obviously have dire Most of us will probably agree that using – means more than just additional safety. malfunction on the bottom, there is a

Redundancy Ethic Redundancy Cunningham conse- quences. a heavy double tank rig for a shallow Just as importantly, the feeling of having back-up system which can be switched Photos: water dive is overkill, and we wouldn´t that extra safety also translates directly to. Craig Nelson be bothered. But as we go gradu- into making the dives far more enjoy- ally deeper and longer, we will also able. Because, while it doesn’t lower any Size matters The tanks should also be approach a point where a double rig alertness, it does remove the latent stress- big enough, not only to carry enough becomes a very useful piece of equip- loading of what if...?. And this is certainly gas to complete the planned dive, but ment and a safety measure worth taking into consideration. also to give an ample reserve supply to

66 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Spare mask can easily be What is technical diving? carried in a pocket Technical Matters Some people define technical diving handle any unexpected problems. How Divers using dry suits might con- schedule outside the primary plan, in order to as diving in “overhead environments” big this gas supply should be depends sider their dry suit a form of back- handle any emergency causing a digression meaning that direct ascent to the sur- not only on the depth and the length of up buoyancy. In this case, divers from the primary plan. Even those face is not possible because of the bottom time, but also on the diver should consider the weight of the divers who use multi-gas computers, and a previously determined breath- diving system (rig), compared might opt for the additional security ing rate. The gas used at the deepest to the comfortable lift capacity of back up tables and plans. parts of the dive may be either air, Nitrox of the dry suit. Swimming up to The down side of multi-gas com- (aka EANx, Enriched Air Nitrox), Heliox, or assist the ascent could be con- puters is, they may encourage tech- Trimix. For shorter or shallower deco dives, sidered appropriate in this type nical divers to rely on the ability to divers might opt for a single tank, with a of emergency, but if the diver make new plans on the fly (during the dive), a decompression obligation requiring redundant valve (Y or H valve), allowing is too negatively buoyant, and instead of making a structured depth and decompression stops and/or a being the diver to use two regulators on a sin- have to fin too hard or for too time plan before the dive. In spite of the risk inside a cave or a wreck. gle tank. long, it could lead to excessive of being considered old fashioned, I think it is If there is a problem at the bottom, the CO2 loading. As the breathing safer to make a structured plan and do the The late Robert Palmer, once one of dive would be cut short, and the diver rate goes up, any narcosis would required calculations using an appropriate the gurus of technical diving, defined would make a controlled ascent, com- intensify, plus an increased risk of decompression software before the dive, and it as “the use of advanced and spe- plete his decompression obligation, and CNS O2 toxicity. consider the deco schedule, as generated by cialised equipment and techniques finish the dive safely. the multi-gas computer, as a bail out option. to enable the diver to gain access to When relying on a drysuit as a Whichever depth, dive time, and specific under- Buoyancy: For divers using wet suits, a back-up buoyancy device, one system you water environments more safely than redundant wing system should be used should take the worst case sce- chose, multi- might otherwise be possible” as the buoyancy device. This means two nario into consideration. For example, a split gas computer, independent bladders, usually in one bladder where all the gas is abruptly lost Depth-timer or outer shell, and with independent infla- from the wing. Would the dry suit support the computer in tors. In the event of a buoy- ancy diver sufficiently to make a safe and control- gauge mode, Mask: This is probably the most unlikely problem, i.e. the regulator led ascent from depth, through a you need at item of equipment you will have a prob- supplying gas to the primary series of decompression stops, least two to lem with. But for any kind of dive that bladder, malfunction, or accurately and without over accurately fin- takes you into deep waters or a decom- a problem with the blad- exertion? If not, the diver ish the dive in pression schedule, you should certainly der itself, or ruptured should consider using a the event one bring two. I can talk from own experi- inflator hose, etc, the redundant wing system. malfunctions. ence, as I once lost a lens during a dive. diver would switch Another important This was due to a hairline crack in the to his back-up question is, whether frame of the mask, which went unno- bladder, make a well worn dry suit Men in ticed at the surface before the dive. a safe ascent, with weak seals will Black? The back up mask came in most useful, complete the be able to retain a enabling me to read gauges, whereby decompression sufficient volume I could ascend at the correct rate, obligation, and of gas for a safe near full tanks. Dump wing gas, and see if perform accurate stops finish the dive. controlled ascent. you can establish neutral buoyancy using and finish the dive If the dry suit has the dry suit alone safely. sufficient lift, then Twin tanks, mani- having a redun- Depth and time monitors fold and two dant wing system (Depth-timers): In this day and age regulators with seems pointless. of multi-gas Air/Nitrox, and mixed gas hoses routed so computers, divers have the luxury of These artistic expres- that both lift and Try to avoid carry- having a continuously re-adjusted sions might seem breathing gases ing equipment, which schedule with them on the dive, funny to some people are always availa- ble - even with one would not be used. based on exactly what they are but it gets to the point first stage closed. breathing,. When using Depth-timers, when required. The boat Hose routening is If necessary, simulate the or computers in gauge mode, divers crew know who the diver is the subject of next problem in shallow water with should carry back-up tables to have a below it, and the face’s and article in the series colors are descriptive.

67 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Double bagging Technical Matters There are several explanations for where the expression double bagger comes from, but it is actually a piece of British Army slang. The idea is, that if a lady is hard on the eye, you need to put a paper bag over her head before you can get inti- mate with her. If she is really hard on the eye, you will want to have a second bag close at hand, in case the first one breaks. So, a double bagger will always have two bags ready – just in case. Not very PC, but it’s history.

two SMBs. One SMB to let the sup- redundancy might be used in the port team know the dive is running form of a pony bottle, i.e. clamped according to plan, and one as an to the side of the main tank, or a emergency signalling device. When small spare air cylinder clipped to the doing drift decompression in the BCD. However, a word of caution open ocean, it would be wise to take seems to be appropriate here. Divers a back-up reel too. are often seen to be putting more and more distance between buddy Lights: In overhead environments, teams during a dive, or pushing Reel and SMB (Surface Marker where dive-lights are necessary, past the accepted depth limit of 40 Bouy). These are very useful tools in back-up lights would fall under the meters set forth by most recreational all environments but let’s talk open redundancy ethic. scuba agencies. They are, perhaps, water. For open ocean drift decom- relying on these stop-gap measures, pression diving, deploying the SMB In short, any item of equip- which are of questionable value, if during the ascent, the diver creates ment used to conduct the not outright inadequate, should any a form of reference along which spe- real emergency occur. In such situa- cific ascent rates and a complicated dive safely, and which could tions, nothing can substitute the men- deco schedules are much easier to possibly malfunction, should tal readiness stemming from having carry out accurately. The divers sim- undergone some sort of advanced ply hangs under the SMB by being be duplicated with a appro- training and using redundant systems. slightly negatively buoyant, and reel- priate back-up system ing up at the right time. The SMB also Think about it! ■ allows the boat and support team to Summing it all up For the recrea- track divers doing a decompression tional community, where divers are Next issue: Kit configuration, drifting under the buoy. staying within no-deco limits (NDL), streamlining and hose routing In an emergency, an SMB could the redundancy ethic does not also act as an emergency signal- apply with the same degree of ling device. For example, a red SMB necessity as it does for the techni- could be a signal to the surface sup- cal or decompression diver. The port team that everything is OK. If the non-deco diver can always, at diver suddenly has little or no gas, a any point during the dive, make differently coloured emergency SMB a controlled ascent directly to the could be sent up as a signal for a surface without stopping. However, support diver to bring additional gas while there are no clear-cut crite- in the water, or to see what the prob- ria as to when a diver should start lem is. to carry redundant systems, it is The reel is also very useful on the certainly something the advanced bottom to ensure a safe return to a recreational scuba diver should specific ascent point in low visibility. look into as means of improving The diver simply ties the end of the both safety and technique. In line to the anchorline or downline. the event that a diver runs low, or out of gas, while his dive buddy Minimum. A minimum require- is outside comfortable swimming ment would be at least one reel, and range, an intermediary form of

68 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Tried

& Tested nificantly, they were warm and underwear I could imagine many tropical applications where diving in just the Thermocline would not only be possible, but also desirable from the point of view of comfort Edited by and neutral buoyancy. It would Andrey Bizyukin Who’s testing? Thermocline also make a very good pool Kevin Gurr has been a lead- & Peter Symes Fourth Element launched itself was really interested to see how waterproof yet breathable mem- suit for training situations, being ing figure in the technical div- into the diving industry in 2001 they would have modified their brane. This membrane makes the breathable above the surface ing community for more than By Kevin Gurr with the intention of developing approach and keen to test them Thermocline fabric windproof and and warm in the water. a decade. He was the the first an innovative range of technical as part of my cave diving equip- warm. I tried the Thermocline in two technical and cave instruc- clothing designed to combat the ment. caving stuations. The first was in tor to be qualified in Europe New undergarment from problems of thermal regulation On initial inspection, the Antimicrobial the Red Sea on fairly long dives of and headed the IANTD in Fourth Element has been in scuba diving. After lengthy Thermocline garments have a The fabric has an antimicrobial up to ninety minutes. I wore the UK 1992-2004. Authored the research and development, their more glamorous look to them treatment to resist the build up Thermocline underneath a knack- acclaimed Technical Diver heralded as not less than first product was the Xerotherm, a than the black Xerotherm. Shiny of odours, but the garments are ered old Cressi semi-dry which has Student Workbook with Tom a revolution. Well, is it? drysuit base layer undergarment or rubbery, they look like some- machine washable, making them more holes than it should. Much Mount as well as two workbooks that was extremely well received thing from a Bond movie. The easy to keep clean and smelling of the insulation work was being for the Technical Diver and the Productshots are supplied by technical and sport divers designers at Fourth Element have fresh. The Thermocline garments done by Fourth Element’s under- Normoxic Trimix programs. by Fourth Element alike. obviously put some time into have two different outer finishes garments and I was extremely Leader of numerous successful the design of these gar- on top of the membrane. The comfortable and warm. The neu- diving expeditions that include I have been using the Xerotherm ments so that they look shell finish has a woven nylon tral buoyancy of the fabric meant the Britannic and the Pilar for the past few months and took good, but it is in their use of outer face similar to that of that I needed no extra lead and Project, Kevin Gurr also heads to it instantly. It is well designed the fabric that the innova- double lined neoprene and had no changes in buoyancy up Delta P Technology, manufac- and very warm and uses high tion shows. the skin finish has a with changing depth due to turer of the successful VR3 and performance fabrics to keep the smooth surface rather changes in the fabric. VR2 air and mixed gas dive wearer’s skin dry from perspiration Polartec fabric like rubber, which computers. www.vr3.co.uk and any suit leaks. It’s four way Fourth Element has Fourth Element says is stretch gives complete free- used another high ideal underneath a dom of movement and it performance fabric wetsuit or semidry as is an excellent next to the from Polartec, spe- it gives a very good skin layer whose warmth cially developed for seal against the belies its weight. I also water sports. Weight inside of a suit. used it under a wetsuit for weight, the fabric There are sev- on a recent expedi- has the equivalent eral garments in the tion; even in a situ- Thermal performance Thermocline range ation where it was of 2.5mm neoprene, including short completely wet, it yet it is neutrally sleeved tops, vests, performed very well, buoyant. This is sig- shorts and even a keeping me signifi- nificant for all divers ladies’ bikini. I tested cantly warmer and looking to add some extra the short sleeved rag- more comfortable. thermal protection without lan top and the men’s So, when I was the need for additional shorts. asked to review lead. It has a fleece lining The Thermocline gar- Fourth Element’s against the skin which has ments were extremely products designed similar wicking properties comfortable and gave specifically for use to the Xerotherm fabric excellent freedom of underneath wetsuits, I but this is bonded to a movement. Most sig-

69 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Tried & Tested

After the dive, the speed at which garments. Caving in Swildons gested to him developing a long the undergarments dried was fan- Hole in the Mendips, I used the sleeved and long legged product tastic. By the time I had got out same arrangement of the Fourth to give more protection to the of my wetsuit, the inside of the Element undergarments under my arms and legs. A long sleeved top Thermocline had dried. The fleece Cressi semi-dry. In air temperatures will be available soon, he assures is made using a hydrophobic poly- of 15ºC and water temperatures me and full length legs will follow. mer which does not hold water, of about 5ºC, I was much warmer Until then, the Thermocline which runs out under gravity. With than I had anticipated, I did not Raglan top and shorts are an so much less water next to the skin feel the cold of the water and excellent way to increase the ther- there was much less wind chill and I have to put that down to the mal protection of the body core the garments had dried within 15 Thermocline as I know all too well and the vest and shorts combi- minutes or so of wandering around that my old semi dry has lost its nations would also provide core the boat. integrity. warmth with just a little more free- The breathablility of the fabric dom of movement in the arms. I should not be underestimated Criticism believe this would be an excellent when out of the water – it is much My only criticism of the Thermo- addition to most divers thermal less sweaty wearing a Thermocline cline range is perhaps in the sizing protection systems, from technical top than a neoprene vest or which is a little on the tight side cave divers to those who prefer shorty wetsuit so you can keep it particularly around the shoulders more tropical conditions and just on between dives. It is also easier – anyone thinking about buy- want the best in comfort and per- to keep clean. Simply rinsing in ing it would do well to get some formance. fresh water and hanging it up for good advice about sizing from the Sample prices a few minutes is all that is required manufacturers or retailers before M Thermocline long sleeve top £65.00 during a dive trip and afterwards purchasing. I raised this with Jim M Thermocline shorts £45.00 the Thermocline garments can be Standing at Fourth Element and he W Skin Thermocline vest £48.00 washed in the washing machine. said that they would be working W Shell Thermocline short £35.00 The second test was a little more on making the sizing more consist- www.fourthelement.com demanding of the thermal per- ent for future products. formance of the Thermocline At the same time I also sug-

O ne of these fine suits could be yours! Win a set of Thermocline underwear Tell a friend about X-RAY magazine and enter the draw on our website

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70 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

������ � ��������������������� science Why you can’t sneak up on a fish... Text by Michael Symes Photos by Peter Symes, NOAA Photo Library, USDA Forest Service, Hawaii Biological Survey, Freshwater and Marine Image Bank A Fishy Sixth Sense USDA FOREST SERVICE

A rainbow trout in the shallows of a freshwater stream

The environments in which the ermen, for example, know that many fish species have evolved the vibrations from footsteps can are very diverse, ranging from be detected by fish. But what the shoreline to the deep-sea sense or senses are being used depths, from fresh-water streams by the fish in such cases? to tropical lakes. Because of The senses of fish the great variety of these habi- Fish have been shown to have the five, tats, the senses of these differ- commonly accepted, human senses. In ent species have consequently fish, however, their relative importance is evolved quite differently, exhib- different from that of human beings. iting a great diversity, with many Vision senses not yet understood or As the amount of light available below even identified. There are thus the surface generally is small, this is not the primary sense for fish. Some aspects still many mysteries regarding of fish-sight were discussed in Xray Mag the behaviour of aquatic crea- #3. tures. For example, how do eels find their way across the Atlantic Smell Generally, the sense of smell in fishes is ocean? Why is it so very difficult very developed. Eels, for example, may to swim up to a fish from behind detect a substance when only three without being detected? And or four molecules of it have entered its nose. It is probably that sense most used NOAA PHOTO LIBRARY even bank-side freshwater fish- by fish in finding food. The ocean sunfish, or mola mola, is a deep sea fish found in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

71 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Sixth Sense

▲ The spotted catfish uses its barbels for tactile sensation almost like humans use their fingers FRESHWATER AND MARINE IMAGE BANK

Hearing ple, but an immediate response is obtained and then recommences after a gap, as in Hearing in fish is not very well understood, when it is touched with a morsel of food. some of the Labridae (Wrasse) species. And but seems mostly to be used for simple dis- in a number of families the lateral line may tance perception and sound source loca- Touch be absent altogether. tion. Fish have an fine tactile sense, as is shown, The lateral line consists of a linear series of for example, by certain catfish who can sensory cells or neuromasts. In many fishes, Taste use their barbels almost as humans feel with the neuromasts can also extend along the Taste buds in fish are mainly located in their fingers. fish’s head as well as sides, although these the mouth, but also in the skin cover- are not always as obvious. These neuro- ing the head, body fins, barbels and lips. However, good as some of these senses masts are situated in a mucus-filled canal, No reponse is obtained when a barbel is might be, none of them can account situated just under the skin, which is in direct touched with an inert glass tip, for exam- for even simple phenomena such as the contact with the surrounding water through PHOTO BY PETER SYMES detection of the vibrations from footsteps. pores in the skin or scales. The incoming Fish must therefore have at least one other stimuli from the neuromasts are fed into a sense which enables them to detect low nerve parallel to the canal which then feed frequency vibrations. Such a sense is locat- the stimuli to the fish’s central nervous sys- ed in their lateral line. tem. The neuromasts can be thought of as The lateral line very sensitive hydrodynamic transducers The lateral-line system is easy to observe that can detect water disturbances. They in most fishes. There is usually only a single consist of a base of sense cells with sen- lateral line on each side of the body, but sory hairs (cilia) that project into the canal. ▲ The Needle Fish has a lateral line many variants of the typical lateral line may These hairs are capped with a gel-like cup- that runs very low on the sides occur. For example, on the sides of the ula. Movement of the mucus in the canal, Belonidae (Needle Fish), the lateral line runs caused by flow of water, makes the cupola ► The neon wrasse has a lateral line very low on the sides. On some species the bend. This in turn causes bending of the that has gaps along its length lateral line may be incomplete, or it may hairs, which stimulate the sense cells, thus also be interrupted, meaning that it ends generating minute electrical signals which HAWAII BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 72 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Sixth Sense DORSAL FINS

LATERAL LINE PORES

EPIDERMIS

LATERAL LINE MUCUS-FILLED LATERAL LINE CANAL NEUROMAST

PECTORAL FIN GILL COVER ANAL FINS CAUDAL

PELVIC FIN LATERAL LINE NERVE TO BRAIN ILLUSTRATIONS THIS PAGE BY MICHAEL SYMES

▲ Diagram showing lateral line on cod fish ▲ Schematic diagram of lateral line

pass along nerve fibres to the brain. they send a continuous series of nerve turbance of the endolymph of the semi- to water currents and is one of the most is highly advantageous, for not only does There are actually two main types of impulses to the central nervous system. circular canals causes excitation of sen- important functions of the lateral-line sys- it present the most streamlined shape to neuromast: canal neuromasts, where the In the case of the canal neuromasts, sory cells of both organs. Gerard (1936) tem. the flow, but it also makes it easier for the water displacements are transferred to variations in water pressure between inferred that the inner ear of vertibrates The term, rheotaxis, comes from the fish to intercept food items drifting down- the canal fluid via pore openings, and different pores along the canal cause has phylogenically derived from a primi- Greek root rheos, meaning stream, flow stream. superficial neuromasts, which are directly a directional movement of the mucus tive lateral line system. or current; and taxis, meaning the move- exposed to the flowing water. In either through the canal. When pressure either So, the lateral line can be considered ment of a cell or microorganism in a par- Detection of food or enemies case, when the neuromasts are at rest, increases or decreases due to a distur- as a sort of higher hearing sense, react- ticular direction in response to an exter- Sound passing through water creates bance near a fish, the nerve ing to certain types of pressure changes nal stimulus, from the Greek via the New variations in pressure. The lateral line sys- impulse pattern changes, the in the surrounding water, just as the Latin tassein, to place in order. tem can thus detect sound, though only GELATINOUS CUPOLA fish registers the change, and human ear reacts to pressure changes in Scientists at the University of Auckland, at a low frequency, such as that arising takes appropriate action. In the the surrounding air. However, while the New Zealand, have demonstrated that from footsteps, for example. Pressure case of the superficial neuro- lateral line is a linear system of receivers, some of the receptive cells in the lat- waves are also caused by unseen prey masts it is the drag of the water the ear functions just as a single receiver, eral line are particularly well suited to such as a struggling insect, or the move- past the cupola that causes although covering a range of frequen- provide information on water currents. ments of an injured fish, so they can be

0,3mm them to bend. The degree of cies. It does improve matters, though, It was found that the canal neuromasts located – and eaten! SENSE HAIRS (CILIA) this bending is directly related that we do have two of them, giving are most sensitive to water acceleration to the water velocity, i.e. to the stereo-directional hearing. whereas the superficial neuromasts are Distances from stationary objects velocity of the fish relative to most sensitive to water velocity. Fish thus The lateral line can serve as a sonar sys- the velocity of the water. What can this sense be used for? have one set of receptors designed to tem with which distances from station- SENSE CELLS Similar to the human inner ear The lateral line system obviously greatly detect water acceleration and a second ary objects may be determined. A bow For those with some knowledge expands the area of tactile percep- set to detect water velocity. wave precedes a swimming fish. This of human anatomy, it will be tion by making it possible for the fish to Rheotaxis is mostly mediated, however, wave is reflected from the object back clear that the structure of the interpret its environment without actually by one specific receptor class of cells in to the fish where it is detected by the lat- NERVES TO cupola is homologous to the touching an object. The lateral-line thus the lateral line, the superficial neuromats. eral line system, thus enabling the fish to LATERAL LINE NERVE crista ampullaris of the human helps the fish in a number of ways. These velocity-sensitive receptors seem determine the distance to the object. inner ear. Bending of the cupo- to enable a fish to sense its orientation la by water currents and that Rheotaxis in relation to stream flow, even in the Communication Schematic diagram of a neuroplast of the crysta ampullaris by dis- Rheotaxis is a behavioural orientation absence of other clues. Facing upstream Typically the lateral line system can

73 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Sixth Sense Are fish ticklish? science Probably not! But there is an ancient way of catching trout, called tickling that’s even described in Shakespeare’s twelfth- Why are fish night, written 1599-1601, where Maria says “ …. for here comes the trout that must be smart? caught by tickling”, the trout in question Because they are here being Malvolio. Trout can be found in most fast running streams, but they hide very well. You will often in schools ▼ Bigeye Jacks occasionally see one near the edge of Sipadan Island a river but it is important to be very quiet Malaysia and move slowly. Slowly move closer and bring a hand underneath the trout from behind and to the side. If you prod crudely the fish will take flight and dash to another hiding place; and do not touch its tail or it will be off in a flash. But if you are careful enough you will feel something swaying in the current and stroking your fingers like the soft touch of a feather. It is the fish’s tail but do not try to grab it, for it will twist from your grip before you can get it out of water. Instead, the fish is rubbed gently so that it moves slowly backwards into your hand. Your palm slides gingerly over the dorsal fin and goes on till you feel the gentle waving of the pectorals. Then PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY PETER SYMES suddenly you grip a thumb and finger The lateral line makes it possible for schooling fish to coordinate their movements and stay together. Some into the gills, and with one strong heave species of fish like the Blue Banded Snapper found in the Red Sea have a very strong sense of schooling lift your fish from beneath its rock and throw it to the bank. detect sound lower than 160 to 200 synchronize its movements with the All in all, then, it is clear that the lateral Well! That’s what they say, but it does Hz. (The human ear can detect sounds school. line system is a very complex and sensi- seem to be a very difficult skill. So you down to about 10 Hz.) Many fish vocali- tive sense-organ. Or perhaps we should probably shouldn’t count on getting sations are very low frequency crunches, Wake detection consider the lateral line as several dif- for colour. But do we have as yet any your supper using it. ■ grunts, and popping sounds. The lateral Modern submarines can estimate the ferent sense organs, for sensing motion, undetected senses? Perhaps an amusing line system may thus play an important current position of an enemy submarine pressure, distance, etc. experiment, described in the Electronic role in communication in some species by detecting its wake. Like many other In any event, it can therefore truely be Naturalist, may be of interest regarding walk very slowly towards it. If the sub- of fish. ‘new technologies’ evolution has pre- said that fish do have, at the very least, this question. ject moves cautiously and carefully, ceeded them. Recent research at the a sixth sense, and a very complex one at Blindfold a person and let them move just before arriving at the wall, they Schooling with other fish University of Konstanz, Germany, has that. within a room, making sure there is some should be able to “feel” its presence just The lateral line system makes it pos- shown that predatory catfishes use their open space along one wall. The aim beyond their body. Not everyone is good sible for schooling fish to coordinate lateral line for tracking the wake caused Do humans have an extra sense? is for the blindfolded person to try and at this but with a few trials many will be their movements and stay together. The by prey as they swim after dark, and Although we must be careful to distin- determine when he/she is really close able to do this activity surprisingly well. lateral line system is particularly good use past locations to predict the present guish between sense and perception, it to a wall by using senses other than the Although people will be able to do this at detecting large disturbances in the position of their prey. Although the sense is obvious that we must more than five commonly accepted five. exercise, they will have trouble explain- water. Schooling fish often have a well of taste is also used to detect chemical senses. For example, we can sense, and Move the person around a bit so they ing just how they are able to do it. developed lateral line. Sensing the signatures produced by the prey fish, it react to, pain, heat, pressure and move- lose track of exactly how far they are So, perhaps we, too, have some ves- movement of its schoolmates through was shown that stimulus of the lateral line ment. Even our sense of vision can be from the selected wall, then face the tigial extra sense, over and above those water pressure variation, each fish can was by far the most important factor. subdivided into one for light and one person towards the wall and let them normally accepted. ■

74 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Shark Tales

By Edwin Marcow

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF FIONA’S SHARK MANIA WWW.OCEANSTAR.COM Cove’s Questions

When leading Hollywood age of 19, working for $150 dollars a Cove who was wearing little protec- directors want to simulate day, a small fortune back in 1979, to tion. All he could do was ‘roll away’ his status in the industry today where as the shark chewed (racked) his a realistic shark attack he will charge USD 10,000 for two back. He was lucky to sustain only they most often go to Stuart to three days shooting with a Tiger minor injuries. Cove – the master of shark Shark. The most serious attack occurred wrangling. What made Stuart famous was the while in the making of Ocean Men, film ‘Open Water’, which was pro- an Imax film. While Stuart broke up duced on shop-bought digital cam- bait in the water, a piece of fish land- era equipment. But what made this ed on his head. film stand out from so many before A shark swam it, were the very real shark encoun- in and raked ters—made possible only with Stuart’s the top of his deep understanding and knowledge head, almost eaters, do Scheme to research this very ques- colour. This may help to explain why of sharks—with only recently certified scalping him they have tion. some swimmers may get bitten and divers who had little time and experi- in the proc- colour vision? others do not. Was the colour of the ence in the water. ess. A massive This is a ques- Intelligent life swim suit the deciding factor? Stuart’s experience with many spe- body of 20 or tion that has After many years of research, time For many lucky divers around the cies of sharks—from Caribbean Reef more sharks never been in the water, the US Navy’s findings world who have dived and interact- Sharks, Tigers, and so on—is that they descended and successfully into shark visual responses to different ed with any species of shark, under are very discerning eaters, and will filled the water answered. jump suit colours, work being under- the supervision of a reputable shark spit out anything that is either foreign around him. A recent taken by Dr. Nathan diving company that to them or that, in the case of fish, Almost immedi- shark attack Hart, and the lifetime respects the shark is well beyond its ‘sell date’ and not ately, Stuart was off Cottes wealth of experience Although Stuart and the environ- healthy to eat. engulfed by Beach built by people like has successfully ment that the crea- Items Stuart has tried to feed sharks this mass. The WB ONLINE Australia, has Stuart Cove feeding ture inhabits, it can include leg of lamb, chicken, lob- water turned once again and interacting with proved that sharks be one of the most ster—quite a banquet—and even red, and everyone assumed that this triggered research into this question. different species of rewarding experienc-

WB ONLINE are discerning eat- once, a dead rat, but he could was Stuart’s last dive — that he was The US Navy, more than 40 years sharks in the open es of a lifetime. Stuart Cove is one of the most never induce a shark to partake of being eaten alive. Against all odds, ago, funded many studies into shark ocean, one can plain- ers, do they have It is these very famous shark wranglers in the world. any of these food items. he survived. visual systems. They found that their ly see that a shark is colour vision? divers who should act He is the owner of Stuart Cove’s Stuart insist that anytime he has downed pilots were more likely to just another intelligent as ambassadors for Aqua Adventures in the Bahamas. Love Bites been bitten, it was because he was be attacked if they wore an orange being —living, breath- the sharks. They can His portfolio of work includes three Cove’s generosity has not stopped doing something for the camera. jump suit, as apposed to those who ing and hunting as educate the rest of James Bond movies, one Jaws him from being bitten three times by ‘Hamming it up’, you should not, wore a green jump suit. Those in nature intended it to, capable of the world about how intelligent and sequel, and recently, a commercial the sharks. On one such occasion, while diving with sharks (e.g. arms fail- green were never attacked. making ‘reasoned’ decisions on what discerning these animals really are. for a Japanese tooth paste company he was bitten on the hand through ing about, waiving hands etc.) Dr. Nathan Hart of the University to eat, and more importantly, what The shark is not some mindless killer, where he managed to hold a shark the knuckles—a very painful injury. of Western Australia was recently not to eat. but an intelligent animal that can still while he brushed its teeth! Two other bites happened while Seeing green? awarded $500,000 over a five-year With the work of the US Navy and appear to differiate between colours Stuart’s journey to where he snorkelling and baiting the water for Although Stuart has successfully period by the Australian Research Dr Hart, we can gain tantalizing and food that is within its natural diet is now, started modestly at the a photo shoot. A shark approached proved that sharks are discerning Council’s prestigeous QEII fellowship insights into whether sharks can see and food that is alien to it. ■

75 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED manufacturer The British Legend

Edited by Andrey Bizuykin Apeks

The Apeks Marine Equipment were very interested in an article about suggested that they Company was founded more aviation cylinders and propane gas reduc- sell their homemade ers. Ainscough had trained at a technical products through his than 30 years ago with but one college, and had worked on the railway, in shop. The trade was very purpose – to make the best a printing house, repairing trucks, had been successful, and the partners scuba diving equipment in the employed by one of aerospace compa- quickly realised that there world. nies, and had even been a steward for the was a good opportunity for British airlines. But he was also a keen diver, the manufacture of equip- Building on original design ideas and its being an active member of a scuba diver ment for scuba diving. own technological innovations, and con- club. He enjoyed repairing all the club’s Apeks Marine stantly striving to excel in both design, man- equipment, everything Equipment Ltd ufacture and skill, Apeks’ production by far from valves for cylin- started vigor- now exceeds the requirements set forth in ders, reducers and ous activity in existing international standards. Their qual- even compressors. His 1971-1972, when ity standard became the yardstick against partner’s speciality Ainscough and which many other manufacturers meas- was engineering. They ured themselves. They obtained the very then started to design Partington used stringent and coveted European ISO 9001 and make the first letters of certification. their names for draw- ing up the trade their mark Absolutely full quality assurance of all own equip- Apeks. manufacture, in combination with the high- ment for a Apeks comes from: est standard of manufacture, that of the scuba div- Ainscough, Partington, European Quality Assurance System BS EN ing. At that Eric, Kenneth, Smith. ISO 9001, guarantees the top quality of time, in the all products which others today can only whole of the UK, envy. there were but A look behind the scenes at It was in the middle of the 1960s, that the few shops trading Apeks Marine Equipment magazine Practical Mechanics fell into the in underwater equip- Company where engineers and hands of Kenneth Smith Ainscough and ment, and it was only possible to technicians strive to design and Eric Partington, two young men from buy the archaic Mistral. In 1967, a friend in build the best scuba diving Bolton, in northern England. They Bolton, who had opened a small business, equipment in the world

76 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Apeks

when the company were The Apeks TX50 regulator Apeks headquarters in offered the chance of produc- appeared in 1978. It was the Lancashire, England ing new valves for cylinders. first-ever regulator which could The partners decided to make pass the EN 250 international a jump into the unknown. They test, and has been awarded raised a bank credit, bought the СЕ mark. It was a real suc- a small lathe and a pressing cess. The prestigious British mag- In the beginning, the partners machine, and made one thou- azin Diver published the results organized the small business sand valves. All these valves of testing it, and informed their in Partington’s garage. At that were sold immediately. It readers that the ТХ50 is most time, diving was not the fash- allowed the partners to pay off clearly the best regulator in the ionable sport it is today, and all the credit with interest, plus world. After this publication, the was at a more or less embryon- the purchase of the machine sales volume started to grow ic stage. The first project of the tools, and to make a small continuously. The first regula- company was the manufacture profit. The renown of the qual- tor, the APEKS ТХ50, was strik- of lobster hooks which divers ity of their production quickly ingly different from the current used for pulling them out from spread, and they received a modern model. The first ТХ50 nooks and crannies. This small new order. Manufacture of this did not have an antifreeze sys- business became the bread second lot of valves proved to tem in the second stage, and it and butter work of the new be even easier, as one of the had a completely different first company. The company then partners left his former job to stage. Ainscough had to make specialized in manufacturing concentrate on the production many experiments before he hoops for cylinders and snap of the valves. From then on, achieved a reliable, non-fail- fasteners for weight belts. Apeks became an independ- ure operation of the first stage. At that time, the regulators ent business unit with its own Furthermore, he devised the dry on the market were only very tools, lathes and press. The chamber system. simple in design, such as the trade mark “Typhoon” valves Mistral. The Mistral was very far for cylinders are well known, There was a crisis in 1979-80. from perfect, it was unsafe and, and still exist in the UK today. The company had to dismiss because of long corrugated The small profit enabled the all employees, with only the hoses, it was inconvenient in company to employ three peo- directors remaining and busi- use. It was obvious, even then, ple, two of whom are still work- ness went from bad to worse. that the future ing in the company today. A decision was therefore made was in regula- In 1976, Ainscough finally to organise a business trip to tors. Therefore created the first regulator, Australia. Some of the partners Ainscough, with and named it Manta. The real worked in Adelaide, Victoria the support of progress of the company really and Melbourne, where they Partington, start- only began with the advent received an order for the ed to develop of the Manta. The Manta development of a new type of a new type of design has been altered and regulator. The company busi- regulator. improved, and has achieved ness began to improve once This project, a stable position in the world more. The crisis had passed, however, had market for regulators for scuba and the partners returned to to be put on diving. the UK to continue the business. Apeks became an the back burner Even in the most difficult independent business unit with its own tools, lathes and press in the 70s

77 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED masks and accessories for the naval computer controlled. Except for its rebreather МК-16. Apeks works for res- own production, the role of Apeks in cue services, coast guard, police and the corporation is the manufacture of firemen over the world. all metal accessories, and also parts Today, Apeks production is export- of plastic elements for all Agualung ed to all corners of the world, and regulators. there are distributors in the USA, The 120 employees work the whole Japan, Germany, Australia, South day round in three shifts. The compa- Africa, Spain, Poland, Russia and ny gives a lifetime guarantee on all its other countries. equipment. The company gives a life- Apeks’ mission does not end with time guarantee on all its equipment. the sale of equipment. Apeks’ quality Today the turnover is about £4.5 mil- is also based on a professional after- lion annually. It is a real British legend. servicing of all equipment. Apeks Scuba diving is always an adventure. organizes and runs service courses for And if you are a keen diver, ama- their own dealers and other profes- teur or serious professional, Apeks sional organizations everywhere. Each should be the equipment for you. Apeks dealer can help with advice Аpeks equipment is reliable and trou- and guarantees non-failure operation ble-free, and works in practically all of its equipment worldwide. extreme conditions. It is thus the ideal Unusual divesites Apeks is now one of the basic divi- choice for serious divers, who want to Do you know about any unusual divesites? sions of the Agualung corporation. feel confident and free from anxiety Then we would like to hear from you All manufacture at Apeks, from plan- under water. ■ ning, prototypes, manufacture, to Email us at: [email protected] quality assurance37975#175¥185x125 and marketing, 3.30.2005 is 03:17 PMSee Page www.apeks.co.u 1 k C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Apeks

By 1983, the company had expanded rapidly, and was manufacturing six different products. A strong advertising company had been devel- oped, and a new trade mark created. Among the range of products was valve for dry suits. In 1995, when the number of employees had exceeded 50, the company moved to the new, specially constructed building in Blackburn. During its existence the company has created nine types of Apeks regulator. Each of the regula- tors that Apeks makes today is suitable for pure oxygen. A confirmation that Apeks makes high quality equipment is that it produces equipment for sever- al navies, including the British Navy. Fifteen percent Employees at work at Apeks of the total amount of manufacture is for military orders: these are respiratory equipment for helicop- ters, respiratory saving devices, devices for emer- gency escape from submarines, and equipment for hyperbaric chambers, non-magnetic valves, manifolds, valves for dry suits, and as well full-face

78 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Composite Room with a view. Guests can expect to see a large variety of tropical fish, tuna and turtles, and with a bit of luck, sharks, from the comfort of their rooms, or even from their private jacuzzis CHRIS HUF OF HUF.ORG Poseidon Underwater hotel Soon you might get a lab located off the coast of comfort of their rooms, or even chance to sleep under- Key Largo, Florida. But Jones from their private jacuzzis, says his Poseidon resort will be says Jones. “They will enjoy water face to face with one of a kind, as guests will five-star luxury accommoda- sharks while enjoy- not need to don scuba gear tion, all with stunning views ing the full comfort to reach their luxury suites. of the underwater world.” The hotel, located off the Jones, who has spent 17 years of a modern hotel. Bahamian island of Eleuthera designing, refitting and selling at a depth of 15 meters (50 submarines, is confident the An undersea hotel is under way feet), will be connected to the planned resort will become real- in the Bahamas. “People who mainland through two tunnels ity, probably sometime in 2006, are interested in experienc- and an escalator, and pres- even though a number of simi- ing something they can’t find sure will be the same as at the lar projects have foundered in anywhere else in the world surface. The hotel will have its the past. will find it a real bargain,” own restaurant, a bar and 20 says Bruce Jones who heads large suites with transparent poseidonresorts.com the 40-million-dollar project. acrylic walls fac- To date, there is only one ing coral gardens other underwater hotel, that can be lit up and this is in a small at night. Guests refitted marine can expect to see a large variety of

CHRIS HUF OF HUF.ORG tropical fish, tuna and turtles, and with a bit of luck, sharks, from the

79 X-RAY MAG : X : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Wet & Lost underwater robot still Weird functioning after a year at sea

News edited by A little over a year ago, a VideoRay under- domes. However, on being returned to its Michael Symes water robot was lost off Tasmania. After drift- owners, it was plugged in and everything was ing over 30 km in rough seas, it was found found to be fully operational. The VideoRay by at Bruny Island. The will be put back into NEWS VideoRay was lost dur- operation at Huon ing an inspection by Aquaculture after in their eyes and, in a simulated protective Huon Aquaculture being providing with a Robotic sharks in measure, will group together when they see Company P/L, an new control box, teth- a shark. On the other hand, the roboshark will Atlantic Salmon farm- ers, and side thrusters. new giant aquarium also be programmed to chase the tuna, but ing organization. Huon Weighing just 3½ only if it sees a lone fish moving on its own. Aquaculture had been kg, VideoRay ROVs New amusing opportunity these robotic fish in a seven- using the VideoRay for are the smallest, most for trainee scuba divers metre-deep tank. Diver training environmental monitor- portable, and most An artificial shark, called the The new aquarium will also As well as tourists, the Hydrodome will also ing surveys below and responsive remotely Roboshark, was invented by include a shoal of robotic tuna, welcome trainee scuba divers. Having robot- around fish farms, and operated vehicles Andrew Sneath to swim with wild called Tintuna, and a collection ic fish swimming about will give new divers for checking video sys- available for use in sharks while carrying a movie of robotic sting rays. The fish will familiarity because trainees are not used to tems and the deploy- underwater environ- camera in its head. In this way, be programmed to behave in as having fish around them. ment of underwater ments. VideoRays are animals could be filmed behaving natural a way as possible. The aquarium will be housed in the new video systems in pens. used for underwater in a natural way. Mr Sneath has It was said that the tintuna school Hydrodome leisure centre situated near When found the unit was a bit knocked surveys, offshore inspections, search and res- now designed a 40 m diameter look like real tuna, and behave Birmingham, UK, and is expected to open in about, with a smashed up float block and cue, homeland defence, science, fish farm- aquarium to house a number of like real tuna. They have cameras 2006. ■ scratches on thruster and camera and light ing, and other applications. ■ Deep-sea fish found after tsunami is an e-mail hoax

Many stories have been circulating regard- the seamounts, between Australia and New ing the recent South Asian tsunami, including Zealand in May and June 2003. rumours of improbable scientific discoveries. Seamounts are underwater mountain An example of such is a widely distributed e- ranges and peaks. Deep ocean currents can mail showing pictures of deep-sea creatures concentrate nutrients around seamounts, that were supposedly washed ashore when promoting abundant marine life. There are the tsunami hit Phuket, Thailand. Although the giant squid here, and sea spiders can grow to animals in the photos are real deep-sea ani- half a metre across. Many of the creatures on mals, the e-mail claiming they were tsunami these seamounts are slow growing, and some down, and surveyed free-swimming animals victims is a hoax. can live for more than 100 years. that live in the waters around the seamounts. The photos originate from a scientific Researchers on the NORFANZ voyage col- Information about the expedition, includ- expedition, the NORFANZ voyage, that lected animal specimens and photographed ing the circulated photos of alleged tsunami explored life in the deep seas, and around and video-taped seamounts over a kilometre fishes, is available on the NORFANZ website. ■

80 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Wet & Weird Photos of Crash Damage to Nuclear Submarine released Photographs have been cushion the blow and keep News edited by released of the shredded the inner hull intact. Micahel Symes bow of a nuclear submarine, The submarine’s main the San Francisco, that ran chart was apparently pre- into an undersea mountain. pared in 1989 and did not The submarine limped back show any potential hazards Dangerous underwater to Guam after smashing into within three miles of the crash the mountain, which was not site. Satellite images taken dive attraction could on its navigational charts. since then show the wedge- The crash occurred 500 feet shaped outline of the under- have returned below the surface about 360 sea mountain. Wastwater, in the Lake District, the site of the miles southeast of Guam. East View Cartographic UK, is three miles long, half a mile ornaments. It was said that the San Inc., a map company based wide and about 80m deep. It is However, THESTRAITSTIMESINTERACTIVE Francisco was traveling at in Minneapolis, said that the deepest in the Lake District, there is now a more than 30 knots when the Russian Navy charts, which and is quite clear at the bottom, rumour about crash occurred. have been available for five although there is nothing to see. a new gnome Wushu goes underwater The submarine’s stronger years, indicate more hazards

However, towards the bottom garden WWW.CLEANAIRGARDENING.COM Lunar New Year ushered in at water. And, of course, they must be inner hull, which protects the in that part of the ocean of Wastwater, there used to a placed deep- Sentosa’s Underwater World in good health and able to swim. crew’s living and working than were on the American “gnome garden”, which was well er than 50 Wushu exponents have taken the As wushu performances are usually spaces, held firm, prevent- charts, though they also fail known among the diving com- meters. And as police divers can’t ancient martial arts to a whole new performed on land, little was known ing a disaster. However, the to show the undersea moun- munity. Divers had taken gnomes legally dive any deeper than this, level - underwater. It is not easy to of the challenges presented by the sonar dome, made of fiber- tain. It was stated that one down to about 48 meters, and the new garden, if it exists, could balance underwater, and the per- aquatic environment. The buoyancy glass, shattered in the crash. of the Russian charts noted placed them with a picket fence have been purposefully put out of fectly executed punches and kicks of had to be dealt with because, unlike The dome, which carries that the area where the around. their reach. the wushu performers astonish viewers in the air where it is easy to jump and sonar gear, is normally flood- crash occurred had been But several years ago there The Sub-Aqua Association states As all three award-winning wushu kick, it is more or less slow motion in ed with water, so that the “insufficiently surveyed.” It were a number of fatalities and that different associations had dif- exponents had no diving experience, the water. When floating, it is hard to water there, also warned: the Lake District National Park ferent depth limits but theirs was they had to take a crash course in control one’s centre of gravity. along with “Cautionary Authority asked the police to get 50 meters for air divers, and that diving. Non-certified divers have to The group practiced at least three water in the measures rid of them, which they did. It was only for very experienced dive with the sharks, and for all these times a week, one hour each time for vessel’s for- should be is thought that the dead divers divers. However, technical divers, dive programmes there is a set of the past three months to come up ward ballast taken when had spent too much time at too who used a mixture of gases, regulations and requirements for with a unique routine and stunts that tanks, prob- sailing.” ■ great a depth while searching for could go below that depth. ■ them to meet in order to go in the work underwater. ■ ably helped Giant squids to be plastinated Gunther von Hagens, the anato- the same plastination technique giant squid, with its mist behind the Body Worlds on two huge giant squid speci- lack of a rigid internal skel- exhibition, where plastinated mens, which are being prepared eton for support, and rela- human bodies, as well as those to go on display as part of the tively poorly understood cir- of animals, were displayed, Body Worlds exhibition. culatory system, poses some is to to do the same for giant Von Hagens invented plasti- novel challenges. squids. Giant squid have never nation in the 1970s. The process The plastination process been successfully put on display involves replacing water and could take up to a year, and before because their bodies col- fat with a polymer, and it has the squid will need a rigid lapse under their own weight out allowed him to exhibit human framework for support. ■ of water. He will therefore use bodies in life-like poses. But a

81 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Contrary to popular belief rebreathers are actually a much older scuba diving technology than open circuit regulators

The Long (his)Story About focus Scrubbers & Sensors From Fleuss to Evolution There is more and more talk of Text: Michel Tagliati rebreathers, stated Additional reporting by Peter Symes as being the future of diving. However, not many people have tried them. So what is all the fuss about?

he greatest majority of the Treaders of this magazine will have learned to dive with a regulator originating from the Aqualung, which the renowned Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan invented in 1940. The regulator was the first Henry Fleuss, an English naval offic- commercial, er from Germany, worked out the generally principles for a re-breathing appa- available dive- ratus, and produced a prototype at the system, and end of the 1870’s. He stayed down in a this promoted to re-use the air that has been exhaled, water tank for nearly an hour, and later the later great circuit, because the exhaled air by using a closed system. went down to 5 meters in a lake using expansion of piece of passes straight out into the surrounding his system. Fleuss was the first “diver” in sports diving equipment. It is reli- water, and is thereby lost. As only about Closed circuit systems history with a re-breathing apparatus. At everywhere. able, more or less foolproof, a quarter of the available oxygen has Closed circuit systems are a far from the beginning of the 1900’s the military And it must and its simple construction is been taken up by the body, and the rest new idea. It was Giovanni Borelli in the were quick to take up this idea. Oxygen- be said that very robust. These are good properties expelled, it is a rather ineffective utilisa- 1700’s who first thought of re-using the rebreathing equipment consisted of the regula- to have when one’s underwater breath- tion of a scanty resource. (See table next exhaled air. His idea was to recirculate an oxygen tank together with a bag of

WWW.AMBIENTPRESSUREDIVING.COM tor is a fine ing depends on them. However, as we page.) the air through a copper tube which was potassium hydroxide and a breathing will see, there are also a number of dis- In addition, as the amount of air used cooled by the sea water, and thereby loop, and was used to rescue submarine Ambient Pressure Diving’s Closed Circuit advantages. And it is these that make increases proportionally with depth, open “cleaned” the air before re-use. Luckily, crews and attack divers (there were no Rebreather Evolution is the latest step in CCR re-breathers an interesting alternative systems become more and more ineffi- it was never made. The mining industry revealing bubbles on the surface). The ...erh... evolution. system. cient, and there are therefore major limi- and its problems with gas in the mine German manufacturer Dräger released When diving with a regulator, it is tations to how long a diver can remain shafts also stimulated the relevant tech- several models for military use in connec- said that one is diving with an open underwater. It seems obvious, then, to try nical developments during the 1700’s. tion with World Wars I and II.

82 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

Respiration corresponding increase in A REBREATHER TIMELINE In a modern medical textbook on physi- pressure. Therefore, when 1500´s In England and France, full diving ology, one of the several chapters on using a closed circuit there 125 l/min suits made of leather with metal helmets. The aspects of respiration is entitled “Physical is the same consumption of diving helmets were already some sort of principles of gaseous exchange; diffusion air, whatever the depth. At 100 l/min rebreather, but needed surface supply and of oxygen and carbon dioxide through rest, 0.3 to 0.5 liters of oxy- were without scrubber 75 l/min the respiratory membrane”. And it is these gen are used per minute 1680 Giovanni Borelli designed a closed very important principles that are of great (l/min), and with maxmum 50 l/min breathing circuit. The idea was to recirculate interest to divers. How we take in and work up to 3.0 l/min are Open systems - i.e. regulator and tank 25 l/min air through a copper tube which was cooled utilise oxygen, and how we get rid of the used. Of course, there are Closed circuit rebreathers by sea water. The assumption was that al the 3 l/min carbon dioxide produced by metabolism. differences between indi- Gas consumption impurities would then condense out of the air viduals, depending on the 10m 20m 30m 40m inside the tube. Cellular metabolism is size of the diver and his or Depth 1726 Stephen Hale designed the first independent of pressure her physical condition. scrubber: a flannel liner, soaked in salt and The amount of air which is needed to Comparison of gas consumption in open and tarter, used in a helmet for mine disasters. closed systems. In closed circuit rebreathers the take a normal breath at a depth of 20 The carbon dioxide 1772-4 Oxygen independently discovered gas consumption doesn’t vary with depth. meters is three times greater than at the problem by Swedish chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele, in surface, and therefore the consumption As we have seen, cellular 1772, and the English chemist Joseph Priestly, of air with open systems increases with metabolism depends on oxygen, which diver can tolerate a build up to a CO2 in 1774. Soon followed the first known ideas depth. However, more importantly, cel- is inhaled from the atmosphere. The fol- concentration of about 10%, increasing to use Oxygen for diving and first functional lular metabolism does not depend on the lowing table gives the composition, in respiratory volume to compensate for ideas to build autonomous rebreathers. pressure. volume percent, of inhaled atmospheric the increased CO2. However, beyond 1876 Henry Fleuss began to develop an Oxygen is required to make adenosin air (on an average cool, clear day), and the 10% level the respiratory center in the oxygen rebreather. He used a rubber face trifostat, ATP, the fuel of the human cell. also the corresponding composition of brain stem begins to be depressed rather mask and a breathing bag connected to And a molecule of oxygen is a molecule exhaled air. (There is also a minor content than stimulated, and the diver’s respira- a copper oxygen tank. The carbon dioxide, of oxygen, wherever it is to be found, at of the non-reactive noble gases such tion then actually begins to fall rather scrubber was a rope yarn soaked in a solu- the beach, or 100 meters deep, with the as argon, helium, etc., but this has been than to compensate. As a result of this, tion of caustic potash. Enabling Fleuss to walk ignored here.) It will be seen that the varying degrees of lethargy, narcosis, along a river, this was the first SCUBA Dive. uptake of oxygen in the lungs has caused and, finally, anesthesia will occur. The 1879 Fleuss builds a Mining-Rescue the oxygen content of the inhaled air CO2 in the exhaled air must therefore be Rebreather for Siebe/Gorman to be reduced from its original 20.84% removed before the remaining oxygen 1881 A special rebreather scrubber using to 15.7% in the exhaled air. It will also be can be re-used. Luckily, this is quite easy a barium hydroxide is patented by Khotinsky seen that the concentration of carbon to do, using calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, and Lake. dioxide, a biproduct of metabolism, has which reacts with, and therefore fixes, the 1904 Siebe and Gorman patent Oxylite, a gone up by about ninety times, to 3.6%. carbon dioxide. It is called CO2-scrub- potassium- and sodium-peroxide mixture that bing and the filtering material, in this case produces oxygen on contact with water. COMPONENT INHALED AIR % EXHALED AIR % teh calcium hydroxide, which comes as 1907 A Dräger rebreather is used as sub- N2 78.62 74.5 a granulate, is referred to as the scrub- O 20.84 15.7 marine rescue equipment 2 ber. CO 0.04 3.6 2 1912 Dräger helmet-diving-rebreathers are H O 0.50 6.2 In a rebreather, CO2-scrub- 2 available Total 100.0 100.0 bing therefore takes place by circulating the breathing gas 1913 Dräger performs a successful simu- So, it is not so much the reduction in through a canister with the lated 40 minute dive to 80m in chamber. amount of oxygen that is the problem, for scrubber granulate in it. 1914 Dräger introduce a selfmixing Nitrox- there is still some 16% available in each Rebreather for max. 40m. expelled breath, which should be avail- Scrubber, in this case 1926 Dräger presents the first early recrea- able for re-use. It is the increase in carbon Sofnolime, comes in tional rebreather, the ‘Bade-tauchretter’. dioxide, CO2, that is the real problem. A small granules, 1941 Dräger “Kleintauchgerät 138” 1953 Dräger Leutnant Lund II and No, rebreathers are not new. In this Expression: Breathing loop Barakuda Delphin I 1912-footage we see Drägers helmet The whole volume of circulating gas in a rebreather, mainly 1967 Russians experiments with predeces- diving rebreather in use. the hoses, one or two counterlungs and also the diver’s lungs. sor to AKA-60 Photo: Dräger’s archive.

83 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 1968 First electronically controlled So, at the beach, oxygen in the air has a On the other hand, a prologued expo- The matter with oxygen rebreather, the Electrolung.is marketed And while we are at it, why not increase partial presure of ca 0.21 bar. And if the sure to high ppO2 leads to oxygen toxic- the oxygen level in the ínhaled air, even diver is using compressed air at a depth ity and the condition hyperoxia which 1970 BioMarine CCR-1000 perhaps right up to 100% pure oxygen? of 10 meters, then the corresponding oxy- manifests itself in sudden convulsions, 1972 BioMarine Mark 15 This way we could also avoid breathing gen partial pressure is 0.42 bar (0.21 x 2 which under water inevitably will lead to 1975 Dräger LAR V in nitrogen, which is the cause behind bar), at 20 meters it is 0.63 bar, at 30m its drowning. Therefore a ppO2 of 1.6bar depth narcosis and decompression illness 0,84 and so forth. In the literature the par- is usually considered the upper limit in 1977 BioMarine NM-6 and give away with all concerns about tial pressure of oxygen is written as ppO2. recreational diving, and only for a limited 1978 Interspiro ACSC decompression limits. If it only was so time. And 1.3 bar the level not to exceed 1982 Interspiro Oxydive easy! The apparently paradoxical answer The importance of pp02 in general. is that pure oxygen quickly becomes poi- When discussing respiration this is prob- For these reasons it should be clear that 1984 Dräger Tieftauchsystem CCBS for operating depths of max. 600m sonous under pressure. ably the most important parameter to maintaining the ppO2 of the breathing be considered. Not only must the excess gas within specific bounds is of utmost 1985 AKA-60 (Russian) Partial pressure of oxygen carbon dioxide be removed from the air, importance. It becomes, quite litterally, a 1991 Dräger Newtsuit Assume that we have a mixture of gases. but the partial pressure of the oxygen matter of life and death. Then the total pressure of the mixture is must also be maintained at a reasonably 1992 Interspiro DCSC PETER SYMES equal to the sum of the pressures exerted constant level to ensure correct cellular Diving conventionally with compressed 1995 Dräger SCR Atlantis (1998 renamed separately by each of the individual metabolism. air on open systems, as most regular holi- in Dräger-Dolphin) Lt.Lund rebreather, 1953 components in the mixture. So, if the mix- Gaseous diffusion from the alveoli day makers do, controlling ppO2 is usual- 1998 Buddy Inspiration Scrubbers ture we are considering is atmospheric of the lungs to the pulmonary blood is ly not an issue as normal air only reaches 1999 Dräger-Ray Although easy to do in principle, getting air, we have: determined by the partial pressure of the a ppO2 of 1.3 bar at a depth of 54m - far a CO2-scrubber to function in a safe and oxygen. The partial pressure determines beyond where they should venture. 2001 Halcyon RB80, Cochran CCR and reliable way is not completely without its Patmos = PN + PO + PCO2 the force exerted in diffusion through the But as soon as we start tinkering and Mares SCR Azimuth PETER SYMES complications - which many divers have pulmonary membrane. raising the O2-content of our breathing 2004 Ambient Pressure Diving’s Evolution found out to their cost. As with walking Where In other and more plain words, it is the gas, these matters change, as we are or running, it takes work to breath under- Patmos is the atmospheric pressure ppO2 and not the O2 % that determines taught already at entry level Nitrox cours- water. If the resistance to breathing is too PN is the partial pressure of nitrogen whether we live or die. es —such as PADI’s Enriched Air Specialty, PCO is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide high, there will be physiological problems 2 Consequently, ppO2 should be maina- or the various Basic Nitrox courses offered which will limit the use of this system. PO is the partial pressure of oxygen tained within a certain range to sustain elsewhere. Also, hypercapnea, the condition life. where there is too much CO2 in the body Now, according to the ideal gas laws, as Normal ppO2 (at sealevel) is, obvi- can become an issue. The material used the components are all at the same tem- ously, 0.21 as air contains 21% oxygen. If to remove the carbon dioxide in the sys- perature, the partial pressures must be the partial pressure falls below 0.12 (12% tem, the scrubber, has a limited life, and proportional to the volumes of each gas oxygen at sealevel) most individuals will can only fix a certain maximum amount present in the mixture. In the table given lose their ability to function. Below 0.10 of carbon dioxide. above, oxygen has an volume % of approx- bar ppO2 they will lose conciousness and As these filters cost money, people imately 21 of atmospheric air. This means below that die from asphyxiation. are disinclined to change them often that its partial pressure is 0.21 of an atmos- enough. The maximum limit for how phere, or 0.21 bar. This is oxygen’s contribu- long these filters should be used is thus tion to the total atmospheric pressure. some times transgressed, which increases the risk of acci- dents.

Oxygen rebreathers In water pure oxygen rebreathers are re- stricted to use in shallow water of less than 6 meters - to keep ppO2 below the1.6 bar limit.

WWW.DIVESAFE.NET For this reason the pure oxygen rebreathers are of limited and mainly military use. Oxygen rebreathers however also have a use on land with firefighters, rescue crew and miners.

84 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Whether we dive on open systems or current general limits, this optimum Oxygen percentage Open, semi-closed and fully closed circuits semi-closed rebreathers (see explana- oxygen content corresponds to a at various depths tion below) we chose, prior to the dive, constant oxygen partial pressure of 100 % By Open Circuit one usually refers to Another important distinction between our breathing gas with a predetermined 1.3 bar oxygen regardless of depth. the omni-present regulator - a second the popular Dräger SCRs and a CCR 75 % oxygen-content. This may be air or we and a first stage connected to on a such as the Inspiration, is that the SCRs Closed circuit may op for another specific gas suitable Controlling the pp02 50 % tank of compressed air. The expres- have a present oxygen-% and a vari- Rebreathers for the depths we are aiming at. In most To ensure that the correct oxygen sion is partially misleading because able pp02, whereas in the Inspiration it

cases this will be Nitrox–which is now be- level is obtained, i.e. its partial pres- Oxygen % 25 % the air doesn´t go in a circuit. It travels is the pp02 that is fixed and the oxy- coming quite a household word among sure, it is necessary to measure its Diving on air from the tank and via the regula- gen-% which varies with depth. divers. concentration. For this purpose a tor, through the diver before getting 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m Nitrox with 32 or 36% oxygen is now special transducer is needed, an exhaled into the water in a one-way quite routinely being offered at divecen- oxygen sensor. (see box below) Depth process. tres, resorts and liveaboards worldwide as these two “standard-blends” will cover Modern closed A semi-closed circuit is a type of most needs in the typical recreational breathing systems rebreather in which (most commonly) range with near optimum benefits. With the advent of oxygen sensors Comparison of the breathing gas is being continously However, chosing the right oxygen-% and microprocessors, it is now pos- no-stop times injected from the tank into the breath- will always be a compromise between sible to reduce the amount of gas 150 min Diving ing loop where it circulates a number on air longer no-decompression times versus taken down by a diver to a mere Closed circuit of times. On average the gas is re-cir- maximum depth. For example, diving on bagfull of atmospheric air and a 120 min Rebreathers culated 4-5 times before being vented to the outside through an over-pressure Nitrox with 36% oxygen gives a generous few liters of compressed oxygen. 90 min no-deco time of 50 mins at 26m - rather These closed circuit rebreathers, 40m 50m valve. It is because gas is continously than the usual 20 min when diving on air. CCR, use oxygen sensors to control 60 min being vented that these circuits are That is nice, but Nitrox 36 can´t take you the partial pressure of oxygen in the referred to as being semi-closed (or Dräger Dolphin SCR No stop time any deeper, as pp02 is already 1.3 bar inhaled gas. This means that the 30 min rather semi-open). The breathing gases around that depth. diver can continually control and used in these semi-closed (circuit) And if you dive any shallower you maintain oxygen partial pressure at 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m rebreathers or ‘SCR’ are various pre- don´t get the full benefits of Nitrox at that certain levels during a dive. And this set Nitrox-blends. The popular Dräger particular oxygen content. So, for each is where the fully closed rebreathers Depth rebreathers (Dolphin, Ray...) are SCRs. depth there seem to be an optimum excel. oxygen % in the breathing gas. With the In a fully closed (circuit) rebreather Say, for example, that a fullly closed loop. The rebreather then will then compensate in a or ‘CCR’ all the gas is continuously breathing system has been set to compensates to keep the controlled way by injecting being recirculated and no gas is vent- maintain a given oxygen partial oxygen partial pressure some more oxygen into the ed. The CCR is generally being consid- pressure at depth, typically 1.3 constant. Likewise, if the loop. ered the thoroughbred of rebreathers. bar. If the diver then descends to diver ascends, the pres- As the graphs above In CCR’s the only gas being con- another depth, the ambient pres- sure decreases, and the clearly demonstrate, the sumed is the oxygen metabolised by sure increases, and with it the oxy- oxygen partial presure will potential extension of no- the diver (not considering gas used for gen partial pressure in the breathing decrease. The apparatus deco times are huge. inflating suits, wings etc and gas lost during ascent and decent). APD Inspiration CCR

Oxygen sensors solve in order to reach the sensing So, as the two processes take place, tion. The current produced can then - An oxygen sensor can be electrode. The flux of oxygen to the O2 + 2H2O + 4e- = 4OH a current is generated (represented be used, via a computer, to control considered as a small fuel- working anode is dependent on the here by the four electrons 4e- ). This an oxygen inlet valve. cell in which the chemical partial pressure gradient of oxygen These hydroxyl ions migr ate through current can be measured externally As the electrochemical reaction energy of oxygen is transformed across the barrier. This means that the a conductive electrolyte (typically by passing it through a known resist- results in the oxidation of the lead an- into electrical energy. output signal from the cell is propor- potassium hydroxide) to the metallic ance and measuring the potential ode, these sensors have have a lim- tional to the partial pressure of the lead anode, where they are involved drop across it. Since the current ited life. Once all the available lead A very thin, plastic membrane, oxygen in the gas mixture. in the oxidation of the lead to its produced is proportional to the rate has been oxidised they no longer placed over the top of the sensor, When oxygen reaches the working oxide. at which these reactions occur, its work. Typically, oxygen sensors have operates as a solid barrier in which electrode, it is immediately catalyti- measurement allows accurate deter- 1 – 2 year life times. - the oxygen molecules must dis- cally reduced to hydroxyl ions. 2 Pb + 4 OH- = 2 PbO + 2 H2O + 4 e mination of the oxygen concentra-

85 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Taking it further cally, the ‘base substance” of what number of tanks a diver who need US/Canada Distributor of Inpiration Nitrogen is the usual diluent for you breathe and what the oxygen to explore some extreme environ- and Evolution Rebreathers oxygen in our normal atmosphere. gets injected into, it is what inflates ments like deep wrecks and caves However, as all divers know, nitro- the breathing loop and what is used need to carry and for this reason gen dissolves in the blood under for buoyancy in the wing or drysuit. the rebreather has become a pre- high pressure, and can cause nar- So with an octopus attached this ferred tool among many underwa- cosis or decompression sickness. To tank also can double as a normal ter explorers and scientists alike. reduce or eliminate this problem open circuit and as backup system divers would like to use as little nitro- should there be a problem with Next issue: gen as possible in the inhaled air. the rebreather. (Switching to open Diving the thing - what is it like and Remove the biologically inactive system by closing the rebreather’s what the difference in skills? nitrogen from the inhaled air and mouthpiece and breathing from the risk of being hit by rapture of the octopus instead is referred to as the deep disappears. And rebreath- bail-out). ers can solve this problem, too, with The diluent gas is normally not the non-narcotic gas helium replac- consumed except for what is used ing nitrogen in the inhaled air being to inflate the breathing loop and used at greater depths. maybe the suit and wing (some In CCRs like the Inspiration there carry separate tanks for this, i.e. are two tanks (see picture on previ- when argon is used for suit inflation). ous page). One contains the oxy- For trimix divers this is very good gen which is being injected into to news as Helium is a very expen- breathing loop to maintain the cor- sive gas so using a rebreather rect pp02. also come a significant economic The other tank contains the dilu- incentive. Also it means a signifi- ent gas, which usually is just air, but cant reduction in weight and the it can be anything breathable such as trimix. This gas is, basi-

“Now, where Disclaimer: did that con- Diving with rebreathers requires tact lens go?” special training.

When experience comes in the way

Diving with a fully closed ing of safety. This technical divers use fully of 3-liter tanks containing 200 system is, in many ways, can lead to a fail- closed systems at depths bars of compressed oxygen. significantly different ure to carry out the of more than 100 meters, However, the technique is so from diving with an open vital control checks in spite of the fact that nei- advanced that the neces- system. Several things of the equipment ther the equipment nor the sary knowledge, training and have to be re-learned, before and after sensors are approved for maintenance of this equip- and re-learning is much each dive. these depths because of ment is not yet fully integrat- more difficult if one has Oxygen sensors the doubts regarding the ed into the training courses has long been used to diving breathing system. degrade (oxidise) and must reduced reliability of their offered today. with an open system. Many For example, they may not be changed every year, or performance. (see, for To dive safely with fully experienced divers think that realise that the oxygen par- more often, according to example, the story about closed systems requires a they are quite competent at tial pressure can vary con- how much the system has David Shaws fatal dive to thorough theoretical and diving, and often find it dif- siderably. Also, there is a risk been used. The reliability of 271m in X-RAY #3) practical knowledge plus fre- ficult to accept that they are that a very experienced diver the sensors and their out- But, today, it is technically quent use in order to main- beginners again when div- will make serious elementary put is also a matter of some possible to dive to a depth tain the routines and reflexes ing with a completely closed mistakes, due to a false feel- controversy. It happens that of 100 meters with a couple learned during training.

86 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Water is unique in that it is the only natural substance that is found in all three states – liquid, solid (ice) and vapour – at the temperatures nor- mally found on Earth

density, ensures that all of a body of The Uniqueness of Water water (not just its surface) must be close to 0°C before any freezing can Water, obviously, is essential For a start, water is unique in that occur. The freezing of rivers, lakes to our very existence, with- it is the only natural substance that is and oceans is therefore from the top found in all three states – liquid, solid down, so insulating the water from out it we rapidly die. In spite (ice) and vapour – at the tempera- further freezing. The oceans do not, of this, everybody perceives tures normally found on Earth. And therefore, freeze from the bottom water to be a rather ordinary the fact that ice and liquid water can upwards until they result in just a thin sort of stuff, as it is transparent, coexist at the not abnormal tempera- layer of liquid water on solid ice. If ture of 0°C, is extremly important for all they did then life as we know it today odourless, and tasteless. life on Earth. could not have been possible. Many divers feel almost just at home Water has an unusually high den- The unusually high density of water in water as they do in air, and rarely, sity, and this density is further anoma- is mainly due to the cohesive nature if ever, think about its more unusual lous in that, unlike other liquids, it of the hydrogen-bonded network. This physical properties. Water appears to increases on cooling down to 3.984°C reduces the free volume and ensures be a very simple molecule, consisting and then decreases until the freezing a relatively high-density, compensat- of just two hydrogen atoms attached point temperature of 0°C is reached. ing for the partial open nature of the to an oxygen atom. There are, in fact, The density of water is thus a maxi- hydrogen-bonded network. Why the very few molecules that are smaller mum at about 4°C, meaning that it density of water actually has a maxi- or lighter. In spite of this, it is a most expands both on heating and cool- mum at 4°C requires a much more remarkable substance, with many ing from this temperature. This density detailed thermodynamic explanation anomalous properties. maximum, together with the low ice than can be given here. ■

87 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Classified www.becher.com

Comex BC

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88 X-RAY MAG : 3 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL EQUIPMENT & NEWS ECOLOGY PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Amos Nachoum – Interview Profiles On Location in Gansbaai South Africa

InterviewAmos by Edwin Marcow Nachoum Photographs by Amos Nachoum

Amos Nachoum, world AN: For me it was not a question of for stories, so naturally the magazines acclaimed wildlife photogra- any particular photographer. It was the would use my images for the story. But concept of holding the camera adjust- this was a business arrangement to raise pher is the recipient of numer- ing and ‘pushing’ the camera’s f-stop’s awareness for my Adventure Travel ous photographic awards and shutter speed, and so on, to create the Company Big Animals. When I became acknowledgements for his desired image that I had in my mind. a full time photographer, and not just a ground breaking work in free This was a tool to communicate with oth- tour operator, I had to rethink everything ers. I could not communicate very well that I had done previously. diving with Great White Sharks when it came to writing and speaking in So, I took a loan from the bank of and Orcas in the open ocean, order to get across what I was trying to $4000 dollars, and I gave myself assign- speaks to underwater photogra- say. ments to complete. I imagined that I pher, Edwin Marcow, about his While I was growing up, I had a difficult had received a commission to shoot for time within the family, and there were National Geographic and to do a story. life, work and vision. times when I did not always see eye to I went to the island of Serbine in the eye with my father. My mom would inad- Netherland Antilles, because I was very Amos was born in Israel in 1954. Today, vertedly take his side, so the medium familiar with the Island and it’s geogra- he is based in San Francisco, California, and art form of photography became phy. I had good connections there. I shot USA. my escape – a way to express my self. the Island from the air, land and water. This project took three weeks to com- EM: Amos how did you get started in EM: Amos when did you get your first plete. I chose only 15 images to portray photography? break in photography? the Island with the supporting article. I AN: I was aged 12 and I knew that is AN: As a youngster, I was fascinated by made several photocopies, and then what I wanted to do. For me, it was more photography. I ran around the streets in sent this package to 55 different maga- ▲ TOP: Amos Nachoum evolutionary — I did not know what for- Israel, camera in hand, photographing zines around the US. ▲ Tail of a Humpback whale, Niue, South Pacific mat of photography I wanted to do, the people that I came across. My pic- I sent this package to diverse and but my desire and love for this art form tures were being sold and published by broad magazines in the travel and leisure started here. newspapers in Israel. market and to National Geographic. The Condor Naste Traveller magazine EM: When you were a youngster growing EM: When was your first break in marine gave me my first break. At this time, I up, were there any particular photogra- and wildlife photography? was driving a taxi in New York to cover phers that you admired or tried to emu- AN: I settled in the States in 1990-91. At my costs. Then, I received a request late? that time, I was exchanging advertising from them to cover a story on Bonaire,

89 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Profiles Amos Nachoum ◄ LEFT: An underwater photographer takes photos of a Humpback whale and its calf, Niue, South Pacific ◄ CENTER: A diver swims with the infant Humpback whale, Niue, South Pacific ▼ Spectacular shot of a killer whale diving to deeper depths, Norway

army often working the boat manoeu- my fins to fend off her attack. About to whilst under fire. vered between get bitten or gored, I turned to my side, The discipline that myself and the and then she sank her tusks into my dry I acquired from polar bear to allow suit were she tore two large holes into being under fire, me safe passage the side of the suit, thankfully missing my having to cope onto the boat. groin. I got quite wet from that but no with being put into Other than the real injury. strange situations, incident with the She could have done a lot more dam- and understanding polar bear, all age. [He laughs]. She just wanted to push how to prepare for encounters with me out of the way. it, makes me feel a wildlife have been lot more comfort- peaceful, able underwater as long as with any subject. my mind- Of course, no set is on encounter is the the right same as another. plane This has helped and the me when it comes circum- to shooting under- stances water with large fall into predators such as Great White bear’s body in the frame. place. which included both topside images sharks. There have been only three photog- and marine life, though only from the Underwater, I have had only one scary raphers in the world who have been in EM: Amos have you ever been perspective of snorkelling. This was 1991. moment — when I encountered a polar the water with polar bears. One was an bitten? From then on, things just took off. bear. This was the most memorable Italian filmmaker, now in his late 70’s, AN: [laughs] Well, these Great moment of my life. Indeed, it was scary. whom I interviewed prior to my trip to White sharks are very large EM: Amos, What would you say is your In fact, I had to move the camera out of the High Artic. He advised me that a fish! I have been bitten by a greatest achievement to date? a shooting position and concentrate on polar bear cannot dive deeper than 9 Clown fish. [He laughs]. At the AN: Well, for me that would have to be saving myself. meters, or 30 feet. Armed with this infor- time of the polar bear shoot, I that I am still doing what I love to do I dived as deep as I could, to keep mation, I thought that I could dive to 40 was nearly bitten by a walrus, — rather than one individual experience myself out of the reach of the polar bear. feet and still achieve what I was looking but due to a malfunction on or achievement. This took place about three years ago. for while working with the right lens. Well! the boat, the boat could not But it is still on my agenda. I want to get No one told the polar bear this! For low come to my aid. And there I EM: What is the scariest or most danger- a picture of a polar bear underwater in and behold, the polar bear surprised was—in the water with this wal- ous situation you have been in? the wild—fully body in frame—precisely me, defied all the rules and followed me rus mid-channel between the AN: In general, I have had a good because all polar bear pictures have down to about 24 meters (80 feet). But boat and the flow ice—without grounding [in risky situations] from the been taken in zoos where the bears are as I am usually ready for surprises and the cover from the boat, as this many years I worked as a war corre- in captivity. The feet have been cut off or unexpected, I took the necessary steps large female closed the ground spondent and photographer in the Israeli you only have an image with part of the to prevent getting hurt. Upon my ascent, between us. I kicked out with

90 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Profiles Amos Nachoum

EM: How do you plan to push time, I take new pictures with new and to shoot with it. Although, choice and speed? the envelope further, and how results. what is more important to me is to AN: Kodachrome 64. It’s a hard do you plan to cap your already bring new images to the world. film to use. You have to be abso- amazing achievements? EM: What cameras and lenses do lutely spot on with it. What is also AN: Pushing the envelope is a you use? EM: What is your favourite lens? very difficult is that it is almost mindset that I apply even in eve- AN: I shoot with two Nikon RS, AN: There is only one, and that is impossible to have it developed ryday life. It is not some- anywhere in the world today. thing that I plan to do in It’s an excellent film, especially advance. underwater, because it is so neu- When I am in the tral, and with all that filtration of field, I weigh up the colours underwater already hap- situation from what is pening, you do not want to be going on around me, “pushing” it further with a film that and then knowing what is already pushing the RGB spec- other people have trum through its chemical make done, what pictures up. have already been E6 processed films are already taken, bearing all this in filtered, with blues, reds, and yel- mind and blessed with lows, and Kodachrome brings a quick memory, and that all alive when used underwa- based on emulating ter. not copying what other people have achieved EM: Film versus Digital? – I bring this with me to AN: Digital is here. It is the future. the field, with camera It will be better than film one in hand. I see what I day—no question. I still prefer to want to shoot but with use film, because I know it so well. the knowledge of what I enjoy working with it. In my opin- has been done before. I ion, film still has a higher quality. see what can I do differently with- and now I am shooting with a the fish eye, because water is 800 There is more depth in film. It has out endangering myself or others Hasselblad X Pan—an old con- times denser that air, and any- more texture than digital. around me. cept brought back into fashion. thing we photograph, from more Sooner or later, digital will be For me, it does not make a dif- For the first time, a dedicated than one metre, loses its impact, able to achieve these results as ference if I am taking a picture, of housing has been made for this power, and beauty, which Mother well, which film gives you now. a Clown fish or a crocodile, or if I camera by Aqutica in Canada, Nature provided, other than cali- I know that Fuji has come up am on location in the North Pole. especially for me, and I am test- bration, textures and shape. with new chips. I think they are 11 I do not push the envelope for ing it here in Gansbaai on the The fish eye does the job. It is so or 12 MB files—6 MB are for high- ◄ INSET: Napping polar bear, High Arctic, Canada the sake of “ pushing the enve- Great White, and next, in the sharp, it allows you to get closer lights and 6 MB are for shadows lope”. It is a total understanding Cayman Islands to do some reef to the subject. It can bring you or low light. I have not tested this ▲ TOP: A hunting wild dolphin breaches the surface, of personal and group safety, diving with this set up and test it very close to your subject and still myself. I have just heard about it. Sardine Run, South Africa what has been done before and further. fit everything in the frame. So, in a year or so, digital will what I can do. While knowing I am one of the first in the world be as good or better than film. ▲ BOTTOM: A leaping wild dolphin is captured on what is going on in the field at the to take this camera underwater, EM: What is your preferred film Personally, I will be waiting for the film in mid-air, Sardine Run, South Africa

91 X-RAY MAG : X : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Profiles Amos Nachoum

◄ A dramatic moment when a leaping shark nabs its fleeing prey, a seal, for dinner, South Africa

mother and calf Humpback underwater photographers miss, and whale vertical in the water. I what we are missing, is that people are called it, The Renaissances. not realising that they need to bring all Then, there was the Nikon the understanding and discipline of top- 1993 award for a Great White side photography, which is so evolved, to lunging out of the water. the underwater realm. Nature’s Best, the most pres- Many of us have too narrow a point tigious wildlife and photography of view when it comes to underwa- magazine in the world, gave ter photography. One should have an my work an award in 2003. understanding and love of all the great I also got recognized by The artists and emulate them, such as Monet, Editorial Communication Arts Rembrandt and Van Goth. Look at paint- magazine, which is the leading ings that have come out of these spec- magazine in the US for general tacular minds. Understand the rules of photography, and a cover for leading lines, beauty, light, drama, fear, Rodale’s Scuba Diving maga- power, and bring this into your work. zine, which was a half in-half Painters and photographers are very out picture taken in the water similar, even though painters work with of a diver with his fins in the air a blank canvas and have to add col- and his body in water, head ours, shape and texture. Whereas, we facing towards the sea floor. go underwater, and we have the help I felt that this image was my of the greatest artist of them all, Mother day when a 35mm camera comes onto best work, because I was shooting with Nature, who has painted everything for the market with a transferable back, like a fish eye lens that cannot use any filters. us. The only problem is that nature hides that of a medium format camera. This I balanced the exposure between the this element and colour from us, because would be the ideal situation. You could diver in and out of the water. This image number one, there is a lot happening have the best of both worlds. really was for me, ‘thinking out of the down there (e.g. predation), and two, However, there is one big downside to box’. I like this image the most due to the there is loss of light. We only need to digital—that is the amount of time need- fact of how hard it was to balance the learn how to understand white light and ed to spend in post-production editing different exposures—from being under- ambient light and how to read it. images, storing and compartmentalizing water to topside and having to think out In summary, I do not believe that the work. of the box to get it right. marine photography is a genre in its own On a last note about my photography right. Marine photography is just another EM: Amos, are there any major awards and my continued pursuit in this field... It form of photography, and if one learns or distinctions that have been bestowed is not only a love for shooting in the water more from what has been done before— upon you? What are they? with large marine subjects, it is mostly my on land or by the great artists—one can AN: BBC Wildlife, which is probably the love and appreciation of photography, bring this with oneself underwater and best and the most prestigious, gave and what I can say with an image that create better images. ■ me an award in 1998 for an image of a I cannot with words. What I think most

92 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Jon Gross Text by Gunild Pak Symes Jon Gross specializes in underwater and marine related photography from the west coast of North America, prima- rily Washington State, USA, and British Columbia, Canada. According to Jon, the marine life found in this part of the Pacific rivals anything found in the hot- test tropical destinations in almost all aspects. He said that the challenges of this region, however, are cooler water temperatures and fickle water visibil- ity. The diversity and abundance of marine life in these cold dark waters is relatively unexplored, and one of Jon’s goals is to make this marine life more widely recognized.

► The Market, or Opalescent squid, is com- mon in Puget Sound, and can be seen catch- ing fish during night dives. Three Tree Point (north side), Washington State, USA. 93 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Jon Gross

94 X-RAY MAG : 4 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Jon Gross

▲ Very common on sandy or muddy bottoms in Puget Sound, the C-O sole bur- ▲ Egg Yolk Jellys often have crabs living on them that drift with them. They ies itself on the bottom, and are usually found in the mantle, but this one was sitting on top of the bell, and ambushes it’s prey. Mukilteo T- is probably a Graceful Crab (Cancer gracilis) in the final larval stage. That dock, Washington State, USA identification is tentative though. ◄ This Bering Hermit crab brought to mind (depress- ing as it may be) a suicidal person getting ready to ► This China Rockfish is jump from a bridge. I’ve defending it’s territory seen Hermit Crabs jumping against me. Note the flared from their perches if you get pectoral fins, and the too close, and falling up to upright dorsal fin. Waadah 50 feet down a wall to land Island Fingers, Washington somewhere else. It’s a handy State, USA escape response, but boy, climbing back up the wall must take awhile.

▲ PREVIOUS PAGE: Basket stars are ubiquitous with high current waters. They capture food from the water rushing by in their uplifted tentacles. Seven Tree Island, British Columbia, Canada

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◄ Some of the largest anemones in the ▼ This octopus was sitting qui- ▼ NEXT PAGE: As I’ve men- world are the Fish Eating Urticinas. The etly on the top of an old engine tioned in other images, these mouth on this particular specimen is almost block, which provided a beau- anemones grow to enormous 2 inches wide, and the oral disc can tiful rusty red backdrop. He (I size. This particular specimen is measure up to 18 inches. Waadah Island think it was male) was living in at least 18 inches in diameter. Fingers (Blades), Washington State, USA one of the cylinders.

► The Red Irish Lord is one of the most photo- graphed fish in this area because of its arrest- ing color patterns, and reluctance to move when approached with a camera. Browning Wall, British Columbia, Canada

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◄ Stimpson’s Sun Stars are a common sight on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the outer coast, underwater boulder fields covered with a kelp canopy make for beautiful diving. Sekiu Bay, Washington State, USA

► Nudibranch on Coralline Algae. These summer peak aeolids are very common nudi- branchs both in Puget Sound in points north. They can be found on muddy bottoms, this rocky coralline algae substrate, broadleaf kelps, and other types of bottoms. Seven Tree Island, British Columbia, Canada

▲ This anemone lives in a tube, usually buried in the substrate. It is most famous for being eaten in a dramatic fast moving attack by various Dendronotid nudibranchs.

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▲ These Surf Anemones can be found growing in These zooxanthella, as a byproduct of photosynthesis, To order images directly from Jon Gross, cracks in the rocks in Port Hardy, and in enormous car- produce oxygen, which the anemone can metabolize. visit his web sites at: pets down near Nanaimo, BC. They are gorgeous in the The anemone, in turn, produces molecules that the www.seaotter.com shallows, where the natural sunlight can reach them zooxanthella can metabolize. The green algae in the www.jongrossphotography.com and set off their bright colors. The green in their bodies foreground is Ulva fenestrata, or Sea Lettuce, a com- is from zooxanthella that live in the anemones tissue. mon mid-shallow water green algae. COMING IN JUNE Subscribe now FREE! www.xray-mag.com

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