INCORPORATING SPORTDIVING MAGAZINE Number 340 • November 2016 November • 340 Number FULL DETAILS ONPAGE 6 SMART Dive WIN A Computer 88 PAGES! GIANT ISSUE www.divelog.net.au $4.95 AUSTRALASIA ow . . . November already, just one more month till www.divelog.net.au Christmas and the New Year holidays. Have we got a treat for you this issue. Sticking with the new format of PUBLISHER AND EDITOR ~ Barry Andrewartha [email protected] Dive Log, this issue is an amazing 88 pages packed full of great readingW and sensational underwater images. There is something PRODUCTION/ART DIRECTOR ~ Helga Hawkes [email protected] for everyone in this issue. ADVERTISING COORDINATOR ~ Leanne Wylie [email protected] Regular columns now include Critter ID; Favourite Shots; SUBSCRIPTIONS/BOOKS ~ Joanne Wagstaff [email protected] Kevin Deacon’s Photo Hints; In Deep with Simon Pridmore; FINANCE MANAGER ~ Debbie Bednarek [email protected] Mike Ball, the Adventure Continues; DAN column; Ocean Futures Society News with Jean-Michel Cousteau; Species Dive Log is published by Mountain Ocean & Travel Publications Pty Ltd Report; Digital Photography; Diving Medicine; Pink Tank; In ABN 68 006 642 422 Over My Head and WOW - Women of Water; also HDS and PO Box 355, Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria, Australia 3808 SDFSA News. Tel: + 61 3 5944 3774 Fax: + 61 3 5944 4024 www.divelog.net.au Plus we cover wrecks, local diving and overseas dive trips, EDITORIAL AND PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTIONS Apnea freediving, marine biology, gear, instructor bodies, plus lots For editorial guidelines email [email protected] and lots more . . . we hope you enjoy November Dive Log. Text should be submitted on disk or emailed no later than the 1st of the month. Material submitted will not be returned unless it is accompanied by a stamped Best wishes self-addressed envelope. All photos should be a copy of the original. Dive Log Australasia and the publisher Mountain Ocean & Travel Publications assume no responsibility for loss or damage of material sent by contributors or advertisers. Barry Andrewartha The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Mountain Publisher and Editor Ocean & Travel Publications and its editors. REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS No part of the contents of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. Hi guys, Cheers for keeping the publication going and entering the digital age, certainly opens up our world to a much wider audience. I'm pleased that we still have the option to browse the pages of a tactile magazine COPY DEADLINES whilst chatting at our LDS or opt DECEMBER 2016, ISSUE #341 for the digital version when on the move, great articles & images NEWS/EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: 1ST OF THE MONTH PRIOR as always. DISTRIBUTION: 1ST DECEMBER 2016 Hello Barry, I hope you are well. Here's one I took of a Chinahat EMAIL CONTRIBUTIONS: [email protected] I enjoyed the new format of Dive Nudi at Cook Island on the NSW REACHING THE ASIA/PACIFIC’S BIGGEST Log. I have read them all for 22 far North coast during a local SINGLE DIVER READERSHIP! years now. It is an easy size to event (Gold Coast Seaslug read, and store, with the usual Census). good stories and the photos are Happy Days, Matt Squires OUR COVER PHOTO high quality as ever. Best wishes, Jan Brown, Sunshine Coast • Hi Matt, many thanks for your For this issue of Dive Log the cover photo was supplied by • Hi Jan, many thanks for your email and your nudi image which regular Dive Log contributor Mike Scotland from Sydney. The email and your kind words on we have used as our “Parting image shows FeBrina dive guide “Digger” (Andrew) with one of Dive Log’s new format. We are Shot” in this issue. Nothing his pet turtles on Fathers Reefs in Kimbe Bay on the island of happy with the new size, matches the iPad App for Dive New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Dive boat FeBrina has won hopefully it will give a higher Log - if you are into digital, the visibility on the news stand racks. Best Overseas liveaboard two years in a row! iPad App is perfect for you!
4 | DIVE LOG Australasia inc. Sportdiving Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 340 | www.divelog.net.au Puerto Galera and Verde Island: The Jewels of the Philippines
Michael Salvarezza times they appeared to blanket Christopher P. Weaver the bottom. Although they are usually found crawling on the bottom or along coral heads, he movement was barely divers will occasionally see them perceptible. Did we see it swimming in mid-water. Be or were we mistaken? careful as you swim near these One of the first indicators of critters…they love to hitchhike Tmiddle age is diminished on unsuspecting divers who eyesight but even with the best accidently brush against them! vision this was becoming a real Speaking of things to look out challenge! Sitting on a sandy for, we wondered if there were bottom in an increasing current any real marine dangers in the at about 90 feet (30 meters), we Philippines. Divers will were scouring a large pink undoubtedly spot the venomous colored sea fan. Carefully Reef life is very healthy in these waters Lionfish on any number of dives, examining every inch of the as well as the poisonous contorted branches, we looked Stonefish lying in wait on the for the slightest movement…and reefs. Occasionally, a Banded Sea there it was! After an Snake will slither its way excruciating search and with the between divers, a well-known help of our dive guide, Warren, marine predator that can kill a we now locked in on our quarry: man with its bite. None of these a pregnant Pygmy Sea Horse creatures has any interest in perfectly camouflaged to match harming human beings and if the host sea fan. The wait was they are given the right measure worth it as we composed several of respect, divers have nothing to images before leaving this fear. diminutive creature in peace to But the most fearsome continue our dive along the reefs creatures on the reefs are near Sabang in the Philippines. unlikely ones: Get too close to The Philippines, and its 7000 Author Michael Salvarezza exploring the reefs near Verde Island the lair of the resident islands, is the world’s second Damselfish or the Black Clark’s largest archipelago and is located Clownfish and divers risk an in the heart of the coral triangle, attack. These small reef dwellers, the epicenter of biodiversity in measuring no more than 3- the world’s oceans. We were here inches in length, back down for to explore the vibrant reefs of no one! You might think that a Puerto Galera in the Oriental six-foot diver blowing noisy Mindoro region, and to visit one bubbles and flashing a bright of the most spectacular dive strobe would intimidate these spots in the area, Verde Island. fish, but you would be mistaken. Our first dives were near the Indeed, linger too long and town of Sabang and we were these fish will actually rush you delighted to find healthy coral and if necessary, bite! In fact, outcroppings, and a dizzying that’s what happened to us. We array of dazzling reef fish. For unfortunately, overstayed our example, at a dive site known as It takes a sharp eye, or a good guide, to find the expertly camouflaged welcome and a Black Clark’s Pygmy Sea Horse (Hippocampus bargibanti) Monkey Beach we were instantly Clownfish charged us at light enraptured by the playful antics speed and bit one of our ears! of the numerous species of Trust us, getting bit on the tip of anemonefish we found there. A your bare ear hurts like hell…be little further to the east, respectful. Perhaps there is a Sinandigan Wall introduced us horror movie to be made about to a large Hawksbill Turtle and a giant mutant Damselfish in the robust Cuttlefish, as well as a future! plethora of vividly colored A night dive at a site known nudibranchs and other tiny as La Laguna Point brought an macro subjects. The reefs of this encounter with the flamboyantly area are also home to countless colored, but incredibly shy, numbers of Crinoids, which Mandarinfish. Descending to come in seemingly endless about 25 feet (8 meters), we varieties and color patterns. We settled on the bottom near a pile were surprised to see that at The Reef Lizardfish ( Synodus variegates) strikes an intimidating pose of coral rubble as the sun was
24 | DIVE LOG Australasia inc. Sportdiving Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 340 | www.divelog.net.au setting and began a long vigil, perfectly upright and is now surgeonfish fluttered in the known as Secret Bay. While waiting patiently for the resting quietly on a sandy current, while hawkfish, much of our diving in this region amorous Mandarinfish to begin bottom near La Laguna. Prior to cardinalfish, blennies and gobies found us exploring lush coral their mating ritual. It took a its sinking, the ship was cleaned peeked out from every nook and gardens, riotous reef walls and while, but after about 45 minutes of debris and dangerous objects, cranny of the reef. Butterflyfish shipwrecks, Secret Bay is a true of stoic observation, the urge to and is very safe to penetrate for flitted around the coral heads muck diving experience and one mate took precedence over the divers with the right experience. searching for food, but it takes a not to be missed. Swimming reticence of the fish and we were Here, divers will find resident sharp eye to find some of the along a nondescript sandy witness to the dénouement of sweetlips, as well as schools of tiny frogfish and expertly bottom, the treasures of the their proceedings. The trick, of batfish, snapper and jacks, all camouflaged reef critters that Philippines slowly reveal course, is to compose, focus and making the Almajane their make this area their home. themselves. Nudibranchs with properly expose an image in the home. Indeed, we were thrilled to ridiculous color schemes are the dark of night of an event About an hour’s boat ride photograph many species of first to appear. Next, we spot between two fish no longer than from Puerto Galera is Verde beguiling shrimp, crabs and upside down jellyfish pulsating an inch in length that lasts no Island. This is a special place and other invertebrate life. on the bottom. An Orangutan longer than 2 seconds! we knew it the moment we The Electric Fileclam is one Crab lies in wait in a small pile Note to underwater dipped our facemasks under the of the more unique denizens of of coral rubble. There, under a photographers…use a focus light water. At Verde Island Drop-off, these coral recesses. Tucked small pile of rubble is a Mantis with a red light or red filter. The one of the premier dive sites in underneath a ledge, we found Shrimp, ready to clobber its next red light adds stealth for observing the entire region, we were several of these mesmerizing prey. A tiny shrimp is perfectly and photographing shy critters and immediately transfixed by the bivalves. With blazing red hidden along a whip coral frond. fish. Bright white light usually clouds of brilliantly colored mantles and long flowing Other species of delicate shrimps frightens or disturbs marine life Basslets that swarm over the tendrils these clams are can be found on the undersides that venture out after dark. coral heads, and by numerous striking…but it is their flashing of tube-worms and small Besides reefs swirling with Red Anthias thrown in for good white pattern that draws our anemones. Starfish, sea urchins marine life, divers visiting this measure. Indeed, Verde island is attention. Research has shown and flatworms are the area can also explore several where the biodiversity of the that the clam uses a thin strip of welcoming committee to a interesting and photogenic coral triangle is on full display. highly reflective soft tissue along fascinating encounter with an shipwrecks. In March of 2003, a Everywhere we looked, we the outer edge of its mantle to Ornate Ghost Pipefish. Philippine cargo vessel named encountered different varieties of create the flashing pattern. By Sadly, our tanks eventually ran the Almajane was intentionally fish too numerous to list here. briefly exposing this strip the low on air and we had to leave sunk in about 90 feet (30 The sloping reefs were cloaked bivalve creates the appearance of this special spot. Our diving in meters) of water. This 90 foot with an unbelievable assortment a flashing light. the Philippines has only whetted (30 meter) steel hulled ship sits of corals, and squadrons of Our final dive was at a site our appetite for more. We are
www.divelog.net.au | ISSUE 340 | NOVEMBER 2016 | DIVE LOG Australasia inc. Sportdiving Magazine | 25 Dive Resort are taken care of the vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A, moment they arrive into the Hepatitis B, Malaria, Typhoid, or country. Representatives will Tetanus-diphtheria) and travel personally meet guests at the medicine are recommended. All airport, take them to the port at medicine should be packed in Batangas and arrange for ferry their original, clearly labeled transport to Puerto Galera, containers. Having a signed and which takes about 1-1/2 hours. dated letter from a physician Throughout their stay, a very describing your medical cheerful, capable and helpful conditions and medications is staff tends to the needs of resort suggested. guests. Marco Vincent Divers Note: Travel health clinics currently features two dive boats: usually provide more detailed Lady Merci is a 40-foot single health protection measures since hull dive boat fully equipped to they specialize in travel comfortably support the needs of medicine. Beware of travelers’ Look past the Anemonefish to find these Graceful Anemone Shrimp divers. Big Beth is an impressive diarrhea, which is the most (Ancylomenes venustus) sharing the protection of the host Anemones. 82-foot custom equipped dive common travel-related ailment. boat that can accommodate up Insect protection is a must and to 28 divers on dives to Verde essential! Island, Puerto Galera and remote locations such as Anilao. Baggage The dive center has a full Baggage allowances vary for complement of rental gear and each international carrier so offers a variety of PADI training check before you leave. options. It is complete with a swimming pool, classroom Weather facilities, gear washing area, The Philippines has a tropical lockers and Nitrox capabilities. climate. There are basically two Visitors to any area, including seasons: the wet season (May- Puerto Galera, should take some October) and the dry season time to experience more than (November-April). April and just the sites under the water. May are the two warmest The staff at Marco Vincent can months, marked by high arrange for zip line tours, treks temperatures and humidity. Framed by colorful Crinoids, this Broadclub Cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) to nearby volcanoes and During these months, tries to remain inconspicuous waterfalls, and visits to World temperatures can reach 90 War II sites, including degrees F or higher. In the Corrigedor Island, home to a cooler months of December and fascinating war memorial and January, temperatures moderate museum. with less humidity. The Philippines is in the Getting There tropical cyclone belt, and The gateway city into the typhoons threaten the region Philippines is Manila. Flights between July and October. arrive from numerous locations Typhoon Yolanda struck the around the world, with many southern regions on November convenient connections available 8, 2013, with devastating results. through Hong Kong. From The damage and affects were Manila, various travel options, limited to the south, however, including domestic flights and and Puerto Galera and Verde ferry services, are available to Island were not affected in any other provinces in the country. way. Shipwrecks transform into artifical reefs and support myriad marine life For US visitors, a VISA is not required. If you are a citizen of Currency another country, check the VISA The local currency is the certain that we have only Mediterranean inspired property requirements before planning Philipino Peso but US Dollars scratched the surface of what boasts 38 tastefully furnished your trip. are often accepted at all resorts. this special corner of the world rooms that are the most spacious A valid passport is required has to offer and we know that in the Puerto Galera Area. All for entry, and must be valid for 6 Electricity we will return, armed with a rooms are equipped with cable months after arrival. Power voltage used in the camera and an open mind. television, LED TV, refrigerator, Philippines is 220 Volts (50 Hz). Who knows what treasures we A/C system, hot/cold showers Immunizations and Medicine Be sure to double-check your will encounter next time? and WIFI Internet connection. As with any travel to tropical appliance’s compatibility before The resort features 3 restaurants regions, make sure all your plugging them in. Converters / Spotlight on Marco Vincent (2 on-site and 1 beach front), an Dive Resort vaccinations are up to date! All adaptors are usually available indoor pool and Jacuzzi as well travelers should visit their upon request at your hotel front Located on White Beach in as a full service dive shop located personal physician or a travel desk. Travel Adapter: Round Pin Puerto Galera is the Marco adjacent to the property. health clinic to discuss what Universal Plug Vincent Dive Resort. This Guests of Macro Vincent
26 | DIVE LOG Australasia inc. Sportdiving Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 340 | www.divelog.net.au