Inseratserie 430 X

Scuba & Spa on Tioman Ocean Arts: Inspired by the Sea Science of Sound Underwater Freediving with

Tiger COVERSharks PHOTO BY ROGER HORROCKS Fontaine-de-Vaucluse GLOBAL EDITION Aug :: Sept 2007 Treasure Cave Number 18 Ecology Manta Rays USCG Diver The Right Stuff Tony White’s Great White Shark Adventure Underwater Sculpture SocorroMexico’s Islas Revillagigedo Jason Taylor 1 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 silver

www. seacam.com DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by AquaScope Underwater Photography Ocean Arts: Copenhagen, Denmark - www.aquascope.biz www.xray-mag.com Inspired by the Sea... page 54 SEASILKS BY HELLEN GOLDBERG AVAILABLE AT WWW.SEASILKS.COM PUBLISHER CO- EDITORS (continued) & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Arnold Weisz - News, Features Peter Symes Underwater sculpture by Jason Taylor. Photo by Jason Taylor. See his portfolio on page 89 Willy Volk - News, Interviews [email protected] Millis Keegan - Opinions, MANAGING EDITOR Brian Keegan - Equipment contents & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Arvedlund - Ecology Gunild Pak Symes Jason Heller - Photography [email protected] Dan Beecham - Videography ASSOCIATE EDITORS Michel Tagliati - Medicine & REPRESENTATIVES: Leigh Cunningham - Tech USA: Millis Keegan Edwin Marcow - Sharks [email protected] Russia: Andrey Bizyukin CORRESPONDENTS [email protected] John Collins - Ireland Jordi Chias - Spain South East Asia Rep & editor: Enrico Cappeletti - Italy Catherine GS Lim, Singapore Tomas Knutsson - Iceland [email protected] Marcelo Mammana - Argentina Svetlana Murashkina - Russia ADVERTISING Amos Nachoum - USA International sales rep: Barb Roy - WA, USA Kevin Brennan (US/Can & UK) Robert Aston - CA, USA [email protected] Nonoy Tan - The Philippines International sales rep: Geoff Mellard (Europe) CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE [email protected] Anna Grethe Aaen Kurt Amsler International sales rep: Robert Aston Harvey Page (Red Sea & Africa) [email protected] Scott Bennett Andrey Bizyukin, PhD International sales rep: Linda Bolhuis Arnold Weisz (Business Directory) Nyxolyno Cangemi [email protected] David F. Colvard, MD Helen Goldberg Anita Hochman SENIOR EDITOR Millis Keegan Michael Symes Wolfgang Leander [email protected] Catherine GS Lim 28 40 44 55 60 plus... HE OCORRO SLANDS REAT HITE HARK COLOGY HE IGHT TUFF CIENCE Edwin Marcow “T S I ” G W S E : T R S S : EDITORIAL 3 ONLINE EDITOR Barb Roy REVILLAGEGIDOS ARCA. ADVENTURE MANTA RAYS US COAST GUARD DIVER SOUND UNDERWATER NEWS 6 Willy Volk Gunild Symes BY BARB ROY BY TONY WHITE BY ROBERT ASTON BY NYXOLYNO CANGEMI BY MICHAEL SYMES [email protected] M.I.D.E. 12 Michael Symes Peter Symes TIOMAN MEGADIVE 13 TECHNICAL MANAGER Jason Taylor EQUIPMENT 51 Søren Reinke Donald Tipton [email protected] 64 67 71 88 WHALES&DOLPHINS 53 Cedric Verdier FREEDIVING OCEAN ARTS: FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUS UNDERWATER SCULPTURE Tony White BUSINESS DIRECTORY 86 MARKETING MANAGER: WITH TIGER SHARKS INSPIRED BY THE SEA TREASURE CAVE OF JASON TAYLOR BY OLFGANG EANDER BY UNILD YMES BY NDREY IZYUKIN H BY UNILD YMES Yann Saint-Yves Further info see contacts page: W L G S A B , P D G S [email protected] www.xray-mag.com Not yet subscribed to SUBSCRIPTION columns... X-RAY MAG? Sign up now! X-RAY MAG International Edition in English is FREE It’s FREE! QUICK! EASY! To subscribe, go to: www.xray-mag.com 16 63 69 76 80 SCUBA & SPA: DIVE PSYCH SHARK TALES: TECH TALK: SOLO UNDERWATER click here... COVER PHOTO Tiger Sharks and Diver, by Wolfgang Leander AYURA SPA ON TIOMAN NITROGEN NARCOSIS BITS & BITES REBREATHER DIVER PHOTO & VIDEO: (CONTINUED ON PAGE 4) BY GUNILD SYMES BY DAVID COLVARD, MD EDITTED BY EDWIN MARCOW BY CEDRIC VERDIER BY KURT AMSLER

3 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 Amsterdam Barcelona Cape Town Chicago Copenhagen London Moscow Okinawa Oslo Paris Ravenna Reykjavik San Francisco Sharm El Shiekh Warsaw Id’n it Cute? The elusive Giant Panda Driving the Shark message home will- Because you can’t stay underwater forever... ingly In this issue, we have a lot of stories about sharks and knowingly Join the World’s largest Online Diving Community and rays—magnificient creatures that we are only facilitating the eradi- gradually getting to know and be somewhat comfort- cation of sharks. and you will never be without a buddy again. able with in the waters. Who would have thought—only a But Westerners, like ourselves, however few years back—that you could dive in the open with big much we like to claim the higher moral Imagine a resource that will answer are looking for. It’s free, it’s huge, it’s sharks like the tiger and the great white and not immedi- ground and point our fingers at what almost every question you ever had ultra friendly and we are waiting for ately become lunch. I can’t help feeling awed, intrigued we consider a barbaric and totally unnecessary about diving: photography, gear, you to show up! ScubaBoard.com and yet wary. Mind you, these are huge apex predators—it culinary custom amongst the Asians, should climb down physics, flora, fauna, destinations, is the ultimate place to begin your takes only one grumpy or psychotic specimen to bite you off the high horse and take a good long look at ourselves, wrecks, technical diving, and then research and to find a host of dive in half on a bad Tuesday morning. Some dogs we keep as too. How are we indirectly contributing to the problem and imagine this resource is but a click buddies all around the world with a pets bite, too, y’know, and sharks, well, these are wild ani- what can we do about it? away. What would you call it? Well, common goal: to share our under mals. So, my thoughts on the subject are: Don’t try this at Yahoo.com owns a substantial stake—40 percent we call it www.ScubaBoard.com water heaven in a safe and friendly home, kids. according to some sources—of Alibaba.com. While that atmosphere! See you on the ‘Board With the growing awareness and close encounters with is not a controlling share, it is still influential. Yahoo.com Join over 75,000 users, including 1200 tonight! the big sharks and rays, we also have to face the uncom- has not returned calls from our fellow campaigners either. Scuba Instructors, hundreds of manu- fortable truth that these animals are being slaughtered to Then, there is Discovery Channel, which just ran another facturers and so many dive experts extinction as we, who love marine wildlife, can only watch round of its Shark Week series. Here, at X-RAY MAG, we in the World’s largest Online Scuba somewhat helplessly while it unfolds before us. The opera- have been told that the contributed documentaries in Community and find the answers you tive word here is watch... and helplessly, at that—or are this series have been edited—some would say sanitised— we? removing any references to the shark finning issue and The main culprit for the sharks’ plight and the core issue the peril the species are now placed due to it. So much is, of course, the seemingly insatiable appetite among for “documentaries”! Why go the extra lengths to hide the X-RAY MAG is distributed six Views and information X-RAY MAG accepts no responsi- some Asian nations, predominantly China, for shark fin facts, I would like to know. Why don’t the corporations times per year on the Internet. expressed in articles are those bility for unsolicited materials sent products. Our fellow shark fin campaigners have constantly seem to care? What if there was the panda who had its © 2004-2006 X-RAY MAG. All of the individual author and to its office, nor is it liable for loss or implored the management behind trading paws cut off, dried and sold by thousands on their portals? rights reserved. are not necessarily repre- damage to such materials. companies like Alibaba.com to stop the Talk about bad press! Material in this publication sentative of views held by shark fin trade On the following page, you will find an example of what may not be reproduced or X-RAY MAG or its affiliates. X-RAY MAG observes a strict taking you can do to help. It is an open letter written to the presi- transferred electronically in Unsolicited manuscripts, privacy policy. No personal or place dent of Equador by a fellow concerned diver and dive any form without written per- photographs and illustrations private information will be shared on their professional, Dominick Macan of Dive Advice. In it, is an mission from the copyright should be emailed to: with a third party without the writ- portal appeal to the government of Equador to renew a ban owner. [email protected] ten permission of the owner. since they have recently lifted on shark fishing in Galapagos they in order to halt the new boom in shark finning that has Editorial state- are found new grounds in this region due to the rich resource ment regarding of sharks in this once protected area. (See X-RAY MAG News from Galapagos / Equador issue no. 13). NAUI in X-RAY Add your voice to the plea and let government lead- MAG: ers around the world know where you stand on the issue. This issue of X-RAY MAG and others includes news Sheer numbers of voices joined on an issue puts pressure and press releases from NAUI in sections designated on politicians to change policy and renew protec- by the NAUI logo. While the page design is done by tions. No one wants a bad rap... let’s not let it be X-Ray Magazine is a member of X-RAY MAG as an integrated part of the magazine, the sharks who lose. Diving Equipment & Marketing these news stories are brought to you by NAUI at —Peter Symes Association: www.dema.org NAUI’s discretion.

4 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Open Letter

Sir Rafael Correa Delgado, PhD President of the Republic of Ecuador Quito.

Your Excellency,

In recent weeks, I have become increasingly aware of media reports in the world press regarding OCT 31 – NOV 3, 2007 the Ecuadorian Government’s lifting of a ban on the commercial fishing and exportation of shark fins in Galapagos.

My understanding is that there has been a regulation in place since October 2004 (decree 2130) which prohibited the fishing, commercialization and exportation of sharks and any of its parts in Galapagos and mainland Ecuador. E PLORE Despite that regulation, a small black market trade in “Shark Finning” continued, but it was illegal WWW.DEMASHOW.COM and punishable when caught.

The new government regulation, (introduced by the Government of July 30, 2007), totally lifts that ban and allows fishermen free reign to catch as many sharks as they wish, remove their fins and DEMA Show 2007 is the ONLY international trade event for diving, adventure throwing the dying carcasses back into the ocean, without fear of punishment or retribution. In fact, it becomes their most profitable income source as they are allowed to keep the fins and travel and action water sports professionals — creating an exclusive environment focused export them, as long as they claim they caught the sharks by “accident”. on addressing every possible need you have as a dive retailer or instructor.

It seems that in a week, over two tons of shark fins have been seized and then released back to Business: Connect with more than 700 companies the fishermen. The foreign traffickers of the fins have then exported the fins at immense profits – most of the monies going overseas and not benefiting the fishermen at all. gathered in one global marketplace — see, demo and buy virtually every product, service and technology your business We understand the Government of Ecuador must play a decisive role in assisting its citizens to needs to stay competitive. make a living and provide them with the means and the tools to do so, but does it not also have a more important obligation to lead them in their everyday struggle by providing them with the infrastructure and laws to make that living sustainable in the long term? Pleasure: Have fun while networking with more than 11,500 total attendees during the show and at the industry’s The removal of this ban on “Shark Finning” will possibly do more damage to the future of the fishermen, and the sustainability of Galapagos as a “Golden Egg”, for the people of Ecuador than any biggest social event, the DEMA Awards Party. other single act. Education: Participate in on-target, practical training Sharks play a major role in nature’s natural balance, and the Galapagos has been renowned for designed to help you stay abreast of changing technology and its shark population for many years, which is precisely why the traffickers have identified it as a major resource for fins. ﬁnd new ways to boost your bottom line. Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida Sharks are REALLY threatened and “Finning” promotes the wild and inhuman hunting of sharks, Diving: Discover programs that support the growth of forcing the fishermen towards an unsustainable future, with short term gains leading to long term [email protected] the dive industry and your business, including Ships to Reefs and poverty. A living shark represents more value than the cost of the fins from a dead one. +1.703.683.8500 DEMA’s Diver Acquisition Project. You, Mr President, are better equipped than anyone to understand how immensely important this issue is, and with your help, to implement a development plan which gives the fishermen a new economy by profiting from a living ocean in a sustainable manner. Take advantage of this golden opportunity, make plans to attend or exhibit at DEMA Show 2007. The international community is ready to lend a hand to your actions. Visit www.demashow.com for more information. Mr. President… the future survival of sharks in Galapagos is in your hands.

— Dominick Macan / DIVE ADVICE

5 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Electric Fish Conduct Electric Duets Exploited reef ﬁsh recover in Aquatic Courtship ...slowly Cornell researchers have discovered that in the In the longest running study focusing on how battle of the sexes, African electric fish couples reef fish populations recover from heavy not only use specific electrical signals to court but exploitation, researchers from the Wildlife also engage in a sort of dueling “electric duet.” Conservation Society found fish can recover, The study is the first to compare electrical and but sometimes need decades to do so. News edited behavioral displays in breeding and nonbreeding The study involved nearly 37 years of con- by Peter Symes & Brienomyrus brachyistius, a type of mormyrid electric tinuous data from four marine parks off the Catherine GS LIm fish, which emit weak electric fields from a battery- coast of Kenya that were closed to fishing at like organ in their tails to sense their surroundings and different times. Researchers found commer- NEWS communicate their species, sex and social status cially important species, such as surgeonfish, with other fish. It is also the first study to successfully can take a quarter of a century to recover. sort signals in electric fish based on sex. ■ More importantly, researchers said the SOURCE: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY ecological equilibrium needed for a healthy reef system, which relies on the interplay of many fish, invertebrate and plant species, takes even longer to achieve. ■ “Especially for animals that SOURCE: ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS have to cope with many predators, it is an advantage if

PETER SYMES they can use one hemisphere to keep an eye on predators Endangered ﬁsh stocks spur while they use the other hem- Canadian chefs to change menus

isphere to do other things.” The depletion of fish stocks around the world —Culum Brown has Canadian top chefs arming themselves with the tools needed to make informed deci- Fish get emotional too sions to assure a future with abundant ocean Have you ever heard of a feel at least fear and anxiety. rier through which they could see that they have emotional mind wildlife, writes the Canadian Press. fish being undecided? Or Now, additional findings lends either a novel object (a yellow sets, since different sides of the “I have long been aware of the further credence to the notion cross), nothing or another bishop brain may correspond to a curi- depleting choice of wild fish from the thought of them as hav- that fish do indeed possess emo- fish. They could then swim past ous or suspicious attitude. oceans,” says Keith Froggett, co-owner ing emotions? Perhaps not. tions and harbour thought proc- the barrier either to the left or to Brain lateralisation has and executive chef at Toronto’s Well, now it turns out that esses. It turns out that fish growing the right. Exiting to the left meant been found in Scaramouche Restaurant, fish, like humans, process up in the wild among predators the fish had kept its right eye on an increas- where he says it’s a regular use their left eye to look at novel the barrier, and vice versa. ing number topic of conver- information—and perhaps objects, while their offspring raised Neither fish from areas of low of other sation. ► emotions—on different in captivity use the right eye. predation nor their young showed species sides of the brain. Culum Brown, now at much of a preference for a left in recent Macquarie University in Sydney, or right exit, suggesting their years. It has long been established Australia and his team caught brains were not very lateralised. Humans use that fish exhibit similar reactions bishop fish (Brachyraphis episcopi) However, fish that had to deal their left and to stress as humans do, such as from areas with high and low pre- with a lot of predators in the wild right brain lobes releasing adrenaline into the dation rates in Panama. The team favoured one eye, as did their differently, the most bloodstream and other physiolog- bred the fish in the lab and then lab-born offspring. well-known consequence ical reactions, when under duress. tested the behaviour of both the This clearly suggests that life being handedness. ■ This has been taken as circum- wild parents and their offspring. experiences can affect which SOURCE: NEW SCIENTIST stantial evidence that they also Fish swam towards a slatted bar- side of the brain fish use and even

6 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Plan to cull cownose rays could backfire

As reported in the In and many oyster growers previous issue of X- Virginia, worry their investment will be RAY MAG, the deple- where the wiped out by rays. But tion of sharks as controlling rays are most plen- Dean Grubbs, program man- predators along the US east tiful in the Bay, some con- ager of the Shark Ecology coast have led to a surge of sider them to be a more for- Program at the Virginia cownose rays that feed on midable obstacle to oyster Institute of Marine Science, the commercially important restoration than the diseases called efforts to create a oyster. that plague the shellfish. fishery “a really bad idea.” Tales of cownose rays rav- Last year, when scientists If humans develop a taste aging oyster restoration sites, planted 750,000 oysters on a for cownose rays, they say, as well as some underwater large reef in the Piankatank it could result in taking too grass revegetation projects, River, they thought it might big of a bite out of the ray have become so common prove to be a model for populations. that plans are in the works to future large-scale restoration Rays are slow-maturing turn the tables on them—by efforts. Cownose rays, on the fish: Females don’t repro- putting them on the table. other hand, thought of the duce until they are seven or By creating a food market oysters lying exposed on top eight years old, and males for rays—and therefore a of the reef as lunch. A school are typically six or seven. fishery—some fishery manag- of rays descended on the Furthermore, females pro- ers hope to cull the ray pop- reef and in a matter of days, duce just one live pup per ulation. However, it is con- virtually no oysters were left. year. That, combined with troversial, as the rays’ slow The rays are not only an the late maturity rate, is a reproduction makes them impediment to restoration, recipe for overfishing, says particularly vulnerable. but also to aquaculture Grubbs. ■

► But as Froggett expe- the impact that these farms The chef immediately dis- rienced, even when you were having on the environ- continued using that prod- think you’re doing the right ment,” he explains. uct, turning instead to a sea thing, you may still be hurting The aquarium, based in cod farm in the Shetland the environment. Last year, Monterey, California aims Islands. ■ for example, he was using to inspire conserva- organically raised farmed tion of the oceans salmon from the West Coast through education on his menus. and its Seafood Read more “We got a call from the Watch guides, which about Monterey Bay Aquarium pinpoint fish to avoid Seafood pointing out that they were or that are a better Watch guides having some difficulties with choice. here (link)

7 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Coral Reefs Decline New Report Finds 80 Faster Than Anticipated Percent Loss of Coastal news Marine Habitats in Coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Europe oceans are disappearing faster than Edited by had previously been thought, a sci- A new study published in the Peter Symes entific study has shown. Annual Review of Oceanography and Marine Biology examines the Nearly 1,554 sq km (600 sq miles) of drastic decline of coastal marine reef have disappeared each year habitats across Europe and calls since the 1960s—twice the speed at for regulatory changes to improve which rainforest is being lost. their protection. “The magnitude of The corals are vanishing at a rate habitat loss is alarming and today, of 1 percent per year, a decline that less than 15 percent of coastal has begun decades earlier than European habitats are considered expected. to be in good condition,” said lead Details of the survey appear in the author Mike Beck and marine sci- journal Plos One. ■ entist at The Nature Conservancy. ■

“Over the past Scientists, con- twenty years, over- Tunisia and seconded by Precious coral or red coral is the com- servationists and fishing of red coral Algeria and Morocco, all coral mon name given to Corallium rubrum many government exporting countries. A secret and several related species of marine officials expressed has put these ani- ballot was requested and coral. The distinguishing characteristic outrage when a mals at great risk. despite the proposal receiv- of precious corals is their durable and proposal to protect ing support from the majority intensely colored red skeleton, which precious red corals A CITES listing of delegates present, it fell is used for making jewelry. from international would have helped short of the required two-thirds Red corals grow on rocky seabot- trade was reversed majority needed for a CITES tom with low sedimentation, typically on June 15. safeguard the species listing. in dark environments—either in the Delegates voted as well as the coral Dr. Andy Bruckner, a NOAA depths or in dark caverns or crev- by secret ballot to industry. scientist and the author of the ices. The original species, C. rubrum, overturn their ini- U.S. proposal to list Corallium, is found mainly in the Mediterranean tial decision to list said the outcome was shock- Sea. It grows at depths from ten to these overfished species ing: “Over the past twenty 300m, although the shallower of these Countries under the Convention on International years, overfishing of red coral has put habitats have been largely depleted Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), fol- these animals at great risk. A CITES by harvesting. ■ lowing a massive lobbying effort by the listing would have helped safe- Reverse coral industry and some exporting coun- guard the species as well as tries. The proposal initially passed, with 62 the coral industry. Effective countries voting in support of the listing. conservation for red coral Red Coral Necklace Decision Scientists have long called for trade now requires cooperation as displayed on www. protection for red corals. Red corals are by range states to imple- germes-online.com among the world’s most valuable wildlife ment appropriate domes- to Protect commodities, with a finished necklace tic measures, to ensure the retailing for up to US$20,000. But destruc- survival of these species.” ■ tive fishing methods and over-harvesting SOURCE: SCIENCENOW DAILY NEWS Precious Red means global red coral catches have plummeted by 90 percent in the past two decades. Corals The move to reopen the red coral debate on Friday was instigated by

8 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED China Criticizes Japan for Planting Coral Around 300 year old coral found oﬀ news Tiny Paciﬁc Reef in Spat Over Territory Japanese coast China has criticized the A huge coral mound thought to be about 300 years Japanese government for old has been found off the coast of Azuchi-Oshima Edited by planting coral around the Island near Hirado at a depth of about ten meters. Peter Symes uninhabited Pacific atoll of The Stylocoeniella guentheri coral mound is 3.8 meters Okinotori—an uninhabited long, 3 meters wide and 1.3 meters tall. reef some 1,740 km south Satoshi Nojima, an associate professor in Kyushu of Tokyo. University’s Amakusa Marine Biological Laboratory “This action does not who is familiar with corals, said the mound was prob- Oil clean-up chemicals accord with recognized international conventions and affects the ably one of the largest in Japan. The coral grows only harmful to corals interests of other countries,” said spokesman for the Chinese Foreign about five millimeters per year. The biggest previously Ministry, Qin Gang. According to the United Nations Convention on known specimen found off the coast of Amakusa, the Law of the Sea, Okinotori does not have an exclusive economic Kumamoto Prefecture, measured about 50 centim- The chemicals used to clean zone or continental shelf, said Qin. “Okinotori is not an island but a reef eters. Stylocoeniella guentheri coral is found around up marine oil spills may be which is submerged at high tides,” Japan and places such as the Philippines and Taiwan. much more harmful to the coral Japanese officials said they had begun planting coral on Okinotori It grows into a round shape with parts of the coral than the oil itself, researchers in a four-million-dollar project to defend its territory. ■ SOURCE: XINHUA forming branches or rods. ■ at Israel’s National Institute of Oceanography in Haifa have uncovered. The findings suggest that spill-recovery crews should Coral ‘shuffle’ helps reefs physically try to contain spills that occur near coral reefs, or allow the oil to degrade naturally, rather survive global warming than dumping cleanup chemicals in their vicinity. Corals on Australia’s Great The Australian scientists said Bug is killing Britain’s rare coral Oil cleanup chemicals known Barrier Reef might be able to their study had found that coral The cause of a mystery disease that is kill- as dispersants work by breaking survive warming sea tempera- has the ability to “shuffle” the ing off rare pink sea fans on the south- up oil slicks into tiny droplets. They tures, geneticists the Australian algae, maximising nutrients west coast of Britain has been identified are sometimes dumped near Institute of Marine Science have depending on water tempera- by marine biologists from the University of coral colonies, many of which are found. The scientists have found ture. This ability may also explain Plymouth. A species of bacteria known as located along the world’s coastal that many corals store sev- why coral reefs have been able Vibrio splendidus is killing the cold-water cor- areas where oil production and eral types of algae, which can to survive for thousands of years als by producing enzymes that attack their transportation activities are con- improve their capacity to cope during various climate changes. tissue. Some scientists suspect that the dis- ducted. To test the effect of the with warmer water as some The Australian scientists disease may be linked to higher water temper- dispersants on coral, the team coral algae are more heat tol- covered heat-resistant algae by atures which stress the corals and reduce exposed nubbins, or small branch erant. examining the DNA of different their natural resistance, or help harmful bac- clippings to solutions of six com- “This work shatters the popular types of coral. teria to thrive. ■ monly used chemical dispersants view that only a small percent- They said their study had for 24 hours, and then monitored age of corals have the poten- found that coral has the ability the nubbins’ health for seven tial to respond to warmer con- to “shuffle” the algae, maxim- days. ditions by shuffling live-in algal ising nutrients depending on The experiments produced partners,” said institute marine water temperature. dramatic results: Nearly all of the scientist Madeleine van Oppen. But many marine scientists coral nubbins died after exposure “Simply, when conditions warm have argued that “back-up” to mixtures of dispersants and the more heat-tolerant algae algae were infrequent because oil. Dispersants alone killed up to provide back-up, become of the small number of corals two-thirds of the coral clippings, more abundant. Some algal that were shown to host several whereas oil alone produced no types impart greater resistance types of algae. ■ abnormal mortality. ■ to environmental extremes”. SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Pink sea fan. This specimen was photographed in the Gulf of Alaska by NOAA 9 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Firm Wants to Fertilise Ocean with & Press Releases Iron to Counter Global Warming News from NAUI The US based company Planktos believes “ocean fertilisation” may be a way to mitigate the climate chang- Are you living the “JUST DIVE®” lifestyle… es driven by human-produced greenhouse gases. It plans to deposit iron particles in the sea in the hope full of diving adventure and exploration? CO2-absorbing plankton blooms will form.

Research shows that seeding induced climate change, says it Photo Competition—last call for entries the oceans with iron can create regards the process as “unprov- As part of our “JUST DIVE® 2007” promotion, NAUI is still accepting favourable nutrient conditions for en”. photo entries from photographers of all ages, skill levels and back- plankton. In its Working Group Three grounds for its “JUST DIVE®” photo contest. But the proposal by California- report, released this year, it said: based Planktos to deposit 100 “Geo-engineering options, such NAUI wants to see you in action. Show us your favorite div- tonnes of iron ore powder in a as ocean fertilisation to remove ing spot, underwater moment or diving adventure and

100 square kilometer area of CO2 directly from the atmos- you could win. If your photo wins, it will be featured on ocean hundreds of kilometres phere, or blocking sunlight by the cover of NAUI’s Sources Magazine! You can also win west of the Galapagos Islands bringing material into the upper other great prizes such as: has drawn concern from the US atmosphere, remain largely spec- NOAA government and some ulative and unproven, and with • Four tickets to dive in Walt Disney World ® Resorts “The environmentalists. The the risk of unknown side-effects.” Seas” attraction at EPCOT® during the 2007 industry Algae blooms as Intergovernmental Russ George, president and trade show in Orlando seen from a Panel on Climate chief executive of Planktos • Free stay at a tropical destination and diving satellite Change (IPCC), counters: “This is work that must • Free scuba course the scientific body be done if we are to reverse • Free scuba equipment set up by the the apocalyptic collapse of the United Nations to ocean ecosystem as well as the Deadline assess the risk climate crisis it is helping to accel- Photo contest submission deadline is September 10, 2007—you still have FILE PHOTO: NIKON Ceratocorys horrida lives of human- erate. We are the first responders time to start diving and show us your “JUST DIVE® “moments to win! in warm temperate to to a planetary medical emergen- tropical waters and has cy.” ■ Click here for contest guidelines www.naui.org/justdive.php. worldwide distribution NOAA For questions please email [email protected].

The Clearest Ocean Waters on Earth is Found in the Paciﬁc NAUI Europe becomes CE As clear as the clearest lakes “Satellite images that track the BIOSOPE—that left from Tahiti and ISO certiﬁed on the planet, salty as ocean amount of chlorophyll in ocean in French Polynesia, passed by waters, and roughly the size of waters suggested that this was Easter Island and ended on the During the recent meetings at the the Mediterranean—this, say one of the most life-poor sys- Chilean coast. Along the way, Europeans Underwater Federation’s researchers, is the clearest and tems on Earth,” explains Patrick they sampled the water’s chemis- (E.U.F.) meeting at PADI Internationals HQ most lifeless patch of ocean in Raimbault of the University of try, physics and biology. in Bristol, UK, NAUI received the ISO and the world. And it is in the middle the Mediterranean, in Marseille, Marc Tedetti, also from the CE certifications on all levels. of the Pacific. France. University of the Mediterranean, Mark Caney, president of the EUF and In October 2004, was on the expedition to investi- president of PADI International proudly Raimbault and col- gate the water’s clarity. He was presented the official certificate to Dick leagues set out to struck by the colour of the water, Lucas, CEO of NAUI Europe. This step for- study the remark- which he describes as closer to ward will help the dive industry in profes- able patch of ocean violet than to blue. ■ sionalizing and serve the dive industry on Peter Jonas Dick Lucas Peter Caney water on a three SOURCE: NEW SCIENTIST a higher level. ■ Ö.N. CEO, NAUI Europe PADI month cruise—called

10 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Michael Portelly will be remembered mostly for The Ocean’s Daughter, his 1980 elegy to the beauty of the sea news eau fame—an idea that could really make a difference. It was called the Blu Revolution and is designed Edited by to breath life back into the oceans, Peter Symes create new habitats and revital- ize fishing communities around the globe in an attempt to preserve our ocean heritage and restore it as a source of food to feed the hungry. He envisaged persuading the United Nations—guided by a scientific council—to initiate a global program to restore life to the oceans, to construct artificial reefs in suitable materials that could provide work for idle fishing fleets and create a new global industry designed to reverse the destruction as well as provide a haven for wildlife to flourish. Being diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2001, he relentlessly fought for the idea and outlived his progno- sis by years. At the time of his death, he was also planning another film tilted strongly toward conservation issues, while serving as an editor on several dive publications including this one, Ocean Realm and Diver in UK. He is survived by two sisters and two brothers. Michael Portelly will be Michael Portelly has died missed by many. ■ We have lost a great friend of the Michael Portelly was a visionary ocean and very good colleague. in more than one sense. About When the news arrived that the movie, he said that he tried to Michael Portelly passed away on add a voice to the growing calls July 5, it was as if the sky clouded to protect our planetary future. “It over and birds stopped singing. was a film that tried to express the He was only 55. sacredness of life and the magi- Michael Portelly was a true gen- cal beauty of nature and the tleman and a pioneer underwater fact that we, as humans, were in filmmaker. Almost three decades danger of destroying ourselves, It would be tragic indeed, if future gen- ago, he produced the ground- before we had the chance to braking Ocean’s Daughter, which evolve into mature adulthood as erations were forced to live under inhospita- even in this digital day and age is a species.“ ble planetary conditions and never witness astounding to watch. In my hum- This was three decades before ble opinion, it was for underwater global warming and coral bleach- the wonders of nature we have experienced, cinematography what Kubrick’s ing became household words. At except by watching the films from our era. 2001: A Space Oddyssey was the underwater festival in Anti- for science fiction. It was a mas- bes ﬁve years ago, he voiced an They would be like the visual fossil record of terpiece that has held its own idea to marine architect Jacques what once was but is forever gone. against time and led the way for Rougerie and Andre Laban, the — Michael Portelly following generations. famous diving legend of Coust-

11 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 2nd Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) Pretty good, actually

tired European shows. The local audi- weren’t many equipment manufacturers or dis- ence is also clearly younger than its tributors there, but lots of resorts. So, if you are western counterparts while seemingly coming from overseas, it would be a bit much to not lagging behind when it comes to go to KL for the show’s sake. But, if you are in the disposable income. Also, the audience city anyway—on a layover or passing through—it seems a lot more polite and genuinely is definitely worthwhile to visit, especially next interested in what’s on offer than the year when they say that there will be more grumpy-sceptic Europeans. The show entertainment. venue was okay, too. Not great, but For manufacturers of dive equipment, I suspect Text and photos by Peter Symes fine for the job, and located conven- it would definitely be worthwhile a go, iently in downtown KL with easy access since MIDE clearly has a substantial Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – MIDE both by public transportation and by audience to offer. As for our- was a pleasant surprise. To be car (are you listening ADEX organis- selves, would we return next honest, at first I didn’t feel like ers?). Also, the adjacent hotels were just year? Definitely! ■ going at all. Perhaps I was suf- a great value for the money—five star fering a bit from dive expo-itis, quality for around €60/$80 a night is not an occupational hazard being a bad and the food was splendid. MIDE dive mag editor after attending seemed to be well marketed, too. I saw several posters hanging around in the cityscape and along the freeways lead- a long series of dive shows recently, and they ing into town, and the fact that it had were not always that exciting. There, now I said free admission surely didn’t hurt either. Where it. So, my expectations were quite modest when the expo was somewhat lacking, was in the I arrived in Kuala Lumpur. But my mood was soon department of seminars, presentations, mov- to change. I’ve got to hand it to the organisers ies and the like. It was virtually non-existent this for putting on a surprisingly good show. Granted, year. but the organisers informed me there were still a few teething problems, but that they will include such activities to be fair—as the show is only in its second next year. So. whom is this show good year—it was very well organised and surpris- for? Definitely local divers keen on ingly well visited. In fact, the aisles were assimilat- ing some soon packed with an inquisitive audi- info. There ence eager to suck up information about diving, which made it so much more energetic and vibrant than many of the often quite

12 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED MATHIEU MEUR

Tioman Megadive Too much Disco Too little Diving Text by Peter Symes Photos by Gunilld and Peter Symes

There is something dreamy about plenty of market- Tioman. It’s lush appearance ing as such. and slopes of dense jungle strut- It was a four ting right out of the South China day diving festival sea encircled by bounty land for divers from all beaches is easy to associate with over the world Hollywood, perhaps not a coin- and was packed cidence since the movie classic with events and Bali Hai was shot here. When I activities. One of think back it is with mixed emo- the main highlights tions and hazy memories too. was the treasure The underwater wedding ceremony was held in traditional Malay style I am tempted to say, the best hunt where par- moments were all the great mas- ticipating divers were dared to Obviously, a lot of admirable to attend the opening of the sages to which I treated myself locate ten treasure chests hid- good intentions and lots of plan- Crown-of-Thorns campaign both- while at the resort. den somewhere among the dive ning had gone into staging an ered me, too. We had to sit on I am afraid that I picked up an spots of Tioman. The lucky finders event of this size. But that only plastic chairs on a lawn under the expensive habit there but getting would then win prizes—various makes it all the more painful to scorching sun to listen to a series all those hard marbles kneaded diving equipment—dictated by report that the implementation of long-winded speeches by out of my aching back and shoul- numbers hidden in the chests. The was, in large parts, woefully inad- some officials who were, inciden- ders was priceless. More on that event also hosted an underwater equate. Too many things didn’t tially, comfortably seated in sofas later... photography contest and under- work as planned or didn’t hap- in the shadow. That they also kept Tioman was the final leg on our water wedding held in “traditional pen at all. For example, the one- us waiting for half an hour frying mini-trip to Malaysia that also took Malay” style at the marine park. couple wedding arrangement in the sun first did little to ease the us to Kuala Lumpur and the suc- There was a Crown-of-Thorns was almost cancelled, and when sense of aggravation. I wanted to cessful MIDE expo there. We have eradication program in which it did happen, it was confusing go check out the diving, and my arrived to look over the Tioman visiting divers could partake. and marred by terrible visibility, time was both limited and pre- Megadive event. It was set to A photo-workshop with author which clouded the ceremonial cious. be the biggest annual gathering Mathieu Meur was also on the scene for most of the attending As to the diving, I came with of diving enthusiasts in the Asia agenda, which was rounded off photographers. certain expectations since the Pacific region and was given by a big beach party at the end. Single events such as having island was marketed as hav-

13 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

Edited by Peter Symes

Endless beach parties stretch on and on into the night on Tioman

down, with faded paint and no bath tub but a shower with plastic handles, cracked floor tiles and a water heater you must switch on manually. What was ing crystal clear water. So, I was look- all that about? According to the room ing forward to getting a little wet as a plans on their website every single room, highlight of the trip. But the visibility was regardless of standard and booking plainly horrible and anything but crystal class, should have a bath tub. I have a clear— “soup” came to mind. I hardly problem with that. At home, I can live saw any fish, and for possibly the first with a shower, but on my holiday, I want time ever, I came out of the water with to soak in a tub. There was no internet film to spare. To be fair, Mathieu Meur access in the room either, which we later relayed to me that the visibility was were promised. usually quite good, and that this was the In our room, I felt more like I was stay- worst he had seen it on the many occa- ing at a two to three star hotel. Which sions he had come here. So, take his can be fine, if that is what you expect word for it, not mine. and pay for. I have been in primitive The accommodation was decent lodges deep in the jungle and felt posi- but oversold when compared to how it tively surprised and pleased. This was the was presented on the resort’s website, opposite experience. which I checked out prior to trip. On the With the beach right outside our website, it all looked very appealing. door and a great combined swim- The Berjaya resort holds five stars, and to ming pool with water slides and other me that denotes the best of standards, toys, it appeared, however, to me to absolute luxury and attention to detail. be a superb place for families with kids. Y’know... big fancy bathrooms and The kids have a great place and can such. But I found our room pretty run run free without getting in harm’s way, ABOVE TOP: Gorgeous sunset at Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort. BOTTOM: Malaysia’s national troupe of dancers entertain the audience at Tioman Mega Dive A local enjoys a moment of repose on the beach at Tioman 14 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Tropical flowers float in a bas- ket of greenery on the steps of the Ayura Spa Tioman at Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf and Spa Resort

A wild monkey inspects the resort grounds

so the parents can relax—a gift sent from the gods. For the slightly older kids, there is also a big arcade games room that can keep them busy for hours on end. The restaurants all open up towards the sea or sit on the beach facing the sunset. The beach is also good, not for diving perhaps, but the cove is sheltered and shallow and the bottom sandy. It is great for A swimming and for playing water games. ■ performer with the national troupe of dancers wows the crowd on Tioman. The group represents Malaysia by bringing the Malaysian spirit through dance to the rest Beach par- of the ties... beach world parties... and more beach parties...

Local fishermen enjoy a moment of leisure on the deck of their boat 15 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED EDITOR’S NOTE: THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE, AND ANY SERVICES CONTAINED HEREIN, IS NOT INTENDED TO, AND DOES NOT, PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT Tioman’s Ayura Spa

Text by Gunild Symes ScubaPhotos by Gunild and Peter Symes & Spa Lifting tanks and hefting dive Traveling divers often gear in and out of the water suffer from jet lag and are exposed to all sorts can lead to tired, weary, of toxic fumes from jet stressed-out muscles and fuel on poorly maintained fatigue. Diving itself can strain airplanes to noxious diesel muscle groups not necessarily smoke from dive boat engines, all of which add to the total toxic used in the same way up on load accumulating in our bodies. Not land. What better way to pass to mention, divers’ skin and hair take the time between dives, than a beating under the sun, wind and enjoying a full body massage? sea. Salt encrusted and dehydrated skin can crack and burn more easily. plete It’s the answer to an aching The good news is that divers who are with its own back and sore muscles, and environmentalists as well as fitness and secret handmade gets you ready for your next health enthusiasts can enjoy a great recipes for massage oils, facial masks array of natural, organic, traditional and aromatherapy, is a form of mas- day of diving. and medicinal body treat- sage that is new to most Westerners. ments, massages, wraps and In Malaysia, it is only offered at the facial treatments that detoxify luxurious Ayura Spa of the Berjaya and rejuvenate the body, mind Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort on and soul, re-hydrate cells and Tioman Island. The resort has only just bring life back into tired skin introduced the special Malaysian form and muscles. of massage recently to accompany Athletic types who need a other more commonly known massage more macho excuse for a physi- techniques available such as Japanese cal workup can refer to the Shiatsu, Thai and Indonesian massage. sports massage as an impor- The traditional Malaysian prepa- tant and effective tool toward rations for body oils, facial masks, peak performance of the ath- cleansers and moisturizers are all natu- lete underwater. It works well ral recipes using soothing and deep for world-class footballers and cleansing lemon grass, ginger and jas- other peak performance ath- mine. Traditional Malaysian massage letes on land, so why not divers techniques are passed down through underwater? the generations from grandmother There are many kinds of mas- to daughter to granddaughter and sage techniques today, devel- employ several different techniques for oped from traditional sources to various effects including deep tissue sports medicine. Every country massage with acupressure as well as around the world has its own rhythmic circular motions to reach the LEFT: Floating tropical flowers fill an aro- style. Asia is well-known to carry a num- sorest areas and induce healthy circu- matherapy tub. INSET: An Indonesian mas- ber of popular massage techniques. lation to wash out toxins that build up seuse works out the knots with expert hands Traditional Malaysian massage, com- with exertion and exercise.

16 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT TO RIGHT: Outdoor jacuzzi and inner sanctum of Ayura Spa; Chilled, fresh ginger tea served on deck; Preparing the massage table for the next client Scuba & Spa

to drink lots of fluids spirit with its rich aroma; heated algae after the massage in seaweed wraps detoxify, tone and purify order to wash out the beyond the deep layers of the skin; a toxins and also to wait boreh wrap of spices and yoghurt helps an hour before taking reduce water retention, muscle pain and a shower. According poor circulation; and a tropical fruit wrap to the masseuse, one’s made of fresh papaya exfoliates and blood circulation whitens skin as well as moisturizes with needed that amount of time to return to anti-oxidants such as vitamin A and C. harmony before being exposed to cooler Facials are provided for all skin types temperatures. from oily to dry—60 to 90 minute treat- A word of warning, the full body mas- ments include mask preparations made sage is exactly that, so women who are from cucumber, yoghurt and clay, squeamish about having their mam- banana and honey, jojoba and sweet mary glands handled better speak almond oil. Treatments will purify con- up before the massage. Then the gested skin with green clay and essential masseuse will know to skip the pec- oils. For hands and feet, there are 45 to toral region. 60 minute manicures, pedicures, foot Secondly, not all massage thera- soaks, sea salt scrubs and mini massages. pists are alike. If you find one you To spend a whole day at the spa, pack- like, be sure to request her or him ages of treatments of two to four hours Ayura Spa of massages, wraps and facials over a for your next session. If you ask for are available and offer a menu of body The Ayura Spa, managed by a warm period of ten days. When one looks at a lighter touch, and there is no massages, facials and scrubs from which and welcoming Malaysian matron, the inflated costs of health care today, change, stop the massage or you to choose. offers 60 to 90-minute massages includ- it is certainly a tempting if unorthodox may end up with a bad headache. ing heated poultices of aromatic herbs alternative to consider. It cannot replace Although most Malaysians are flu- Social responsibility and spices placed upon meridian points conventional care, but it might add to ent in English, many Indonesians So, next time you are wondering what to along the body to ease joint pains and good living. I would much rather spend are not so fluent, so be aware of do with yourself between dives, do your invigorate sore muscles. Blood circulation a couple thousand dollars at a spa of a the communication gap and ask body and your buddy a favor… get a is enhanced and stiffness and tension is resort that also had diving and snorkel- for assistance from the spa manag- massage. It will help to improve your div- relieved in the one-hour long deep tis- ing, delicious local cuisine and treks into body working deep into tense muscles, er. Headaches may also result from ing performance and assist the healthy sue massage which makes jet lag literally the rainforest, than sit under fluorescent especially my knotted calf muscles, roll- a sensitivity to ingredients in aromathera- balance of your body’s fitness. Your mind vanish over-night. Relaxing, airy, mystical lights in a clinic’s office and pay out the ing marbles out of my shoulders and in py products. Ask your doctor for advice. will be clearer for the next dive, which music of flute, chimes and ocean waves nose for treatments that either don’t between my shoulder blades, neck and In addition to full body massages, the can only be an added plus for your is piped into the comfortable candle lit work, or offer very little lasting benefit lower spine. Ayura Spa offers body wraps including buddy who depends on your attentive- massage rooms filled with the sweet fra- and pain relief, and contribute absolutely After the deep tissue massage and an a ginger sea salt scrub for detoxification ness in emergencies. In addition, you will grances of tropical flowers and spices. no joy to the spirit whatsoever. Ayura Spa special facial, which included and improved blood circulation; a cof- be helping the local economy and the After your massage, you can lounge by stress relieving micro-massage around fee and cocoa scrub made from local creation of jobs for the indigenous peo- the outdoor pool located in the sculp- The Massage the jaw, forehead and eyes, several lay- coffee beans and cocoa, which exfoli- ple of the region, especially women, who tural Asian garden of the spa or soak in A year’s worth of corporate stress- ers and applications of natural gels and ates skin—awakening senses work hard to give you and the other the pool’s bubbling jacuzzi under rustling induced frown lines were erased from my oils, an exfoliating mask, steam mist and and invigorat- guests of the resort the bamboo trees and gently swaying palms. face after two hours on the table under a finishing moisturizer, the heavy lead-like ing warm hospitality for Best of all, the price of each massage the careful and expert hands of my mas- feeling of fatigue was washed away, my which Asia is at the Ayura Spa is a steal compared to seuse from Indonesia—a member of the mind was clear and void of worry, and renown. ■ the regular rates of luxury spas at other local community of developing Tioman my previously aching joints felt joy- resorts. For just 160 ringgits, that’s just 52 Island. The treatment she gave me was ously painless. USD or 45 EUR, you can get a full body a full body deep tissue massage with After the treatment, the staff deep tissue massage for 60 minutes. The natural aromatic oils. She used rhyth- served us a fragrant chilled price is so economical that some guests mic and circular palm movements over floral ginger tea in tradi- come to the resort just for the treatments. muscles with gentle firm finger pressure tional clay pottery by the Many guests will reserve ten packages on acupressure points throughout the pool. We were advised

17 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Flint scrapers from the hunting stone age between 8,000 news and 13,000 years ago. These scrapers are from Denmark Edited by Willy Volk

Stone Age Settlement Found Under English Channel PETER SYMES Erosion on the floor of the English Channel is revealing the remains of a busy Stone Age settlement from a time when Europe and Britain were still linked by land, a team of archaeologists says.

At 8,000 years old, the settlement wood fragments gouged with cut the floodwater rose slowly in the found just off the Isle of Wright is marks and a layer of wood chip- English Channel, it deposited lay- the only underwater Mesolithic pings were found lying under 35 ers of silt atop the settlement, site in Britain, though it is probably feet of water during the latest dig. encasing it in an oxygen-free part of a much larger area of Divers brought the material environment that preserves even occupation yet to be uncovered, to the surface still embedded in organic materials such as wood “This is the only site of its kind slabs of the sea floor that were and food. in the United Kingdom. It is carried up in specially-designed The trade-off is an environment important because this is the boxes, which were then pieced that can carry away the precious period when modern people back together and examined remains at any time—a real con- were blossoming, just coming and dated in the lab. cern at the Isle of Wight settle- out of the end of the Ice Age, ment. living more like we do today Underwater sites “The erosion of this site would be in the valleys and lowlands,” better preserved a loss of information to humanity, Garry Momber, director of the Despite the logistical problems not just the washing away of a bit Hampshire and Wight Trust for of underwater archaeology, the of material,” Momber said. “There Maritime Archaeology, which Isle of Wight site and others like it is the potential to find so much led the recent excavations told are usually better preserved than more there and so much to learn.” LiveScience in a interview. their counterparts on land. When ■ As the climate began to warm up near the end of the Ice Age about 10,000 years ago, people were moving into Northern Europe and settling down in the many river valleys left behind by melt- ing glaciers, not long before the meltwater eventually also filled in the Channel and drove the settlement’s last occupants north to higher ground. There is unequivocal evidence From the of human activity at the site. Burnt excavation of the site HAMPSHIRE AND WIGHT TRUST FOR MARITIME ARCHEOLOGY 18 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED United States, pressrelease: Training FBI Issues Scuba Industry Alert Over Requests for bulletin Specialized Training, “Nefarious Activity”

Edited by The purpose of the advisory is to provide situational Peter Symes awareness to the scuba industry regarding behavior that may indicate an individual(s) is involved in nefarious activity. This new website and the work done by TheRebreatherDIR team DIR The following threat indicators, Potentially Suspicious will prove that it’s also possible The Doing It Right (DIR) philosophy taken in isolation, generally reflect Equipment Purchases or to do with CCRs. Proper training, can apply to a lot of things. In div- legitimate recreational and com- Rentals thorough planning, equipment ing, it means having: mercial activities. In combination selection and adaptation can with other information, they can Volume purchasing inquiries relat- help the rebreather diver to be a * The right Mindset indicate possible links to criminal ed to Swimmer Delivery Vehicles DIR diver. Standardization should * The right Equipment behavior. Please note, the below (SDVs) and Diver Propulsion help to make simpler and safer * The right Procedures indicators are not an all inclusive Vehicles (DPVs): SDVs are very dives, avoiding confusion and ... and the right Team! list; these indicators represent a expensive vehicles normally used improving team work and com- baseline that could possibly indi- for specialized military purposes, munication, especially when By applying this set of rules and cate suspicious behavior. and usually are not available to problems occur. techniques, divers have explored recreational divers. Efforts to pur- All RebreatherDIR Active mem- caves, wrecks and reefs in various Training Indicators chase DPVs, the more commonly bers and Instructors work on CCR environment all over the world, Requests for specialty training, available civilian counterpart to gear and procedures standardi- with impressive safety records. including odd inquiries that are SDVs, could be associated with zation. Based on some extensive inconsistent with recreational div- extending the range or payload cave and wreck explorations, Why Diving DIR ? ing. These may include: capacity or a combat swimmer and physiological studies, they How many times did you see team. try to adapt the most current rebreather divers with poor diving DAN Medical Center • Requests to dive in murky water thoughts in decompression into skills, bad propulsion techniques Annual Diving or sewer pipes Other Indicators: Rebreather diving. It is also a and unefficient buoyancy control? Report • Inquiries about procedures such • Paying cash for diving instruc- goal to help rebreather divers Their rebreather is far from as diver towing tion to improve their personal skills streamlined and their gear config- • Refusal or reluctance to provide and techniques through articles, uration can easily be improved. Fatalities and serious diving Requests to learn advanced skills personal information DVDs, manuals and specific The procedures they follow are injuries are rare and often associated with combat swim- Workshops. complex and different for each seem to be associated with ming, including: Recipients are requested to report diver, even within the same team. unsafe behaviors or hazard- suspicious or criminal activity to RebreatherDIR is not a train- And everything becomes even ous conditions, but they can • Use of re-breathers and diver their local FBI Office. ■ ing agency. TheRebreatherDIR more difficult in case of emergen- occur without apparent propulsion vehicles (DPVs) team is made of experienced cy or rescue... cause. • Deep diving ‘Nefarious’—what kind of word is and active Rebreather explor- • Conducting kick counts that anyway? ers and instructors who share the An impressive work has already Understanding the contrib- • Receiving extra navigation same goal: implementing the been done by the WKPP mem- uting factors could lead to training ne·far·i·ous DIR Philosophy into Rebreather bers and GUE Instructors in order safer diving. The primary goal Pronunciation[ni-fair-ee-uhs] diving. to adapt the DIR Philosophy to of DAN’s Annual Report on Requests for advanced diver –adjective the Halcyon RB80 Semi-Closed Decompression Illness, Diving training by applicants from extremely wicked or villainous; If you want to fully understand Rebreather. But many people think Fatalities and Project Dive countries where diving is not a iniquitous: a nefarious plot. what it is about, download: “10 that Closed-Circuit Rebreathers Exploration is to further this common recreational activity. [Origin: 1595–1605; < L nefārius questions about DIRrebreather” “can’t be DIR”. understanding. ■ Similarly, training sponsored by wicked, vile, equiv. to nefās “DIR Diving with a Closed-Circuit groups or agencies such as reli- offense against divine or moral To support or join, please visit the Rebreather? Impossible!” Download here: gious organizations, cults, associa- law (ne- negative prefix + fās Membership page www.diversalertnetwork.org tions or charitable agencies not law, right) + -ius -ious, with inter- Or contact by email (link) ■ Not so! ■ normally associated with diving. vocalic s > r] SOURCE: DICTIONARY.COM

19 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED For more information on the wrecks, visit: The 156-foot steamship Anthony www.clueshipwrecks.org/Anthony-Wayne.html Wayne had 93 people aboard, as well www.inlandseas.org/press.html as live stock and barrels of wine. It is wreck believed that 38 people were killed because the boilers exploded and the rap ship sank. The vessel was built in 1837 and rebuilt in 1849. The sip had left Sandusky heading for Cleveland in the early morning of April 27th, 1850

The Anthony Wayne, Lake Erie

The GHOST SHIPS of the Great Lakes GREAT LAKES HISTORICAL SOCIETY The stormy waters of the Great Lakes have been waters, looking for salvation and as years went by feared among sailors since times immemorable. reported sightings kept the myth about the phantom Many are the ships that have foundered here never ships alive. And once in a while one of them is actu- The bow is to be found again. The tales about the Great Lakes ally found. of a very lost ships tells stories about ghost ships sailing the Text by Millis Keegan. Images: Tom Kowalczk unusual construction, and Not to long ago, one of the the ship, he was very excited, been there.” dence for identification is the will possibly lost ships of the Great Lakes but had to wait until after the Waiting for spring, Tom and dimensional confirmations of help with the was found. Tom Kowalczk of winter to dive. It must have other members of CLUE con- the vessel beam and the size Sidescan Image and photo: identifyication Cleveland Underwater Explor- been a long winter, which he tacted the Cleveland Group of the paddle wheels. These of Anthony ers (CLUE), recently located confirms: and the Great Lakes Historical are consistent with the known Wayne the shipwreck of the Anthony “Yes, waiting eight months to Society and did more research. dimension of the Wayne. Other Wayne in Lake Erie. dive is kinda like preparing for The Anthony Wayne is believed items, layout and length all rein- He got the first indication of a baby,” he grins, “especially to be the oldest steamboat force the finding. Since the An- the find in September 2006, when it appears to be such a wreck in the lake, and the first thony Wayne was the only side during a sonar search in an significant find. I looked at the dives comfirmed that the wreck wheeler sunk in this location, area where the ship most likely sonar images so many times I was indeed a side wheel pas- and nothing found contradicts had sunk according to historic had the actual wreck layout senger steamboat. Several parts the facts, we are as certain as records. When the monitor sud- memorized. When I first dove, it of the ship matched the histori- anyone could be without abso- denly showed a shadow indi- was ‘yep, this is the shaft I saw cal description of the General lute evidence.” cating something that might be in the image’. Like I had already Anthony Wayne. Kowalczk also tells us that The remains of the steamboat they, during the most recent lies in 50 feet of water about dives, have located the bow eight miles off shore, but the div- of this wreck, which is of a very ing conditions are a bit harsh: unusual construction. ”Visibility was still only about ”Being one of the oldest side three to five feet, far from ideal wheel steamboats sunk in Lake conditions.” Erie, this has been a very historic discovery. We think there Confirmation is much to learn from this ship- I asked Kowalczk if it had been wreck concerning early design confirmed that the wreck is the and construction of Great Wayne, and he replied: Lakes steamboats.” ■ ”The most compelling evi-

20 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Straits of Mackinac is locat- wreck ed right at the junction of rap the US Great Lakes

The Sandusky was a schooner rig Popular wrecks in the Mackinac Ship- wreck Preserve

The William H. Barnum An early season storm sank this wreck, and it went down If cool water doesn’t Most of the wrecks in the pre- virgin wreck just discovered five with a load of grain during serve sank during the 19th or six years ago. The Sandusky, is bother you and you the first trip of the season in century and offer a great look a schooner rig, which is rare on are keen on wrecks, 1894. The wreck rests in about into maritime history from that the lakes, sports a figurehead, 68 feet of water. you are in for a treat era. Some can be reached from which is also rare, and is the old- if you are heading to the shore, others require a boat. est known wreck in the preserve. The Sandusky The visibility ranges from two The Cedarville is a 660-foot steel the US Great Lakes. The oldest shipwreck found to 70 feet, and there is often a freighter lost in a fog collission Between Lake Michi- in the strait. Built in Ohio, This current. All major dive sites are in 1965—the third largest on the 110-foot sailing vessel stands gan and Lake Huron, bouyed, and on the buoys is lakes (after the Fitz and Carl upright on the bottom, about posted information about the D. Bradley) and the only one you will find the 90 feet down, and is in very wreck below. On the webpage, within recreational limits (60 to Straits of Mackinac good condition. Divers will GPS coordinates for a number 120 feet)—and the Eber Ward, find two masts and a square Underwater Pre- of wrecks in the area are listed. a very well preserved wood stern, and a few other things serve, an underwa- There is also excellent shore freighter lost to ice in April 1909. that will make the dive inter- diving in the harbor of St Ig- It has an uncommon mushroom ter wreck park with esting. impressive variety of nace where all sorts of artifacts anchor. have been tossed in the water “There are a few deeper The C.H. Johnson wreckages dating throughout history. wrecks that go beyond recrea- An easy shore dive, the back centuries. tional limits. Diving the Ward, for wreck rests in up to 15 feet of Larry Sanders with the Mackinac example, pushes the recreation- water and is in a good loca- Shipwreck Preserve Association al limits. The local dive charter Text by Millis Keegan tion when the weather is a bit said: “If I had to choose, I rec- will not take divers, even tech Photos by Cliff Roberts up and down. The schooner ommend the William Young, a ones, there.” ■ C.H. Johnson ran aground in 1895 in a storm. The cargo was large sandstone blocks, Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve and those can be found on the dive site along with a number of small artefacts. An interesting dive when the visibility cooperates. ■ The GHOST SHIPS of the Great Lakes SOURCE: WWW.MICHIGANPRESERVES.ORG 21 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Odyssey Marine Exploration and Spain Pearls at loggerheads be tough sitting like that for Following our report on Odyssea hours.” Marine Exploration’s recovery of A nod, and then introduc- artifacts from a wreck named the Pearls tions all around, and we got a “Black Swan” the Spanish authorities Pearls chance to get up close to the detained the ship in the Spanish port pearls. They came in all sizes and of Algeciras. According to a press Thousands of pearls found off the Keys colors, some of them seemed release by Odyssea the search and Text and photos by Millis Keegan no bigger than a grain of sand. detention was apparently conducted They were beautiful! Today, was as a result of a court order to look for It was just laying there, on the bottom of the sea—a the day for which the counting evidence that Odyssey’s recent “Black of the pearls was scheduled, Swan” discovery was made in Spanish rather plain little lead box, which could have been easy hence, the excitement and, at waters. Odyssey has repeatedly stated to miss had the circumstances been different. It was the same time, the tedious and that the “Black Swan” recovery was found during the excavation of the Santa Margarita most likely boring job of sorting conducted in the Atlantic Ocean out- wreck site from the 1622 galleon fleet, the fleet that the them by size and color. side of any country’s territorial waters This is a rare find. The pearls or contiguous zone. more well known treasure ship, Atocha, belonged to. are antique, and they are in Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.’s good shape. The reason for that survey vessel, the Ocean Alert, was The very unpretentous little dle salt water is the little lead box and that silt Duncan Mathewson shows us the big cleared for departure by the Spanish box held an amazing treas- very well, had made it into the box. That pearl. It still has luster after all those years Guardia Civil on Saturday, July 14th. ure—thousands and thou- once protected them all the way in salt water. It is a truly amazing find sands of pearls in all sizes. they are from 1622 until 2007. The shine is Later, Odyssey Marine Exploration The smaller ones no big- removed from incredible, as they lay there on filed complaints in the Admiralty arrest ger than three millimeters their protective the white plate on the desk. A cases seeking compensation for losses in diameter, the largest oyster shell, which curious mind won- sustained through Spain’s recent almost two centimeters. previous finds have ders, whats they’re actions obstructing Odyssey’s ability to What surprised everyone is shown. worth? conduct operations. Odyssey is seek- that they were in extremely As we entered the busy There is no way ing not only relief in the form of a set- good shape. Pearls don’t han- room, back stage at Mel we will know the off of any award Spain may ultimately Fisher´s museum, we could value until they receive on any shipwreck, but also sense the excitement. Duncan have been pre- affirmative relief for damages caused Mathewson, marin arche- served” says Math- by Spain’s interference with Odyssey’s ologist, sat bent over his desk, ewson, “but there is rights to all three sites. sizing pearls. The desk was no question, these covered with pearls. He had pearls are worth a The Motions for Protective Order were come a long way, but there fortune.” Then the filed to keep the preliminary site were still hundreds if not thou- curious mind won- assessments under court seal to pro- sands left on the table to sort. ders, what hap- tect the security of the sites and to He stretched and looked at us pens next? protect Odyssey’s proprietary sources with a slightly bewildered who- After the sorting, and methods from competitors. ■ the-hell-are-you expression on they will be regis- his face. We could tell that he tered, preserved was well into his task. and photographed Mexico I introduced myself: “Millis right here on the Wooden items shaped as lightning Keegan, X-RAY MAG... so, you premises in the bolts were found by diving archae- are counting pearls today? archeology labora- ologists in Mexico. The wooden light- How’s your back doing? Must tory. ■ ning bolts are believed to be offer- ings, made 500 years ago, in rites performed by Aztecs priests to bring Sean Fisher shows the plain Some of the pearls was small as a rain. They were found in a lake in an lead box that contained grain. On the table you can see the extinct volcano, Nevadade Toluca. ■ the unexpected treasure disc tools used for sizing the pearls. 22 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED wreck NEW! OMS® Ultra Bright Head Lamp rap and VEGA®

The Ultra Bright 3 W LED Head Lamp and the VEGA® flashlight introduced by OMS® are two of the brightest 3W LED luminaries in the world with over 80 lumens output! Both have a burn time of 3 hours (using CR-123A batteries) and incorporate redundant O-Rings for a depth rating to 100 meters. Kormoran The headlamp can be mounted on a helmet (helmet and hardware not supplied) placed on your Hood (band supplied) on your head (band supplied), used as a Goodman light (strap supplied) or even HMAS Sydney mounted to your chest strap (band supplied). Best of all both are competively priced. Visit your local Has the HMAS authorized OMS® dealer for a demonstration. Sydney finally been found? The HMAS Sydney was lost Reports about steam pipes on tablished a datum by finding the November 1941 after a bat- the deck has cast doubt on the wreck of the Kormoran, then from tle against the German raider indentity of the wreck. Sydney there we can go south and go Kormoran off the coast of Western would not have had any steam and search for Sydney.” Australia. The engagement pipes anywhere near the deck, a resulted in the loss of the Sydney’s merchant ship could, to work its Looters entire crew of 645. The wreck hoisting gear, but not a warship. Meanwhile there is concern for has never been found. But now, The group who found the vessel international privateers and relic a team of amateur researchers says if it is not the Sydney, then it hunters who will seek to profit from claim to have located it in 150 is probably the German ship that the wreck of the warship HMAS metres of water off Dirk Hartog sank it, the Kormoran. Sydney. Former Western Australian Island near Carnarvon. Former Archaeology curator of the WA MP, Philip Pendal, chaired a select deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, Maritime Museum, Dr Mike McCa- committee into shipwrecks off the a patron of the Finding Sydney rthy, says the find is still cause for WA coast and says that the fed- Foundation, says, despite a congratulations. eral government must move to number of false leads in the past, authenticate and protect the site. this one seems to have substance. Other clues “We’ve seen an appalling list of The Kormoran’s Commanding Of- cases in the past 50 years where Experts doubt HMAS ficer, Theodor Detmers, recorded the finders of important ship- ‘Sydney’ found his account of the battle in an wrecks have been treated badly, L191 3W LED VEGA Flashlight Defence Minister Brendan Nelson encoded message in a dictionary. and I don’t think we have to have says while the results so far are en- Retired Captain Peter Hore has that repeated,” he said. ■ couraging, no one can be certain deciphered the code and says SOURCES: ABC, AUSTRALIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Ocean Management Systems until the Navy has conducted a it will lead searchers to the site of survey of the wreck. the Kormoran. “Once we’ve es- P.O. Box 146 Montgomery, NY 12549 Phone 845.692.3600 ~ Fax 845.692.3623 ~ www.omsdive.com

23 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED WRECK-HEAD LIGHTS+VEGA #1.indd 1 2/22/07 3:28:03 PM FILEPHOTO: JASON HELLER JASON FILEPHOTO: Travel News Sad Times in Galapagos and Ecuador Chaos ensues as Galápagos National Edited by Peter & Gunild Symes Park shuts out dive operators —while ban on shark finning is lifted

Valid permits held only by Aggressor I and II, Sky Dancer liveaboards. All other operators on stand-by pending a review.

On Tuesday, July 10, 2007, the cupos exist, and no new ones have almost any place director of the Galapagos National been issued since the 1970s. on Earth. Shark fish- Park (GNP) began the first in a A patente certifies that a yacht is ing is still banned Galápagos and Niokolo-Koba National Park series of stringent enforcement safe to operate and must be rein Galapagos, but they inscribed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger efforts by suspending dive trips newed annually. It requires a cupo have little or no power operated by tour companies not to get a patente. The patentes also to stop the mainland Dominic Macan of Dive Advice contribut- Filephoto from www.thorfinn.net in possession of the appropriate list the itinerary the yacht is allowed fishing fleets from sailing to Darwin ed to this report. Information was current permits according to a statement to operate without asking for ad- and Wolf—the most isolated and as of the time we went to press. Please ditional permission from the GNP. SS Thorﬁnn goes down issued by the GNP. The Galapagos northerly islands, where there are note that the circumstances around the This includes land activities but div- on Pohnpei’s Reef National Park is enforcing current no patrols, no rangers and now only Galapagos may change on short notice legislation which requires that tour ing, as such, is not included on any three dive boats that can keep an operators have a specific diving patente. eye on these fragile waters. Liability issues and bad weather ham- permit to run dive charters inside Why does there seem to be an The first week after the lifting pered salvage operation the Galapagos Marine Reserve exception in regards to the Sky of the ban, the authorities seized (GMR) and Park. Previously, many Dancer and the Aggressors who more than two tons of shark fins, On June 8, the renowned live-aboard SS operators have carried out dive run dive trips on their patentes? but because of the new law, they Thorfinn struck the outer reef next to the tourism with only a land tour permit. They don’t have any land visits. were forced to release the perpe- Main Passage in PNI harbor in Saipan as it In essence, this has closed down Their standard itinerary includes the trators and their catch—which was was exiting. Thorfinn was designed as an all the dive operations there but islands of Darwin and Wolf where soon on its way out of Ecuador to icebreaking whaler for operations in the those of the Aggressor and Sky no one is ever allowed to go to lucrative markets all over the world, Arctic. Despite the extremely heavy con- Dancer liveaboards. Consequently, shore. where each fin can fetch US$100 or struction for those duties, the reef tore a tour operators and travel agents more. hole in the wall of the engine room and the had to issue a massive amoung Shark finning Half of the 29 species of sharks ship began taking on water. of cancellations on trips that were News is seeping in from Ecuador that call these waters home are Captain Higgs said that he then had no already booked. that a campaign is under way considered threatened. It is estimat- other options than to ground the Thorfinn to save the shark population of ed that 80 percent of Ecuador’s on the reef to avoid sinking in the channel Cupos and Patentes Galapagos and Ecuador, now seri- shark fins come from the islands. and causing a worse problem than cur- The issue at hand seems to be that ously threatened by recent lifting The government recently lifted the rently existed. Considering its load of over there is no such thing as a formal of a government ban on “Shark ban, announcing it would allow 80,000 gallons of waste oil that is essentially dive permit. It doesn’t exist. Finning”, which allows fishermen to export fins from sharks that were the consistency of diesel fuel, which it uses Operators need two sets of docu- export shark fins as long as the shark “accidentally” caught in the pro- to fire its boilers, it’s a significant problem ments: A cupo is a document that was caught by accident. cess of fishing for other species. indeed. gives the owner the right to operate The Galapagos’ species-rich They have now written that into As this issue went to press, there was no a tourist yacht in Galapagos. This waters are an easy target for fisher- law, basically declaring “open sea- mention of the event on www.thorfinn.net is tied to the owner not the actual ies. As anyone who has ever dived son” on sharks. ■ nor have we been successful in obtaining a yacht and can be transferred to these waters will tell you, they have comment from Thorfinn’s operators. ■ a new yacht. It is said that only 80 the largest population of sharks of

24 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

Edited by Peter Symes

15 years of diving with Emperor Divers To celebrate 15 years as one of the Red Sea’s leading dive centres and liveaboard operators, Emperor Divers will be offering guests 15th Turkey’s getting into attracting divers Anniversary Special Offers from this October and throughout 2008. Species numbers tected sea zone in Turkey, and With an environmentally focused increasing at Gökçeada the success is aiding the prepa- vision to the next 15 years, the com- Underwater Park rations for proclaiming the areas pany has recently joined in a unique of Foça and Bozyazı as protect- partnership with the conservation After designating the three-mile ed sea zones as well. Increasing group, ReefCI, to provide valuable area as a protected sea zone protection would continue and research and conservation projects in Gökçeada ten years ago, focus would be directed to the to help protect the Red Sea’s marine a hunting and fishing ban was habitats of Mediterranean seals. ■ eco-system. put into force. Fish species have Throughout the 15th Anniversary since increased from the previ- Take a virtual underwater tour year, promotions and special give- ous 60 to over 100, and numbers Professorin Bodrum Bayram (click Öztürkhere) of aways are planned along with a are expected to increase further. the Turkish Marine Research Diving the Caspian Sea coming up next? fabulous chance to win a luxurious Dolphins, seals and whales now FoundationOne of the notable (TÜDAV) underwater board liveaboard holiday at the NEC Dive visit the area, too. There are over explainedmuseums of from the world,the National the Bodrum Turkmenistan announced plans to spend Show (in Birmingham, UK). ■ 100 species of algae as well. MarineMuseum Days of Underwater in Antalya Archaeology (May €1.3 billion and seek additional foreign Gökçeada Park is the first pro- 16-18)can now that be part visited of viathree-mile the Internet . investment to build a major tourist resort on the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea holds great numbers of Via Press Release sturgeon, which yield eggs that are proc- essed into caviar. In recent years overfish- Underwater Spa in the Maldives ing has threatened the sturgeon population to the point that environmentalists Huvafen Fushi takes the treatment areas have been to reflect and amplify this advocate banning sturgeon fishing com- world’s first underwater treat- completely reinvented, with extraordinary environment; pletely until the population recovers. ment rooms to new depths. the addition of a separate one of our main challenges There are several species of fish endemic The ground-breaking under- relaxation pod where post- was dividing the space into to the Caspian sea, including Kutum (also water spa treatment rooms at treatment guests can relax three separate areas using known as Caspian White Fish), Caspian Huvafen Fushi, the most spec- on an oversized day bed and room dividers that could dis- Roach, Bream, and a species of salmon. tacular island-chic resort in the enjoy the sublime surround- appear, unifying the space Caspian Salmon is critically endangered. Maldives, have undergone an ings. so that it could be used for a Also, the Caspian Seal is endemic to the innovative transformation that “We wanted to create an variety of functions including Caspian Sea, It is one of very few seal spe- takes cutting-edge cool to interior that was in keeping ‘underwater’ wedding cer- cies living in inland waters. ■ another level. with the spa’s position at the emonies. The underwater spa Masterminded by the bottom of the sea! The under- is now truly the world’s most award-winning British designer water spa has always been unique spa experience,” says

Looks nice, huh? Promotional and architect Richard Hywel a sensational concept and Hywel Evans. ■ JACQUES DESCLOITRES, MODIS LAND RAPID RESPONSE TEAM, NASA/GSFC photo from huvafenfushi.com Evans, the two underwater the new interior was designed

25 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news The invasion of the        

Edited by      Peter Symes

JellyfishWhat to do? SeaCure™ Custom Mouthpiece is moldable and remoldable.

Use them for cosmetics, ... or eat them Created by an orthodontist, foods or drugs rinse jelly fish SeaCure is designed to fit According to one of Brisbane’s in cold water. Drain your mouth, teeth, and Akiko Masuda of the Institute famous chefs, Lien Yeomans, well, roll up into a tight roll Serves four gums . . . PERFECTLY. of Physical and Chemical there are several great dishes and cut into thin strips. Blanch Research in Saitama and col- based on cooked jellyfish coming in boiling water for 15 seconds 400g salted jellyfish Available at your local dive center. leagues have extracted a pre- out of the Vietnamese kitchen. (until the jellyfish strips curl up). 1tbspn chilli oil viously unknown glycoprotein— The two species of jellyfish that Leave aside. 1tspn toasted sesame a repeating sequence of amino are used for eating are the Sua ro 2. Wash cucumber, cut into quar- seeds acids with sugars attached— - Bizen Karuga (Rhopilema escu- ters lengthwise, seeded and 1tspn sea salt from jellyfish. The compound is lenta) and the Sua sen (Aurelia cut into very thin diagonal Juice of 2 green a type of mucin, a gelatinous, aurita). Usually, only the top part strips, sprinkled with ½ sugar. apples www.seacure1.com moisture-retaining substance of the jellyfish is used, and it is sold Leave until sugar dissolves then Juice of 1 lime secreted by animals (it’s a main dried and salted. It is then soaked squeeze dry. 1tspn sugar Booming jellyfish popula- component of human saliva and in cold water and cut into little 3. Peel and shred carrot, sprin- 1 red Spanish onion, cut into thin tions have become a real mucus, for instance), and it could strips. When put into boiling water, kle with the rest of the sugar. slices Sesame Jellyfish Donburi nuisance in many parts find uses in cosmetics as a food they curl up, and then you make Leave until sugar dissolves, then 100g snow peas cut into thin strips Soak the jellyfish in cold water for additive or in drug manufacturing. a salad dish to go with it. squeeze dry. diagonally three hours, changing the water of the world as masses of Since jellyfish mucin has a simpler 4. Cut chicken and pork into thin Coriander leaves, chopped at half-hour intervals, to diffuse the gooey creature are structure than some other mucins, Vietnamese Jellyfish Salad slices, shallow fry; then cut into the salt out. Then soak it in hot infesting waters, clog- it may be usable as a building (nom sua or goi sua). thin strips. 1. Wash, soak and rinse salted water for 5 minutes and cool in ging ports and washing block for creating custom-tailored Serves four 5. Grease a non-stick pan; make jellyfish. Drain well. Mix jellyfish cold water immediately. Tear the mucins with antibiotic or other a thin omelette with beaten with chilli oil, salt and sesame jellyfish into bite-sized pieces. Mix up on beaches in the specific properties. 200g salted jellyfish eggs. Let cool then roll up and seed. 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, 3 table- Mediterranean, Japan The researchers, who reported 1 green cucumber cut into thin strips. 2. Mix apple juice, sugar and lime spoons of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons and Australia. So what their findings in The Journal of 1 large carrot 6. Mix prepared jellyfish, cucum- juice. of rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons Natural Products, extracted ¼ cup sugar ber and carrot with fish 3. Mix snow peas and red onions; of sugar. Soak the jellyfish in this to do about it? As sev- the mucin from several spe- 50ml fish sauce sauce, lemon juice, chilli, arrange this on a plate and for a half hour, then serve it over eral groups of researchers cies including the moon jellyfish 50ml lemon juice “It’s a very crushed sesame seed top with jellyfish and coriander. hot rice and shake sesame seeds have found, perhaps we (Aurelia aurita, one of the most 1tspn finely chopped popular dish in and peanut and arrange Dress with apple and limejuice. over it. ■ can use them— for food or abundant in the world) and hot chilli the mixture on a plat- Nemopilema nomurai, one of the 2tbspn crushed roast- spring and sum- ter and top with strips of A little more Googlin’ also cosmetics. To weird? Think biggest, at up to six feet in diam- ed peanuts mer. chicken, pork, omelette brought to light the following again... eter and 450 pounds. They found 2tbspns crushed and coriander leaves. recipe, which has to be cred- that the mucin made roasted sesame seed It’s delicious 7. Mix well before serving. ited to a Kim McFarland: up as much as three 100g chicken breast and most people Adjust taste to achieve a (link to website) percent of the dry 100g pork butt would like it if balance of sweet, sour, weight of jellyfish. So, 2 eggs beaten salty, spicy and nutty. there is an awful lot of 2tbspns chopped they didn’t know Bon Appétit! ■ mucin in the world as coriander leaves what it was”! Marinated jellyfish with SOURCE: ABC BRISBANE well. 1. Wash, soak and green apple dressing

26 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED JAMES GATHANY, CDC news

Edited by Peter Symes

Larvae of Culex Mosquitoes. As seen on the picture, larvae make dense groups in standing water Tilapia combats Malaria

Kenyan researchers have doned fish ponds at an altitude of ing their use in mosquito control. advisor for the World Health found that the humble 1,880m and the effect measured The BMC Public Health study Organization in Kenya, was, over six months on the numbers of noted the fish could prove criti- according to BBC news, more tilapia, a fish commonly mosquito immatures. cal as mosquitoes are becoming circumspect, while describing the seen on the Kenyan dinner By consuming mosquito larvae resistant to pesticides. findings as “positive”. tables is highly effective in the fish managed to reduce num- The authors suggested that for “This method may well work combating malarial mos- bers of two of the main malarial Kenyans, the fish could prove a in a defined area of water, but mosquitoes by more than 94 win-win investment. In addition mosquitoes spread in all sorts quitos in stagnant waters. percnt. Nile tilapia’s taste for mos- to limiting mosquito populations, of places—including small In a study published in BMC Public quitoes has been known since they could also be used for food, pools in the mud and

Health, an open access journal, 1917, but this is the first time field and even generate income, puddles—where you PETER SYMES tilapia was introduced into aban- data has been published detail- too. There should be no problem obviously can’t intro- with acceptance of this malaria duce fish,” she said. Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases and an enor- control method, since the local “It just wouldn’t mous public-health problem. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites communities already farm this fish work for many of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria parasites are transmitted by female species. areas.” Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites multiply within red blood cells, causing This species, already a popular But she symptoms that include symptoms of anemia as well as other general symp- food fish in western Kenya, is an added: “We toms such as fever, chills, nausea, flu-like illness, and in severe cases, coma apparently sustainable mosquito recommend a and death. control tool, which also offers a spectrum of meth- Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts source of protein and income to ods to combat malaria, of the Americas, Asia and Africa. Each year, it causes disease in approxi- people in rural areas. and this could certainly be mately 650 million people and kills between one and three million, most of Joanne Greenfield, malaria a useful tool.” ■ them young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. ■ SOURCES: BIOMED CENTRAL, BBC

27 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED “The Socorro Islands” Mexico’s Revillagigedos Archipelago Text and photos by Barb Roy Located 386km (250 miles) southwest of the tip of Baja California and over 720km (446 miles) west of Manzanillo, the Revillagigedos are one of three Mexican island groups in the Pacific Ocean. All four islands that make up the Revillagigedos Archipelago are remote, volcanic in origin and offer some of the most unpredictable, wild diving in the world. Isla Socorro is the largest of the Revillagigedos islands. Over the years, visitors have adopted the name—“The Socorro Islands”—when referring to this group. Depending on the time of year and which island you visit, a diver might encounter the graceful splendor of a humpback whale and her calf or be able to swim alongside a gargantuan whale shark. These won- drous creatures are all in addition to the archipelago’s regular residents: giant Pacific mantas, hammerhead sharks, yel- lowfin tuna, sea turtles, over five other species of sharks and countless other large pelagics who utilize this offshore area.

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Brilliant coloured gargonians grace the reef at Socorro Island; Slipper lobster; Octopus; Neon coloured reef fish. PREVIOUS PAGE: Nautilus Explorer liveaboard heads toward a dive site at Roca Partida in the Revillagigedos Archipelago

Topside, the islands are completely dif- activity has created a rugged terrain pletely wiped ferent in appearance and are home to of reefs, overhangs, walls and unusual out, due many endemic plant and animal spe- topography. to an over cies. Overall, the area is recognized as Diving at the Revillagigedos is done abundance a distinct terrestrial eco-region, which from November through early May of unregu- is part of the Neotropic ecozone (tropi- when the water is generally calm and lated com- visibility can reach an impressive 30 mercial meters (100 feet) plus! Cooler water fishing. temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius Realizing (75 Fahrenheit) seem to attract the neces- Humpbacks in February and sity for supervision March, while November, and protection, the Mexican govern- December and late April- ment established the Revillagigedos May appear to be as a Protected Biosphere in 1994. No good for whale sharks. fishing of any kind is allowed within a Pods of bottlenose 12 mile radius of each island. Although dolphins are com- dive charter boats who frequent monly seen from these islands have reported a steady January through increase in resident marine life popu- March. Mantas, sharks, lations, remoteness still hinders proper turtles and schools of Jacks policing and monitoring efforts. can be enjoyed almost any- Today, the Revillagigedos welcomes time. adventurous divers from around the cal and subtropical At one point, the region’s natu- world for spectacular underwater pho- dry broadleaf forests). Below the azure ral marine resources were drastically tography opportunities and those who blue coloured water, ancient volcanic depleted and some species com- love to swim with big marine pelagics!

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ABOVE: Rock face of Socorro Island meets turquoise sea. THIS PAGE: Scenes from a dive with Nautilus Explorer at Roca Partida in the Revillagigedos Archipelago

Currently, there are two liveaboard hours to make the initial crossing to San DIN or yoke-style regulators. Nitrox is dive charter operators who offer Benedicto, the first island in a triangular available to use for the entire trip as an scheduled 8-11 night excursions—the journey. Only three of the four islands option for an additional fee. Weights Solmar V and the Nautilus Explorer. are visited, with the fourth, Clarion, are also provided. Both vessels are luxurious in every way, being an additional 314km (195 miles) offering three gourmet meals per day, west of Socorro. The larger “mother- Isla San Benedicto comfortable accommodations, 3-4 ship” is usually anchored in a protected Isla San Benedicto is the third largest dives per day and a knowledgeable, area, with most of the diving taking of the island group with two promi- professional crew. With the capability place from two smaller boats, holding nent peaks (Barcena and Herrera) of making fresh water, their outdoor 8-10 divers each. Traveling from one and one very wide volcanic crater. on-deck showers, rinse tanks and state- island to the next is usually done at The last recorded eruption was in 1952 room showers are unlikely to ever run night. leaving behind massive vertical ridges out. Both operations depart from Cabo Both operations supply aluminum 80 created by volcanic ash. As they solidi- San Lucas, taking approximately 24 cu ft tanks which can accommodate fied over the years, San Benedicto has

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Whitetip sharks at Roca Partida; starfish; lobster at Socorro Island; goby at Roca Partida

taken on a gray-coloured glacial look. find a multitude of colourful fish and equipped with a wide angle lens for Very little life grows upon these ridges hard corals on a stair-stepping terrain. my digital underwater camera system. however, leaving scant quantities of During a recent visit in January and For a while we all sat like spectators, green vegetation to be found on the February of 2007, I was able to dive patiently waiting for something to pass northern half of the island. Both dive this location at a place called the by. The blue abyss was the only thing I boats like to anchor on the more pro- “Canyon”. Like all of the other divers could see. tected “ash” side of this island, using who jumped into the water for their A large school of yellow fish with the smaller boats for quick access to first dive of the trip, I eagerly followed blue stripes formed a tight circle and trickier sites requiring maneuverability. the dive guide over to a fingering reef hovered near the reef to one side of Stretching outward to the sea are and headed out towards open ocean. us. Thinking nothing of this I turned the jagged remains of a lava flow—its As the depth increased, the water to see what I could find on the reef violent epic forever frozen in time. grew cooler. Sounds from the reef behind us. Several others also became Brown-footed boobies are one of the below and passing fish became more curious and began exploring the reef. several sea birds utilizing the cliffs. evident. At 27 meters (90 feet), I could Several small Socorro lobsters under From high above, they peer down with clearly see the other divers and every- a rocky ledge peered out, but did goofy expressions when the smaller thing another not seem afraid. To the left of the lob- boats motor over for closer looks. 9 meters sters, a small brown and black mottled These noisy birds have even been (30 feet) octopus stood stretched up on known to land on visiting boats and be below its legs, as if trying to coaxed onto a human arm or head! me. see what it was Underwater the lava flow contin- Expecting the divers ues to stretch out even more, offering to see ham- were a deep platform for divers to sit and merhead, silky watch- wait for passing sharks and other large and Galapagos ing pelagics. Closer to shore, divers will sharks, I came

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THIS PAGE: Scenes from a dive with Solmar V off the rocky islands of the Revillagigedos Archipelago

FAR LEFT INSET: Hammerhead shark

I was in the middle of the critters. encounter photograph- During the evening, ing these sleek swimming when we all relaxed and machines. showed our day’s work, About this time, the I was accused of tel- other divers, who stayed eporting to another reef! loyal to their watch, were My fellow dive com- rewarded by a large panions had no idea school of hammerheads octopus, sea stars, sea in the distance! What an cucumbers, sponge and awesome experience smaller fish could be it was, especially if this found on the reef. My was one’s first visit to the the reef, including the fish! Once the presentation was also full of turtles, green Revillagigedos. excitement was over, we swam with morays, yellow guineafowl puffers, and for. Behind these smaller critters I noticed On another dive to this mantas and more sharks on our way aggressive pairs of damselfish. several big silver-tip sharks and a huge same site, once again with my wide back in. Another site commonly visited, and manta! Realizing my wide angle lens was angle lens on, we saw more schooling Once the novelty of the big animals well worth the wait if weather is unco- of little use for this octopus, I scurried off hammerheads, but too far to photo- at the site wore off, I put my 50mm lens operative, is a place called “The Boiler”. to join my companions who had already graph. A tiger shark however, came a on and stayed in the 18 meter (60 foot) Coming within meters of the surface, a abandoned their posts. Within seconds, bit too close, causing everyone to “hug” range photographing an array of smaller block-shaped pinnacle causes surface

32 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Be entertained ! Be enthralled! Be inspired! 6th Celebrate the Sea Festival 21-23 Sep, Philippines 2007

Award winners from the World Underwater Pictures Festival: International Photographic & Video competitions: WOW Digital Shoot Out competition : Photographic water to boil in turmoil when conditions are rough. simply move away from the structure and redirect workshops and seminars with David Doubilet, Michael Similar actions beneath the surface occur, requiring their focus to the mantas. For some unknown rea- AW, Scott Tuason, Mathieu Meur and many more. caution to be heeded when swimming close to the son, this is one of the “hot-spots” where manta sight- rock. This harsh surge movement will also create a ings are almost guaranteed! Huge mantabirostris, challenge for photographers attempting close-up the largest of all the rays, seem to be attracted to shots. the divers. With grace and poise they appear to fly www.CelebratetheSea.com In conditions like this, it is recommend that divers through the water from one diver to the next, curi- Asia Pacific’s Biggest Event of the Sea ously looking each small bubble-blowing creature over carefully.

Mantas Principal Sponsors Mantas can grow to a weight of 2000kg (4,400lbs) Official Airlines and have a wingspan of over 6.7 meters (22 feet). Official Magazines They are believed to give birth to just one pup, every 2-3 years. A manta’s diet usually consists of small schooling fish and zooplankton. Their cephalic fins on each side of their mouth are rolled up when not Calling all Underwater Image Makers guiding water and food into their mouth, giving them If you have captured a piece of our ocean’s splendor, don’t let your images be like the trees that fall in the woods with no one to hear them. Send your a “horned” appearance. entries now. Our invitation remains open until 21 August 2007, for you to to be part of this prominent event by entering the prestigous international competitions. There are over $50 000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Exceptional quality prizes from sponsors like Rolex, PADI, SEACAM, Dive Silver, the These pelagic giants are normally found all over Department of Tourism Philippines and more. There are special dive package holidays for this festival from MV Odyssea 1, Aniloa Outrigger Resort, Atlantis the world in warm water near oceanic islands and Divers, Asia Divers, Expedition Fleets, Bahura Resort, Minahasa Lagoon to name but a few. Book Now! submarine ridges with nutrient rich upwellings. Both Awards for in each catergory are: OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: MERIT OF EXCELLENCE: HONOR OF DISTINCTION: HIGH COMMENDATION. charter operators have adopted a no touch and no The Best Image Maker of the Festival (US$2000 cash prize):The ‘President Grand Award for Highest Achievement’ Entry at www.celebratethesea.com Official host hotel THIS PAGE: Wildlife abounds in the archipelago, above and below the surface of the sea 33 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Socorro Islands THIS PAGE: Scenes from a close encounter with a manta ray

riding policy so not to cause any stress groups. in these magnificent animals, in hopes Aside from the mantas, on the occa- that they will continue to freely visit the sional calm day when surface action is sites. minimal, a diver can easily swim around A manta photo identification system the “boiler” and several small deeper is supplied with regular images taken pinnacles. If water conditions permit, by the dive charter clients from both photographers will be delighted with boats and crew in an effort to learn intermittent clusters of yellow gorgonian more about the individual mantas who sea fans, numerous species of moray frequent this and other island groups eels and more colourful fish than you around the world. can keep track of. Lobsters huddling The program was started and is main- together under ledges, small family tained by Dr Bob Rubin and Karey Kumli groups of longnose butterflyfish and sev- of the Pacific Manta Research Group eral species of angelfish all make great (manta-research.org), a division of the photo subjects at this location. Department of Biology at the Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa Isla Socorro California. This identification system has The largest of the Revillagigedos islands, allowed the research group to catalog Isla Socorro, can be found 48 km (30 over 130 individuals over the past three miles) south of San Benedicto. A rich years and record numerous re-sightings vegetation of sage, grass and cactus in the Revillagigedos alone. Information cover most of the island, giving it a rich on population size, the health, behavior green appearance from the water. and travel habits will also provide impor- Brown, red and tan-coloured stone, tant data for other scientific research highlighted by oval surface patterns,

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nice blend of volcanic topography. There are several excellent sites around the island to explore, with “Aquarium” and “Cabo Pearce” being the most popular. Before any diving is permitted, a dive boat must check in with the Navy base. Quite often the soldiers like to board the vessels, perhaps because there is little else to do and a few home-made cookies and freshly brewed coffee is always a treat! At Cabo Pearce we began our dive near a wall and headed off the point to deeper water. In the middle of our path lay a large boulder where current visibly flowed around it. Tired of fighting the current, I headed for the lee side to rest and see what was giving the boulder a yellow stripe. There must have been over a hundred butterflyfish, all with the same idea as myself, to escape the current. I could have spent my whole dive here. The small invertebrates and fish were incredible! Continuing on, we headed deeper in hopes of finding more sharks, whales or mantas. Instead, we found multitudes of redtail triggerfish, large Pacific burrfish, parrotfish and both male and female Mexican hogfish. During the entire dive, I could hear the ghostly calls of humpback whales as they communicated with one another. The frequency and close proximity of their songs kept me constantly looking around, expecting one to show up. Although we did not see any on this dive, they have been known to just appear and allow divers to stay with them for hours, even when they are with calves. On several additional shallower dives at Socorro, I wandered away from the group while exploring a sheltered cove, in pursuit of two octopuses! They paid little attention to me and probably didn’t realize I was even following them. After acquiring numerous shots of them, I became distracted with an electric ray, moorish idols, spotted boxfish and more pairs of damselfish. The Clarion damselfish was exceptionally photogenic, as was the Clarion

create a textured look on surrounding cliffs. In 1957, the Mexican THIS PAGE: angelfish. Navy established a navel base on Socorro, today housing a popula- Landscapes When I finally found the two octopuses again, it seemed they tion of 250 staff members and their families. Mount Evermann (1130 and sea- were busily involved in a mating ritual. meters/3706 feet) is located at the island’s center, with the last erup- scapes of In addition to diving at the “Aqua-rium” site, I was able to tion recorded in 1993. Socorro Island; explore two other locations around Socorro. The first was next to RIGHT: Manta A recent push by conservation organizations has been to remove a tiny lava-rock islet on the far side of the island. Both water and ray soars over unwanted flocks of wild sheep, introduced in 1869. Several endemic underwater weather conditions must be just right to safely dive this site. Depth plant and animal species are currently threatened or facing extinc- photographer starts off about 12-15 meters (40-50 feet) and gradually gets deep- tion due to the over-populated sheep. er as we head away from the islet. Tall rock stacks are everywhere, Underwater the land is as diverse in its marine residents, with a resembling pieces of a stone wall left standing from an ancient

35 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Socorro Islands to grow up to 46cm (18in). This one was clearly 61cm (24in), if not more! Roca Partida Located west of Socorro and San Benedicto, Roca Partida (meaning splintered rock) is perhaps the most spectacular, isolated site on this mesmerizing trip. Above water, you see a harsh weather-beaten rocky surface 34.5 meters (115 feet) high and about 90 meters (300 feet) from end to end, mostly covered in white bird guano. Frigatebirds, brown-footed boobies, masked boobies and gulls are just a few of the avian fauna creating the mess. The length of time the dive boats will spend at Roca Partida strictly depends on the weather. If conditions are good, you can expect to anchor 2-3 days. Unlike some areas of the world, current direction, speed and duration are hard to pre- dict here. Underwater sheer steep walls drop to hundreds of feet all the way around the island, making good buoyancy control a necessity. But buoyancy control isn’t all the operators are wor- ried about. Roca Partida is another manta “hot spot”, creating a frenzy of interaction when several mantas show up at once! Their enticing dance seems to draw divers away from the island causing them to “go blue”, as the dive guides call it. Most divers forget that the mantas originally came to them, and if they just keep the island in sight, the mantas will always return, sooner or later. When not dancing with the mantas, I joined the sharks next to the island at 21 meters (70 feet). About 15 sharks, all bigger than me, were enthralled in a swimming game using different current flows to move really fast in one direction, change depth in another and circle back around for another go at it. I simply perched Manta ray and diver meet under the sea in the Revillagigedos Archipelago, Mexico myself next to a rocky ledge to photograph this unusual behavior. castle. My guess is that the stacks may (20 feet), the size of a one-car garage. and began circling us. The shark came On the reef below, I found more At times, I would move directly into their path have once been steam vents. Each More invertebrates were found living so close I was able to tell it was a very Clarion angelfish, grunts and a few king for better angles. They came straight at me or stack housed a collection of tiny fish, on the ceiling of the cave. healthy female! Her long sleek silvery angelfish. Probably the most interesting from behind and simply went around me at coral heads and branches of small On the way out, we spotted a half grey body moved with ease as she creature was a giant slipper lobster! If it the last second! It was a thrilling experience to gorgonian fans at the top. Other inver- dozen small reef sharks passing by. slowly went to check out each diver. were not for its orange-tan carapace, be among these large predators. I guess it hit tebrates could also be found with a The other site was equally as inter- When one of the divers timidly reached I might have missed it entirely as it me later how dangerous it could have been, sharp eye. At about 27 meters (90 esting. We entered a calm sea in the out to touch her, she slightly changed climbed down a coral structure. Later, especially watching the feeding sharks at night feet), the group was led to an under- late afternoon. As soon as we sub- her direction and was always out of when I returned to the boat, I read swarm off the back deck. Then, on the other water cave, leading in about 6 meters merged, a large silky shark appeared range. that slipper lobsters are only reported hand, during their game, I was not afraid and

36 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Divers prepare for a leap into the sea in the archipelago; Sea life under San Benedicto; Whitetip shark at Socorro Island; Sunset from travel the deck of Nautilus Explorer at Socorro Island; Socorro Islands Visibility was better and head shark swimming back and forth ing dive service and keeping everyone healthy large schools of behind me! With each pass it came safe and happy. In observance of both different fish species flour- closer and closer until it had enough of crews, I have seen them go out of their ished. With my 50mm lens, my flashing strobes and swam away. way to make sure the dive and accom- I was able to photograph Several of my dive companions com- modation experience is unforgettable. giant hawkfish, adult and mented later that they had observed juvenile leather bass (juve- similar scenes with me on two occasions Solmar V niles found hiding in sea when mantas became interested in The Solmar V is a 33.6 meter (112 urchins) and Panamic what I was doing. Needless to foot) long vessel who has fanged blennies. say, I was oblivious offered dive With my wide angle to their curiosity. trips to the lens, I captured groups of Once Revillagigedos young white-tipped reef again, since 1992. The sharks resting in soft groves the man- vessel is owner by around the island and tas were Jose Luis and Leslie colourful groups of orange interac- Lee Sanchez, pioneers showed no fear, therefore, that might Clarion soldierfish. tive and fun to of introducing diving in have eased my acceptance into their Away from the island, opportunities be around. Anyone with a the Cabo area and the Sea activity. My dive buddy tells me it’s the were endless to film and photograph camera or video came away happy of Cortez. aggressive photographic nature pho- the pelagics. Huge silver bigeye jacks, with full memory cards and personal The dive crew (all speak fluent English) tographers possess that the sharks are barracuda, bait-balls and so many dif- experiences to cherish throughout the is supplied by Amigos del Mar, a dive sensing. ferent kinds of sharks were everywhere! year! This is the type of dive trip a diver shop in Cabo San Lucas who also pro- Macro and close-up life on Roca At one point, when I was trying to get can easily return to year after year and Partida was perhaps the most spec- a good portrayal of the dramatic scen- expect to see something different on tacular and plentiful of all the islands. ery, I turned to discover a loan hammer- every dive. Since the mantas are the only identified creature with regular sightings, some moving from island to island, it is safe to say they will be waiting for you upon your return journey to this underwater realm of these enchant- ed islands. Isla Clarion The last of the island group is Isla Clarion, the second largest and outer-most island at 314km (195 miles) west of Socorro. Although mostly uninhabited, a small Navel garrison of about nine men resides there. Of the three prominent peaks on Clarion, Mount Gallegos is the highest at 335 meters (208 feet). Due to the island’s remoteness, little is know about the diving here. Those I have talked with who have been diving here, say it is pristine! Dive operators As previously stated, both dive operations are professional in every way. Their crews are very skilled in the art of provid-

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Travel Information When visiting the Revillagigedos, one must fly into the Los Cabos Airport (SJD airport code). Airlines who fly into SJD include: American, Continental, Delta, America West, Mexicana, Alaska, United and US Airways. There is no departure tax. As of January 2007, all US citizens are required to have a passport for travel in and out of in British Columbia, Canada, and to Alaska. Mexico. Upon landing in Mexico, visitors The dive crew is hand picked by Mike him- will be issued a temporary visa for entry self. Two executive suites and nine staterooms will accommodate 20-24 guests. Transfers can be arranged from the airport, with a hospitality suite located at the Posada Real Hotel. Onboard volt- age is 120V / 60Hz. Port fees are extra ($65 US cash, payable at the end of your trip). The Nautilus offers 30 different microbrews and an extensive wine list. In an effort to help prevent illegal fishing around the Revillagigedos and other protected sanctuaries, Mike Lever is planning on supplying a Twin-engine Piper Aerostar for into Mexico and collected upon leaving. an estimated 80-90 patrol flights Additional items to bring include: sun block, per year. Locations of illegal fish- a refillable water bottle, sun glasses, swim CLOCKWSIE FROM FAR LEFT: Octopus in purple drag; Dive ing boats will be reported to the suit, sun hat, a light coat or sweater and master outlines the dive; Solmar V anchoured off Socorro Mexican Navy for enforcement casual clothing. Island; Fanged Blenny at Roca Partida; Nautilus Explorer; action. The plane will be based in Dive guide provides thorough information and diagrams Cabo San Lucas with the capabil- Diving Information for a dive in the archipelago ity of handling a pilot and three Divers are required to show a dive certifi- passengers for speeds of up to cation card upon arrival at the boat. Dive vides local dive charters. (378 kilometers (235mph), and a medical insurance is recommend anytime The boat will accommo- range of 1610 kilometers (1000 you travel. Water temperature ranges date 20-22 guests. Transfers are miles). Mike will also provide the from 22-26 degrees Celsius (72-80 degrees provided from the airport by administration and operation Fahrenheit). A full one or two-piece 3-5mm Cape Travel to a hospitality room at Solmar Suites. Onboard volt- of the new program. Optional use of the wetsuit is advised. Although no gloves are age is 110AC (used in the US). Port fees, fuel surcharges, park fees, plane will be available to conservation needed, a thin neoprene skull cap, addi- beer and wine are all included with the trip. The Solmar V operation groups for a nominal fee to cover operational vest and boots will keep you extra believes that wilderness is the ultimate luxury. tional costs. warm. Additional gear to bring would be Both charter boats have been actively a camera, video or camcorder, small light, Nautilus Explorer involved with the sport fishing industry, the spare-parts kit, basic dive gear. Gratuities The Nautilus Explorer is a 35-meter (116-foot) long vessel which has local rotary club and Pronatura to protect should depend on the level of service you provided trips to the Revillagigedos since 2004. Mike Lever is the the natural beauty and splendor of these receive, generally ranging US$200-$350 or captain of the Nautilus Explorer and a pioneer in liveaboard diving islands. more if exceptional. ■

38 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RIGHT: Western Hemisphere map showing Mexico. Socorro BELOW: Satellite map of Mexico showing the location of Mexico’s Revillagigedos Archipelago fact file (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, LIVE-A-BOARD DIVE OPERATIONS Mexico Amerindian or predominantly Solmar V Amerindian 30%, white 9%, 1-866-591-4906 or 310-455-3600 other 1%. Religions: nominally www.solmarv.com Roman Catholic 89%, Protes- Nautilus Explorer tant 6%, other groups 5%. 1-888-434-8322 or 604-657-7614 www.nautilusexplorer.com Languages Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl and other regional indigenous languages. HOTELS History An ancient land of Guatemala and the US. The coun- Best Western Quinta del Sol advanced Amerindian civilizations, try’s terrain is filled with high, rug- Deco Chambers 624-144-4500 Mexico succombed to Spanish ged mountains and plateaus, low CABO SAN LUCAS Solmar Suites rule for 300 years before gaining coastal plains and desert. Lowest Baja California Sur 1-800-344-3349 or 310-459-9861 independence in the early part point: Laguna Salada -10 m; Multiplace Chamber www.solmarsuites.com of the 19th century. Mexico was Highest point: Volcan Pico de Oriza- Clinica de Especialidades Playa Grande Resort thrown into economic turmoil ba 5,700 m. Coastline: 9,330 km. Av. Lopez Mateos 1-800-344-3349 after a devaluation of the peso Cabo San Lucas, BCS www.playagranderesort.com hit the country in late 1994. It trig- Climate varies from desert to Ph. +52 (624) 143 3666 Los Patios Hotel gered the worst recession in over tropical. Natural hazards: hurricanes e-mail: [email protected] 1-888-582-8442 (USA) 50 years. But the country continues on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and 1-866-799-6238 (Canada) to make leaps in its recovery while Caribbean coasts, tsunamis along Web sites www.lospatioshotel.com economic and social concerns the Pacific coast, volcanoes and Protocol, Desertification, Endan- prove infrastructure, modernization Mexico Tourism Board continue to challenge the nation, destructive earthquakes in the gered Species, Hazardous Wastes, of the tax system and labor laws, www.visitmexico.com CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS including underemployment for center and south. Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, and allowing private investment in The Manta Network large numbers of citizens, low real Marine Life Conservation, Ozone the energy sector. Challenges also wages, unequal income distribu- Environmental issues include Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, inclue boosting economic growth, tion, and few opportunites for a lack of proper hazardous waste Wetlands, Whaling. improving Mexico’s international advancement for Amerindian disposal facilities and natural fresh competitiveness, and reducing indivituals in the poor southern water resources with pollution mar- Economic Mexico’s free market poverty. Natural resources: petro- states. In 2000, election results ring the northern reservoirs, poor economy has recently entered the leum, silver, copper, gold, lead, marked the first time since the quality or inaccessible sources in trillion dollar class. A blend of mod- zinc, natural gas, timber. Agricul- Mexican Revolution in 1910 that the rest of the nation; industrial ern and outmoded industry and ture: corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, the opposing party defeated the pollution and raw sewage affect agriculture is increasingly domi- beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, toma- incumbant party in government, rivers in urban areas; rural popula- nated by the private sector. The toes; beef, poultry, dairy products; the Institutional Revolutionary Party tions are moving to urban areas, government has expanded com- wood products. Industry: food and (PRI). In December of that year, widespread erosion; desertification; petition in seaports, railroads, tel- beverages, tobacco, chemicals, Vicente FOX of the National Action deforestation; deteriorating agri- ecommunications, electricity gen- iron and steel, petroleum, mining, Party (PAN) became the first chief cultural lands; serious water and air eration, natural gas distribution and textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, executive elected in free and fair pollution in the nation’s capital and airports. Per capita income is one- consumer durables, tourism. Note: elections. Government: federal urban centers along US-Mexico fourth that of the US. NAFTA has Corn (maize) is thought to have republic. Capital: Mexico (Distrito border; groundwater depletion tripled trade with the US and Can- originated in Mexico. It is one of the Federal) causing subsidence in Valley of ada since 1994. Ninety percent of world’s major grain crops. Mexico. Note: Lack of clean water Mexican trade is under free trade Geography Mexico is located and deforestation are now consid- agreements with over 40 countries Currency Mexican peso (MXN). in central or middle America, ered national security issues by the including, Guatemala, Honduras, El Exchange rates: 1EUR=14.14 MXN, bordering the Caribbean Sea and government. Mexico has entered Salvador, the European Free Trade 1USD=10.95 MXN, 1GBP=21.47 MXN the Gulf of Mexico, between the some international agreements Area, and Japan. Current admin- US and Belize and bordering the including Biodiversity, Climate istration is mired by congressional Population 107,449,525 (July North Pacific Ocean, between Change, Climate Change-Kyoto opposition against measures to im- 2006 est.) Ethnic groups: mestizo

39 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Ecology “Save the manatee? Save the stingray? Save the what?”

Save the

Text by Robert Aston Photos by Donald Tipton, Mark Harding, Guy Stevens, Felipe Vallejo Manta Rays 40 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The shark fin trade

affects the rays too DONALD TIPTON

world. In the Pacific Ocean, they have been documented as far south as New Zealand and as far north as Hawaii.

Even though they can be observed far from shore, they are mainly seen in small groups around the islands of Micronesia, French Polynesia and Indonesia. In the Indian Ocean, the population around a single atoll in the Maldives may number in the thousands. Off the coast of eastern Africa there is anecdotal evidence of the world’s largest manta rays. We do not know why they live only in certain areas. We suspect their habitat preferences may be tied to certain periods of their lifecycle with open water migration only occurring for the more mature individuals within a given population.

Manta rays are slow to reproduce with one or two pups per year, slow growth The name “manta” comes rates and late age of first reproduction. Information on maturity and their from the Portuguese word for blanket.

recorded instance of small Featured in the 1945 movie “Fish The manta ray is such a magnifi- “Save the manatee? population size with minimal From Hell”, fishermen in the Sea cient and highly intelligent crea- Save the stingray? exchange between areas of Cortez feared that the giant ture that every encounter leaves indicates an enhanced risk manta would eat all their fish. you affected Save the what?” for local extinction. This could not be further from the truth as mantas and mobula rays From my first encounter with a If you ask a group of people what Manta rays are not well- are plankton eaters and hold no 16-foot wide manta ray, I was is a manta, nine out of ten will known for several reasons. threat to fish, let alone humans. entranced. Day after day we think of stingrays or those large Being solitary animals, played, often with several rays at things that swim in the rivers of humans have had little con- Fifty years later, I found myself arm’s reach. At times they passed Florida. Even through the manta tact with them. Until recent- heading south of Cabo San overhead blanketing the sun’s ray is the largest winged creature ly, not much was known Lucas, Mexico bound for a rays. On our last day we were on the planet and has a wing- about them so they were remote area of the Eastern Pacific treated to a full day of frolic in the span wider than a condor, few feared and called “devil and home to a rich assortment mantas’ playground. people even know they exist. rays” due to the two fins on of marine pelagic life. I was on their heads that resemble an assignment for a popular dive Dive after dive I was joined by The width of a manta ray can horns. The name “manta” magazine but little did I know four large mantas that circled in exceed 22 feet. They are part of Public domain, ca.1933. Caption states the ray weighed over 5000 lbs. comes from the Portuguese what would be in store for me the warm, clear waters just off the shark family but hold no dan- word for blanket. They were thought to as I covered the diving surround- the seamount. As I recounted in ger to humans as they eat only tiny have attacked and capsized small fishing Socorro and San Benedicto my 1995 article, Socorro Islands-- zooplankton. They are found throughout presumed long generation time of more than ing boats. Many fishermen and islanders con- Islands. (see preceeding article in The Manta Playground, “I waited tropical and subtropical regions of the fifty years has not been fully documented. A sidered them monsters from the sea. this issue). motionless, two mantas glided

41 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Why are more people not trying to save mantas?

The first answer to that question is that little, none or bad press exists surrounding mantas. The second reason is the lack of data from fisheries, scientific and international vital service trade sources. in keeping the population Occasionally, mantas are included in healthy. Destruction of some sensational press coverage such the coral reef and the cleaning as the 1997 newspaper article “Everything stations render the mantas in jeopardy Killed in the Trap Net Fishery”. Highly ille- In May of 2002, while doing work with of contracting skin diseases which com- gal fishing practices known as “Trap Nets” WWF in the remote Alor region of eastern promises their health. were installed in 1996 by a Taiwanese fish- Indonesia, Dr. Heidi Dewar found that a ing fleet in a pelagic migratory channel single village had converted its previous It is difficult enough to obtain data on at Manado, Indonesia. local consumption of mantas into a com- legal fishing and almost impossible to find This article states: “Between 27 March mercial venture. Mantas were hunted out about illegal activities. This problem 1996 and 12 February 1997 the catches and their skin sent to Jakarta where it is has thwarted our efforts to submit a peti- included some 1,424 manta rays, 18 used in the production of shoes and wal- tion to CITES for the protection of manta whale sharks, 312 other sharks, 4 minke lets. The dried manta gill plates are sent rays. It will be another three years before whales, 326 dolphins, 577 pilot whales, to Hong Kong where they are used in they will convene and by then it may be 789 marlin, 84 turtles, and 9 dugong.” The traditional medicines. Dr. Dewar estimat- too late to begin the data collection, so fishermen reported all of these as “by- ed that the total take over an average we must act now. catch” (non-intended species) but most season was in excess of 1,500 mantas. of the animals were frozen and sent to She feared that this number could not Since the late 1990s, efforts to protect market. be sustained and with villagers now buy- manta rays have begun in several loca- ing motorboats with longer ranges, other tions where manta frequent. One of the Consumption areas would be affected, especially the earliest efforts began in Kona, Hawaii Little is known about the world con- nearby Komodo Marine Sanctuary. with Manta Pacific, a non-profit volunteer sumption of mantas due to inaccurate group. Over several years, the local pop- above and two below. Without fear, one the Mexican officials in Cabo San Lucas or non-existent reporting. Manta ray In another part of the world off the coast ulation was photographed and recorded large manta with two white spots on its where it would get immediate media catches are generally grouped with of Tanzania, local fishermen are dyna- in attempts to provide data for their pro- back circled ever closer. As she came to attention. Fortunately, this led to even other rays in by-catch reports making miting the reef rest four inches from my face, our eyes stricter government permits, regulations them of little conservation value. CITES as this makes it met again. We were both motionless and a step up in the monitoring and (the Convention on International Trade in easier to catch as we each contemplated the other’s inspections. Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and a diminishing fish being. None of us that played with the Flora) is an international organization that supply. Manta mantas that day will ever be the same A year later, I formed an alliance with was formed by a treaty with 172 member rays, as well as again.” At that time I had no idea that Dr. Bob Rubin, a foremost authority on states to monitor and regulate interna- most marine for the rest of my life I would be on a Manta birostris. After my second trip to tional trade. Mantas and mobula rays animals, rely on quest to save the world’s mantas. research the Socorro mantas, we decid- have yet to be added to the list requiring smaller fish to ed that a global manta conservation fishery monitoring. perform parasite While on that trip, I learned that in early organization was needed. It took a while removal from 1994 two Mexican fishing boats had vio- to organize and The Manta Network was An obscure record of exit declarations by their skin. Manta lated the marine sanctuary, killing two granted non-profit status in the fall of Chilean micro exporters to South Korea cleaning sta- large manta rays as part of their normal 2004. in 2005 reported that manta rays yielded tions perform a netting operation. This deadly deed was nearly three times more revenue than recorded on video by passing sport corrugated paper exports, divers. The fishermen even allowed some US $106,000. This was Finned manta the videographer on board to record slightly up from the previous ray. The fins are the full impact of the event. The fisher- year and nearly twice that of cut of and the men had not realized that the vide- eel exports. rest of the body otape would quickly be conveyed to just discarded

42 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Manta Network is involved in:

Research Manta Field Research Afﬁliates Global Manta Database Manta Migration Study Continous Monitoring Program Manta Research Expeditions

Education On-Line Manta Community Manta Resource Guide Mantas-in-the-Classroom Community Outreach

Conservation Adopt-A-Manta Tens Rules of Encounters Eco-Tourism Programs Telepresence Network

Protection Manta Documentary In-Country Partnerships CITES Endangered Species DONALD TIPTON

tection. Studies have indicated have been included in some of and conserving these magnificent that protection of mantas are the programs headed by global creatures. not only good for the mantas but conservation organizations. also for manta tourism which has The Manta Network’s efforts are contributed more than $2.5 mil- The Manta Network is the only focused into scientific research, lion a year to the local economy. global organization dedicated education, conservation and pro- In the last two years, several more solely on manta and mobula tection. Studies are conducted in organizations have been formed, rays. It is working to create pro- conjunction with leading manta some for research and others for grams to protect and conserve researchers. It strives to make conservation. (See “Mantas From mantas. Its mission is to create available accurate information Around the World”) Most of these a knowledge base to educate about areas where manta popu- have small budgets, are staffed fishing and tourism industries, lations are threatened that helps by volunteers and focus only on government organizations, con- to increase industry, government local populations and issues. As servation groups and the public and public awareness about the part of the shark family, mantas on the importance of protecting critical issues.

43 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A MantaCam is soon to be operational The Manta Network combines sci- Working with affili- allowing people and classrooms to view entific research with education and ates, scientists and the swimming manta on a daily basis. community to foster conservation other conservation and protection. The organization organizations, a Threatened serves as a central repository global database Recently added to the “Threatened for manta information and a is being built. Species List,” Manta birostris is now the resource for any organization or Photographic focus of marine research intended to individual seeking to further their identification Research goals support the claim that they are endan- work. techniques are include obtain- gered. A significant amount of data being employed ing and funding needs to be collected to establish A network of volunteers has to collect data on critical manta their importance within the been created to provide individuals. Work projects that take ocean’s ecosystem. research on manta behavior has begun on scientists into the Information on fisheries, and habit preferences. The the develop- field and allow con- by-catch, poaching and manta advisory board ment of an cerned individuals to international trade is cru- consists of many lead- automated ID participate through cial to their protection and ing manta biologists. process that will research expeditions. effective conservation man- They work with other help to build When possible, funding sup- agement. researchers, sport scuba the database ports organizations undertak- divers, photographers, dive more quickly ing important local research. and tour operators and con- and accurately. cerned individuals in more than This data is being Education plays an important role twenty countries around the globe. used to help scien- and involves members, volunteers, tists understand manta behavior, popula- research affiliates, researchers, education dynamics, habitat preferences and tors, schools and supporters. The website migration behavior. employs innovative, state-of-the-art custom software to create a “global virtual community.”

One innovative program involves the creation of an Internet-based network of live underwater video cameras. Situated at high-profile manta cleaning stations and feeding areas around the world, live camera feeds of mantas will be made available to classrooms around the world. Oceanario Aquarium in Lisbon, Portugal is one of only three aquariums in the world that house live manta rays.

44 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A testimony the Manta Network, which is an organi- estimated wing span of 12 to 15 feet. zation that works towards, “advancing These mantas have been located at working in the ocean daily provides knowledge of mantas.” Their goal is Reef’s End inside Moluccana Crater off me with the opportunity to have many to accomplish this through popula- the coast of Maui, Hawai’i. The largest manta encounters. These encounters tion studies, environmental education, we have seen was estimated to have do not just allow me to be in the pres- environmental assessment studies, a 17 foot wing span. Although we do ence of majestic creatures, but also and public awareness initiatives. It not yet know where the mantas from permit me to assist in the identifica- is an exuberant feeling to contribute Maui go during the winter months. The tion of newly sighted individuals. New towards educating people about Manta Network is researching their individuals are identified by photo- mantas. I have personally identified 7 migratory habits. For me, contributing graphing mantas from several differ- new individuals that I have been fol- towards manta education is not just ent angles, especially the ventral and lowing for the past 3 years. They usual- through the organization, but also by dorsal sides. These photographs are ly appear at the same dive site during sharing what I know about mantas with then compared with previous photo- the summer months. All of the mantas fellow divers, as well as teaching them graphs on file to discover if the manta are still alive, which keeps me happy. how to respect these noble ocean is a new individual, or an individual Most commonly they are about 10 gliders. Happy diving to all. that has already been identified. If to 12 feet in wing span and are very the manta is unidentified, I send the white ventrally and greyish dorsally. Aloha, pictures to the Manta Pacific Research However, the mantas that I have Benja Iglesis Foundation. The MPRC contributes to spotted lately are quite large with an www.benjaiglesis.com

Susceptibility to increased predation, loss of habitat and accidental by-catch is increasing the risk of extinction. This vulnerability is affecting several documented local populations. Some scientists conclude that the pressure on the local populations will lead to local extinction and may result in long-term reduction or Loss of manta cleaning stations along with the extinction of the global population. fish that service them will have a significant impact on the world’s manta rays. It is a Several reports conclude that more than threatened species that could very well be in 90% of the world’s pelagic fish have dis- danger of extinction. appeared due to excessive harvesting and illegal fishing practices. These include We need to act quickly to raise aware- shark finning for shark fin soup which is a ness of the plight of the global population Chinese delicacy, even through the fins of manta rays and the urgent need to have no taste. Scientific circles fear that protect them. If we hesitate, the world’s global warming will dramatically affect largest winged and most majestic coral reefs and along with them the creature will be gone before most manta cleaning stations, destroying in a people ever knew they even existed. few years what took millions of years to create.

45 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED sanal gillnets in Southern Brazil (Figure Manta Ray Studies in Brazil Attached, by F. S. Motta, Projeto Dr. Otto Bismarck Fazzano Gadig Cação). Females comprised 32,1% SÃO PAULO STATE UNIVERSITY, UNESP – SÃO VICENTE, BRAZIL and males 67,8% of sexed individuals. All specimens were adults, judg- Manta rays are reported off the entire ing by its size, which varied from 3 to Brazilian coast, but there are no stud- 5,5 m wide and by the characteristic ies on its biology, distribution and stuffed pelvic in males area, suggest- other important biological aspects. ing that the seminal vesicle was filled The only study, ate presente, was with semen. The presence of adults of carried out in Southern Brazil in a both sexes during the winter period at Marine Protected Area named Laje the Park may be related to a repro- de Santos Marine State Park, located ductive behaviour. about 21 nautical miles off São Paulo, Manta rays unique identification pattern Brazil comprising 5 square km sea por- The Laje de Santos State Marine tion adjacent to a 500 m long and Park is a highly visited place by divers, 100 m high rock (24º 00’S- 43º 23’W). most of them touching the mantas, Maldivian Manta Ray Project This area is massively utilized for what can affect the natural behav- recreational diving operation, iour of this species. Therefore, future The Maldivian Manta Ray Project is and the any fishery is prohib- directions include more detailed a non-profit research and conserva- ited. behavioural studies to know about tion organization based at the Four In this research it was made the intraspecific interaction between Seasons Resorts in the Maldives. 34 sightings of manta rays, during mantas, as well as, between man- 244 diving operations, total- tas and man. Such data is neces- Manta rays are listed as ‘near threat- izing 40 individuals. Most sary to allow recreational and ened’ by the World Conservation rays were recorded during eco-diving regulatory meas- Union (IUCN) and much scientific the southern hemisphere ures in marine protected research is still needed to properly winter (July to August), areas around the assess their status worldwide. Almost corresponding to 90,2% world. nothing is known about their popula- of total sighted tion ecology, use of critical habitat, rays. During this movements or reproduction, all of season, several giant which are important if we are to mantas are caught and accurately assess the state of the killed accidentally by arti- species.

One of the best ways to begin understanding the population of manta The liveaboard adventure dive boat Undersea Explorer has teamed rays in the Maldives is to establish a up with James Cook University’s Honours student Owen O’Shea for our latest method of recognising and recording manta research project. His research is centred at a manta cleaning station individuals. Using photographic and on Osprey Reef, a pinnacle in the Coral Sea, 69 nautical miles east of the video identification we are building a Australian continent. Mantas are commonly seen there during our regularly comprehensive database of the indi- scheduled dives, but Owen wanted more data. He used a remote underwater vidual mantas throughout the Atolls. video camera to record action at the cleaning station from dawn until dusk, This highlights trends in their behav- each day Undersea visited Osprey Reef (usually 2-3 days per week). He is now iour, allow for an estimation of the analysing the data to investigate the interactions between the cleaner fish population size and their movements and their clients, which typically include not only mantas, but also a broad both spatially and temporally. spectrum of sharks, including grey reef whalers, hammerhead sharks, and the occasional oceanic black tip. Owen has identified at least 25 different We are also using satellite and acous- individual manta rays that have visited the site, with several repeat guests! tic tagging programs to identify the migration routes and daily activities Undersea Explorer marine biologists also continue to gather information for of these amazing animals. For more our nature diary on the exciting creatures (including mantas) that we see at information on the projects work our sites. We have kept a record of environmental variables and biological please visit our website at www.mal- sightings for the past decade, which allows us to better understand the divianmantas.com behaviour and distribution of key indicator and charismatic species.

46 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 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 HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED BY X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTEED. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS’ DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE. LINKS ARE ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION Texting underwater POINT & CLICK ON BOLD LINKS Who needs an u/w phone, who can talk under water anyway!? Never heard of texting? Imagine seeing a whale shark while diving or snorkeling. Whip up your phone, snap a pix of the whale shark and send an MMS to your friends. But don’t get too excited. So far, this gadg- et only makes it to about 1foot / 3 meters and is only available Edited by Got mojo in the East. But you can safely listen to music while Millis Keegan snorkeling and make calls in the pool without & Peter Symes worries with the FOMA F704i from Fujitsu. Equipment www.akihabaranews.com A classic revisted Velocity XP Compared to conventional fins, says Aeris, the XP is up to 30 Oldtimers know all about the percent faster and more effi- pedigree of the new Digital cient. Semi-rigid battens and 330m dive timer from Scubapro. rubber flex channels within This updated version will display the blade precisely Draco depth to 330m, calculate the control the shape average depth during the dive of the blade dur- Drysuit and displays ing the fin stroke the ascent rate to optimize power The Scandinavians in metres per and reduce drag. know the impor- minute. Those Oversized side rails tance of a proper features might add rigidity to the drysuit for safe and attract any oversized blades for enjoyable diving. diver with increased lift power Waterproof has 20 control and efficiency. years experience in issues, as www.diveaeris.com providing suits for cold well as the water divers, and their technical designers put a great diver. The effort into comfort. Their design is latest suit, the Draco simple, drysuit, is made with 3.5mm made to Special Hi-Dense neoprene be visible Mares also to “split up” with SD Toughtex lining. while div- ( VIA DIVENEWSWIRE) The cuff system is zippered for ﬂex- ing, and the Mares is adding the spit to their fin family. Raptor is the ibility and abiility to use dry-glove ring log book will name of their new innovation and true to themselves, system. The Waterproof adjustable record the lat- the split fin is designed with performance in mind, and warm neck design is improved with a est 19 dives. a combination of drain valve. The separated hood ﬁts materials. Thrust nicely under the neck collar, and has a and efficiency venting system to avoid that annoying are the key gas buildup in the hood. Another com- words. RAPTOR fort feature of the Draco: there are no will be availible seams in the under arm area or in the in four colors crotch area, where wrinkling can other- and three sizes. wise cause wearing. www.waterproof.se www.scubapro.co.uk www.mares.com

47 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Bored during mini Review by Millis Keegan deco? Waterproof UNO might be something for the tech diver perform- Hanging ing their long and sometimes Deep tideous stops while heading to the surface. The cards come from Mattels, and if you Air Inspection can’t ﬁnd them in a store near you, check your local Is this a must for the Amazon shop on-line. Look for Uno H20 Documenting and avid diver? The product prom- Waterproof Clear Cards. inspecting the deep ises to reduce the drying time Deep requires a tad up to 70 percent, and that the the hanger pushes air into the more technology than your days of smelly old wetsuits are suit, forcing the water out of the average u/w camera equipment. Remote gone. Living in Florida, I mostly suit through arms and legs while Ocean Systems subsea cameras have just 3-in-1 dive with a skin, which dries ﬁne drying the material. Even though that little extra. The new INSPECTOR HD The OMS 3 in 1 Oxygen regulator is without any extra help, but then the drying time was a bit longer Video Camera is a high-definition color so revolutionary that it can be taken comes winter with water tem- than the results Hangair’s own test video camera with the ability to do still almost anywhere. With multiple gas inlets peratures that require a wetsuit, panel presents, it was accept- images. Standard depth rates at 3000 meters to choose from and multiple gas outlets to and my problem begins. It is hu- able. We do live in Florida after all, with the help of a titanium house with a 6000 supply Demand or non-rebreather masks mid in Florida, and yes, it takes where humidity easily reaches 80 meter option. Lightweight and small in size, you can administer to a diver in distress forever to dry the wetsuits. And percent. the body is about 8 inches/20 cm long and 4 at almost any place or anytime. It provides yes, it does smell. The Hangair Then we tested the Hangair inches/10 cm wide. It comes with a stabilized divers with the necessary equipment to is a big help, plus I can keep on our drysuits. That did not work 18:1 optical zoom, with a digital 12x digital safely perform accelerated “off gassing” it hanging and drying in the out as well. e have membrane perfect for up-close inspection. or oxygen therapy and resuscitation on the garage instead of using the air style nylon drysuits with rubber rosys.com boat or on land. www.omsdive.com conditioned living area. Without boots, and we were not as lucky the Hangair, that would mean as Hangair’s test panel who man- that the suit would have smelled aged to dry a chrushed neoprene like a rotten, forgotten towel in drysuit in two steps. All the water no time. Now, the inside of the was collected in the boots, and Warm, warmer, warmest apartment looks a lot tidier. A for a completely dry suit, we had An insulating underwear system based on 100 percent win-win, on all accounts. to take the suit off the hanger and Merino wool is what Poseidon offers empty the water out a couple of drysuit divers with their Flexi Base How it works: times, an annoying process. But underwear. Insulation is key for Compact A high powered fan mounted in on the other hand, a membrane comfort while diving in cold drysuit rarely gets that water, wool has the capac- and bright wet inside, and the ity to keep you warm material dries quickly. even when wet, so it is a Ikelites new sub strobe DS- In fact, during the good choice, but it is still 125 works with both the test, the suit that dried important to transport the newest digital cameras, without the Hangair, excess moisture away from as well as TTL film cameras dried faster— possibly the skin. They suggest that for those who have not yet because the water you use multiple layers when converted to digital. This is was not pushed down needed, a well known strat- possible thanks to special electronic cir- and collected in the egy to conserve heat. With cuitry, and the strobe will also work with boots. this line of underwear, it is the Nikonos system, and with normal or pre-flash easier to do that. The mate- camera systems. The DS-125 operates TTL when In conclusion: rial is flexible and can vent connected with a sync cord or Ikelites wireless Yes, this is an Okay your body moisture, and it TTL Slave Sensor. The strobe’s compact size and product. A bit on the is machine washable. weight of less than three pounds makes traveling pricy side maybe, but poseidon.se easier. The interchangeable NiMH battery pack overall we give the allows 250 flashes on one charge. ikelite.com Hangair a thumbs up. hangairs.com ■

48 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text and photos by Don Tipton

The boat’s four occupants were spear fishing for Yellowtail. As Mark began to ask the skipper questions, one of the spear fisherman suddenly appeared to be walking on the water shouting “White, White! Get me out of the water now!”

Mark nonchalantly looked at us and said, “Well, we have found them boys. Let’s go diving!!” captions Text and photos by Tony White GreatIn search of the White Shark 49 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Struis Bay Harbour feature Great White Durban to Arniston in the Western gave us two working days before Cape. the weather was predicted to The journey was long and hot, break, with a strong south westerly with Mark and me taking turns stopping us dead in our tracks. to drive and stopping only three The next morning, we were up times to eat and top up on gas. at the break of day. Adrenaline En route, it became obvious was pumping. and the weariness that we would not be able to of the previous day was forgotten launch the RIB from Arniston as as we anticipated the day and the launch conditions were too the strong possibility of getting dangerous, and we re-directed to into the water with this awesome a small fishing village. marine animal. Struis Bay is some We launched the RIB easily 10 kilometres from the slip way in the small It was a beautiful clear blue day away harbour and headed out into the as we approached the ski boat, from clear blue sea. Our re-direction 4km off Cape Agulhas in South from Arniston now meant that we Africa. had a 40 kilometre sea journey Two of Carcharodon Carcharias, before us. Our local contacts more commonly known as were sending us to a shallow the Great White Shark, are reef called Skip-Skop, some 4 found around the globe. But kilometres from the coast. undoubtedly, the global capital The long sea journey gave us for this magnificent apex predator time to observe the beautiful is the Western Cape, South Africa. photographers rugged coastline and plenty Traditionally during the winter from around the of time to reflect on what was months of May to October, world. Not deterred to come. It took us 1½ hours to thousands of tourists flock to the by the bad visibility make the journey with a local cage diving operators in or weather conditions following swell. Happily, both Gansbaai and False Bay. they waited patiently for their we didn’t know From the relative safety of a time to come. Many had long what we were in cage, the tourists watch these waits as the conditions were for on our marine giants as they feed on rarely right, and they went away in February return one of their favourite dishes, the empty handed. Over the years, 2007, I received seals of Dyer and Seal Islands. the professionals found other an early morning call During the summer months, the areas of the world to photograph from Mark Addison of Blue numbers of sharks around these the Great White for the endless Wilderness Diving. Excitedly, he two areas drops significantly. articles and programs that are told me he had just had a phone Although the Great White is a produced about this fascinating call from one of his contacts in next migratory animal, up until now, creature. the Western Cape. The Agulhas nobody has really known where Almost a year ago, in an effort current had taken up its summer they disappeared to. When to attract the reducing number position, moving closer to the morning, Cape Agulhas, the asked, people in the know of cameramen back to South coast, bringing with it warm with the southern most tip of Africa became very vague and said, Africa, a couple of visionary people and more importantly, clear wagon We arrived exhausted at 10 “They have gone hunting fish decided that somewhere around blue water with 20 to 30 metres loaded with o’clock that evening, and somewhere nearer the coast” or their beautiful coast there must visibility. They had also noticed cameras, dive we still had to prepare all journey! they joke that “It is tourist hunting be better and more predictable high concentrations of sharks, gear and a bait the equipment and load As we approached season”. conditions to dive with Great Whites particularly the Great White and, stem, that we (Mark, the boat, as time was of the marks in the distance, It wasn’t just tourists who After completing a trip with if I was up for it, we should get me and videographer the essence. Weather we could see a small ski boat. flocked to these two areas a group of photographers to down there pronto! Pete Whielden) started conditions were perfect Mark decided that we would but also cameramen and Aliwal Shoals and Sodwana Bay And so it was at 4 o’clock the the 1600 kilometre drive from but predictions only talk to the people on the boat

50 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Preparing the bait feature Great White to see what they had seen and take Well, we have it from there. On approaching the found them boys. boat, we could see two men fishing with lines and another two neoprene- Let’s go diving!” clad spear fishermen in the water. We had just started to talk to them continued to circle us for some two when one of the men nearly took off hours, never coming any closer than vertically from the water, weight belt 4-5 metres from us. and all, shouting “White! White! Get All this time, Mark took up position me out of the water!” This prompted above us on snorkel and with Mark Addison’s now famous an empty spear gun. If the shark comment, “Well, we have found approached us too closely, he them boys. Let’s go diving!” planned to dive down and push it By now, all I could see was two off, but this was never necessary. men almost walking on the surface Eventually, the spear fishermen of the water trying to get out of it of hours to get used to the idea, I we edged towards where the last who had exited the water so and into their boat… and we were thought we would gently join the reported position of the White Shark dramatically came back into the starting to kit up to get into the water! sharks as they lazily swam around us. had been. water with us, and without their spear My mind told me that this was not guns. One of them was heard to say the way it should be. I had figured on Not so! Kitted within minutes, Pete Cages? that with these lunatics in the water, it sitting around in the sun while Mark and I slid into the sea to find visibility Oh, I forgot to mention that there reduced his chances of being eaten. baited the water and after a couple of at least 25 metres. Nervously, were no cages involved in this! The ease with which we had Suddenly, out of the blue, found the White Shark and the approximately two metres whole encounter, was the ultimate below the surface, appeared experience in my underwater career. a four metre Great White For two hours, we enjoyed this Shark. We have dived with Tiger Sharks many times in the past, so we were used to being in the water with big sharks without cages, but this shark was enormous! I definitely thought that it was eyeing us up with a view to assessing our meal potential. Luckily, Pete and I are pretty crunchy and to be fair, human beings in any form are not on any sharks’ normal menu. I have been asked many times since that moment if I was afraid and very honestly, I have to say that for a brief time, yes, I was. My fear turned to apprehension and soon I was completely at ease with the creature that was nervously circling us. It

Cape Agulhas Coastline

51 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Here she comes feature Great White

“We have dived with Tiger Sharks many times in the past, so we were used to being in the water with big sharks without cages, but this shark was enormous! I definitely thought that it was eyeing us up with a view to assessing our meal potential.“

majestic creature’s company until biting-cage-bars shot. (obviously), by the bait stem and broke the following day, and we we finally we ran out of air and We anchored in the middle of waited. This time, the shark only were unable to go out again. So, had to return to the RIB. We then Skip Skop with a depth varying came back once and buzzed us we reluctantly packed up our kit realised the enormity of the task from 12 to 16 metres and from some 10 metres away. That and made our way home. These ahead as without the following dropped the bait stem over the was the last we saw of her before two days had proved that it was sea, it took us nearly two and side. The wait seemed endless, our computers told us it was time possible to dive safely with Great a half hours to pound our way, but after an hour or so, Mark to leave the bottom. Again our White Sharks, without cages in teeth rattling, back to base at yelled, “White approaching!” We return to base was exhilarating as warm (24C) clear water in South Struis Bay. could see the dark shape of a we tried not to lose our teeth, and Africa. It had taken Mark Addison over huge shark some 100 metres from talked about our experiences of This experience was a real a year of never ending searching, the boat. After falling over each the last two days. privilege for me, and I can’t wait up and down the coast to other to get kitted, we dropped True to predictions, the weather for next season to arrive. I know experience this day. In the past, into the water. Pete that when it arrives it had been either bad weather was in front and and the conditions and poor visibility or no sharks. heading for the are right, I will not Today, all his hard work and the bottom, followed by be waiting at home relentless pursuit of his dream had the shark and last of for a phone call. I come together. all, me. As we got in, will already be in feeding on the huge shoals of Tony White is a full time Day 2 Mark had said that Struis Bay, diving Yellowtail that frequent this part professional underwater The following day we launched today’s shark was not with Great White of the coast. We have a very photographer now based in again at dawn. We made our as big as yesterday’s!! Sharks. real opportunity and the expertise Cape Town, South Africa. He way to the same reef, with the Following that shark, During the for underwater photographers/ frequently runs specialised intention of dropping a bait stem I could swear it was summer months, videographers to come to South tours in South Africa and to the seabed to see if we could twice the size of when the Agulhas Africa to capture footage of the across the world. More infor- attract the shark to the bottom, yesterday’s and a current moves closer Great White Shark without the mation can be found at and capture rare images of White female to boot. to shore, large restraints and limitations of the www.seaofdreams.co.uk Shark against the reef instead Pete and I took up numbers of White cages in Gansbaai and False Bay. of the predictable White-Shark- position back to back Sharks can be found ■

52 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED whales & Study helps maintain balance dolphins between bowhead whales and Eskimos Software recognises diﬀerent At a recent meeting in International dolphin species by their whis- Whaling Commission, 76 member nations voted to renew the subsistence hunt tles quota for the next five years. Edited by Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Peter & Gunild Symes Oceanography in San Diego, California, The bowhead whale, devastated in the have developed a new software that 19th and early 20th centuries by com- identifies different dolphin species by mercial whaling fleets, has been a food their whistles. staple for Eskimos and other indigenous Arctic peoples dating to prehistoric times. And about time, too! According to a new study by the US Naval sonar silenced Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Research by Purdue University on the bow- identifying different species of dolphins head whale has helped in maintaining an by whale fears by their whistles could help improve the ecological balance between the marine accuracy of surveys. These are normally mammals and the Eskimos, who hunt the The arguments of campaign- done by observing the animals from animals for food. To prevent their extinc- ers who claim that the use of boats. However, as many dolphins spend tion, the International Whaling Commission mid-frequency sonar equipment a lot of time underwater, this does not had allowed Eskimos to harvest 56 whales harmed mammals off the coast always provide a clear perspective. And per year. The quota had expired, and of California were accepted by to make matters worse, some species are Bowhead. K.W. For Meinhalds Wandbilder for use in schools. Ca. 1900 now after the study, the commission has a federal judge. The US Navy has shy of boats. allowed the same quota. been ordered not to use such equipment during training exer- The ASA said it has turned to acoustics Weapon fragment from 1800s cises until the end of 2009. in the hope of providing more accurate data on dolphin activity in heavily fished It was claimed that whales were areas where the mammals are at greater found in 117-year old whale disoriented by sonar, caus- risk of being harmed. ing them to become stranded on beaches. In fact, the Inter- The marine-life research group trailed Biologists, long stumped at figuring out more evidence for their long-held belief Agency Committee on Marine a microphone from a survey boat and how old whales are, were presented that the bowhead whale is one of the Science and Technology identi- then fed the sound they picked up from with an uncontrovertible piece of evi- longest-living mammals on earth, surviv- fied 13 cases of cetacean strand- dolphins to an on-board computer. Here, dence from a 50-ton bowhead caught ing for up to 200 years. ings on beaches that appeared specially developed software was then off Alaska. Fragments of a 19th century to be linked to noise. Most of able to identify eight types of dolphin harpoon—a lance bomb—were found “It’s pretty rare that you get the chance these involved naval vessels. with up to 80 percent accuracy. It found lodged in a shoulder bone. to date the age of a whale,” said John in tests that dolphins make a variety of The weapon was used more than Bockstoce, the whaling historian at the A senior lawyer for the National sounds that include species-specific whis- a century ago by whalers from New New Bedford Whaling Museum who ana- Resources Defence Council said tles made up of frequencies between Bedford, Massachusetts, USA, enabling lyzed the fragments. that the court’s order confirms two and 30 kilohertz. researchers to estimate that the whale that during sonar testing and was at least 115 years old and providing Anthropologists have analyzed hunting training, the navy can and must Dolphins make a range of sound, includ- devices found in whales before. It was protect whales and other marine ing different types of clicks and species- Lance bombs often difficult, however, to narrow down “Eskimos have been whaling for more life in the rich waters off the south- specific whistles, mostly of frequencies when the weapon was fired. But than 2,000 years and have never endan- ern Californian coast. ■ between 2 and 30 kilohertz, with each because the bomb lance was gered the bowhead whale,” said Purdue species combining the frequencies in patented and stocks were used University professor John Bickham, who No more their own way. ■ up quickly, Bockstoce and his conducted the study. He said the bow- sonar tests! colleagues identified a narrow head’s population increased by three SOURCE: JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA window in which they believe percent a year, even while being har- the whale was shot, sometime vested by subsistence hunters. ■ between 1885 and 1895. ■ SOURCE: MOLECULAR ECOLOGY.

53 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED whales & dolphins Warming Oceans Put More Stress on Whales Yangtze river dolphin now Climate change is making life more difficult for whales, dol- considered extinct phins and porpoises that must adapt to shrinking sea ice and decline in their prey species. Climate change impacts An extensive six-week survey of the Yangtze River are greatest in the Arctic and the Antarctic, and cetaceans dolphins’ habitat has failed to find any sign of such as belugas, narwhals and bowhead whales that rely on the baiji as they are called locally. The freshwater icy polar waters for habitat and food are likely to suffer most dolphin found only in China is now “likely to be from the reduction in sea ice. ■ extinct”, the team of scientists concluded. If confirmed, it would be the first extinction of a large vertebrate for over 50 years.

Sam Turvey of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), one of the paper’s co-authors, described the findings as a “shocking tragedy”. The Yangtze Why Russian Whales are Stinky River dolphin was a remarkable mammal that separated from all other species over 20 million years Since the early 1990’s, aboriginal whale bons, sulfur and nitrogen compounds ago,” Dr Turvey explained to BBC News. hunters in Russia’s northeastern Chukotka and various odorants. “This extinction rep- province have reported that about one- But it’s not clear whether these come resents the disappear- tenth of the whales they killed for food from human pollution. As hunters have ance of a complete smelled so putrid that they were inedible. noted that the stomachs of stinky whales branch of the evo- People who ate the stinky meat report- are packed with seaweed. Some lutionary tree of life ed numbness, a rash or stomach ache. researchers have suggested that the and emphasizes that The origin of the odor—which has also whales, faced with climate-related food we have yet to take affected seals, walruses and cod—has shortages, have resorted to eating sea- full responsibility in our baffled scientists, and in 2003, U.S. and weed that causes a pollutant-producing role as guardians of Russian toxicologists began testing tissue biochemical reaction inside them. Others the planet. samples of stinky whales. suggest that the whales are feeding in They looked for traces of heavy met- areas rich in toxin-emitting fungi and The species (Lipotes als and other harmful compounds, such bacteria. vexillifer) was the only as organochlorines and polyaromatic But the report adds that the stink could remaining member hydrocarbons, which are products of also be caused by an unidentified bio- of the Lipotidae, an industrial processes. They detected more toxin. ■ ancient mammal fam- Extinction also looms for than a hundred volatile ily that is understood Amazonian pink dolphin compounds, includ- to have separated ing hydrocar- from other marine Fears for the future of could face the same mammals, including the Amazonian pink fate as the Yangtze whales, dolphins and river dolphin are rising River dolphin. The boto porpoises, about 40- after a surge in their is still widespread com- 20 million years ago. indiscriminate killing and pared to other river dol- the launch of a gov- phins. Since 2000, how- “While it is conceiv- ernment plan to build ever, Brazilian scientists able that a couple several hydro-electric have registered a sharp GREENPEACE of surviving individuals dams in the region. Until drop in their number. were missed by the survey recently, the freshwater In the Mamiraua eco- teams,” the team wrote, dolphin—known in Brazil logical reserve 330 miles “our inability to detect any as the boto—was not from Manaus, which baiji despite this intensive considered at risk, but has one of the highest search effort indicates environmentalists in the concentrations of botos, that the prospect of find- Amazon now believe researchers believe the ing and translocating the dolphin population is dropping them to a reserve has all by around 10 but vanished.” ■ percent SOURCE: BBC a year. ■ FAO 54 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text and photos by Petty Officer 1st Class NyxoLyno Cangemi Eighth Coast Guard District External Affairs

Students meet challenges to become military scuba divers US Coast Guard Diver The surface of the 12-foot pool bubbles like a hot bottom of the pool each student takes his turn float- tub while instructors below signal to a group of dive ing up, then sinking down. The entire exercise from students using a series of hand signals on how to start to finish looks more like a wave at a football inflate their vest. One by one, each student slowly game set at super slow motion than a dive class. starts floating to the surface. The instructor signals the students to deflate the vest and again, one by ABOVE: Students prepare to dive in a 12-foot pool for scuba training RIGHT: Two scuba students swim to the surface of a 12-foot dive pool one, they return to the bottom. Lined up along the after performing an emergency-preparedness exercise 55 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Six students at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida, surface after participating in a training exercise in the center’s 12-foot pool. Personnel at the training center offer several underwater diving courses to all branches of the mili- USCG Diver feature tary, with the exception of the Navy Seals and the Green Berets The right stuff As a volunteer program for the Coast Guard, any member who meets the center’s eligibility requirements can enroll; however, attendance is not a guarantee of success. Enrollment into the dive program can be a physically and mentally challenging endeavor, requiring a large commitment from the students. “On average, about a third of the people who enroll in the course don’t make it through,” Roy said. “We lose students primarily because of aca- demics and inability to perform. We purposely take people out of their comfort zone while they’re here and push them to their limit, so when they’re in the field, if something was A bath of cleaning solution is used to sterilize scuba regulators to happen, they won’t quit.” used by diving students at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training The training is tough, and everyone Center here. The regulators are cleaned after each diving exer- is held to the same standard. Enlisted, cise at the center officer, male, female, Navy, Coast

Instructors at the Naval Diving and members from all of the United States mil- Salvage Center in Panama City, Florida, itary branches (with the exception of the maintain a serious attitude about the Navy Seals and the Green Berets) come training they conduct in turning military here to see if they have what it takes to men and women, into certified scuba become a military certified scuba diver. divers. Physical dive exercises can be Prior to 9-11, Coast Guard divers took physically demanding, and classroom to the water to perform such functions instruction often mirrors that of a college- as hull-integrity inspections, buoy repair level chemistry course. and ice research. With the formation of “Coming here is like getting your mas- the Maritime Safety and Security Teams ters degree in diving,” said Coast Guard located throughout the country, the Lt. Alan Fitzgerald, a student enrolled Coast Guard has increased its efforts to in the Marine Engineering Dive Officer train and certify more of its own mem- Course at the dive center. “The academ- bers to perform homeland security mis- ics alone are pretty tough, because you sions. get into all aspects of diving including “Today, the Coast Guard has 112 bil- physics and medicine. As far as physical lets as certified divers, and we train 40- fitness, they train you to be strong, so you 50 Coast Guard members each year to can handle yourself under the surface.” sustain that number,” said Chief Petty With courses ranging from the scuba Officer Philip Roy of the Coast Guard certification course to the BDO course, Liaison Office at the training center.

U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Thomas Brittingham does a push-up during a physical fitness exercise at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center here. Brittingham is one of seven Coast Guard members enrolled in the center’s joint-service, scuba-certification course

56 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RIGHT: Coast Guard Ensign Mark Unpingco adjusts a strap on an oxygen tank while USCG Diver feature Petty Officer 3rd Class Shawn Price assists

Two instructors at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center here test a student’s ability to stay calm during a confidence training exercise Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006. The exercise is designed to better prepare scuba students at the training center for real-world emergencies

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Philip Roy Guard—it doesn’t matter. Everyone here is Roy. “They want to get through this pro- leads a class of 25 scuba students on a run an equal and is expected to live up to the gram, and being surrounded by that level Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, near the Naval Diving same physical fitness standards set forth by of energy is inspiring.” and Salvage Training Center here. Roy is a the training center. As with any type of military training, certified, military scuba diver and works at the Prior to the start of class, candidates the US Coast Guard trains its divers from training center to assist students in obtaining must be able to successfully complete the ground zero. Regardless if students arrive their scuba certification. U.S. minimum fitness standards, including a at the school with a recreational dive timed fitness course. certification, they must still complete the can’t draw too many parallels between All aspects of training are taken very course. Previous dive experience is not a civilian and military training.” seriously. When underwater, if an emer- requirement for school, nor will it ensure a Lt. j.g. Rachel Beckmann recently com- gency occurs, a diver must go through the student’s success. pleted the basic scuba course and is proper decompression before reaching “The level of training the students now enrolled in the Marine Engineering the surface or he could suffer grave conse- receive is comparable to what a recrea- Dive Officer Course. “The goal of the five- quences, yet despite the inherent dangers tional diver would,” said Roy. “But because week scuba course is to basically take associated with underwater diving, the our student’s are training to become mili- someone with no diving experience and atmosphere remains positive. tary divers, they have much more dive train them to be a certified diver. The “Being a volunteer program, the stu- time and exposure to the water than one whole course was really intense, but it felt dents who are here, want to be here,” said would receive recreationally. You really very rewarding to complete it,” she said.

57 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature USCG Diver

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Clifton Dillehay awaits instruction to begin a diving execise in a 12-foot dive pool at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training center. Dillehay is one of 25 students at the training center enrolled in the scuba course

On the job dive teams can work independently US$150 to $240 each month while sta- Upon completion of the course, stu- from the ship, reducing response time tioned at an operational dive unit. dents move on to perform certain and cost, Roy said. The teams can per- The challenge for anyone wishing to job functions most people only read form all of the same functions as the become a military certified scuba diver about—diving under polar ice in the tender crew can and are often flown to is great, but with successful completion, Arctic, sweeping for explosives in the remote Pacific island locations to repair a career as a US Coast Guard diver can nation’s ports and locating sunken and replace navigational aids dam- be a rewarding one. buoys in a field of coral off the coast of aged by typhoons or listed in discrep- Those strong enough to complete the Hawaii. ancy reports. course walk away with a sense of pride Assignments to dive units are rate and accomplishment and will forever specific, and a certified diver can Compensation be known as a member of the elite be assigned to any of the US Coast Certification as a Coast Guard scuba corps of US Coast Guard divers. ■ Guard’s MSSTs, any of the service’s diver also carries with it the added polar-class icebreakers and fourteenth benefit of a pay increase. Because of district buoy tenders. the nature of the job, divers receive an Scuba Students await instruc- While stationed aboard buoy tenders, incentive pay ranging anywhere from tions on how to inflate their vest at the bottom of a 12-foot pool

58 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature

Students at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center here gather and wait for a briefing on their next dive exercise. Twenty-five students are enrolled in the training center’s scuba course, and if they successfully complete the course, they will re-enter the fleet as military-certified scuba divers

Do you have what it takes to be a US Coast Guard Diver?

To enroll in the Coast Guard 500 yard swim (side or breast dive program, you must: stroke) within 14 minutes 10 minute rest • Be an active-duty member and vol- 42 push-ups unteer to participate in the program 2 minute rest 50 sit-ups • Be under 35 years old 2 minute rest 6 pull-ups • Have an ASVAB score of 10 minute rest AR+WK=104 and MC=50 1.5 mile run within 12 minutes, 45 seconds

• Have no marks less than four Eligible candidates undergo an inter- within the last six months view process, medical exam, physical screening and pressure tolerance test. • Be in any rate other than aviation Lastly, a command endorsement com- pletes your application package. • Be able to complete a physi- For more information on the program, cal fitness course as outlined: please contact the US Coast Guard Liaison Office at (850) 235-5244.

59 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED psychology

Column by IMAGES THIS PAGE COURTESY OF DIVEPSYCH.COM David F Colvard, MD Nitrogen Narcosis

Nitrogen narcosis, or “rapture of beginning of exposure to compressed air the deep,” is one of those things and did not change with time at depth. In other words, breathing compressed air that some divers like to joke at depth makes you stupid and slow and about but really is no laughing clumsy, not exactly worthy goals. matter. (Pun intended) While a In the winter of 2004, I conducted a recreational diver is far more poll of 1,984 divers and asked, “In 2003, did you experience nitrogen narcosis likely to experience nitrogen on any dive? (light-headedness, eupho- narcosis than decompression ill- ria, elation, laughter, poor coordina- ness, we know much less about tion, slowed thinking, poor judgment, or If you want to kiss a jellyfish, you are narced for sure the exact physiological mecha- reckless behavior)” and at what depth they began to experience it. Only 20% less susceptible to nitrogen narcosis me he stopped diving on the West Coast nism of nitrogen narcosis than of males (n=1,523) and 18% of females or “stupidity of the deep” than you. because he no longer felt safe in the that of DCI. Unfortunately, both (n=461) admitted to having any signs or For starters, remember the “Mar- water with so many “high” divers. I hope can result in a diver fatality, the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis while div- tini Rule” that states that the symp- he was exaggerating the extent of the ing in 2003 and most of those reported toms of nitrogen narcosis are similar problem. first from being bubbly drunk that it began when they were deeper to being inebriated and that every Professional tech diver Bret Gilliam, who and foolish and the second from than 90 feet. 50 feet of depth is like having one made a record dive to 452 feet on air in being bubbled up. Is it possible that all the other divers martini. Therefore, the first thing 1989, developed a simple low tech test stayed above 60 feet on all their dives in you want to avoid is a dive buddy for nitrogen narcosis: Every few minutes, So, when we were on Bonaire a few 2003? Not likely. It is far more likely that who starts out the dive day with a hold up a number of fingers to your years ago on Father’s Day and my they under-reported their symptoms, couple of 50 foot alcoholic drinks or buddy (say, three fingers). He has to daughter, Stacy, gave me a T-shirt that either because they either failed to rec- who is still hung over from a night of respond with the same number plus one read, “I’ve got nitrogen narcosis. What’s ognize them or to remember them. There heavy drinking. Just like there is no (four fingers). “If you really wanted to your excuse?” I was not quite sure how can be wide individual susceptibility to such thing as having “one for the screw a guy up,” writes Gilliam in his book to take the message. I assumed it might nitrogen narcosis. That is another good road’ when driving, there is no such Deep Diving, “you gave him all five fin- have been a critique of my fanatical reason to dive with a reliable buddy thing as having “one for the dive.” gers and then he had to use both diving. Surely, she could not have been so you can check on each other. Just Antihistamines, antiseasickness hands to come up with a six-finger re- referring to my charming personality. That make sure he/she is less susceptible than drugs and patches, sleeping pills sponse.” So, if you want to check on your is one of the big problems with nitrogen you. Fortunately, the impairment from and some other medications can dive buddy’s state of nitrogen narcosis, narcosis. You probably don’t even know nitrogen narcosis resolves rapidly with multiply the sedative-hypnotic- then ask him or her to give you more than you have it at the time. decompression. Of course, this assumes like effect of nitrogen narcosis, so one finger. In 1935, Behnke et al found that even you have not already gotten yourself into you can risk diving stupidly and slowly watch out for those, too. Marijuana also David F. Colvard, M.D., is a private at just 66 feet (3 ATM), breathing com- trouble thinking you are invincible. and clumsily at more than 60 feet (3 emphasizes the anesthetic-like action of psychiatrist and clinical investigator in pressed air produced “euphoria, retarda- ATM). Or, you can dive relatively safely at high pressure nitrogen at depth. It is best Raleigh NC, and a divemaster. He hosts tion of the higher mental processes and Recognizing the signs less than 60 feet all the time. And last but to avoid it and divers who use it if you www.DivePsych.com which provides impaired neuromuscular coordination.” According to my poll in 2004, over 80% of not least, you can dive with a dive buddy want to dive safely. evidence-based information for divers on At 100 feet (4 ATM) he found even more scuba divers fail to recognize or remem- who will check on you. Whoa, I knew Back in 2000, when I started doing psychological and stress factors in scuba impairment in divers. What is especially ber having any signs or symptoms of nitro- there had to be a reason for the buddy research in scuba diving, a retired inter- divers. ■ scary is that it occurred from the very gen narcosis. So, what can you do? Well, system. This assumes your dive buddy is nationally renowned diving scientist told

60 X-RAY MAG : X : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Sound transmission Loudness, a subjective percep- in the Ocean tion, is a function of the wave Sound, as most people will know, intensity, which itself is a function 2 2 to a lesser degree, hearing, that consists of varying longitudinal of (amplitude) , (frequency) and ...the ability of water to functions over great distances. pressure waves transmitted by a speed, and the sensitivity of the Vision can be unlimited in its medium. Sound can be described hearer to the given frequency. transmit sound waves is of reach (we can see to the edge of by four parameters: The speed of sound depends great importance for marine the universe) while sound can be on the medium through which the Editted by detected over several thousand unit waves propagate. For example, organisms enabling them -1 Michael Symes kilometres after volcano explo- c - Speed ms the speed of sound in air at 18ºC not only to investigate their sions. And so it is with aquatic λ - Wavelength m is about 331 ms-1, and about 1524 immediate environments but creatures, although vision can ν - Frequency Hz ms-1 in sea water at the same Text by Michael Symes surface of even an apparently often be limited to a few metres I - Intensity Wm-2 . temperature i.e. about five times also to communicate. quiescent sea. Noise is created by conditions in the water. Thus, faster. by the surf and winds, of course, it is mostly the sense of hearing 1 Hz is one cycle per second. Due to the wave energy but a large amount is created by that functions as a means of long The relationship between c, ν and being converted into random humans with their boats such as distance communication under λ is given by the simple relation- energy in the molecules of an the big oil tankers. In a minor way, the surface of the oceans, whales ship: imperfectly elastic medium, the countless divers going about their appearing to be able to commu- c = ν λ ms-1. sound becomes attenuated. professions or hobbies also create nicate using sound over distances Attenuation is much less for water noise. It is not generally appreci- of thousands of kilometres.

ERIC CHENG ated, though, that fish, whales, The aquatic organisms that use Wave detect move- and even crustaceans, create an sound for communication, in its ment; this includes amazing amount of noise under- broadest sense, are the fishes and both plants and fishes water. the aquatic mammals. These, (see Xray-mag.com #10 for the However, when we speak of however, emit, detect and use detection of movement by fish). noise we must be careful to dis- sound in fundamentally differ- All these forms mostly function tinguish between what we gener- ent ways. So, this article will only over short distances of the order ally call noise, which is just what discuss the use of sound by the of centimetres, although chemi- it says, an indiscriminate inhar- aquatic mammals leaving other λ = wavelenght cal signals, such as blood can monious muddle of sound, and a marine creatures to be discussed Displacement γ = amplitude also be detected over relatively useful sound signal, which can be in a subsequent article. However, large distances, tens of metres, by used for communication. before describing these ways, we Aquatic animals, like sharks, for example. For those animals living above must first look at what is meant by Distance their land-based rela- Water, as we have previously water, it is the sense of sight and, sound in water. seen in this magazine, has tives, can communicate many properties that have in a number of ways. For been utilised by terrestrial example, in one form of organisms. One of them, communication, organ- the ability of water to trans- Cetacean communication & mit sound waves, is of great isms can emit and detect importance for marine certain organic molecules organisms enabling them the Harmonious Humpback which can function as not only to investigate their the pheromones of land immediate environments but also to communicate. based creatures. This is a sexual communication. Noise Standing on the seashore Electrical fields can also play one would never know the a part in communication; and amazing amount of noise most aquatic creatures can also to be found below the

61 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Therefore, at lower speeds the In the past, the tree of life frequency is lower. A chan- was constructed on the basis nel is thus created within of similarity of morphologi- the oceans, which permits cal features. The more similar the transmission of low- two species looked, the more frequency sound over thou- closely they were thought to sands of kilometres. This channel be. But looks can be decep- allows long distance sound fixing tive. This became abundantly than air making water an effi- The SOFAR Channel and ranging (SOFAR) and was clear more than a decade cient transmitter of sound. This Because the transmission speed discovered in 1943 by both the ago, when molecular biolo- makes it very useful as a tool for of sound is proportional to pres- Americans and the Russians. gists began comparing small marine creatures. sure, the speed of sound increas- Being a function of the depth numbers of genes from vari- Humans can detect frequen- es with depth, which is opposite and of the extent of the thermo- ous organisms and found that cies between about 20 Hz and to the effect of the thermocline. cline the SOFAR channels many species were not what 20000 Hz, with the maximum Therefore, at the interface of the are closer to the sur- they appeared. Hippos, for sensitivity being at about 1000 thermocline and the depth at face in the colder example, were once thought Hz, which is about two octaves which the temperature becomes northern waters. to be the kissing cousins of pigs, above middle C on the piano. constant, a region exists at which Due to the but genetic evidence revealed A frequency of 1000 Hz cor- the speed of sound is a mini- shape their closest relatives to be the responds to a wavelength of mum. From the equation c = νλ it of the cetaceans (whales, dolphins about 33 cm in air and 1.5 can be seen that for a constant and porpoises). metres in water. wavelength λ the frequency ν NEWSCIENTIST, 16 JUNE 2007, PAGE 48 The speed of sound in water, is proportional to the speed c. like that in air, is determined by suborder mysticeti (the Baleen a number of factors, such as whales), a group of 12 spe- temperature and pressure. As cies containing the great Blue the temperature decreases whale, the Right whale and the so does the speed of sound Humpback whale; and the sub- in water. The propagation of (i) the cetacea i.e. order odonticeta (the toothed sound in sea water can be the whales, dolphins whales), a group of about 70 spe- affected by its salinity and also and porpoises cies containing the Bottle-nosed by particulate matter that can (ii) the pinnipeds i.e. dolphin, the Sperm whale and the scatter or absorb the waves. the seals, sea lions Killer whale. As pressure and tempera- and walruses All of these aquatic mammals ture change with depth in the (iii) the sirenia i.e. the produce sound. For example, the oceans so does the speed of SOFAR dugongs, manatees and Blue whales produce very low fre- sound. A temperature gradi- channels sea cows quency sound in bursts of 10 to 15

ent exists when the tempera- Depth (km) sound waves seconds of about 40 Hz i.e. they ture of the water decreases can become All of these mammals produce are bass singers. On the other with increasing depth, called trapped in them sound signals, with the seals and hand, the Beluga whale is known a thermocline. However, at a and, as they are travelling sea lions producing great growls as the sea canary, having a depth of about 750 metres the at minimum velocity, lose little and roars. However, it is perhaps much greater singing range from water temperature becomes energy as they progress. This per- the cetacea that are of the 1.5 kHz to 60 kHz. It could perhaps essentially constant so that mits them to travel distances of up greatest interest when discuss- be considered the soprano of the the speed of sound becomes to 25,000 kilometres. It is claimed est and most sophisticated use of ing sound and communication aquatic world except for the fact more a function of changes that some whales utilise the SOFAR sound as a means of communi- beneath the waves as they can that it is only the males who sing. in pressure due to depth. This channels for mating calls over cation. produce echolocation clicks, Other aquatic mammals have dif- can give rise to special effects great distances (see figure). beeps and even songs. ferent frequency ranges and mel- when specific combinations Sound Speed (m/s) As stated above, sound has Marine Mammals odies. For example, the Bottlenose of temperature, pressure and been employed as a very useful There are three orders of mam- The cetacea dolphin uses a large range of salinity occur. Among these Sound speed as a function of depth tool by many aquatic creatures. mals that have evolved inde- There are over 80 species of frequencies between 7 and 15 are the formation of the SOFAR derived from the 2005 World Ocean However, it is the marine mam- pendently and adapted to life in cetacea which can be divided kHz to emit clicks and whistles. channel. Atlas. The SOFAR channel axis is at ca. mals that have made the great- the sea. into two subgroups, those of the And among the pinnipeds, the 750 m depth

62 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED vocalisations of the Weddell seal have location of the source of the sounds, it is by slapping their It is interesting to note that even whale. The sound is a frequency range from 100 Hz to more known that the nasal plug and nasal sac flukes and flippers aquatic mammals display the same emitted as a series of than 70 kHz, emitting a large number of system move when sound is produced. on the surface of right handedness as humans, of clicks, and the whale warbles, trills and chirpings. Baleen whales do have a larynx but it the water. It seems whom some 90 percent are right listens for the reflected www.underwater.com.au It is the male Humpback whale, lacks vocal chords, and furthermore, that this is also a handed. To quote from a recent echoes. The time it though, that is the most prolific singer of unlike humans, whales do not have to form of commu- book, Right Hand, Left Hand, by takes for the ech- them all. exhale to produce sound. However, the nication between Chris McManus, on the origins of oes to return tells the mechanisms of sound production are still Humpback whales. asymmetry in brains, bodies, atoms whale how far away The Humpback whales unclear. Otherwise, if you and culture: “Humpback whales the object is. Whales The male humpback whales sing the Like terrestrial mammals, whales have would like to hear like to slap one of their two flippers are able to resolve the longest, loudest and most complex an outer ear, but this tiny opening closes some of the whale on the surface of the sea, and for sound down to 0.1 m/s songs, with repeating themes, and they underwater. However, there is a very songs for yourself three-quarters of them it is the right which, at a speed of can last for more than half an hour. They sensitive reception of vibrations through then Songs of the one that they choose.” sound of 1500 m/s, cor- are the most musical of the whales with the bones of the head. The perception Humpback Whale responds to a distance a frequency range of from 20 Hz to 8000 of these vibrations is via the bone struc- is recommended. of 15 cm. It is a useful Hz. These songs can be heard thousands ture of the middle and inner ears. This This is an audio CD available at Amazon. tool for when visibility is reduced in turbid of kilometres away, especially if a SOFAR structure is a modification of that of the co.uk, costing GB£9.98. This has had waters. channel is used. terrestrial mammals, which of course the excellent reviews. Direct link Some whales, the odontocetes, hunt The songs can be very different, whales once were millions of years ago. prey using echolocation, with some spe- depending on location, although they What is this signalling used for? cies showing the ability to herd and cap- are only heard on the breeding grounds. Other sounds It is reasonable to ask what is the use ture their prey. For example, the whales of the North Not only do these whales use their “voic- of this communication, if it is such. Seen dive in. Pacific sing quite differently from those es” to make sounds, they can also signal from the point of view of evolution, it Effects of human actions on of the North Atlantic. And even must obviously be an advantage. the underwater environment within a given area, there can As mentioned above, the songs are It has been established that large noises be dialect differences. The heard only on the breeding grounds, in the oceans can seriously effect the explore. songs also change over time generally during breeding times, and it health of the aquatic mammals. Just and are therefore different from therefore seems to be safe to conclude as very loud noises can affect humans year to year. that they are connected with breed- and can cause not only pain but also discover. ing behaviour. The songs are apparently disorientation, so also can the aquatic The production and used to court females and to frighten mammals be affected. Ship and subma- perception of sound off male rivals. As the oceans are so big, rine noises together with marine seismic by Baleen whales perhaps the songs are used to attract surveys seem to be affecting the popula- This is still an ongoing area of suitable females from afar; or perhaps, tions of the different whale species. research. With regard to the like the songs of birds in the Spring, they are to stake out a territory. Has the Humpback whale Interestingly, it has been observed that a future? there is a clear resemblance between Prior to their commercial exploitation, the Slapping their whale songs and, for example, some population of the Humpback whale is flukes and flip- of the sounds produced by elephants. estimated to have been about 115,000. pers on the Obviously, we are still in great ignorance Today, there appear to be no more than surface of the about the “languages” of animals and about 10,000 remaining, and they are water also how they communicate. now considered as an endangered spe- seems to cies. It is horrifying to think that these fan- be a form Echolocation tastic creatures, due to their being hunt- of com- Numerous CD’s are available with whale songs munication When sound from a whale is reflected ed by egoistic humans, are rapidly mov- between back from a solid object, an echo is cre- ing towards extinction and the silencing Humpback ated, which can be perceived by the of their songs. ■ whales Links to Wav files with whale Whale Song #1 (WAV) 324K songs. If you have a computer Whale Song #2 (WAV) 345K with a sound card and speakers Whale Song #3 (WAV) 259K or headset, just click on the links Whale Song #4 (WAV) 291K Tailgating the lone dugong, KAT, on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Photographed by Karen Willshaw ~ underwater.com.au member

63 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED focus

Just their name, their size, and their menacing looks can evoke feelings of terror, fear and instinc- tive rejection. However, if you have the privilege to be able to dive with big tiger sharks, as I have, you might fall in love with them, at least you will bond with them in a mysterious way. They are certainly not as “cute” as marine mammals or anthropomorphized clown fish, but they will have an impact on you that could change your perception of sharks, and marine life, forever. Freediving with Tiger Sharks How safe is it? Text by Wolfgang Leander Photos by Wolfgang Leander, Roger Horrocks and Sijmon de Waal

SIJMON DE WAAL

64 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Wolfgang blessing a large female tiger shark appropriately baptized “Dances with Wolf” focus Tiger Sharks Tiger sharks are, along however, you can degree of corporal mobility, which in my with the great whites, say this—no bait, no opinion only apnea diving will allow you. probably the least sharks. But then again, this is my choice. Most understood of all other people will feel more comfortable sharks. They Sharks diving with tanks—being relaxed under- are are shy and water is really what recreational diving ROGER HORROCKS elusive, espe- should be all about. cially the larger I began freediving 52 years ago in ones. Therefore, if you southern France, and to this day I can are against baiting sharks, Apart still fully relive the overwhelm- chances that you will see them from that ing sensation and get close to interact with them one should I felt regu- are rather slim. As any shark photog- always be aware larly rapher will tell you, there is no way to of the fact that sharks, being approach tiger sharks unless one attracts especially the “requiem” then them with chum and fish carcasses. sharks, have no serious adversaries being in the oceans, which makes them the able to Behavior undisputed lords of their habitat. enter into referred to as To be sure, tiger sharks are not “docile” these were recorded another extremely dangerous “man- marine animals, even though they swim Attacks as fatal. The SRI lists the world— Cousteau’s eaters”, which, as many slowly compared to other more nervy So, what about so-called shark attacks? shark species in their silent world—and weightlessly enlightened divers and experienced sharks and, thus, appear to be “cool”. I would venture to say that not more global shark attack files swim in it. “sharkmen” know by now, is not the They are formidable and highly devel- than five to ten tiger shark related acci- only when they are 99-100 Freediving with tiger sharks for the first case; Tiger sharks are neither “extremely oped predators capable of hunting other dents happen each year worldwide, of percent certain about it. Surfers, time in my life and just four months ago dangerous” nor do they eat men (or sharks and biting through the shells of sea which perhaps one or two may result in swimmers, and spear-fishermen appear in the Bahamas in a place called Tiger women). turtles. Not understanding and correctly fatalities. According to the Princeton- to be at a higher risk of being bitten by Beach, left me just as breathless, literally, “Dangerous” can be circumstances interpreting their body language is prob- based Shark Research Institute (SRI), a tiger shark than snorkelers and scuba as I was back in 1955. To swim with tigers and wrong attitudes like harassing or ably the highest potential risk factor while between 2000 and 2006 some 35 inci- divers. spoiled me completely. I have to admit provoking them, or else disregard- encountering them in their environment. dents involved tiger sharks; only eight of These findings, although not complete that all other sharks I have seen and ing other basic safety rules such as not as not every incident is being reported, spear-fishing in their presence. Being with simply confirm that tiger sharks—or any tiger sharks in a feeding situation where sharks for that matter—are not at all they might view you as an intruder or a what ignorant and sensationalistic media competitor could incite them to display people still call the “monsters of the dominance, which, if not recognized and deep” or “mindless killing machines”. respected, could possibly trigger a bite. That said, diving with sharks, even with fully grown tiger sharks, should not be Chumming regarded as a “hazardous” activity or an Typically, shark operators will bait tiger “extreme” sport. If you want to dive with sharks with chum or fish parts in a perfo- tiger sharks, and assuming that you have rated plastic drum, which has proven to some experience diving with other sharks, be a safe method to attract them. Some the question should not be: Is it safe or people are opposed to baiting sharks— not? Rather, the question is whether to they allege that baiting sharks alters their freedive or scuba dive with the sharks. attitude toward divers, as they will associate humans with food. Unfortunately, To freedive or not to freedive... ignorance fuels fears. There is abso- I prefer freediving for two very basic rea- lutely no evidence that baiting condi- sons. First, as a mammal, I find it unnatu- tions sharks to attack people. As a rule, ral to breathe underwater, and second, interacting with sharks requires a high “Up close and personal”—this is what shark operators call tiger shark encounters ROGER HORROCKS Large but graceful as a prima ballerina WOLFGANG LEANDER 65 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Freediver, Roger Horrocks, photographing “Dances Tiger Sharks focus with Wolf” Close encounters Location As a freediver, I have had my Which place is “better”—Tiger close encounters of the “striped” Beach or Aliwal Shoal? This is a kind mostly at the surface where tough question, which I have the tigers look their best, pho- been asked many times after I togenically speaking. Nothing returned from South Africa. Both beats the sight of a tiger shark spots are great. To my knowl- that comes up to the surface to edge, these locations are the only check you out. Once the tigers ones in the world where you are feel good about you and move (almost) guaranteed to see tiger in perhaps a bit too close for your sharks on every dive. taste, don’t panic—just place Tiger Beach in the Bahamas your hand on their heads and is what you’d expect from first push them down very gently. class tropical diving in pristine Never, never hit a shark on its waters—the visibility is superb, and nose as some “experts” advise. the sandy bottom as background Handling sharks roughly is asking makes for “clean” photographs for trouble. Sharks are sensitive and videos. The diving is easy, and responsive. They can tell a and as you can get there only on klutz from a tactful person. a live-aboard (Jim Abernethy of WOLFGANG LEANDER

swum with—even large speci- around long before the dinosaurs mens—pale in comparison. roamed our planet. No other sharks have a stronger A few weeks after my first encoun- expression of character than tiger ter with tiger sharks in the Bahamas, sharks—the square head, the I flew to South Africa to freedive wide, blunt front, the compara- with the tiger sharks of Aliwal Shoal. tively huge mouth—often tightly Here, I was able to experience the shut when they get very close— most incredible interaction with big and those inquisitive, intelligently tiger “girls”. Swimming up very close looking black eyes. to these gentle creatures was what When I saw the first tiger shark I would call the climax of a lifelong swimming out of the blue mist of love affair with the ocean and its the Bahamian sea—which struck sharks. me as the quintessential shark—I felt reborn, miraculously invigor- ated by the spell of a perfect animal that has already been LWolfgang interacting with one of his tiger girls ROGER HORROCKS

66 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Scuba Adventures and Scottie Smith of the Dolphin Dream Team are the guys to go with), you have unlimited dives while anchored at Tiger Beach. Aliwal Shoal, in contrast, is for the hard core shark divers—darker waters, usually less clear than in the Bahamas, at times rough launches from the beach as the skippers have to get past the surf. However, if what you are looking for is close and intense interaction with tiger sharks, I’d recommend that you go all the way to Umkomaas, about 25 miles south of Durban, and book at least 7-10 dives with the operator I consider the most experienced, and whose team members are all excellent, enthusiastic shark divers, with or without tanks—Blue Wilderness. Mark Addison of the Blue Wilderness team pioneered tiger shark diving in South Africa and is the guy people like Editor’s note: The opinions expressed David Doubilet and Doug Perrine go with not wanting to admit that by Wolfgang Leander in this article if they want to photograph the tigers or the darker side of our nature reflect his own assessment of diving dive the by now famous Sardine Run. is not bestial but human. We with sharks. While we believe that div- Perrine shot his award winning image of have refused to realize in our ing with them is relatively secure if and the copper shark coming out of a cloud hubris that our God is the God when generally accepted safety rules of sardines there. that also created them, not a are observed, it should be stressed that lesser god, a god of sharks— sharks are wild animals and accidents What’s next... peace to them, finally. ■ could happen My next diving plans? In December 2007, I will be back at Tiger Beach, with the Dolphin Dream Team, and in March 2008, you’ll find me with my son Felix in South Africa where we have some great friends waiting for us—Roger Horrocks (www.rogerhorrocks.com), the Blue Wilderness team, and, of course, “my” girls, of which one I will take out for a dance to renew our special relationship... I am hopelessly hooked on tiger sharks. I love them. They are to me the para- digmatic sharks—the sharks of sharks. If somebody would ask me what I feel for them, for all sharks, this is what I would state: We have stripped them of their dignity, we have vilified them throughout the ages, we feared them irrationally out of ignorance, and now we persecute them mercilessly, exploit them as if they were a commodity. We have likened their innocence to the worst of human traits,

67 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED THE FACTS AND VIEW POINTS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS POINT & CLICK OF X-RAY MAG. ITEMS PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED BY X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTED. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS ON BOLD LINKS CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS’ DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE. LINKS ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION

Edited by Gunild Symes All photos are courtesy Art of the Sea of the individual artists Arts & crafts inspired by the ocean & the underwater world

Waterscapes Linda Bolhuis is an art glass and graphic designer who works with watercolor or dye on silk and pastels. She creates images on silk that capture the moment when light hits water or “the shifting qualities of light found within the intimacy of a water garden.” She believes in the healing power of art and strives to incorporate it into her work. lindabolhuis.com

Seascape by Helen Goldberg, dye on silk, 34 x 34 inches, US$550.00 Seasilks Baja Storm by Linda Bolhuis, dye on silk, 19 x 11 inches Modern dance professor and diver Helen Goldberg combines her fine art skills with her scuba diving experiences to create colourful paintings on china silk, or silk habotai. These silks are hand painted using Dupont silk dyes. The artist uses various layers of dye and gutta, which corals the dye, as well as various wax, salt and application techniques which ensure minimal fading or running of colors. seasilks.com

CATE LARKIN

Silk Stream by Linda Bolhuis, dye on silk, 40 x 28 inches. Available as a giclee print, 27 x 19 inches, US$375

Detail of Octo by Helen Goldberg dye on silk, 34 x 34 inches, private collection 68 X-RAY MAG : 12 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ocean arts The Sea in Abstraction Call of the Open Ocean Anita Hochman is an Australian artist living near Byron Bay, who creates evocative sky and waterscapes that have a sweeping sense of space. Her fascination with luminosity and movement can be seen in her richly layered semi abstract paintings of landscapes in flux. www.anitahochman.com

Anna Grethe Aaen creates oil paintings memory “of a piece of nature” or from is greater than telling all. In my paintings, out my soul. What is interesting is the Simplicity and neo-pastels, many of which are an experience of nature. She seeks out I deal with reality, but they are not about image and what is happening on the exhibited in Greenland and Denmark. the simple expression that forces her to me. Perhaps one can read some states surface, in the structure, the shapes and & Spontaneity Most of her paintings come from her reflect. “The power of telling a small part of mind, but I’m not interested in pouring the colors.” www.annagretheaaen.dk

Stormy Weather, by Anna Grethe Aaen Hekla As A Neighbour, by Anna Grethe Aaen Iceberg and Orange Stripe by Anna Grethe Aaen oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm 69 X-RAY MAG : 12 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Man – Will We Ever Learn? shark tales “There are none so blind as those who do not want to see.”

Local populations of Thresher, Mak “This isn’t about sport, it’s about New South Wales (NSW) waters and Blue Sharks have dropped big money and big suffering of looks desperate. With only a piti- The Plight of the Whale Shark by more than 80 percent in the endangered animals,” said John ful 500 remaining in these waters, waters of Montauk, a small fish- Grandy of the Humane Society. the Nature Conservation Council A twelve year study at the World Biodiversity and Conservation Act ing village on the East coast of “This is recreational slaughter done (NCC) of NSW resumed legal Edited by famous Ningaloo Reef Western 1999. Taiwan legislators have now the United States. Australia action, requesting 18 no Edwin Marcow Australia has shown a decline in implemented a ban starting next has less than 500 grey fishing zones to be brought Whale Shark population numbers. year that will make it illegal to nurse reef sharks remain- in along the NSW coast. Originated about 60 million years catch or sell the meat of Whale ing in the waters on New The NCC has petitioned Music to Watch ago, and attaining a length of sharks. Across the Globe in Atlanta South Wales. These coun- the Appeals Tribunal to 20 metres and weighing in up to Georgia, the Georgia Aquarium, a tries, continents apart, are order the Federal NSW Girl’s Go By 30 tonnes, these gentle giants 500,000 square foot vessel housing joined by the indifference Government to legislate migrate 12 thousand kilometres more than 100,000 fish including they share to the plight of these 18 sanctuaries nota- Love songs for sharks! around South East Asia, and the several Whale Sharks brought in the shark populations in bly in and around Sydney. Songs by Lionel Ritchie Indian Ocean. from Taiwan, has lost two more their waters. The NCC has also peti- and Diana Ross to get you Within the Pacific Rim, for the Whale Sharks. The sharks, Norton tioned the tribunal to over- in the mood for making exception of Taiwan and Australian and Ralph mentioned in Sharktales, If not stopped, this indiffer- turn an earlier decision whoopee! waters, these gentle giants do not were brought in from Taiwan in ence, fuelled by the greed made last year to sanction This is not for some star- enjoy the protection they need. 2005. of various entrepreneurs a large commercial fishery struck lovers in their twen- Over harvesting, coupled with a and commercial fishing to operate in grey nurse ties, but for the sharks slow growth rate and infrequent Sadly Norton and Ralph died companies, will prove to shark habitats along the housed at the ten Sea reproduction leaves this leviathan recently most likely from pesticide be the downfall for the NSW coast. Life aquariums across vulnerable to exploitation. poisoning. This pesticide was intro- sharks. In their rush to make The Department of Germany. Why? Because In the Far East, in particular duced into their tanks to treat par- a profit today, tomorrow’s Primary Industries (DPI) esti- the centre’s staff fear that Taiwan, Whale sharks are consid- asitic leeches. The aquarium has profit and effective hus- mates that as many as 50 not enough offspring have ered a delicacy known as the had its detractors and has come in bandry of the marine envi- grey nurse reef sharks have been produced through- “tofu shark” locally because its for criticism for trying to be the first ronment has been over- been killed by fishing hooks, out the country’s aquari- delicate meat is said to taste like aquarium outside Asia to success- looked. spears and nets in the last ums. “We tried everything tofu. fully display and house a Whale Seventy million plus five years. Some believe else, and it didn’t work, Shark, a feat yet to be attained. sharks are killed annual- ‘Fight with a shark in Geelong Bay.’ Engraving by that this figure of 50 may so we are taking a new ly worldwide. Shark fishing Julian Rossi Ashton (1851-1942), only be a quarter of the approach. It has been Criticism from the Captive Animals competitions further com- grey nurse reef sharks that tried with pandas and pri- Protection Society labelling the pound this decimation of shark for cash prises.” have been killed in this period. The mates and we have noth- display as dangerous, and the numbers. Mr Gershowitz expects 35 sharks NCC believes with all the availa- ing to lose by trying the Shark Research Institute on the The Shark Fishing Tournament big enough to be caught to be ble evidence that failure to estab- music.” aquarium’s decision to organised by Sam Gershowitz, killed in this year’s competition. lish no-take zones would bring the If the sharks do get into exhibit these gentle giants, owner of the Star Island Yacht Local character and shark fisher- grey nurse reef shark population the swing of things the has been offset notably Club, has promised prize monies man Frank Mundus, 81, believes it. to extinction within a lifetime. With AW MICHAEL public will be treated to by the world-renowned of more than US$400,000 for the Mundus, who has written a recent- the pressures of business, big mon- a special experience. The Oceanographer, Dr Sylvia winner. ly published book said that he was ies have not only blighted the mating ritual of sharks, Earle. “Sharks that are at the “Fishing has been an important the inspiration for Quint in the first marine environment from Australia with the male biting the aquarium in Georgia today would part of Long Island’s heritage and Jaws film. He said, “Twenty years to the United States, but will rob female’s fins as he pursues —In 2001 in be dead if they hadn’t been trans- economy,” he said. Note how Mr ago they would have brought in our children of a healthy marine her is quite something to Australia, the ported and lovingly cared for, and Gershowitz has stressed the impor- 100 sharks.” environment. What will big busi- witness. Whale shark was list- given a home for the rest of their tance of this fishing event to the With a further ten percent drop nesses and Sam Gershowitz do As Andy’s Williams ed as nationally threatened under natural lives with people looking heritage and local economy of in numbers due to fishing nets in when there are no sharks to fish for sang…“Eye to eye, music the Environment Protection and out for their every need.” ■ this small fishing hamlet, but no the last five years and already and kill? ■ to watch girls go bye.” ■ mention of the sharks or the envi- listed as endangered, the future ronment. of the grey nurse reef shark in

70 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Magnetoreception No Male Required via Electromagnetic In the last edition of Sharktales, we Induction ran an article on Parthenogenesis or Elasmobranch fish have dem- asexual reproduction—the incredible onstrated the ability to detect phenomena when, in the absence the earth’s magnetic field. of males, female sharks can switch The most widely held view from a sexual to non-sexual mode of is that when a shark passes reproduction. Well, there were no male through the Earth’s magnetic Blacktip Reef Sharks in the Virginia field, a natural phenomena Aquarium and Marine Science Centre of electromagnetic induction and no cross breading between the generates an electric field different shark species. Imagine the shock when veterinarian Bob as charged particles move George dissected Tidbit, a female Blacktip Reef Shark after she sud- Shark Trust Tenth through this field thus creat- denly died at the Aquarium in Virginia Beach, USA, to find a perfectly Anniversary Gala Ball ing an electric field around the formed pup ready to be born! How did she get pregnant? shark. Featuring Sharks in Focus Differences in the Earth’s Could Tidbit’s pup be a hybrid? gallery exhibition magnetic field at different loca- A recent study has confirmed the first case of asexual reproduction or tions result in minute changes parthenogenesis among sharks at the Nebraska Zoo in the US. Date: Saturday 17th Nov.2007

PETER SYMES in the induced individual elec- In normal reproduction, an egg is fertilised by sperm producing an Venue: Crown Moran Hotel, trical fields, which are likely embryo that contains a set of chromosomes. Half the chromosomes Cricklewood, UK detected by the shark’s elec- come from the mother, and half of the chromosomes come from the Opposites Attract! troreceptors. father. In asexual reproduction, the egg splits in two. DNA contrib- Download a programme and Research by Shark Defence uted from the mother doubles so each egg has a full complement of ticket reservation form has discovered that rare chromosomes from the female. The eggs then fuse producing a single Shark Defence is the trade name to your surfboard, though these earth magnets in particular embryo with no DNA from a father, hence, no male required. The Tenth Anniversary Gala Ball for a series of highly unusual and magnets could be lined up on Neodymium, Iron Boride, and Asexual reproduction, though common in some insect species and is the focal point of the Shark successful family of chemical the sea floor to create an effec- Barium Ferrite magnets cor- seen in some reptiles and fish, has never been documented in sharks Trust’s tenth anniversary celebra- repellents identified, isolated and tive shark- free zone. The miles of respond or match very closely till now. tions. Generously supported by synthesised by the Oak Ridge netting used to protect beaches with the detection range of the Asexual reproduction in sharks is more likely to happen in captivity the Crown Moran Hotel, London, Shark Lab, founded by Eric and could become a thing of the sharks. than the open ocean, though this discovery does raise concerns. As the Gala Ball presents an opportu- Jean Stroud in September 2001. past, as well as the indiscriminate shark populations drop, will female sharks turn to asexual reproduction nity for the Trust to acknowledge killing of sharks, dolphins, turtles, Ampulae of Lorenzini which in-turn raises questions on the reproductive and genetic health its achievements, celebrate the Working closely with Dr Samuel etc., which could be saved from By choosing a magnet with the of the offspring produced? magnificence of sharks and raise Gruber and the Bimini Biological dying a senseless death. matching specifications of the Head of Shark Research at the Pew Institute for Ocean Science, awareness as to their ongoing Field Station, the team has come sharks’ sensitivity range, and Dr Chapman added: “Not only does it experience reduced genetic plight. up with some very exciting The rare earth magnets, further hypothising this magnet diversity because it has no father, but around half of the research. Neodymium and Samarium- to over stimulate the sharks’ genetic variation present in the mother is not passed The fundraising evening boasts a Their goal is to keep sharks cobalt (Neodymium being the Ampullae of Lorenzini, one has onto the offspring.” packed agenda with talks, awards away from both fisheries and most widely used, cheapest and an effective repellent. An autopsy test will soon determine if a Tidbit pup is a and activities as well as dinner and bathing beaches without fright- strongest rare earth magnet used Magnetoreception via elec- hybrid or if asexual reproduction took place. ■ dancing to a live band. ening the fish or harming the today), are commonly used in tromagnetic induction is the sharks. After years of disappoint- computer hard drives, audio widely accepted view of how A feature of the evening will be ing research into a viable shark speakers and even bicycle dyna- sharks detect and navigate the the Shark Trust and Diver Magazine repellent, utilising materials like mos, have been found to be very open oceans. Sharks in Focus Gallery and the decayed shark tissues, the team effective in repelling sharks. All One wonders if these rare auctioning of bespoke items of discovered that most species of species of sharks have demon- earth magnets work similarly jewellery crafted specifically for the shark are repelled by electromag- strated the unique ability to iden- to the Shark pod to create an evening by Reef Jewelry. netic fields created by rare earth tify week electrical fields known electrical field, which hampers magnets. as electroreception—see box.. the shark’s electroreception Each guest will receive a ball Sharks have further demonstrat- ability thus scaring it off. ■ programme which will include a These magnets are not practi- ed the ability to detect the Earth’s limited edition shark print by Marc cal to fit in to your BCD or attach magnetic fields. ■ PETER SYMES Dando. ■

71 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED TreasureThe Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Cave

72 X-RAY MAG : 17 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Treasure Cave “There is something in a treasure that fastens upon a man’s mind. He will pray and blaspheme and still preserve, and will curse the day he heard of it, and will let last hours come upon him unawares, still believing that he missed it only by a foot. He will see it every time he closes eyes. He will never forget it until he is dead and there is no way of getting away from a treasure once it fastens itself upon yours mind.” — Joseph Conrad

Text by Andrey Bizyukin, PhD Photos by Andrey Bizyukin, Alexander Andrianov& Etienne Champelovier

This amazing tale begins with the selection of a group of divers who were asked to participate in a technically complex dive expedition—to explore one of the deepest caves in Europe. Soon enough, we, the divers, found ourselves in a frenzy of activity and planning. There were so many preparations to make and things to consider—equipment for deep water photography, CNS and OUT values, which gas blends to use, how to put together a support team, management of the group and the quantity and size of the biggest cylinders and what not. But one can only plan for so much, then fate, as it would turn out, ended up giving us a surprising adventure for which no technical dive planning could have prepared us. A jump on an Air France jet saw us off to Paris. Here, the more modest blue Fiat of our French patron, Joel Enndewell, almost squatting under the load of a roof of cylinders and weighy equipment, somehow managed to slalom Magic lake of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse cave itself out through the insanely busy Parisian traffic and onto the A6 heading out towards Lyon. To avoid congestion, we took cave. It is so strict that trespassers will surely be thrown the scenic route steering clear of any bigger cities. The tranquil in the slammer. What is the reason behind all these strict French countryside was full of aromatic smells from the forests measures? Well, we heard that, basically, the French divers and fields we passed, as we journeyed through the landscape wanted the place to themselves and keep foreign divers of wine and cheese. Wonderful places. out. Grilling one of our hosts, Yves Billaud, on the issue he Our destination was the village of Chateauneuf du Pape, a looked at us with astonishment and gave us a mischievous The central square of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. city—famous for the making of the Pope’s wine over the cen- smile. Yves is one of France’s most famous cave divers—it Everyone passes here to get to Treasure Cave. turies—that lies very close to the deepest underwater cave in is what he does for a living. He is an acknowledged scien- PREVIOUS PAGE: Gold coins from the 3rd or Europe, the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. tist and expert from DRASSM (Departement de recherches 4th centuries A.D. discovered in Fontaine-de- Diving in the cave is very prohibited. Both the city council archeologiques subaquatiques et sous-marines-Annecy), Vaucluse by Roland Pastor and Tomas Soulard and the county have imposed a prohibition of diving into the Archeologist Yves Billaud maps the location of the coins 73 X-RAY MAG : 17 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Members of the speleological society, Bronze coins from Societe Speleologique De Fontaine de 138-161 A.D. were discovered Vaucluse (S.S.F.V.), explore the deepest in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse cave feature Treasure Cave cave of the Europe which searches for underwater his- equipment of the day torical artefacts in karstic areas of the reached the depth of country. 23 meters. Then a small “There are two versions of the answer diving boat that was to your question,” was his enigmactic providing the surface reply. “There is the official version and tendering also wrecked an un-official one. Which one do you in the lake in the cave. want to hear?” he asked while pour- The small vessel came ing the first aperitif of the evening. “Is to rest on the bottom at it possible to hear both versions?” we 24 meters becoming an wanted to know. unique shipwreck and the “Well, as every secret some time oldest cave wreck in the world. becomes obvious, I will explain every- In antiquity, it was a common- thing,” he said. Yves explained: “The place ritual to throw coins into lakes official explanation behind the ban and rivers as an offering to the gods. on diving into Vaucluse is that drinking It is a tradition that still lives on to this water is drawn from the cave river, and day—just think of the many fountains in they want to preserve the purity of the cities around the planet in which peo- water. But the real reason behind the ple throw coins. prohibition of diving into Vaucluse has Caves were places of special wor- something to do with a centuries-old ship for the ancient Gauls. In the secret…” ancient cultures caves were often con- Vaucluse was a place of worship sidered the abodes of invisible mighty for Gallic tribes who lived here dur- divine entities. It is likely that the high ing antiquity, more than two thou- waters and filling of reservoirs were per- sand years ago, when Provence was ceived as act of gods. a Roman province. Astonishing evi- In August 2002 and 2003, the first dence came to light, when in 2001, underwater excavations took place ward just two divers—Roland Pastor and Tomas in the cave under the direction of to collect Soulard—from the speleological society underwater archeologist, Yves Billaud, them from the cracks and crevices in Societe Speleologique De Fontaine de and under the auspieces of DRASSM which they were lodged, number and Vaucluse (S.S.F.V.), dived into Vaucluse in support of the regional archeologi- pack them. and at the depth of just 22 meters and cal service, the PACA region and city had their attention drawn to some council of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The flickering reflections on the cave walls. expeditions, which There was a boat wreck down there— took place during the D’Ottonelli, and once they moved these two sea- closer, the divers realized that all those sons, brought to small green spots reflecting the light light 1624 coins, from their lamps were hundreds of iron nails, bronze coins lying in the cracks of the wall. bracelets and “We immediately realized that we had antique hairpins made a significant discovery,” Roland for a dress. Most Pastor later explained. of the coins were found in cracks of Historical information the vertical cave The first dive into Vaucluse was done wall at a depth of by Nello Ottonelli at 1878. The diver 25 meters. It was wearing the heavy hard hat diving quite straight for-

Joel Enndewell, the famous French cave diver and the leader of our team, after an exciting dive 74 X-RAY MAG : 17 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED French scientists and members of S.S.F.V. club feature collect the unique cave coins Treasure Cave head for the cave by foot, we pass the café, The Petrarca and Laura, where we held several briefings and debriefings. At the time of our visit, we found the idyllic provincial landscape draped in autumn colours, with fallen leaves blowing around the trunks of the trees contrasted by the deep green colour of the stream coming out of the ground. It is an intimate place for romantic couples, while on a noisy Sunday, there can be tourists picnicking on the bank. More than a million tourists visit Vaucluse each year, but only the rare cave diver can venture down into this secluded place. For this reason, we were met with rather surprised expression from the other visitors when we were hauling cylinders and heavy equipment uphill to the site on an early Sunday morning. The entrance to the cave is a A subsequent analysis showed, dance of the much less valuable huge grotto in which there is a small, that, despite poorly mineralized bronze coins show that also the poor- approximately 25-meter wide, lake. water, only 40 percent of coins were er inhabitants of the province paid It is precisely this lake that attracts in a good state of preservation. visits to the cave for long periods. It tourists here. For centuries, its decep- Paul-Andre Becombes, an expert on is surprising, however, that no coins tively still oval surface has beckoned Roman coins, dated the oldest of from the Middle Ages have been visitors to take a cool dip on a hot them to 70-30 B.C., and youngest to found, indicating that the interest in day. On a rainy autumn day when the fifth century AD. These findings this wonderful cave suddenly evapo- the muddy stream can discharge a have provided very valuable infor- rated, to be forgotten for many long powerful 22 cubic meters of water mation on the periods when there centuries. per second, it is a little less enticing. was worship at the cave, the migra- Yves’ story-telling captivated us. It In spring, it turns into a roaring water- tion of populations and the circula- completely made us forget all about fall drawing admiring spectators from tion of coins in the Roman Empire. diving and the often mindless techni- afar. Among geologists across the A part of the coins obviously had cal discussions surrounding the dives. globe, vaucluse has now become a cult value, not monetary, meaning We were struck by the sobering term for a large karstic source with that they had been produced not realization that this cave was really big variations in water discharge. with trade in mind, but especially as an historical monument with ancient The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse repre- gifts to the gods. Portraits of emper- artifacts, and that this was why the sents an output of the huge under- ors, images of military fights and French ministry of culture did not ground river collecting water from scenes of hunting on the back side want uncontrolled amateur diving a watershed approximately 1100 of the coins have made it possible, there. We began to appreciate how square kilometers in size between with a fair deal of certainty, to tie valuable and rare our special permit the hills of Ventoux and Lure in the them to specific historical events. to dive this cave really was. north and the Vaucluse Mountains The gold coins from the third to the south. The huge limestone pit and fourth centuries AD shows that The treasure cave was considered bottomless for a long Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in this period The cave Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is time, because no diver had ever was visited by the elite of the society located close to the town of the measured its depth until recently. who came here to offer gifts to the same name. On the central square, The brave divers who had dove gods. By the same token, the abun- a roman column stands, and as we here, told, that they literally felt like The place in the cave where the largest number of the coins were discovered 75 X-RAY MAG : 17 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The only known cave wreck in the world (24 meters depth) feature Treasure Cave Somewhere in depth of our brains, long day already. Vivat Fountane-de- natural instincts prompt us divers to real- Vaucluse! ize that it is time to stop. Already weary The author would like to give special from carrying too many big cylinders, we thanks to the three great French cave hover above the black opening of the divers: Joel Enndewell, Roland Pastor next bottomless well. We ponder and and Yves Billaud. Without their help and admire the mighty cave full of treasures, expertise this article could not have been for a few last moments. It has been a written. —Andrey Bizyukin ■

23m Ottonelli 1878 24m Ottonellis Boat 36m Efflux Outflow from a spring 51m Efflux Outflow from a spring

74m Cousteau / OFRS 1955

falling into a black infinite void inside of covered by a limey layer of particles below us is another ledge and a slope of the cave. It was only in August 1989, that that could be easily kicked up by a clay. It is a new shaft. an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle), careless fin stroke clouding the visibility. It was funny to recollect that, on past the Spelenaute, operated via a cable The head of S.S.F.V club wished us speleological explorations, I have been from surface, finally landed on the sandy good luck as he saw us off. With all our in similar caves that also had 300-meter bottom of the Fountain-de-Vaucluse at rebreathers, cylinders, heavy photo pits with shelves, vertical slopes and a depth of 308 meters. equipment and other technical com- huge vertical shafts. But these were dry plexities to bear, we needed luck, too, vertical caves, not water-filled, as was 146m Haslinger / ROV S.S.F.V. 2002 The expedition as we decended into the netherworld in the Vaucluse cave I was in now. We were a mixed group of Swiss-Russian- search of more treasures in Vaucluse. In the past, when I was a regular dry 165 m Müller 2002 French lucky beggars who together In the cave, the water clarity is so cave explorer, I would, in such places, 174m, overhang over a with the teams from the speleological good, that one can see the trees grow- put the safety rope on tightly and clasp large chamber, SSFV 1996 society of the Fountain-de- Vaucluse ing in the hills outside the cave from onto to the walls to survive. I would (S.S.F.V.) started preparing our first dive underwater. At the entrance, the walls have to hammer hooks and anchors at the cave. Roland Pastor gave the last are cracked, there is a stone talus at the into the walls, one behind the other, to instructions: “The top part of the cave is bottom, and a huge rock separates the attach the ropes, and I would progress 205m Hasenmayer 1983 full of loose boulders which have fallen entrance from the rest of the cave. to the next ledge in this manner. It would down during recent tectonic move- It requires delicate maneuvering not to demand a lot of effort and time, but ments. Some of these, which weigh touch the walls as we squeeze ourselves cave explorers always fancy the wide, several tons, appear to have come to under the block to plunge into the eter- deep wells for the sake of access to the rest in unstable positions. Be very care- nal darkness below. We can only rely on bottom. It is interesting to compare the 245m Sorgonaut 1983 ful around these. If you touch them, you our bright lights to extinguish the black- almost opposite sensation of exploring might cause a rock to tumble down— ness. Our beams fall across the wreck on caves in air as opposed to underwater. and if worse comes to worst—the rock the D’Ottonelli, which has come to rest Underwater, we, like fishes, simply hover will take divers and coins with it in the on a ledge to the left of the entrance. in the emptiness above the mouth of fall.” On the right there is a big opening lead- a well, and we can float from ledge All this being said, we were lucky. The ing further down. We hover directly in to ledge. This unforgettable sensation conditions were excellent, with crystal the center of the body of water enjoy- of controllable flight leaves no one 305m Modexa 1985 clear water. It was imperative, however, ing the sense of weightlessness. Directly untouched. Vaucluse, being so deep, 308m Spelenaute S.S.F.V. 1989 that we didn’t touch the walls that were fascinates and entices us. Map of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the Treasure Cave 76 X-RAY MAG : 17 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical So,what’s Say that you dive on your own with wrong about a rebreather and wait for the reactions. matters bringing a Rubiks cube You’ll hear some nasty comments about along on a dive? you being an accident waiting to happen

Discussions about diving never did a solo dive. The other 92 percent have done at least a few Column by are very often boring— solo dives, with 33 percent doing Cedric Verdier always the same stories mostly solo diving. about numerous sharks Of course, a poll only represents dangerously close, strong the opinion of a few individuals current ripping a mask off who want to answer the questions. It cannot be considered as the “big or friendly dolphins play- picture” of the entire rebreather ing during a deco stop. diver community. Nevertheless, it We heard them so many shows that some rebreather divers times. keep on diving solo, even if the perceived risk is so high…

So, if you want to have some Why people don’t dive fun, simply say that you dive on solo with a rebreather? your own with a rebreather and Simply because that’s one wait for the reactions. You’ll hear of the most basic rules some nasty comments about one learns during the you being an accident waiting Open Water Diver to happen, and some people course: “Never dive will clearly show you their option alone”. It’s so famous about your mental health. that it’s almost a dogma. And it sounds Why? Because everybody so logical? knows that CCR Solo diving is the most stupid thing to do on Earth 1. Diving with a after driving a motorbike eyes buddy is safer. In closed in Bangkok or throwing case of a problem, sand on Mike Tyson’s face during the buddy is very his nap. We all know that. close, ready to help the Even the stats show that most rebreather diver by providing him of the rebreather fatalities that or her with either additional open occurred in the past few years circuit gas in case of loop flood- involved CCR divers diving on ing or gas depletion, some advice The first exam- Text and photos their own. about navigation, some help in the unconscious rebreather ple that comes to by Cedric Verdier Unfortunately, a poll amongst finding out a leak in the loop or diver back to the surface where mind for a rebreather Additional b/w photos the rebreather diver community the gas supply, etc… A buddy one can safely breathe, speak, diver is the bubble check: any by Peter Symes shown that only less than eight is also a good way to survive in laugh and pay taxes. safe rebreather diver wants to be sure that percent of the rebreather divers case of unconsciousness (hypox- there’s no leak anywhere in their rig at the who participated in the poll ia, hypercapnia, Oxtox convul- 2. Diving with a buddy is more convenient. beginning of the dive, and a team mate sions). The team mate will bring How to make solo rebreather diving safer

77 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Going alone?

Unfortunately very often, you of a dive, either directly through unpredictable or unreliable actions, or indi- see buddies that are incom- rectly, through an unfounded belief that patible, or spending their security is enhanced by numbers alone, dives looking for each other. regardless of the training or state of mind of the buddy.” I saw CCR divers going much deeper - The annoying buddy than their level of experience would CCR or OC diver, your buddy could allow them, just because they felt safer really be a pain in the neck. You may with someone else with the same lack be one of those people who simply of experience and the same inability to likes to be on their own. You like to go react appropriately in case of emergen- where you want, do what you want cy. The same persons diving solo would or change the dive plan the way you have been scared and would have want without endless communication been much more reasonable. on the bottom. Being alone in the Sometimes, the buddy can even affect ocean surrounded by its creatures, the safety of the dive by improper deci- exploring a fresh water cave or look- sion or behaviour, unsafe practice or lack ing for artefacts in the silted-out room of experience, excessive stress or panic. of a wreck. Unfortunately very often, you see buddies that are incompatible, or spending 2. Is diving with a buddy much more their dives looking for each other. Some convenient? divers, who claim to be a team on the boat, ignore each other in the water. Most of the things that are easier to do Others are over-dependant on their with a buddy can also be done on your ...or with a buddy? is obviously very convenient to do that. some clues, as most of the rebreather own. It’s very often a matter of prepara- He or she is also very handy when one divers who participated in the discussion tion: needs to move a sling tank improperly don’t want to be buddied up with OC clipped or remove a fishing line entan- divers or incompetent buddies. And a - If you want to zip your dry suit alone, gled with a tank valve. few others simply dive in places where a simply use a front entry zip. buddy is useless. - If gearing up your rebreather is a 3. Diving with a buddy is much more fun. nightmare, use a bench at the right Being able to share some experiences, to Let’s have a look at the different factors. height, ask a member of the boat plan a dive together, to take pictures of crew to help you or simply gear up at each other, to play stupid games during 1. Is diving with a buddy much more fun? the surface if there is no current. the long deco stops… there are so many It’s clearly a matter of personal prefer- - How to check for bubbles in your examples showing why the buddy system ence: back? You can use a small mirror or has some clear benefits. And some peo- do a bubble check in a water tank or ple simply don’t like to be alone… or are - The Open Circuit buddy at the surface before you’re actually afraid to meet a shark, a snake or Lord One of the problems a lot of rebreath- geared up. Voldemort’s Death Eaters. er divers have to face on a daily basis - Even complex tasks like surveying a is the lack of rebreather buddies avail- cave can be done by divers on their So why diving solo able. If you are the only rebreather own. It’s just a little bit more time-con- with a rebreather? diver on a boat, chances are that suming. you’ll be buddied up with an Open If there still are some solo rebreather Circuit diver. And that means short 3. Is diving with a buddy much safer? divers despite all the warnings you can bottom time and a lot of noise all dive read in most of the rebreather manu- long. To be able to cope with your According to Bob Halstead, “Looking at als, websites and forums, there should long bottom time, the Open Circuit some accidents and fatalities, it looks be some strong reasons for that. Some diver will have to carry so many like buddies sometimes increase the risk people think that buddies are not essen- tanks that they will swim slower and tial for a safe rebreather dive. A recent will never be able to go through the Just being together discussion on an Internet forum gives us restrictions as gracefully as you! is not enough.

78 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED buddies or may fight in case of emer- 1. Training the body feelings”. After 2-4 min, if all what could go wrong and to antici- gency; or don’t even recognize distress All rebreather divers should be trained checks okay, then go deeper. pate the potential problems. An expe- in their team mate. Stats are also full primarily as self-sufficient divers during • And remember that if something rienced rebreather diver will also be of divers left alone when a problem their basic rebreather course. But that’s doesn’t seem right, go to OC. able to stay calm while dealing with occurs, most of the time because their often not enough to become a com- one of those problems, staying away buddy simply panicked. Just being petent solo diver. So far, some training 2. Experience from stress and panic, keeping their together is not enough. agencies designed specific courses for Obviously, a lot of experience is required breathing rate quite normal. Divers have to be able to recognize solo Open Circuit diving. There is no to properly start to dive on your own. Two Always stay on the safe side and be a problem and do something about such thing for rebreather divers. And things will come with experience: The concerned about physical injury, col- it. Will an Open Circuit diver be able even if some other continuing educa- ability to evaluate the risk of a specific lapses, pinches in closing doors or fall- to recognize signs of hypoxia in their tion rebreather courses deal with that dive, and the ability to solve the prob- ing rocks, cramps and entanglement. team mate and efficiently assist them to a certain extent, none of them pub- lems with a lower level of stress. When For complex dives either in ways of by injecting some safe gas in the loop? licly endorse solo rebreather diving. A one has dived in many different environ- cave navigation, wreck penetration Or to understand that a rebreather proper training course could help in ments, it becomes easier to understand or deco and gas schedules, plan for diver having trouble to slow down really becoming self-sufficient by provid- a brain failure. Write down everything his breathing pattern maybe needs ing the student with more opportunities Theoretically, the buddy and double check all parameters something else than simply stopping to to practice some worst-case scenarios in before making any decision. swim? a controlled environment and by adding acts as a kind of safety fac- Therefore, the buddy system works more techniques to deal with any kind of tor. They are not essential, better if both members of the team emergencies. but have the purpose of are competent rebreather divers with similar experience, interest and equip- Some basic techniques are worth being preventing problems by ment. mentioned here: recognizing them and How to make solo • Avoid potential entanglement and stopping their develop- CCR diving safer? entrapment situations. ment or performing Theoretically, the buddy acts as a • Avoid task loading (so no video unless kind of safety factor. They are not conditions are perfect, no line laying, a rescue. essential, but have the purpose of no Rubik’s Cube in a low visibility preventing problems by recognizing and high flow cave, etc). them and stopping their development • Run the dive well inside CNS limits or performing a rescue. Therefore, possibly dropping the setpoint on being alone does not affect the risks deeper dives (it also gives more of the dive (DCS, current, contami- time to react to solenoid issues nated breathing loop, etc). You just should they occur). don’t have the additional safety fac- • At the surface have someone to tor that a proper buddy could give double check equipment and dive you. However, don’t forget that an plan. improper buddy might actually be an • Take more time in the depth additional risk factor. range 6-10m to make If you’re one of the rebreather divers a final check on the who consider that in most instances, rebreather and the a competent solo rebreather diver is bail-out and very safer than the average buddy dive, is carefully “listen to there any way to improve your safety?

79 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED But we still have the case of the unconscious rebreather diver, on the bottom, in Have different coloured spare SMB. a wreck or a cave, with the airway well Prior to the dive agree on which col- protected by a FFM. This diver is still safe as our indicate trouble long as he/she’s breathing and has some gas to breathe. But he/she could remain there, unnoticed, for quite a while before Having a rescue team quickly looking for anybody at the surface starts to look for you is a good thing, but it’s clearly bet- him/her, as it’s well known than rebreather ter to be found quickly enough to be Author Cedric Verdier 3. Equipment divers have huge bottom times. rescued. So, how to increase the chance preparing to dive the Obviously, being able to come back for the missing diver to be quickly spotted japanese ballteship to the surface in case of complete So what’s the solution to avoid this situ- and rescued by the other divers? Yamashiro rebreather failure is necessary. Therefore, ation? Here are some ideas about pro- a bail-out option has to be thoroughly cedures to increase the chance to • Have easy-to-spot equipment. White is planned according to the dive param- have a rescue team looking for the solo the best seen underwater. White stage eters (depth, time, decompression obli- rebreather diver early enough: Tanks. A white slate (outside at the tie- gation, current, etc). The Open Circuit off point on a guideline in a wreck or (OC) option is still the most popular way. ► For cave or shore dives: a cave). White or yellow rebreather. Unfortunately depending on the dive, • Have a bubble watcher (there are Pink dry-suit ;-) the gas requirements soon become huge always bubbles released during the • Have a strobe attached to the back and the perfect bail-out rebreather has ascent, even with a CCR!), give them of the unit. still to be designed. For the time being, a reasonable schedule for the dive • Lay a line on the wreck and tag the only a handful of homebuilt rebreathers and limit the dive to the planned time line to minimize the search area. are available on the market, mainly used • If no bubble watcher, leave a written, • The rescue team should use a scooter by cave rebreather divers. dated and timed plan with someone for optimal coverage. or on the car. Have someone expect- • Everyone has to be trained to rescue The minimum equipment to be carried by a ing a phone call at the end of the a rebreather diver (basic knowledge solo rebreather diver could be: dive. about procedures and rebreathers • Enough OC bailout (usually 150 percent and first aid). of what is calculated need) ► For Boat dive: • Always have a dive light on when • A mirror/blank CD to check own gear if • Have a maximum dive time after diving in low visibility, in a wreck or a need be which the surface team moves to res- cave. • Two cutting devices at least, accessible cue mode. with both hands • All divers can agree to be back at the Emergency situations are maybe the • A spare mask shot by a precise time. Failure to meet most important issues to be addressed • A spare reel and SMB (agree on colours up or a strobe left on the line would in order to make solo rebreather diving prior to dive to indicate trouble) force a search. safer. • A spare computer and/or 2 sets of tables • Always have one crew member in a • A back-up light (two in an overhead diving suit ready to splash And even if you don’t want or don’t like environment) • Take tagged clips to attach to the solo diving, as soon as you dive in a tight • A slate and an SMB to send up for com- bottom of the line after descent, then cave, a low visibility quarry or inside a munication with the surface support to be removed when on the way to deep wreck, your buddy cannot do a the surface. If someone doesn’t make lot to help you in case of emergency. Becoming unconscious, and the associ- the line by the maximum time allowed You’re pretty much already a solo ated risk of drowning, is also a big con- per the plan, divers can start the rebreather diver… ■ cern in the rebreather diving community. search rather than delaying until after It looks like more and more rebreather ascent and then realizing that some- divers use Full Face Masks or neck straps one is late. to make sure that they will not loose their • Always deploy lift bag/SMB when mouthpiece. Adding a Bail-Out Valve ascending. It makes the skipper’s life And remem- (OC/DSV) is also a way to quickly react easier when it comes to follow each ber, no Rubik’s to some situations like severe hyper- rebreather diver from the surface. Cube in a low capnia while avoiding (or delaying) the • If the wrong colour SMB surfaces, then visibility and unnecessary stress to close the DSV and the surface support splashes to see high flow cave switch to another regulator. what is going on.

80 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Photo & Videography

Edited by Peter Symes

usually are. But it is to no avail if Carrying bulky units in this position fitting the strobe to the camera can cause a lot of drag push- doesn’t balance either. ing them through the water and any current will soon enough turn Another feature to consider is a swim with that setup into a fit- the size of the unit. Yes, size does ness exercise. Many divers put too matter but here the rule is: The much emphasis on power and smaller, the better. When shoot- output (as defined by a guide ing wide-angle, it is customary to number). But with mixed–light position two strobes wideangle photography a strobe By Kurt Amsler on each side on with a modest guide number of long extension arms. eight will actually suffice. And for extreme close-up macro-photog- Getting an underwater camera is In order to make the most of your strobes anced strobe ensures that the pho- raphy, space is often limited really only half the solution. Without underwater, there are a few important issues tographer can work in any position unless the subject sits right to consider: or situation and not get exhausted out in the open. While a proper light source the possibili- from supporting or directing the strobes even macro often requires plen- ties will be very limited. Having one First of all, the strobes—or flash units—need to after the typical ten minute hover to get that or more strobes are essential, but be both neutrally buoyant and in balance. elusive shot. how to chose the right unit? It is no good if one end is positively buoyant Needless to say, the cameras, too, need to and the other negative. A neutral and bal- be perfectly buoyant and balanced, and they

81 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED with super wide-angle lenses, strobe exposure is influenced by a number of factors, and TTL exposure would not be appropriate. This is easily understood when looking at the way automatic Photo & strobe exposure control works. Light emitted by the strobe is reflected by the Videography subject and measured either in volume or speed, dependending on the TTL sys- ty of power, this can be achieved with tem built into the camera electronics. two smaller units—it actually enables you This enables the camera to control the to obtain a better colour reproduction. strobe for accurately exposure. This works well when our subject is well defined in TTL or manual exposure? space and distance as is usually the case It would be silly not to use automatic when working at close to medium range. strobe exposure control (TTL) for macro, However, when working with a wide- close-up or with lenses covering angles angle lens, we have a different situation. up to 60°. For wider angles, especially Other than our main subject, there will be

a heck of a lot of other stuff in the frame. The strobe dictates the aperture. To find the The exposure program can’t tell whether matching shutterspeed, measure the back- the light it measures is being reflected ground light by pointing your meter upward off what’s important or off a part in the at an angle of about 30 degrees frame that’s unimportant but closer to “Amsler’s the camera. Also, most the time, an they have daylight at their disposal as Formula”: open water backdrop surrounds our sub- well. We use it to show more in our jects as well. So, if the subject does not fill pictures than the strobe can illuminate. AS + EA more than 70 percent of the frame, there For optimum effect, we mix the two (aperture as will not be sufficient reflection for proper sources of light highlighting elements in metering. Exposure errors are quite com- the foreground and emphasizing their per strobe + mon when not bearing this in mind. For colours by flash, while ambient light gen- exposure time wide-angle photography, it is therefore erates depth in the background where advisable to use manual exposure taking the strobe light can’t reach. as per available into consideration existing light. light) Amsler’s Formula Mixed light photography To achieve consistent results apply Often photographers forget that—thanks “Amsler’s Formula”: AS + EA (aperture as to the great big diving light in the sky— per strobe + exposure time as per available light). Any strobe, whether of the Verly slightly underexposure the background dry or wet variety, dictates a specific to saturate the colour and give depth 82 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED isn’t aperture setting. With the aperture given, often gives you better information and will match the affect- we are then left to control exposure of the an impression of the lighting conditions set aperture of ed by background by varying shutter speed. simply by pointing the measuring spot f8 (as dictated the shut- silver Consequently, the photographer has to around and taking measurements. by the strobe) so ter speed measure the ambient light first to find To enhance colour contrast, we are aim- that is where you as the flash out which shutter speed matches the ing at having our backgrounds repro- put the camera’s goes off much aperture setting dictated by the strobe duced slightly on the dark side. So, we setting. The slow shut- faster—it is only unit for a correct exposure of the back- don’t point the camera directly at the ter speed will allow for suf- controlled by the ground. This is easy using the camera’s main subject while we measure the light. ficient available light to expose aperture. built-in light meter. Some cameras and Instead, we aim high—approximately in parts of the film representing the back- housings even allow the photographer a 30° angle up towards the surface. ground and gives us the rich, dark, blue After some practice with a light to switch from spot metering to inte- This metering might, just for as an exam- water background we are after. The meter, the photographer will soon gral or matrix metering! Spot metering ple, indicate that a shutter speed of 1/30 strobe that illuminates the foreground develop the ability to “read” the ambient light. (S)he is then capable of working out the correct mixed light exposure time from experience for any depth or situation. 10 Tips 1. Most important, the strobe needs to be buoyant and perfectly balanced so you are able to work in any position. A buoyant strobe can be easily aimed at the subject because it can be moved in any direction without releasing the joints of the strobe arms.

2. Remember that in wide-angle cinema of dreams photography the position of the strobe is very important to avoid backscatter and to gain an uniform illu- mination of the subject. You have to

Touché See how beautiful a perfectly balanced exposure www.seacam.com can render the motif

83 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED or at close distances in general. photography It renders skin tones warmer, and therefore, more appealing in the news picture. Stobes can 9. Never forget to consider the also be used ambient light besides that of remotely your strobe! Mixing the two light sources will change the “com- take into account that the larger the mon” black background in picture angle, the further the strobes macro as a matter of choice, have to be positioned away from the but it is a must in wide-angle lens! to show more in the pictures as the strobe can illuminate. Use 3 Analogue , I-TTL or E-TTL are great “Amsler’s Formula”: AS + EA as it inventions, but you have to know how is explained in the main text. to use them. In macro and close-up photography, problems rarely occur. 10. Due to the distance the light Using TTL in wide-angle photography, careful when you unplug them so no lights when driving in a fog. You just has to travel through water, the on the other hand, is often tricky, saltwater or grease get in contact with illuminate particles. Serious photog- colour temperature of the strobe any foreground or a incorrect strobe the pins. Clean the pins regularly with raphers, therefore, power the strobe plays a big role if your subject position can result in under or over- alcohol. power down in response to reduced will appear in their original col- exposed pictures. I recommend using visibility—the murkier, the less power. ours in the picture. Macro strobes manual flash mode for wide-angle. 6. Going on diving holidays... always Reducing power is only possible in have 5600° Kelvin and cannot bring a spare sync-cable with you. manual mode, by switching to ½ or ¼ be used for wide-angle because 4. Due to refraction, all subjects under- Modern strobes are powered with power. the light is too cold (blue tint). water appears to be closer than they regular batteries. I recommend using Wide-angle strobes have 4900° really are. Consequently never aim rechargable batteries of 1500 ma as 8. Perhaps you were wondering about to 5200° Kelvin and are therefore your strobe at the apparent distance they recharge the strobe capacitor the white diffuser cap most manufac- too warm (reddish) for macro. To in which case too much light will hit much faster. tures deliver with the strobe unit. It has modify your wide-angle strobe the foreground and illuminate the As a back-up, in case of electi- the effect of making the light softer, for macro photography, you water between camera and subjects. cal problems on a dive boat or other warmer and reduces the light output can add a light blue foil on the The results are diffuse pictures, overex- unforeseen events, always bring a by one f-stop. Use it in murky water to strobe. It is a compromise, but posed foregrounds and backscatter. pack of regular batteries with you. gain less backscatter and also if you better than having yellow anem- Aim the strobe always over the sub- take pictures of people in indoor pools ones reproduced as orange. ■ ject, or next to it, if using two strobes. 7. Using full power strobe in murky water The best option is to have a focusing has the same effect as using long light inbuilt or fixed on each strobe.

5. Take good care of your strobe con- nectors. Unplug them after a day of diving and clean the tiny O-rings. Be

Invest in a spare sync Use rechargable batteries (left) but bring cable normal batteries (right) as backup

84 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED From the Rumour Factory: New dSLRs 34th World Festival of Underwater Pictures to be held at Marineland in Antibes Rumors are running rampant about a forthcoming high-end DSLR from Nikon, the D3, allegdedly with 18.7-megapixels, a nearly full frame sensor and excel- The 34th World Festival of In the new spaces placed at lent abilities to cope with low-light conditions. Underwater Pictures will be our disposal by the marine It also looks like the much rumoured and long- held in Antibes, France, at theme park MARINELAND, the awaited Canon 40D DSLR camera, successor to the marine mammal park Festival will spread over anoth- the popular EOS 30D model may finally be MARINELAND from October 24- er dimension. arriving. Camera & Imaging Products 28. All festival-goers and partic- . Association (CIPA), which ipants can attend the shows During the Festival, the com- Canon is a member of, offered by Marineland As petitors’ films, slides and slides- 10 megapixel from has listed the Canon 2007 is also Aqua Lung’s show will be screened into two Sea & Sea: The DX-1G 40D but with no specs or 60th birthday. The 34th edi- rooms (1.000 and 300 seats). pictures. tion of the Festival will take Three restaurants will receive A few key features: On the other hand part in the celebration of the festival participants inside Depth rating of 55m / 180ft; Macro mode pictures of a new, yet this jubilee. the MARINELAND Park. Last but that enables you to bring the lens as un-named, Sony Alpha not least, we will have a dedi- close as 1cm / 0.4 inches to the subject; DSLR has been released The opening-ceremony will cated space at our disposal 10 million effective pixels, which offers (right). According to be held round the orcas’ for our festive evenings. superior resolution and the ability to viv- PhotoClub-Alpha.com, a basin with more than The prize ceremony will be idly record every detail of your precious range of new Sony lenses 4.000 seats. This evening held round the Orcas’ basin. moments (the maximum recordable will be full-frame, leading will include an Orca show During the ceremony, all the number of pixels is 3648x2736); CCD shift- to the belief that Sony will and the screening of a film Festival participants will be method vibration correction function, release a full-frame DSLR chosen among the films in able to attend the showing of which is exceptionally effective in stabiliz- sometime in 2008. ■ competition. A cocktail will the awarded films in the two ing images when the shutter is pressed; close the evening. viewing rooms. ■ 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor. ■

Via Press Release (edited) with their computer, storage “We welcome the opportunity PADI Asia Paciﬁc and more. They are also taught to partner Olympus in grow- how to choose and use modern ing this exciting segment of Partners With Olympus digital cameras and underwater the dive market—Underwater housings. Photography—one which Olympus and PADI has To sign up for the course, is growing at a rapid rate. announced that they have participants must be PADI Open Olympus’ brand recognition, partnered in support of the Water Divers or Junior Open Wa- market position, reach within PADI Digital Underwater ter Divers (or have a qualifying Asia Pacific and reputation for �� Photographer Specialty Course certification from another train- providing a consistent quality in Asia Pacific, including ing organisation). of service is the reason why we Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand have selected Olympus as our and Indonesia. partner. We strongly believe there are multiple synergies in this During the course, participants partnership for both parties. learn to use the PADI SEA (Shoot, We are already working with Examine and Adjust) method, Olympus in Europe and which takes full advantage of as such, it was only natu- digital technology to achieve ral for us to expand the good underwater photos faster. partnership to the They not only learn the three Asia Pacific region,” primary principles on how to said Mr Shahram take good photos underwater, Saber, Marketing but also how to edit and share Manager of PADI them with their friends via email Asia Pacific. ■ or printing, optimizing their work

85 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Coolest Corrections DxO FilmPack is a plug-in for Adobe We all know of how wide-angle Photoshop and lenses can give bulging repro- DxO Optics PRO. ductions and barrel distortions. It is also avaialble And high contrast images like as a stand-alone those taken against a big light application. source can produce very murky DxO FilmPack shadows. Enter the the power- gives digital ful image processing software images the style from DxO Optics PRO, and hey, of the most cel- presto, miracles are almost per- ebrated conven- formed in resurrecting deadish images back to to life. tional films: the Noise reduction, exposure and colour correction, cou- colors—and the grain!—of over 20 film types pled with the ability to set a contrast ratio, that makes including Kodachrome, Tri-X, Velvia have exposures perfect for print or reproduction, all add up to been analysed and reproduced so they can a package that will soon be indispensable. be applied to all your images with just one Check out the demonstrations here: click. DxO FilmPack digitaly simulates the www.alphadigitalservices.co.uk vibrant colours of Kodachrome 64, the soft grain of Tri-X, or the gentle fleshtones of Astia. ■ Aﬀordable Monitor Color Correction

Take a picture, any picture. It might be perfectly exposed, but you don’t know because your computer monitor might be a little off, and have colour tint itself. So, you make those little adjustments to your image to make it look great on screen and you then print it, you might get something like purple instead of the red you see on your screen.

Pantone has an inexpensive solution: Consider the hueyPRO or its bigger sibling the ColorVision Spyder to calibrate your monitors. If you do this for a living and print on art stock or use custom inks, investigate the ColorVision solution. Bibble Pro Version 4.9.8 Adds New Features and Cameras, Including Full Support for The hueyPRO colorimeter distinguishes itself with the following fea- the Canon 1D Mark III and Fuji S5 Proand tures: processing of Fujifilm’s Wide Dynamic Range and Canon’s new sRAW format * It’s quite small (the size of a marker) and weighs almost nothing so you can easily travel with it—and unlike other devices—you might New cameras added in this release include want to. Canon 1D Mark III, Fujifilm S5 Pro, Nikon D40x, * It detects changes in Olympus E-510, E-410, and SP500 UZ and ambient light, adjusting Panasonic FZ8. Like its preceding eleven the monitor at regular major and minor releases, this latest update intervals (which is why you is free for all current Bibble 4 customers. might want to travel with it) Bibble Pro is the most comprehensive cross- * It can calibrate multiple platform RAW Workflow application avail- monitors connected to the able today, the Bibble Pro plug-in for Adobe same computer ■ Photoshop supports CS2, CS and version 7, providing native access to the latest camera Read a fuller review here formats otherwise inaccessible in these older versions of Photoshop. ■

86 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED New Zealand Dive Experiences Barnacle Busters Scuba Club, USA Dykkercentret, Denmark Dive Operators AMERICAS Dive Operators RED SEA Expand your diving and underwater Los Angeles/Long Beach (Gay/Lesbian) Danish dive shop & online store At the Water’s Edge, MA, USA Emperor Divers, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt photography horizons in Kiwi country www.barnaclebusters.org www.dykcen.dk When you just gotta dive! 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The exercise in the West Wales Diving Center, UK Your first choice for instructor training underwater treadmill can help your News edited by Longest serving dive center in Wales www.aquaprodive.com dog improve in strength, flexibility, Willy Volk INFORMATION: www.westwalesdivers.co.uk Deep Sea Divers Den, Australia endurance, agility, function and www.xray-mag.com Zapp Divers, Denmark Diving Great Barrier Reef & Queens- well-being. It can also help shorten [email protected] Dive tours around Jutland land www.diversden.com.au healing time and decrease pain, and it can progress from www.zappdivers.dk Eagle Hawk Dive Center, Tasmania buoyant to resistive exercise to vigorous activity by varying Tazmanian Peninsula dive specialists the water depth, speed and duration. ■ www.eaglehawkdive.com.au Underwater treadmill helps dogs heal SOURCE: PEWAUKEEVETERINARYSERVICE.COM 87 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Coral Reef Alliance —Working togeth- Lines & Shadows —Home of the best Underwater Australasia —Australia & Michael Portelly, UK er to keep coral reefs dive source of UWP, travel & adventure Asia Paciﬁc’s most popular dive portal UW Photo, Video, Film Director and Cinematographer www.coralreef.org www.linesandshadows.com www.underwater.com.au Alex Mustard, PhD, UK www.portelly.com The Manta Network NauticFriend.com —The Ultimate UnderwaterTimes —A daily journal of UWP and Marine Biologist Nonoy Tan, Metro Manila, Philippines Help Save the Mantas Worldwide Watersports Directory life in and around water www.amustard.com Underwater images of the Philippines www.save-the-mantas.org www.nauticfriend.com www.underwatertimes.com Amos Nachoum Big Animals [email protected] Onderwaterfoto, Netherlands University of Michigan, OSEH Worldwide expeditions & adventure Poppe Images, Philippines Online Dive Resources Digital UWP Forum Dive links by Larry “Harris” Taylor, PhD www.biganimals.com Marine Iconography of the Philippines www.onderwaterfoto.net www-personal.umich.edu Bill Becher Outdoor & Adventure www.poppe-images.com Business Cairns Scuba Diving Australia One Ocean —Earn frequent diver WetPixel, USA Writing & Photography —CA, USA Thomas Peschak, South Africa Dive training & travel holidays points toward equipment & travel Digital imaging for divers www.becher.com Africa’s Oceans and Coasts Directory www.divedirectory.com.au www.oneocean.com www.wetpixel.com Cathy Church, Cayman Islands www.currentsofcontrast.com DiveGuru, Deerﬁeld, FL, USA Patrick Musimu, Freediving Champion World-Newspapers.com UWP Center, Classes, Trips, Services Tony White, UK When you want answers... 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Publishers www.diveguru.net www.patrickmusimu.com www.world-newspapers.com/scuba City Seahorse, Dallas, TX, USA www.seaofdreams.co.uk DiveIndex.com —All links diving related Scuba Duba —Online diving resource UWP & Raja Ampat stock & tours UV Foto, Norway Best Publishing Co, Flagstaff, AZ, USA Newest, top-rated, most popular for news, equipment, buddies & travel UWP Competitions www.cityseahorse.com Underwater photos of Stein Johnsen Scuba diving & hyperbaric medicine www.diveindex.com www.scubaduba.com Edwin Marcow, UK www.uvfoto.no www.bestpub.com DivePhotoGuide —The essential Scuba Spots —The World’s Oldest, National Wildlife Photography Awards Marine & Wildlife Photographer Water Ventures Oceans Enterprises resource for UWPs & Videographers Largest Scuba Directory Deadline: July 15th, 2006 www.edwinmarcow.com Travel, diving and culinary images Diving and Underwater Books www.divephotoguide.com www.scubaspots.com www.nwf.org Jack Connick, WA, USA www.waterventures.no www.oceans.com.au Diverlink —A comprehensive resource Scuba.start4all.com —Diving directory Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival UWP & Graphic Design Pine Belt Publishing for divers and dive businesses in cooperation with Diving World Deadline: August 30, 2006 www.opticalocean.com Onlline Book Distributors www.diverlink.com www.scuba.start4all.com www.ocean.com John Collins Photography, Kinsale, UK www.pinebeltpublishing.com Divester ScubaDiveSites.com, Australia XARIFA Unterwasser Foto & Film Festival Cool Waters-Emeral Seas Wet & Weird Weblong’s premier diveblog Listing Dive Sites Worldwide 14-15 October 2006, Germany www.johncollinskinsale.com www.divester.com www.scubadivesites.com www.uwfv.de/xarifa Jon Gross & Keith Clements, WA, USA Dive Manufacturers Dykcentralen, Sweden UK Diving —UK Scuba Diving World Festival of Underwater Pictures Marine Life Index Cochran Swedish divelink index Resource & Network 25-29 October 2006, Antibes, France www.seaotter.com Undersea Technology www.dykcentralen.se www.ukdivers.com www.underwater-festival.com www.divecochran.com Dive Junkie, Singapore —Fun, fashion- News edited by able and expressive scuba dive t-shirts Gunild Symes www.divejunkie.com.sg New Frogmobile from Nissan Diving Unlimited International, USA Unlimited comfort, performance, quality A car designed specifically for under- computer and an office chair, which dui-online.com water photographers? Yes, that is what is one of the passenger seats rolled Fourth Element, UK —High tech, high Nissan has done in their new NV200 backwards and swiveled around. They quality dive clothing and design concept car to be unveiled at the have even incorporated a warm envi- www.fourthelement.com Tokyo motor show later this year. Styled ronment to greet the underwater pho- Nocturnal Lights, CA, USA —Advanced at the Nissan Design Centre in London, tographer when he or she comes back lighting systems for diving, UWP, video the NV200 sports a large “storage pod” from a dive—wood laminate flooring www.nocturnallights.com that slides out of the back of the car and bright yellow plastics. Reefling Clothing when it is parked. Small feet emerge Nissan Europe’s Senior Designer Divewear that inspires diving from underneath the pod as it slides Martin Uhlarik styled the exterior. He www.reefling.com backwards, which maintains the pod’s told Autocar Magazine why Nisson Silent Diving Systems, USA stability on the ground. chose to focus on underwater pho- Closed circuit rebreather distribution The pod is divided into dry and wet tographers: “We brainstormed all the www.silentdiving.com areas to provide storage for dive gear likely users of a vehicle of this type and and photographic equipment. It even decided to focus on underwater pho- has a solar powered fridge and sink tographers because they’re in touch Non-Profit Organisations unit. The solar panels are mounted with nature, and their equipment has a International Association of onto the roof of the car. Once the high-tech but utilitarian appeal. It’s also Handicapped Divers (IAHD Foundation) pod is deployed, the center of the exotic—if we’d designed a bread van, www.iahd.org car becomes a mobile office with a we wouldn’t get so much attention.” ■ SOURCE: SPEEDTV.COM 88 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text by Gunild Symes Jason Taylor Photos by Jason Taylor “You can use sculpture art as a way of conveying hope... providing hope for the future and inspiring people to think about their role on the planet.” — Jason Taylor

THIS PAGE: Various views and details of Vicissitudes by Jason Taylor, depth 4.5m, 5m diameter circle of concrete figures

89 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Jason Taylor

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Sienna by Jason Taylor, depth 3.8m, dimensions 120 x 52cm; Detail of Tam CC Project, depth 2m, dimensions 20 x 36cm; Detail of Vicissitudes with diver. All sculpures and photos by Jason Taylor

Not all artificial reefs are with creating pieces on site in the material he can get his hands on. shipwrecks or scuttled vessels, environment. He said that he never All of Taylor’s work in Grenada was created works for viewing inside a made from local resources, since tanks or planes. Now divers gallery. His sculptures were site-specific, conventional materials were too can enjoy artificial reefs meaning that they were created expensive because they had to be growing on original sculptures specifically for the site in which it would imported. In Grenada, Taylor turned to mounted underwater. Jason be viewed, such as town squares, local materials such as bamboo. bridges, plazas, etc. This work is equally Taylor started sculptural work as an Taylor, a sculptor from important to Taylor. art project in school. He did a series England, recently finished a He grew up in Malaysia, and of workshops in casting and sculpting. photo-documentation of his everyday after school, he went But at that point, he was not diving. underwater sculpture project in snorkeling. At age 12-13, he made a Later, he got his diver’s certification, big adjustment and switched to graffiti and decided to marry the to two great Grenada. X-RAY MAG caught art, leaving his mark on various urban loves of his life, diving and sculpture. up with Taylor to find out how surfaces under bridges and on trains. By Why did he create his underwater and why he did it. age 18, graffiti art had lost its luster for sculpture in Grenada? Well, he lived Taylor, but he still views this phase as an and worked there for some time as important one of his development as a dive instructor, getting to know the Taylor studied sculpture and painting in an artist. place and the people and allowing London, but he was always fascinated Now, Taylor works in cement or any them to get to know him, before he

90 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Jason Taylor not run around much in artistic circles, even though a lot of his family members are artists, just not sculptors. But he said that there were a couple artists who wanted to get involved. He had to design and divide the sculptures into pieces, because he could not afford to hire a vessel with a crane. Hence, there were a lot of pieces to transport separately. The project took three months on land to build and one week underwater to install. Taylor had a team of three divers installing the pieces during two 2- hour dives. The sculptures lie at a depth of about five meters. Taylor said that an initial survey of the site found that it was not quite flat. So, before installation could begin, the gradient had to be fixed. Before the project could get off the ground and into the water, Taylor drew up some technical drawings, GPS location, and permission from the local government as well as submit an application to the fisheries department, who, Taylor admitted, did think it was ”a bit weird”. Taylor chose a site that was already started working on his underwater forms,” he said. In Vissitudes, casts to find a way to allow the current to really dessicated, a place that he could art. Taylor funded the project were taken of the local children pass through the sculpture, which not damage very much more than it himself and did most of the along the coast. Then, Taylor filled was a good thing for filter feeding was already. In the area, there were a construction on the project as the casts with fiberglass and silicone organisms that later adhered to the couple of bays full of charter boats. The well. At first, people thought he and worked each piece out of forms. heavy use of the bays led to a rapid was crazy. Taylor explains, “Why these materials. There were several design deterioration of the reef, he said. was this white guy spending all Then, he had to figure out how considerations. Taylor said, “I spend Taylor had to construct the sculpture his money on concrete and then the sculpture should be connected a lot of time on that. How am I so it would last and evolve into a true submerging it underwater?” Later, to the sea floor. Some of best ways going to get the sculpture into the reef, so he wanted to use metals. But when divers started visiting the site to do this, he said, is by mounting dive boat, without breaking it or the that required sponsorship. He said, “It and it became a standard stop for metal pins into the rock face, but boat?” Cranes to lift the sculptures gets lots more expensive from there.” dive and tourist boats, people saw “it’s too expensive”. So, he had were available, but it cost US$1000 So, he turned to cement. Taylor the value of the project in terms of to find places in the gully which to use the dive boat and the crane. actually took a course with the Reefball tourism and management of the were not facing the tidal serge Taylor said that he found the Foundation, to learn about the cement local reef. and currents. A big part of the planning and the creation of the balls with holes used to develop new foundation was made of oil drums underwater sculpture park really reefs. “It was very complicated,” The creative process as base plates, he said. The current stressful. He said, “It was not like I said Taylor. “The cement you use has ABOVE: Two views of The Lost Correspondent, depth 7m, dimen- Taylor says that his creative process had to be able to go through the was relaxing on an island paradise to have the right pH.” Now, Taylor sions 140 x 43 cm. TOP CENTER: Un-Still Life, depth 7.8m, dimen- is different every time. “I don’t do sculptures, because just the force of everyday.” But he did get a lot of actually places coral into his structures, sions 120 x 130cm. All sculpures and photos by Jason Taylor a drawing. I just think it through the current put so much pressure on help from friends. imbedding coral into the sculptures for and make a clay model… a mock the feet and ankles of the figures At first, Taylor worked indepen- propogation purposes. up of what to do. Then, I cast the that they would break. Taylor had dently. His said that he usually does Taylor explains, “In the skeletal figure,

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the coral shapes the body—staghorn and Taylor said that he received so many elkhorn coral, which grows about two emails from all around the world— inches per year.” Taylor documented the Uzbekistan, Russia, Bali and some inquiries changes to the sculpture park over time. from the U.S. and Europe. People “It really makes things more eternal even responded to the press coverage of the though the sculpture, such as the big tall sculpture park and the photographs of woman, will be gone in only 15-20 years.” the sculptures, which Taylor posted on his To keep it longer requires a maintenance website. They like the work, he said, and program from local dive centers, he said. the response has been fairly positive from environmentalists, too. Response Taylor’s sculpture park was big news in The response to the project was mixed. A England, he said. He hopes to do another lot of the locals could not see the reason park in Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. why someone would want to build such The visibility is better in cold waters, he said. a thing and not even get paid for it, said And there are plenty of soft and hard coral Taylor. Many locals linked the sculptural species to populate the sculptures. figures to slavery, because the local history “I have worked in Australia, the Red involved slavery. Taylor was surprised by this Sea and Asia,” said Taylor, “I like to work since he certainly did not have that issue in anywhere that has better visibility. It makes mind in the creation of the work. “I was just the photography of the sculptures easier.” making sculptures of different kids holding hands,” he said. Subject matter & symbolism Taylor said that he had a hard time Taylor tries to do sculptures of easily getting into the routine of life down there. identifiable objects so people can see a “They thought it was crazy that somebody scene opposite of what one would usually used all his money to put concrete in the find underwater. “Notice that I do no fishes CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Vicissitudes sea,” he said. “They are coming around or mermaids. I want to create a contrasting at depth; Back view of The Lost now.” Dive boats have their own chartering world. The guy at a desk is surreal. There’s Correspondent; Detail of Grace Reef, system, and it is only a five minute ride to a peacefulness about the figure enhanced depth 4.2m, dimensions 180 x 46 cm; the sculpture park, so now they come and by the diving experience.” Portrait of the artist. All sculptures and photos by Jason Tayor include it as a stop on a dive trip. The sculpture park lies in shallow waters,

92 X-RAY MAG : 18 : 2007 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED idea, something small, and IN OUR NEXT ISSUE portfolio then realize how it evolves.” Say, an artist wants to put something underwater. Then, Fabulous Fiji you need an engineer to Sea of Cortez work out how to do this, he said. “Then, you need an Saltstraumen, Norway underwater photographer to document it.” Taylor does not aim for new venues for his work or to exhibit in galleries. “For me, it’s all about the future,” he said, “I have some great ideas I want to try. For instance, I would like to incorporate a shipwreck into an underwater sculpture park, and make it look like SCOTT BENNETT a Noah’s ark with figures about 1.5 meters. The point wants to do a lot more diving and around it.” Taylor wants to challange of the park is to make go abroad, of course, but finds that the use of materials and work modern something artistic in the marketing to raise the funds is very materials in a way that makes them underwater world, said time consuming. In the meantime, he look like part of an archeological Taylor. People in Grenada installs exhibitions. “I am trying to wind dig, combining glass into sculptures are not rich, he said, so down and do more artificial reefs. But so one can see through the piece accessibility of the park was the making of them is stressful.” So he and light can shine through the work. important to allow the local turned to cement. He said, he wants to build a Sushi people to be able to see it, Taylor has learned to be an restaurant underwater with living fish too. “Usually, locals don’t underwater photographer using a moving through it. look underwater,” he said, small compact digital camera, in “There are a lot of subtleties of life

“They just fish.” order to document his underwater with cement… a lot of development SCOTT BENNETT One of the sculptures works. Taylor said, “I find it really goes on. It’s not always resolute. I depicts the Devil Woman, important to get into the ocean.” He have a vague idea of what I want to a powerful mythical wants to do a series documenting the try to achieve. I wanted to do a really character in Grenada, said life he sees growing in and around abstract symbol, and started looking Taylor. She runs around at the sculptures such as colonies of at a man sitting on a chair and night and steels children, so locals invertebrates, octopus, a green reading, watching tv and drinking have mixed emotions about the moray eel in the dress of the woman, coffee at a table. The still life is about work, he said. fish living in the desk and in the moments in time.” Taylor wants to What is this all about, you ask? drawers of the desk. The sculptures allow the sculptures to be part of “It’s about change… how your seem hard and static, but the marine creating a vibrant varied habitat. “I surroundings affect your being. life living in them is not, he said. am not into cleaning the sculptures or Children are meant to echo their bringing them back up to the surface environment. The influence is Future processes for maintenance. Eventually, they will determined by the physical being... In the future, Taylor wants to produce disappear.” DONALD TIPTON their surroundings. It would be nice to the structures for sculptures in London Form more information, please visit: cross that link,” said Taylor. and then transport them to the site. www.underwatersculpture.com ■ “Then, all I have to do is cast the COMING IN OCTOBER Future plans cement,” he said. “The reef ball is a CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Detail of Subscribe now FREE! Taylor wants to design other sculpture very clever design. You cast cement Grace Reef with fish; Detail of Vicissitudes; parks. In real time, he works in around the ball and then deflate the La Diablesse, depth 7.5m, dimensions www.xray-mag.com London as a freelance stage and ball leaving the cement form.” 220 x 50cm. All sculptures and photos by set designer. In dream time, he Taylor said, “It is amazing to start an Jason Taylor

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