Dive Fashion Extravaganza! Nordic Diving Norway NORDKAPP TRONDHEIM WRECKS LOFOTEN KRISTIANSAND GLOBAL EDITION April :: May 2006 American Escape Number 10 Papua New Guinea New Britain Russia’s Longest Profile Ordinskaya Dive Systems Cave Portfolio Ukraine Delta Children’s Club COVER PHOTO BY STEIN JOHNSEN 1 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006

First page: Home Next page: → Last page: End Navigation, use keyboard Previous page: ← Exit: Esc DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by AquaScope Dive Fashion Extravaganza! Copenhagen, Denmark - www.aquascope.biz www.xray-mag.com Aprés-Dive Design for the Stylin’ Diver... page 65 MERMAID T-SHIRT DESIGN AVAILABLE FROM WWW.SEVENTENTHS.CO.UK PUBLISHER CO- EDITORS & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrey Bizyukin Peter Symes Anglerfish, Lofoten, Norway. Photo by Stein Johnsen - Caving, Equipment, Medicine [email protected] Michael Arvedlund - Ecology MANAGING EDITOR Dan Beecham - Photography contents & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michel Tagliati - Videography, Gunild Pak Symes , Medicine [email protected] Leigh Cunningham ADVERTISING - Americas & United Kingdom: Edwin Marcow Kevin Brennan - Sharks, Adventures [email protected] Michael Portelly Europe & Africa: Catherine GS Lim Harvey Page, [email protected] REGULAR WRITERS International sales manager: Robert Aston - CA, USA Arnold Weisz Bill Becher - CA, USA [email protected] John Collins - Ireland

South East Asia Rep: Amos Nachoum - CA, USA Catherine GS Lim, Singapore Nonoy Tan - The Philippines [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Internet Advertising: Nils Aukan Deb Fugitt, USA [email protected] Dan Beecham Andrey Bizyukin, PhD SENIOR EDITOR Leigh Cunningham Michael Symes Enrico Capeletti [email protected] Jason Heller TECHNICAL MANAGER Stein Johnsen Søren Reinke Catherine GS Lim [email protected] Michael Aw

Rosemary ‘Roz’ Lunn CORRESPONDENTS Enrico Cappeletti - Italy Edwin Marcow 25 30 35 41 45 plus... Jordi Chias - Spain Barb Roy NORDKAPP LOFOTEN TRONDHEIM WRECKS KRISTIANSAND INVASION OF THE CRABS EDITORIAL 3 John Collins - Ireland Donald Silcox NORWAY NORWAY NORWAY NORWAY NORWAY NEWS 5 Jeff Dudas - CA, USA Gunild Pak Symes BY ARNOLD WEISZ BY ARNOLD WEISZ BY NILS AUKAN BY ARNOLD WEISZ BY ARNOLD WEISZ WHALE TALK 15 Tomas Knutsson - Iceland Michael Symes & STEIN JOHNSEN & STEIN JOHNSEN & STEIN JOHNSEN & STEIN JOHNSEN WRECK RAP 17 Marcelo Mammana - Argentina Peter Symes SEA TURTLE STUFF 23 Yonatan Nir - Israel Arnold Weisz 52 59 66 87 94 NEW EQUIPMENT 47 Svetlana Murashkina - Russia Yann Saint-Yves ORDINSKAYA CAVE NEW BRITAIN ADVENTURE DIVE FASHION MAUI, LANAI & MOLOKAI PORTFOLIO: UKRAINE Gary Myors - Tasmania USSIA APAU EW UINEA HE ELL RESSED IVER AWAII ELTA HILDREN S LUB BOOKS & MEDIA 80 Barb Roy - WA, USA R P N G T W D D H D C ’ C Yann Saint-Yves - France BY ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD BY DONALD SILCOX EDITTED BY GUNILD SYMES BY BARB ROY BY GUNILD SYMES Not yet subscribed to (Continued on page 4) columns... X-RAY MAG? Sign up now! SUBSCRIPTION It’s FREE! QUICK! EASY! X-RAY MAG International Edition in English is FREE. 51 57 72 76 78 click here... To subscribe, go to: www.xray-mag.com SHARK TALES: TECHNICAL MATTERS: MANUFACTURER: PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHY: EWS OMPETITIONS COVER PHOTO BITS & BITES DOUBLE STANDARDS DIVER SYSTEMS USING HMI LIGHTS N & C Wall of Sea Anemone, Lofoten, Norway by Stein Johnsen EDITTED BY PETER SYMES BY LEIGH CUNNINGHAM BY ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD BY MICHAEL AW BY J. HELLER, D. BEECHAM

2 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 Amsterdam Barcelona Cape Town Copenhagen London Moscow Okinawa Oslo Paris Ravenna Reykjavik San Francisco Sharm El Shiekh Warsaw Time Magazine’s cover, published the same week as we publish X RAY MAG issue #10. Be very worried about glo- bal warming, it says. Click on the magazine cover to link to that issue of editorial Time Magazine Therapy!

������� Finally—global warming and col- both physically and mentally, allow In fact, I highly recommend the lat- lapsing ecosystems have started to you to be an explorer of your own, ter. When I did some scuba instruc- ����� make big headlines in mainstream have you fully imbedded in another tion a while back, I used to take ���������������� media. Just look at this week’s edi- realm without mind-altering drugs my students into the shallows and tion of Time Magazine for example. and come face to face with his- just sit them there for a while and �������������� tory through archeological remains. have them watch the life come Well, I am glad. Hopefully, the Diving has it all, and most of us can out of hiding. Invariably, I would ��� message will now, finally, sink in get involved in it at some level. get this initial look of bewilderment ������������ around the world. And hopefully, ����������� that means I can soon change I don’t know about you, but diving my agenda and go back to writ- also helps me preserve my sanity ing about issues related more spe- and frame of reference in the oth- cifically to diving and the wonders erwise up-tight and stressful reality of Mother Nature. A while ago, I of the modern corporate world in referred to what Paul Watson of Sea which I find myself residing. I can Shepherd said about being an envi- be as tense as a drumskin before a ronmentalist in our times—it involved dive, but during the dive, I always what he called the ‘Cassandra let go. At some point, I have this big Principle’—you tend to end up ‘sigh’ where I let go of all my stress- being the constant dooms day es, and I come out of the water with preacher if you’re an environmen- a goofy grin, much more relaxed talist nowadays. and altered with a different per- spective on all of life’s burdens. It is Enough. Let us focus once more pure therapy. Never fails—not even upon all the wonders of the blue the time when I had a major equip- realm and the magnificent experi- ment failure. ences diving can give us. Diving is so much better for you than golf, And it doesn’t really matter whether racing bikes or collecting stamps. it is a challenging dive with twin Why? Because what other activ- tanks, or the trusty ol’ , ����������������������� ity can, in one package, provide or a deep wreck dive, or I’m just you with awesome adventures, crawling about in the shallow water give you astonishing encounters looking at what’s hiding in the sea-

��������� with alien creatures, challenge you grass. Founder of psychotherapy, Sigmund Freud Photo by Max Halberstadt, ca. 1921 U.S. Library of Congress

3 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED editorial

from the students—like, what sort. Surprise! Lie still and you will but notice that every time some am I up to, and can we please observe the animals breathe, president goes , the get on with the show? But it lasts feed, mate and hunt. And per- protection of the marine environ- only for a short while, once I start haps then, you will start under- ment in that country tends to get pointing out all the small critters standing what it is all about. significantly better—including that would otherwise go unno- enforcement by armed — ticed if the students just finned Diving is what can teach us all as we have seen in Mexico, for by like it was their commute to the value of protecting what example. work—which, it is not. Why is it is out there—how the ocean is that most divers think that all the the basis of our existence—and There is still a long way to go, but exiting stuff is around the next why what gives us pleasure and getting more people to dive will corner, and that we better get enrichment in the process is inevitably help create the nec- over there quickly—the sooner, worthwhile taking care of. Dive essary basis of awareness and the better? travel and wildlife encounters understanding that might ulti- Seal the Deal are big business, but who says mately save our planet for future Most fascinating stuff in nature, that you have to break the piggy generations. At AsiaEV EDiveRYON ExpoE IS 2006 and particularly, in the ocean, bank to go overseas on some is rather small. So, get down on exotic trip? Unless you are living Go out and get wet—and get HEADING TO ADEX your belly, relax and start using in the middle of a desert, there your buddies to dive as well. your eyes. Watch and you will are usually local options for get- start noticing a set of eyes over ting your head wet. But before you go, please sign TO GET THE BEST there, and that leaf to your left the petition below to save the is not a really a leaf, but a well If only more of the world’s lead- sea turtles on Bali as this month’s camouflaged critter of some ers would go diving. I can’t help good deed. Thanks. ■ DIVE DEALS IN ASIA Please support SOS-SeaTurtles

Sign the Petition online, click here ☼

Click here to send an email with a “Letter of pro- test” to the Governor of Bali, with copies to other important officials

Link to SOS Sea Turtle’s main webpage ☼ KURT AMSLER / SOS SEATURTLES

X-RAY MAG is distributed Views and information X-RAY MAG accepts no ADEX 2006 will showcase the greatest range of suppliers in Dive Equipment & Accessories six times per year on the expressed in articles are responsibility for unsolicited Photography & Videography and Training Agencies along with resorts from exotic dive Internet. © 2004-2006 those of the individual materials sent to its office, destinations from Micronesia in the South pacific, to the Indian Ocean. As the region’s X-RAY MAG. All rights author and are not nec- nor is it liable for loss or Whether youonly are international a technical divediver, exhibition, dive for fun ADEX or want 2006 to allowstake up you diving, to network ADEX 2006 and offers do business the best with opportunity in Asia to get your hands on the latest dive gear, discover new dive destinations, pick up underwater photography reserved. essarily representative of damage to such materials. Asia Pacific’s leading distributors of dive equipment & accessories, travel agencies and skills and learn about marine conservation. ADEX 2006 brings you over 150 exhibiting companies, two days Material in this publica- views held by X-RAY MAG X-RAY MAG observes a News from NAUI in X-RAY MAG: of insightfulresort seminars destinations. by leading dive professionals and exciting events like the Asia Scuba Tour free dive tion may not be repro- or its affiliates. Unsolicited strict privacy policy. No per- This issue of X-RAY MAG includes news try-outs, fantastic Dollar Deals, ADEX Fun Tour, Celebrate the Sea and great giveaways. See you at ADEX duced or transferred manuscripts, photographs sonal or private information and press releases from NAUI in sec- for the bestFor more dive dealsinformation, in Asia visit. FO www.asiadiveexpo.comR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US AT WWW.ASIADIVEEXPO.COM NOW tions designated by the NAUI logo. electronically in any form and illustrations should be will be shared with a third While the page design is done by ASIA DIVE EXPO IS ORGANIZED BY SUNTEC INTEGRATED MEDIA without written permission emailed to: party without the written X-RAY MAG as an integrated part of the ASIA DIVE EXPO IS ORGANIZED BY WWW.SUNTECINTGRATEDMEDIA.COM from the copyright owner. [email protected] permission of the owner. magazine, these news stories are brought to OFFICIAL AIRLINE: SILK AIR you by NAUI at NAUI’s discretion.

ADEX_Ad_05_REV6_XRAY.indd 1 3/14/2006 5:40:06 PM 4 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A midwater octopus Bubblegum coral (probably Japetella sp.) (Paragorgia arborea)

from the blue

News edited by Catherine GS Lim Images courtesy of NOAA/MBARI 2006 and Peter Symes It was a trip that was sponge gardens,” two years in the mak- said Allen Andrews, NEWS ing. But the wait was a radiochemist from worth it, with the rewards the Moss Landing Mushroom soft coral being new discoveries in Marine Laboratories. (Anthomastus sp.) ancient coral gardens and marine life at At all times, a film crew the Davidson Seamount, as well as exciting from the BBC was on hand to chronicle the high material for an upcoming BBC series. points of the expedition and footage of the During a ten-day research Davidson Seamount, to use in an cruise, scientists from “There was far more upcoming series Planet Earth that will Monterey Bay National growth and coral be broadcast later this year. Marine Sanctuary, Monterey The expedition was a follow-up to a Bay Aquarium Research than we could have 2002 trip to the same location where

IMAGE COURTESY OF C. KING/SIMON/MBNMS. Institute and Moss Landing imagined. It looks like scientists “were blown away by the Marine Laboratories set size, age and diversity out to find out more about a tropical coral of the deepwater corals deepwater corals — to down there in places.” we saw,” according to Bamboo understand why they lived Andrew DeVogelaere, coral where they do, to determine their age and Sanctuary Research Coordinator and like this growth patterns, to improve species identi- Chief Scientist for the 2006 expedition. can live fication at the seamount and to share the “We wanted to go back to learn why to be excitement and findings of the expedition so many extraordinary corals thrive more with the general public. there and to determine their age and than 200 Concentrating their efforts on the growth patterns.” years Davidson Seamount southwest of Monterey, The 2006 expedition was a suc- old California, they were kept busy exploring the cess, and now it is up to the scientists coral colonies, taking samples and captur- to analyse the 102 deep sea animal ing high-definition digital images. - and rock specimens that were col- sity of corals and marine life (including the lected during the expedition. discovery of some new species) were the The Davidson Seamount is one high points of the expedition for many. of the world’s largest seamounts. In “Exploring Davidson Seamount from the fact, in the western Pacific Ocean, deepest valleys to the very tip of mountain it is the largest, serving as home to peaks was incredible. All the places were fragile ancient cold water coral filled with strange forms of life that ranged gardens. Some of the species from smaller than you can see with the found there are a few centuries An unidentified cnidarian that resembles a Venus fly trap from the family Hormathiidae. naked eye to the grandeurs of coral and old and over 2.5 metres tall. ■ Found at 1874 meters depth

This curious octopus Davidson Seamount Expedition (Benthoctopus sp.) was found at 2422 meters depth next to an yields exciting bounty orange stalked crinoid 5 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The ‘hairs’ on the yeti crab con- tains huge amounts of news bacteria

Edited by Peter Symes

Mustelus hacat is a Mexican smooth-hound shark species first discov- biologist discovers ered by ichthyologist Juan Carlos Pérez Jiménez in the Gulf

COPEIA, 2005(4), PP. 834–845 new shark species of California

et al, The discovery of the Mexican marine biologist, Juan Carlos Pérez Jiménez has discov- ered a new species of smooth- Furry Yeti Crab hound shark in the murky depths of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. The shark, French and American marine (Ifremer). The animal was col- which brings to five the types of biologists have discovered a lected at 2300m depth around Mustelus shark found in the eastern crustacean in the South Pacific a deep sea vent called Annie’s North Pacific, is the first shark discov- that resembles a lobster or crab Anthill 1,500km south of Easter teria. The role of these seta hair-like strands. In addition, the name Kiwa hirsuta. ery in the Sea of Cortez since the covered in what looks like silky Island. The crustacean has and these bacteria is presently animal is blind, and where the The new creature resembles tiny Mexican Horn Shark was identi- fur. surprising characteristics, most unknown. Some scientists spec- eyes should be, one observes freshwater “squat lobsters” fied in 1972. The “Yeti Crab”, as it has notably are the presence of a ulate the bacteria detoxify poi- only one vestige of membrane. found in South America. But RECREATED FROM: JUAN CARLOS PEREZ JIMENEZ, There are some 50 to 60 species been dubbed, is white and dense seta covering the legs. sonous minerals from the water, It belongs to a new family, genetic analysis shows it is clos- of shark in the Sea of Cortez, a nar- 15cm (5.9in) long, according to Observed under a electron allowing the animal to survive Kiwaidae (from Kiwa, the god- er to marine members of this row body of water also known as co-discoverer Michel Segonzac microscope, it is revealed around the vents. Alternatively, dess of shellfish in the Easter group. ■ the Gulf of California that separates of the French Research Institute that these seta harbour huge the animal may actually feed Island Polynesian mythology), Mexico’s Baja California peninsula for Exploitation of the Sea amounts of filamentous bac- on the bacteria that live in the and has been given the latin Article in Zoosystema 2005, 27 (4) from the mainland and is famous for its rich and unique ecosystem. The new species is slender, dark gray-brown and around 1.5 meters Deep-sea expeditions find an ‘Oasis in the Desert’ long and is named Mustelus hacat after the word for shark in a local If you think that the deep sea now suspect. Normally solitary even speculate yet on what environment. Although such Indian dialect. It lives in the ocean’s realm is a barren wasteland and scattered, large numbers the trigger would be.” activities are rare in the Mid- depths feeding on shellfish and covered with the occasional of them (deep sea fishes, not Not since the Challenger Atlantic Ridge, it is only a mat- shrimp, and with their very small flatfish, beady-eyed anglerfish scientists) were congregating Expedition of the 1870s has ter of time before human teeth they are really not aggressive and scattered sea grasses, think there. And with the presence there been a study of deep activity finds its way there, or dangerous. again. Going by recent discov- of pregnant females, the likeli- water pelagics on such a mas- as deep sea fishes in other “There must be more undiscov- eries, perhaps it’s time to start hood of spawning activity is a sive scale. These discoveries areas become fished out. ered species there, but access is thinking lush corals, anglerfish distinct possibility—something were made in the course of the So says Sutton, “It’s impor- difficult. If we hadn’t been on those weighing in at 35 pounds, at that surprised Tracy Sutton, a Mid-Atlantic Ridge. tant that we explore and boats, I’d never have seen them least six new species of marine fish expert at the Harbor Branch Ecosystems program, which map out these hotspots because that’s the only place they life and a frenzy of mating Oceanographic Institution in is part of the Census of Marine before fishing stretches into are caught. And it’s not a region activity. Florida, USA. Life, is an initiative started in these areas, so that we that attracts scuba diving,” said In short, the sea floor—at least “This is the first time anyone 2000 to assess the diversity and can determine what the Perez. ■ at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge—is has suggested that deep sea distribution of marine life. real damage is going to one ‘happening’ playground. pelagics form groups to spawn In addition, the discoveries be and what needs to be SOURCES: JUAN CARLOS PEREZ JIMENEZ, ET AL, COPEIA, 2005(4), PP. 834–845 AND REUTERS Yes, for some species, it’s a and then disperse again, which uncover the need to moni- protected.” ■ hotbed for spawning activities. would require some homing tor deep sea trawling activity At least, that’s what scientists ability or knowledge, but I can’t and its impact on the marine

6 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Marine Life Treasure Trove Found A coral-crowned under- water mountain with Edited by some of the rich- Peter Symes est diversity of marine life in the NAUI products and services highlighted Mediterranean Caribbean has at ADEX Show—latest products, updates been found in the This new species of and NAUI information featured deep sea coral Saba Bank Atoll, 250km JEFFREY T. WILLIAMS / SMITHSONIAN canals inside sponges, so we goby fish, less than reefs gain southeast of take samples out of spong- a cm long, was dis- During a two-week dive, es, and open the canals covered in the Saba TAMPA, FL.— NAUI, the world’s sec- For more information about NAUI protection researchers counted a total up to search for the small Bank Atoll in the ond largest diver certifying agency, activities at the ADEX 2006, please of 200 species of fish, over 150 fish that can be in there,” Netherlands Antilles. will again exhibit at this year’s ADEX contact Jack Cheong, Vice Three ecologically important deep more than previously known in explained Dr Smith, a scien- (Asia Dive Expo) Show, to be held President, NAUI Services Pacific Rim, sea areas have been protected the region, and vast and luxu- tist on the expedition from anchor on the bank, caus- 21-23 April in Suntec International at [email protected], or visit off the waters of Italy, Cyprus rious seaweed beds with at Conservation International. ing significant damage to the Convention & Exhibition Centre, NAUI booth #224 at the show. Visit and Egypt, following a recent least 12 new species of algae But the fragile ecosystem reef. Singapore. The latest training and www.asiadiveexpo.com for more decision by the General Fisheries discovered. is endangered by supertank- The researchers are hop- educational products and busi- information about Asia Dive Expo. Commission for the Mediterranean Among their finds were ers. A petroleum trans-ship- ing to get the area protected ness services will be featured at NAUI Worldwide is the oldest and (GFCM). two new species of fish, both ment depot on the nearby by the International Maritime booth #224. Representatives will also most respected diver certifying The three designated protected gobies, which have the dis- island of St Eustatius causes a Organization (IMO). Saba Bank present a NAUI Member Update on organization in the world, whose areas include: the deep water tinctive feature of fused pelvic significant amount of marine Atol is ranked as the third larg- Saturday, 22 April, from 3:00 to 5:00 members offer a full range of train- off Capo Santa Maria fins on the underside of their traffic. The big tankers, in est atoll in the world and has PM in room MR 301. ing programs from Skin Diver through di Leuca, Italy, in the Ionian Sea, body which forms a sucker. order to avoid mooring fees an enormous active reef. ■ Because of the tremendous suc- Instructor Course Director, with doz- which is home to the rare white “Many gobies live in the at St Eustatius, are said to Source: BBC cess of NAUI Dive Centers in the ens of specialty courses including coral, Lophelia; a chemosynthesis- region, a large number of divers and and Technical diving. Tens of based ecosystem (an ecosystem industry professionals are expected thousands of NAUI member instruc- that does not depend on the sun to visit the booth. Visitors will have tors, dive businesses, resorts, and as a source of energy) offshore the opportunity to inquire about the service centers are located in coun- from the Nile Delta; and the spec- Most Flower Garden Banks coral reefs recovering availability of insurance, order prod- tries throughout the world. For further tacular Eratosthenes seamount, ucts or renew their memberships and information on NAUI affiliated stores, south of Cyprus, which hosts rare from bleaching event, NOAA survey shows schedule crossovers for their dive resorts and certified diving instruc- coral species. ■ Source: WWF businesses and professional affilia- tion, contact NAUI at (001) 813-628- “It is the cumulative The coral reefs of NOAA’s Flower Garden Banks National tions. 6284 or www.naui.org ■ Marine Sanctuary, located off the Texas-Louisiana coast, have impact of a number of begun to recover from what some observers feared would be seemingly small injuries a deadly coral bleaching event this past fall. Last fall, surveys showed an average between 42 and 46 that appear to be causing percent of all coral were showing signs of bleaching. In a the overall degradation of follow-up survey in January the numbers were 4 to 10 percent. many coral reefs. Think “History has shown the Flower of it as being ‘pecked to Garden Banks to contain resilient coral reefs,” said George Schmahl, death by ducks’ “ manager of the sanctuary. “Further

GEORGE SCHMAHL, MANAGER OF research is needed to determine what THE NOAA FLOWER GARDEN BANKS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY allows this location to be so resilient. This may help us understand why reefs in other places are not doing as well and how we can help them.” ■ NOAA NOAA ◄ Lophelia coral 7 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Groundwater key nutrient source for coral reefs Does it Coffee drinkers may be unknow- end up in ingly sharing their double lattes with the corals? coral reefs, according to Stanford

WWW.BP.COM University researchers who have The next North Sea coral reef? studied the effect of groundwater marine environment. The now decommissioned BP discharge on coastal oceans. “We’ve seen estrogen, caffeine North West Hutton platform Their study, published in the and fertilizer—all sorts of things you January 2006 issue of Limnology don’t naturally find in the ocean,” Corals fond of and , establishes said Adina Paytan, an assistant groundwater as an important professor in Stanford’s Department North Sea oil rigs source of nutrients to coral reefs of Geological and Environmental around the world. Sciences and lead author of the Coral larvae need a hard surface Groundwater, the scientists study. “The same is true of ibupro- where they can settle, creating a caution, also may increasingly fen, pharmaceuticals and bacteria strong attachment point for a new contribute to reef pollution as that has to do with human, bird or colony. Most of the North Sea bed is growing coastal populations intro- dog feces.” ■ unsuitable for reefs as the bottom is duce foreign chemicals into the Source: Stanford News Service muddy and has few rocky areas. Enter the oil and gas platforms which have turned out to be ideal A Tall Tail Tale? platforms for corals. In turn, the reefs provide critical habitats for a multi- The century-old mystery of what comprises the tude of other aquatic animals. peculiar tail of one of the largest of all bony fishes, As BP’s vast North West Hutton the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), has been platform, which started to produce resolved, according to researchers from oil and gas more than two decades London’s Natural History Museum and the ago, has now reached the end of its Smithsonian in Washington. life, it may now become the first artifi- The sunfish’s unusual tail evolved, not cial reef of its kind in the North Sea. A from an adaptation of the tail or caudal fin, convention states that oil rigs must be but when the dorsal and anal fins merged, completely removed, but as this par- closing the gap inwards. In evolutionary terms ticular platform is so huge—standing the dorsal and anal fins have now completely 240 metres tall in 140 metres of water replaced the tail fin. ■ —an exception here can be applied. ■ YARRELL 1841

Nereis Main Office Comex BC RUSSIA, 196105 Saint-Petersburg Lyubotinskiy pr. 8b Fax: +7 (812) 103 0518 e-mail: [email protected]

8 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Most reefs damaged by 2004

tsunami can recover in 10 years Most coral reefs es- ernment’s efforts in protect-

caped “serious dam- ing their marine ecosystems. Stronger conservation and age” from the 2004 protection of coral reefs and tsunami and should other coastal resources is recover in less than 10 needed to enhance their re- years according to a sistance to future disasters. ����������������� ��� “The hardest hit animals report released by were turtles, which lost nest- Global Coral Reef ing sites in Thailand and In- Monitoring Network. dia’s Andaman and Nicobar islands,” said Clive Wilkinson, Reefs in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the report’s lead author. India and Thailand were hard- “There were at least two key est hit, with damage reach- nesting sites lost in the Anda- ing up to 30 percent in some man’s, but now we’re seeing places. But much like earlier these turtles just go to other studies, it was found that hu- beaches and find new nesting man activities like illegal fishing sites,” he said. and climate change pose the The report called on tsu- greatest risk to the future of nami-devastated nations to

PETER SYMES these reefs. Ongoing human proclaim exclusion zones to stresses pose a far greater protect people from future ������������������������������������� File photo threat to the survival of In- tsunamis and storm surges, dian Ocean coral reefs and and to adopt government “Most coral reefs will recover mangrove forests, the report policies that better protect from these stresses in five to 10 found. the reefs. It also called for the years, provided that there are no Consequently, the succes- development of alternative ful recovery of the damaged livelihoods for coastal villagers, other major stresses” reefs will, to a large extent, so they put less stress on the also depend on local gov- marine ecosystems. ■

Close to a third of cor- estimated at between these natural assets,” The als have gone, with 60 US$100,000 to 600,000 said UNEP’s Executive percent expected to be per km2 per year; the Director Klaus Toepfer, ������������� lost by 2030. More than costs of conserving these “so that they think twice value a third of all mangroves same reefs in a marine about the pollution, cli- have disappeared, with protected area would be mate change, insensitive the rate of loss greater just US$775 per km2 per development and other of Reefs than that of tropical rain- year, the UN Environment damaging practices that forests, according to a Programme (UNEP) report are rapidly undermining Future of oceans, UN report released by the estimates. the economic basis for so Third Global Conference “I hope the financial many coastal communi- coasts and small on Oceans, Coasts, and facts contained in this ties worldwide.” Islands held at UNESCO study will radically change In Indonesia, where tourism ���������������� island states focus headquarters in Paris. the attitude and behavior is the main industry, reefs are The figures are mind- of governments, indus- estimated to be worth US$1 for UN conference 2 ���� ��������� �������������� ������� ���� ���������� ��������� ����������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� boggling: the value of try, local authorities and million per km , based on the ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������� ����� ����� ������ �������� ����� ���� ����� ������������ ��� ���� healthy coral reefs any- individuals, so that they cost of maintaining sandy ���������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� where in the world is better prize and conserve beaches. ■ ������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������

9 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Dive Medicine

Edited by & Health Peter Symes recompression cham- ber also under threat

A cost-cutting exercise in Orkney’s National Health Service adressing a £300,000 deficit has fuelled fears that NZ: Scuba divers Scapa Flow’s recompression service in Stromsness is facing closure. facing tighter

LBNL IMAGE LIBRARY Scapa Flow is visited by more 4,000 File photo. Donner chamber studies, 1962 divers who come to dive on the famous health checks WWI battleships. The Orkney NHS Board Saudi recompression has, however, withdrawn the funding In New Zealand, scuba divers for services, which was will soon be asked to provide chamber closed considered inappropriate and not a core information about their health health service provision. It decided that it to prevent more deaths under The only publicly accessible recompres- would no longer pay for treatment costs water. sion chamber in western Saudi Arabia of anyone other than Orkney residents. In response to coroner rec- has been permanently shut. The cham- To DIVE magazine website, Dr John ommendations after several ber has been out of commission for six Ross, consultant for NHS Grampian and diving deaths involving pre- months and beyond reasonable repair. a senior lecturer in existing medical conditions, “The lack of a public recompression at The University of Aberdeen, stated, “If the New Zealand Underwater chamber will prove a major obstacle to local medical support is withdrawn, I’m Association has begun circulat- divers choosing the Kingdom’s superb concerned that if divers are faced with a ing a medical questionnaire as marine environment to dive in,” said flight to the chamber in Aberdeen, they part of best practice guidelines. David Kirk, diver and manager at Al- may not come forward for immediate It is hoped that the question- Nakheel Beach north of Jeddah, to Arab assessment, and those who actually have naire will help stop regulation News website, “This is further compound- may miss out on being imposed on the industry. ed by the fact that there is no single the important early treatment.” ■ The head of New Zealand emergency telephone number to alert all Underwater Association dive the necessary emergency services to an Minutes: Meeting in Orkney HNS, Jan 2006 safety, Lynn Taylor, says the incident.” questionnaire will also “If it were not for the excellent bring overseas divers, military facilities in Jeddah,” said who are not required Eric Mason, manager at Al-Ahlam to have a medical Marina and responsible for large check before gaining numbers of foreign divers’ safety a certificate, to their each year, “the lack of a publicly attention. ■ accessible recompression cham- ber would make me much more cautious about inviting divers to the Kingdom.” The military cham- German battleship ber, however, is not generally Markgraf was scuttled in open to the public. ■ Scapa Flow on June 21, 1919, and now rests at 45m 10 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

Edited by It’s Peter Symes John Chatterton and Richie Kohler from the History Channel’s Deep Sea Detectives and authors of the popular “” and cameraman Evan Kovacs shared a moment at the Showtime! X-Ray Mag / DivePhotoGuide.com booth to blow off some steam February 17-19 February 24-26 The Two Dive Shows in Moscow Our World Underwater - Chicago Reporting by Jason Heller Golden Dolphin It was a balmy 29 Our World Underwater shops. There were also Show was held degrees F in Chicago, is a very well organized plenty of workshops and The Dive Expo in the near the Red undoubtedly a shock show. The film festival was exhibitors focusing on Olympiskie venue Square to the system of many exceptional and very well local in the during build-up a dive operator who attended. Phil Nyuten, Great Lakes, a popular hailed from paradise. The and Al past time of local divers. Stephens Convention Hornsby were among the The Chicago dive com- Center in Chicago hosted esteemed presenters. munity is alive and well! nearly 17,000 divers and Larry and Denise We want to welcome soon-to-be divers attend- Tackett, , all the new X-Ray Mag ing one of the larger dive John Chatterton and subscribers in Chicago! ■ shows in the U.S. The Richie Kohler were show floor was abuzz with among a small handful of Carl Vincente from divers eager to plan their pro photographers and Ocean Concepts in next dive trip, or buy that authors signing books Hawaii and Greg from new piece of gear. and presenting work- Scuba Radio Two overlapping and competing dive shows in the same city. That’s the dive March 9-12 scene in the Russian capital Moscow mid-February. Sounds confusing? Well, to EUDI Show - Genoa Reporting by Enrico Capelletti many, it was—with exhibi- This 4th International Exposition ‘DIVING tors, both international and 2006’ proved to be the most successful 281 exhibitors from 20 different domestic, either shifting so far by attactring 18,000 visitors and countries were present at the venue in the last minute, leading equipment manufacturers, 2006 edition of the EUDI Show exhibiting both places or overseas resorts as well as tourism held in the usual venue alongside shuffling back and forth. organisations from Portugal, Malta, the Mediterranean in downtown The Diving 2006 expo in South Africa, Thailand, Madagascar Genoa. It is still one of the most Olympisky included a spe- and Vietnam. www.diving-expo.ru signicant consumer dive shows, cial children’s playground but it was almost tangible how the where little future divers Meanwhile, the concurrent and somewhat overall downward trend, which were entertained by anima- bigger Golden Dolphin show, while also the dive industry is suffering of late, tors. The exhibition included promoting diving in general, set itself apart is having an affect here too. For Aquaforum 2006 organized by having a much higher profile when it a repeat show visitor, it was obvi- by its official partners, the came to the international photography ous how diving businesses have Russian Confederation of and video competion that saw lots reduced their presences. Underwater Activities and the of the top names entering. Check Many of the classical manufac- League. the results here: www.mosfest.ru ■ turers are restructuring as produc- facing a challenge of their own tion in the Far East is cheaper, competing with the very cheap X RAY MAG’s Russian colleague and editor, Andrey Bizyukin, covered both shows while the local dive operators are holidays to the Red Sea. ■

11 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED N Scuba Dive World Record set in the Maldives! The Ultimate ew Scuba Tank/Spear Gun Holder Maldives has made a new world existing record of 722. This dive took Scuba Tank/Spear Gun Holder news record for “Most people scuba diving place between 11:00 am and 11:30 TEMPORARY – no permanent damage PRE-ASSEMBLED – no hassles or headaches simultaneously” on a single site. am. This event was organised by INSTANT ATTACH & RELEASE – quick & effortless On 25 February 2006, at Sunlight Maldives Tourism Promotion Board MULTIPLE HOLDERS – 2 & 3 tank racks- 1 slot Edited by Thila in North Male’ Atoll located 9.6 and sponsored by Dhiraagu. 4 tank rack has 2 speargun slots Peter Symes km from Male’ International Airport, www.visitmaldives.com ■ SPACE SAVER – compact for easy storage MALDIVES TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD 979 divers scuba dived to break the 800-920-2910 PO Box 1967, Nokomis, FL 34272 The BioSUB Project: living (941) 484-0714 Fax: (941)-484-2749 with plants underwater www.scubastorage.com BioSub nearing Press Release completion Inaugural Dive Travel Hub at ADEX By Villy Volk, Divester.com ADEX presents Dive Travel Hub Turtle Rock with a precious reational or technical diving. for the fist time, where visitors combination of surrealistic The Philippine Department of Australian diver and scientist, Lloyd Godson, will be treated to a kaleido- underwater seascapes, virgin Tourism is excited to be part of is currently designing a self-sustaining under- scope of exotic dive destina- rainforests and beautiful idyllic ADEX this year especially with water habitat called, the BioSUB. Over the tions and unbelievable dive islands. Indonesia, another pop- the Dive Travel Hub, a timely ini- next few months, he’ll be building it, and packages. ular dive destination brimming tiative riding on a surge of inter- in August, Lloyd plans A record number of tour- with stellar dive spots, will be est in dive destination travel.” to deploy it in a lake ism boards are participating in presenting Bali, Biak, Gorontalo, in . Using both ADEX this year, including Brunei, Manado and Komodo. Barely Also making its inaugural pres- plants and Like-A-Fish , Indonesia, Philippines, explored places like Biak are a ence at ADEX is SilkAir, best technology to provide Sabah, Sarawak and Thailand. treasure trove of pristine waters, known as the champion of his , Lloyd will be These Country Pavilions are ani- remarkable underwater discov- diverse and exciting destina- the BioSUB’s first resident. mated by an exciting offering eries and rich cultural diversity. tions in the emerging markets What a cool, exciting of popular dive spots in addi- Other exciting dive destina- of Asia, many of which are rela- adventure! tion to rarely explored ones. tions such as Christmas Island, tively untouched by mass tour- As soon as I read about Lloyd, I wanted Papua New Guinea and ism. SilkAir will be offering fan- to learn more. Recently, I caught up with Making its first appearance at Queensland will also be fea- tastic airfares to 25 exotic points Lloyd, and he shared with me his plans and ADEX, Brunei Tourism presents tured at ADEX. including some of the world’s hopes for the BioSUB. I recorded our conver- an attractive new destination best diving spots in Balikpapan, sation and turned it into Divester’s third pod- and a unique diving opportu- Said Philippine Department of Cebu Kota, Kinabalu, Lombok, cast. If you want to hear an interview with a nity in the region with crystal- Tourism Secretary, Mr. Joseph Manado and Phuket. “ADEX is creative man with boundless ambition, then clear waters guarding treas- Durano, “There are many a one-stop hub and gateway check out Divester’s podcast interview with ures like beautiful coral reefs world-class diving sites in the for visitors who want to delve Lloyd. and old sunken shipwrecks. Philippines that would benefit into the adventurous world of Although you may not have heard much Tourism Malaysia, together with from greater exposure. We see diving in Asia,” said Mr. David about Lloyd in the past, I predict you’ll be Sabah Tourism and Sarawak ADEX as an excellent opportu- Lim, Vice President Commercial hearing a LOT about him over the next few Tourism, bring together well- nity to showcase these gems SilkAir. ■ months, especially as the BioSUB’s known dive destinations such as well as what our destinations deployment draws nearer. Check as Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Talang, have to offer to divers, whether For more information on ADEX, please out the interview and tell us what Redang, , Tioman and they are interested in rec- visit www.asiadiveexpo.com you think! At just under 18 min- utes, it’s the perfect length for a lunchtime listen. ■ Interview--mp3 format(16Mb) X-Ray Magazine & DivePhotoGuide at ADEX 2006: Come see us at booth #327

12 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Silent Diving Systems emerges with a new PADI Celebrates line up after the tragic loss of co-founder 40th Anniversary Silent Diving Systems, distributors of the market Training leading Inspiration and Evolution rebreathers TDI Scubility Founded in 1966 by Ralph Erickson recently announced the appointment of its new Scubility is a program designed and John Cronin, PADI has come president, Mike Fowler, and additions to its product Edited by to teach SDI instructors how to a long way as an organization offerings from its new base of operations. Peter Symes work with disabled people who since its humble beginnings in Mike, who founded the company with the late wish to become scuba divers. Cronin’s garage, which constitut- Cliff Simoneau is joined by several new members The Scubility program has been ed its first headquarters. of the team at the company’s new headquarters structured to be used in con- Today, it is the biggest diver in New Hampshire: Peter Den Haan, the SDS West junction with our existing SDI education, certification and Coast Representative, will be taking on additional open water text. This means membership organization operat- responsibilities as National Sales Manager and Bo that an SDI instructor interested in working with challenged divers can ing in 180 countries and territories. Harper will take on the responsibility of Mid-West upgrade as a Scubility instructor very simply by learning specifically To celebrate this milestone, PADI offices are now offering a Representative. Warren Miller has been appointed how to best meet the particular needs of this new group of poten- series of commemorative 40th anniversary replacement cer- as the Accounting and Operations Manager. tial divers. The basics of diving and the student materials are exactly tification cards. Included in this series of four limited edition Silent Diving Systems has also secured the North the same as they have been teaching their whole SDI careers. A cards are two inspiring images captured by renowned pho- America distributorship for Fourth Element, UK Scubility instructor guide has been written to help the instructor tographer Donald Tipton. All cards in the series are available based specialist in thermal protection and manu- match the course to the divers’ abilities via www.padi.com. Look for this banner throughout 2006. facturer of the Xerotherm base layer and the Materials in the Scubility program address disabilities such as; PADI would like to share the celebration of their 40th Xerotherm Arctic undersuit. amputations, asthma, cerebral palsy, hearing disorders, muscu- anniversary and would, therefore, like to hear from dive lar dystrophy, sight impairment and many more. To learn how to centre owners, if they have been in the industry for 40 years More details about the Inspiration and Evolution become a Scubility Instructor or to learn more about Scubility con- and are now PADI IRRA members. Owners should rebreathers and Fourth Element products can be tact SDI World Headquarters 207-729-4201 or [email protected] ■ email: [email protected] ■ found at www.silentdiving.com ■ File Photo: TDI Advanced Wreck Diving Manual from 2004 2006 Mencap Dive Challenge TDI Updates Advanced The Mencap Dive asked to raise a minimum of Challenge is a spon- £50 per team by doing unusual Wreck Diving Training sored scuba diving event things under water—such as taking place as part playing chess, having a disco or Recently, TDI announced that it of Mencap’s Learning holding a teddy bears picnic. has updated its Advanced Wreck Disability Week and sixtieth Teams can be any size, and Student Manual and support materi- year celebrations on the the activity can last any length als. The update includes a newly- weekend of 24-25 June of time. All Mencap asks for is designed, “lavishly-illustrated” 112- 2006. Mencap, which is sup- enthusiasm, a love of scuba- page student manual and knowl- ported by PADI, is putting diving and to bring together edge review and a new instructor out a request for scuba friends who will sponsor just guide and PowerPoint presentation. divers to get together, find about anything! TDI claims the update conforms to an underwater space and So go on—become an the agency’s new training materi- get themselves sponsored to underwater supporter and visit als’ guidelines and presents the do fun and exciting things, all www.mencap.org.uk/dive Award winning Fiber Artist, Alma de la most up-to-date information avail- in aid of people with learning or call 0845 977 7779 ■ Melena Cox, creates “Telamadera Fusion,” able to technical divers. If you’re disabilities. by bringing fabric and wood together in a interested in getting your TDI cer- Building on the success dynamic and unique mixed-media expres- tification for Advanced Wreck of last year’s Dive:24, which sion. Her fine artwork can be found in galleries Diving, the course introduces was also supported by PADI, in California and Oregon and by contacting participants to the proper pen- the UK’s leading learning dis- the artist directly. Please visit her website at: etration skills, techniques, equip- ability charity has created the ment requirements and Mencap Dive Challenge. This www.almaart.com of conducting complex wreck year scuba divers are being Alma de la Melena Cox dives. ■ The Thief Canyon (541)419-2227 28 x 18 in. US$625.00 24 x 24 in. US$625.00

13 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CORAL_Dirt_Day_8.25x10.875.qxd 11/19/04 1:25 PM Page 1

The value of healthy coral reefs any- The costs of conserving these news where in the world is estimated at same reefs in a marine protected It’s called between US$100,000 to US$600,000 area, would be just US$775 per Edited by per square kilometer per year square kilometer per year Peter Symes Earth Day. United Nations Environment report Bohol governor to bolster dive safety That’s not to say Dive Into Earth Day A near-fatal incident almost cost three German dive tourists on a diving expedi- 2006 tion to Virgen Anda their lives this past Project Aware we need to treat it November after they barely survived drift- Make a difference for 2006 as thousands ing for more than 24 hours in open seas. of water enthusiasts take to the water for Foundation (Int’l) After finally being picked from the sea Dive Into Earth Day, which takes place like Dirt Day. near Limasawa Island off Southern Leyte, the week of April 22nd. All around the Official Partners they alleged that the that was globe, dive operators, divers, snorkelers supposed to be trailing their bubbles after and water enthusiasts of all ages will unite Project AWARE has created the Go ECO they dipped in the water, was not where in a week of aquatic related environmen- campaign to educate tourists about how it was supposed to be when they resur- tal events to help remind the public that they can travel responsibly and inspire faced. our precious resources need protecting. tour operators to implement best busi- Responding to Philippine Coast Guard So, why not join in and be part of the ness practices in their local area. By mak- investigations, which revealed that the action? You can join one of the many ing informed choices, you can support dive operations here are not clarified events already taking place or organise operators committed to environmentally and that the dive boats are not well your own. Dive Into Earth Day engages responsible business practices. And, by equipped. Bohols Governor Erico Aumen- dive volunteers in hands-on aquatic con- following a few basic guidelines, you can tado is also set to sign an executive order servation activities such as: minimise your effect on the ecosystems

ordering dive operators to equip their • Shoreline and underwater cleanups while contributing to environmental, eco- After more than thirty years, we thought it was time that the other 72% of the planet got some attention. Which is why we’re operations with the necessary equipment • Fish ID, reef or sea turtle surveys nomic and cultural conservation. asking people to Dive In To Earth Day the week of April 18 to 24. So grab some friends and install a mooring, do a reef survey, for their dive businesses and dive boat • Mooring maintenance and instal- The Official Partner programme helps or organize an underwater cleanup. Everybody into the water. For more information, visit www.coral.org or call (415) 834-0900. operators to provide life jackets, radios, lation projects recognise dive centres/resorts that pro- fog lights and warning devices for emer- • AWARE Kids events vide their customers with dive experi- gency use during dives. • Project AWARE Specialty courses ences that enhance visitor awareness, The move was seen as a proactive • Whale Shark Project photo excursions appreciation and understanding of the move while assuring tourists of their safety • Ecology dives local aquatic environment as well as while diving in Bohol. ■ • Environmental seminars, fairs or fundrais- show a commitment to its conservation. ing events ■ ■ File photo: Boat at

Indonesia allocates play in the Indonesian government’s new properly manage border areas through- tlement program will be supported with policy to populate empty and remote out Indonesia soon. One of the urgent adequate infrastructures and facilities fund for resettlement island remains to be established. things is to resettle Indonesian people such as public sea transportation and SCOTT BENNETT President Soesilo Bambang to several empty islands.” The president, farming areas. There will be no excuse on empty islands Yudhoyono said that the government has especially asked governors in border for a foreign country to claim our island has allocated a special fund amounting areas to do their utmost for the security by accusing us of neglecting the empty Several years ago, Indonesia lost Sipadan to Rp900 billion (~ US$98 mil.) to develop of the country’s territories. islands, as what had happened with and Ligitan islands to Malaysia following border areas, among other things by Said Riau Island Province’s Governor Sipadan and Ligitan islands. There would a ruling by the international court at The conducting a resettlement program on a Ismeth Abdullah said: “We try to reset- be no compromise for anyone who tries Hague. What role if any, this incidence, number of empty islands. tle people having Indonesian identity to claim even one inch of our land. This is which must have been painful, had to “It is the interest of the Government to cards on several empty islets. The reset- our commitment.” ■

14 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Whassup? whales Zdravstvuite!

Edited by Gunild Symes

Deep sea microphones record large whales in unexpected places Like human beings from different countries as blue, fin, humpback, North Pacific right, around the world speak different languages, sperm and bowhead whales as reported by so do whales from different oceans around oceanographer Dr Sue Moore to BioScience FRESHWATER AND MARINE IMAGE BANK the world sing different songs according to Journal. Moore, the director of NOAA’s Alaska researchers recording whale sounds with Fisheries Center in Seattle and member of undersea microphones attached to the sea the Scientific Committee of the International Whales wooing whales sing serenades floor. Indeed, the style of the song is used to Whaling Commission is currently working with identify specific whales, their migratory pat- ocean acoustics scientists at the University of New Australian research indicates that when male whales attracted by the members of the team that spent three terns and origin. Washington’s Applied Physics Lab in hopes whales attract mates by serenading singing show up, the singing will usually years studying the whales during their Scientists form to further understand- them. University of Queensland scien- stop followed by competitive behav- annual migration past Peregian Beach NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries “There has been only one con- ing of acoustic effects tists say they think iour between on the Sunshine Coast. “...the interactions and associations Center in Seattle, firmed sighting of a right whale in and climate change on the male’s songs the males. Another theory regarding whale ser- Scripps Institution of marine mammals. At this make up part are fairly quick, so it’s not like they’re While it is not enades leans towards the notion that Oceanography and the Gulf of Alaska since 1980, so point in time, scientists of an elaborate certain if the the songs are used by the females to singing these songs for a particular Oregon State University discovering them [there] is not only are not sure whether the courtship ritual females are size up a potential mate. It is thought say that this technique differences in songs by between hump- female for a life-long partnership indeed attract- that perhaps the structure and tonal surprising, it is fairly significant.” has recently revealed various whale species is back whales - it’s more of a one-night stand sort ed by the songs, range of a song will reflect the fitness that critically endan- —David Mellinger, Oregon State due to genetics or some since it appears it is apparent or age of a male. Scientists say whale gered North Pacific other factor. that more songs of thing.” —Joshua Smith, the serenade singing can last for three hours aver- University’s Hatfield Marine right whales are back The recorders, which and lengthier University of Queensland facilitates sex age and up to 23 hours continually in the Gulf of Alaska, Science Center in Newport were developed from ones are direct- in the mat- and can be heard as far as 20km (12 where they have not earlier models used dur- ed toward females than possible male ing interaction according to experts. miles) away. Now, who wouldn’t be been seen in decades. Not only is it a surprise ing the Cold War by the military in surveillance threats. Singing is less used for repelling However, whale relationships seem to impressed by that? ■ that they are in the Gulf, say scientists, but operations, are equipped with disk drives rivals than previously thought. Indeed, be brief and short-lived according to they were also heard in deep water. Most that enable them to store tens of gigabytes right whale sightings have been near the of data as they capture sound recordings shore according to experts. while deployed at different distances from the ocean floor according to Moore in her Tracking with hydrophones report. The devices provide invaluable infor- Researchers are studying whale sounds in mation on whales’ long distance migratory the northeast Pacific Ocean and in the Gulf patterns, dialects and behaviour with little of Alaska, the Bering and Beaufort seas. human effort and no disturbance to the ani- They are using autonomous data-recording mals. Up to 20 devices have been deployed devices equipped with hydrophones, under- in the North Pacific and can be used in any water microphones, that are used to track ocean around the world for similar research many different kinds of whales species such according to authorities. ■

15 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED whales Soothe your soul with Jung’s Gifts www.thejungpark.com

Edited by Gunild Symes Mexican whale murder mystery JUNG’S Eight whales were found washed ashore GIFTS along the Sea of Cortez in January spark- FOR SALE: ing off a frantic who-done-it investigation Chinese brush of whale-sized proportions. Authorities have already ruled out long-line fishing nets as paintings, the cause of death and there are no signs Personalized poems, �����Puts More Ogle in Your Goggle! of toxic spill or disease outbreak that could Original soothing songs, account for the deaths of several plankton- Flat masks block over 75% of your natural field-of-view. Enjoy natural eating species including humpback, minke, Psychic readings & healings panoramic vision. See almost 5X more through a Double-Dome™ lens fin and a baby gray whale that apparently Contact Jung at: (310) 770-0755 perfected with NASA technology. NanoFOG™ coating, applied at the died at sea sometime in November and factory, ensures fog-free dives. Only naturally nearsighted divers (broad [email protected]; [email protected]; Rx range) can use the MEGA® 4.5DD mask with their naked eyes. But over December. www.thejungpark.com 700 divers around the world with 20/20 vision wear disposable contact The first signs of something wrong appeared lenses to use this mask. These divers become temporarily nearsighted. The on the shores of Sinoloa and occurred just as incredible view is worth the effort. Endorsed by 1,000 eye doctors worldwide. 2,000 gray whales began arriving in the Sea Older divers love the Magic Bifocal phenomenon. Seeing is believing! of Cortez, one of the world’s richest and most Sperm whales

diverse marine www.HydroOptix.com LLC © 2006 HydroOptix ecosystems, which is poorly use boat engines policed accord- ing to environ- as dinner Scientists say that it is very possible that sperm the whales to a different area when lines are being mentalists who whales are flocking to the sound of boat hauled on a boat with a silenced engine. But fisher- fear over fish- engines in the hope of catching an easy meal men say that while they will try these tactics, these ing practices bells of sablefish. The engines serve as a sort of din- large-brained whales might just be too smart to out- are employed ner bell for the whales to find boats winching whit. NASA by an increas- up hundreds of bottom-dwelling fish on lon- It is widely known that whales have been cherry- Sea of Cortez, Mexico ing number of glines in the Gulf of Alaska. Researchers used picking small amount of fish off 1-3 mile longlines for fishing trawl- recordings to gauge how deep the whales at least two decades and nobody knows how much ers. While the deaths prove a mystery to were diving and how close they were to the fish they have plundered from fishing lines over the investigators, experts say there are usually boats. They found that the whales used the years. Authorities from the US State Department of about ten dead whales found per year, but sounds of the engines to cue them for feeding Fish and Game fear that the problem could get nine in the space of two weeks have set and that they didn’t have to dive so deep to worse as the endangered marine mammals increase up red flags. In addition to the whales, two find a meal. in population and teach their young how to snatch dolphins and an olive ridley sea turtle have Now scientists are helping local fishing boats fish from longlines. Killer whales in the Bering Sea also washed up dead. Environmentalists are to figure out ways to dupe the clever cetaceans have also been known to plunder sablefish off fishing scrambling to find answers before the situa- by employing decoy noises with engines to draw lines. ■ tion worsens according to local reports. ■

16 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED wreck Canada restricts diving rap to the Edmund Fitzgerald

The Edmund Fitzgerald found- ered in a violent storm in 1975 with the loss of 29 lives

The 29 sailors who went down with the underwater sites—all of which contain and social life. Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, can now rest in human remains—are treated with care The three wrecks require special pro- peace. A Canadian law just passed mak- and respect,” adding that it was “dis- tection, not only because they are grave ing it illegal to turbing” for the families to know that the sites, but also because they are well- explore the Fitz exposed resting place of their deceased known and very fragile, said Michael and two 1812 relatives was vulnerable to underwater Johnson, the manager of the heritage warships without photography and damage from human operations unit at the Ministry of Culture. an archeologi- intervention. In 1997, the US state of Michigan passed cal license. The 222-metre Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a law that made it illegal to photograph Anyone wish- a violent storm in 1975, under circumstanc- human remains found on the bottom of ing to dive to es that have never been clarified, and the Great Lakes without explicit consent of one of these she now lies 500 feet below the surface of the deceased’s relatives. That followed a sites, or oper- Lake Superior in Canadian waters north- private dive to the Fitzgerald, which pho- ate research west of Whitefish Point, Michigan. tographed human remains at the wreck. equipment near The Hamilton and Scourge were mer- Angered relatives called it a disgrace, them, will now chant schooners pressed into naval serv- prompting renewed calls for better pro- require a site- ice during the War of 1812. They sank in tection. specific license Lake Ontario, north of Port Dalhousie, Ontario has no plans to implement a issued by in August 1813. Of the 72 crew aboard matching law, since violators of the new Ontario Ministry both ships, 53 perished—the single great- regulation can be fined up to $1 million. of Culture est loss of life on the Great Lakes during The Ontario regulation is believed to be Edmund Fitzgeral Wreck, View No. 1, by J. Clary under a newly the war. The Hamilton and Scourge rest the first of its kind in Canada. It does not Acrylic, 24 x 20in. Print edition, size: Litho, 1000 SN, 19 x 23in. approved regu- under 300 feet of water, and have been cover the 500 other shipwrecks in the Regular $125. Remarqued $625. www.jclary.com lation. remarkably well-preserved by their cold Great Lakes as well as thousands of others. “The sites and dark surroundings. Discovered in 1975 “ is important to tourism in we have chosen for special protection and explored in separate expeditions Ontario,”Johnson said. But he added the are unique,” Canadian Culture Minister by and the National government has the option of adding Madeleine Meilleur said in a news release. Geographic Society, the wrecks offer a other shipwrecks to the regulation on a “We want to ensure that these fragile unique insight into 19th century military case-by-case basis. ■

RMS Titanic enters partnership to history, and to be able to provide a glimpse into the heroic adventures recover historic vessel RMS Carpathia of this ship through this salvage and exhibition development project, will RMS Titanic, Inc. has announced Carpatia, the actual rescue ship provide a great educational oppor- the formation of a joint venture from the sinking of the RMS Titanic. tunity for people, as well as some agreement with Legal Access “The RMS Carpathia was sunk by a well deserved recognition, regard- Technologies, Inc. to engage in German u-boat in 1918.” Mr. Herbert ing the historical importance of the research, planning and recovery Leeming, the President of Legal stat- ship and crew that saved over seven operations for historic shipwrecks, ed, “The RMS Carpathia is an impor- hundred survivors, when the RMS one of which will be the RMS tant piece of the United Kingdom’s Titanic tragically sank.” ■

17 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED wreck rap

Photomosaic strip across the Classical shipwreck at Chios. Composed of 17 individual digital photographs. Source: WHOI

A Merchant Ship from 400 BC Indonesian Navy A 4th century B.C. Greek merchant ship like Chios’, but the system can also be The ancient Egyptians that sank in about 200 feet of water off applied to sites in shallower waters. “By seizes ships contain- were sailors too the coast of the Greek island of Chios using this technology, diving archaeolo- and the Oinoussai islands in the eastern gists will be freed from mundane meas- ing looted artifacts The remains of a ship used by ancient Aegean Sea has been surveyed by an uring and sketching tasks, and instead The Indonesian Navy has seized a Egyptians for commercial trips to the international team using a autonomous can concentrate on the things people ship loaded with pottery artifacts in fabled land of Punt have been discov- robotic underwater vehicle (AUV). do better than robots: excavation and waters near the Thousand Islands. ered in five caves engraved in a port Greek scientists and archaeologists data interpretation,” said WHOI scientist Thousands of pieces of pottery, on the Red Sea. The find, near the Red discovered the ancient shipwreck in Hanumant Singh. www.whoi.edu ■ glassware and other artifacts, most Sea resort of Safaga, dates back to the 2004 during a survey, and last July pieces dated back to 16th and Middle Kingdom. The discovery includ- an AUV, named SeaBed, was deployed 17th centuries, were recovered ed a huge amount of ropes and masts make a high-precision photometric sur- from the ship, which was about to that were used at different stages of vey of the site, completing in two days leave Indonesian waters. ship building in addition to ship wooden what would have taken SCUBA divers General Jurianto said the Navy parts and thick cedar logs. using conventional methods years to had also detained four ships and Higher accomplish. The AUV took 7,000 images, arrested 26 people for illegally Antiquities which will be combined into one entire salvaging ancient artifacts from Council mosaic of the wreck site. a shipwreck off the coast of West Secretary-gener- The project was the first in a new col- Kalimantan. In the operation, he al Zahi Hawwas laboration between U.S. researchers from said the Navy had confiscated over called the find Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 260 pieces of pottery and glassware one of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, taken from a sunken Chinese ship in most important and Greek researchers from the Greek the South China Sea off Pontianak. marine excava- Ministry of Culture and the Hellenic The pottery had been exam- tions that con- Center for Marine Research. Scientists ined by archeologists, who dated firms that Punt say the accomplishment demonstrates most of the pieces back to China’s lay to the south how advanced technology and imaging Song dynasty (960-1297). They were of Egypt and not capabilities can dramatically advance lying at depths of up to 30 meters Rope dated back to the in Sinai as previ- the field of underwater archeology. and were recovered by traditional reign of Mentuhotep III ously believed. Robotic technology has proven to be Recovery of the SeaBED AUV during the divers. For the ancient the only way to reach deep shipwrecks Chios 2005 Classical shipwreck survey. A German citizen and a French Egyptians, Punt was a source of prized national were arrested by National goods such as incense, ivory, ebony, Police, charged as suspects and gum and the hides of giraffes and pan- wreck in sand from a nearby dredg- detained by the police. Each thers that were worn by temple priests. Saving a Pirate’s Ship ing. Archaeologists have been retriev- face a maximum punishment of But the precise location of Punt remains Archaeologists are stuggling to find a ing artifacts from the wreck for years 10 years in prison if found guilty of a mystery. Historians have variously method to preserve what is believed and haven’t stopped diving on the site. violating the National Resources placed it in Sudan, Eritrea or Somalia. to be the Queen Anne’s Revenge—the But exposure of cannons, anchors, and Conservation Law. Both the French Hawwas said the remains showed sunken flagship of the pirate Blackbeard. other artifacts is now at a critical point and German embassies maintain the ancient Egyptians were “excellent The wreck sits about 8 meters under- and organic material like wood is espe- that their nationals had the neces- ship builders” and that they had a fleet water off the North Carolina coast. It cially at risk of rapid deterioration with- sary permits from the relevant minis- capable of sailing to remote lands. ■ has now been proposed to rebury the out a preserving cover of sand. ■ teries. Source: The Jakarta Post ■

18 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Sinking the Oriskany Newly scuttled HMAS Wellington breaks wreck The wreck of the recently scuttled frig- trust, which sank the ship, said it was ate Wellington has broken in half off showing no signs of movement. How- rap Island Bay in Wellington and has been ever, a storm, which swept Wellington’s Third time lucky? declared off limits to divers until further south coast last week, snapped the So far, little seems to have gone for a pilot program to reef old season once more hinges on the notice. ship in half behind its twin gun turret. to plan, when it comes to turn- warships. Hurricanes, and in par- EPA issuing a permit this month The ship was sunk as an artificial reef The bow section fell onto its starboard ing the former aircraft carrier ticular EPA permitting problems declaring the Navy has met the and dive zone only last November and side and was held in place by the Oriskany into what will become have all contributed to repeated agency’s criteria for removing has since been dived on by scores of eight-tonne anchor, which was at- the world’s largest delays in the ship’s sinking. contaminants known as PCBs divers. A month after the sinking, the tached to the bow when it was sunk. ■ of it’s kind. It has now been The vessel saw service on both or polychlorinated biphenyls. two years since the US Navy the Korea and Vietnam wars If the permit comes through, HMNZS Canterbury announced Pensacola’s selection and more than 2,500 Oriskany the Navy will tow the Oriskany veterans made plans to come from Beaumont, Texas, back to next artificial reef? to Pensacola for the first sched- Pensacola and the three-month uled sinking in the summer of process of preparing the ship for The NZ government is seeking pro- 2004. Oriskany was first towed to sinking can begin. posals for disposal of the decommis- Pensacola in December 2004, If all goes according to plan, sioned frigate HMNZS Canterbury. only to be towed back to Texas explosives will be placed through- Defence Minister Phil Goff said the in June to ride out the 2005 hur- out the hull of the USS Oriskany Royal New Zealand Navy will be ricane season. and send her to her final resting evaluating the proposals, which he expects to range from cutting the Sinking the Oriskany before place at the bottom of the Gulf ship up for scrap metal to sinking it as a dive wreck. “It is anticipated the start of the 2006 hurricane of Mexico. ■ that most responses will come from New Zealand, although some interest from overseas is also likely,” Mr Goff said. USS Oriskany in its heyday According to Radio NZ, four North Island areas have already begun Source: U.S. Naval Historical Center campaigns to win the rights to sink the ship as a dive wreck. ■

19 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Controversy over HMS Repulse filming wreck A TV production company’s decision to under the Protection of Military Remains film inside the wreck of HMS Repulse has Act 1986, it is, under British law, illegal rap angered the survivors. HMS Repulse was to ‘enter any hatch or other opening’. sunk in 1941 by Japanese bombers off However, as Eco-Nova Productions nor Malaysia with the loss of 762 sailors’ lives. the employed film crew are British, and The Repulse survivors’ association the HMS Repulse lies in international accuses Canada-based Eco-Nova waters, this legislation is unenforceable. Productions, who were shooting an epi- Meanwhile, Eco-Nova Productions sode for the Sea Hunters series, of “push- denies the charges as both “despica- ing the boundaries of taste and respect” ble and untrue”, stating to UK’s dive by entering the war grave and violating magazines that, “Our team did enter just a previous agreement to abide by the inside the outer skin of the vessel to get guidelines in the UK wreck protection shots of the admiral’s cabin, which was legislation. thought to be the quarters that were Designated as a Protected Place prepared for the King and Queen’s trip to Canada, and where the torpedo hit. HMAS Brisbane draws The team did not venture any further divers in record numbers than the areas that were filmed and described. We never saw nor looked for Dive operators along Australia’s Sunshine coast have human remains. We shot footage that reported significant boosts to their businesses since helped tell the story.” They added: “In former HMAS Brisbane was scuttled last July. The all our actions at the wreck sites of HMS prolific growth of the artificial reef around the wreck Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales and has taken everyone by surprise, attracting about 800 with the survivors, our actions were open dives a month. The wreck had been sunk in an ideal and respectful. That reality will be reflect- position that protected it from severe currents and ed in the coming documentary.” ■ , making it the ideal dive destination for experi- HMS Repulse prewar. Source: U.S. Naval Historical Center enced divers and those just starting out. ■

overheating of its active the reactor fell to the level Gorbachev zone began. The disaster that could be measured occurred in the Norwegian by the control equipment,” proposes K-19 Sea. Gorbachev wrote. Gorbachev writes that As the level of radiation in sub crew for standard measures to nor- the reactor compartment malize the situation did was extremely high, eight Nobel Peace not help. Upon consulting members of the crew died the mechanics and other of radiation sickness in the Prize specialists, submarine com- following days and weeks. mander Nikolay Zateyev “Through the courage of Former Soviet President gave his subordinates an the heroic sailors, a reac- Mikhail Gorbachev has immediate task “to assem- tor explosion and a conse- www.layanglayang.com proposed nominating the ble a pipeline, which was quent environmental catas- crew of the Soviet nuclear not envisaged by the sub- trophe in the ocean were submarine K-19 for a Nobel marine project, to feed averted. The nuclear con- Peace Prize. The sailors con- drinking water from a res- tamination resulting from tained a nuclear accident ervoir for the cooling of the a blast aboard the K-19 aboard the vessel on 4 July reactor”. would have exceeded that 1961. As a result of a leak- “After two hours of work caused by the Chernobyl The drama was age of coolant from the stretching human ability to disaster many times over,” later turned into primary contour of subma- the limit, as recorded in the Gorbachev wrote to the a Hollywood rine’s reactor, uncontrolled ship log, the in Nobel Committee. ■ production

20 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Our ears news evolved in fish The skull bones of have been found to be far larger Edited by an ancient fish than expected for a normal fish. The Peter Symes have revealed the early stages of team say that these spaces would how our ears evolved. have been filled with a spiracle—a The skull of a fossilised Panderich- special opening and pathway that thys, an extinct metre-long fish that was used to draw water over the gills existed in the Devonian period 370 like holes in modern-day million years ago has features in com- sharks and rays. Over time, this spirac- mon with the early tetrapods—a group ular space was used to create the of ancient four-legged vertebrates middle ear we see in some early tetra- that were the primitive ancestors of pods. One bone next to the spiracle amphibians, reptiles, birds and mam- evolved to have mals. The findings support the idea that a totally differ- “El Niño” Panderichthys is an evolutionary link ent function, as between fish and the early tetrapods. a bone that oceanography transmitted Breathing holes sound. ■ satellite finally Paired spaces, linking the back of the mouth to the outside of the animal, gave up after 13 The spiracle is a vestigial first gill slit. years It appears as an opening behind the eye. In the rays, the spiracle Topex- is developed and used to actively Poseidon, pump water over the gills to allow the the durable ray to breathe while buried in the sand PETER SYMES U.S.-French spacecraft that made El Nino a house- The Sun & the Sardines hold term as it revolutionized Solar activity governs abundance of Atlantic sardine understand- ing of the role Annual sardine landings from 1906 to 2002 off the north- NASA of ocean temperature on climate, west coast of the Iberian Peninsula vary according has been decommissioned after to solar activity, according to a recently pub- circling the globe 62,000 times. lished article in Marine Ecology Progress. Launched in 1992, the spacecraft Guisande et al. report that when the was only expected to last three to solar cycle is short, there is a trend towards five years.www.layanglayang.com increasing water transport onshore, which Topex data converted to colorful favors larval retention in areas close to graphics made the public see the the coast and, hence, sardine catches oceans as splotches of tempera- increase. While the solar cycle is longer, ture-indicating green, blue, purple, the trend is toward increasing water trans- orange and white that sometimes port offshore, carrying eggs and larvae into signified the onset of the climate- areas where there is not enough food altering Pacific warming phenome- to survive and, therefore, decreas- non called El Nino or its opposite, ing sardine the cool, dry La Nina. catches. ■ www.jpl.nasa.gov ■ FAO 21 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Chinese crabs Remains found of The Big Busine$$ of news invade UK scuba diver lost in 1981 Sea Cucumbers Chinese brush painting of crabs The Mitten crab, which is The case of a Rochester man who disap- For the uninitiated, the slimy, pudgy sea cucumber Edited by by Jung Park, an exotic Chinese species peared more than 25 years ago appears to may not seem like an appetizing form of seafood, Peter Symes TheJungPark. that preys on British native be solved. Brett Schirmer, 21, disappeared but sea cucumbers are valued for taste and profit, com species, is taking over the near the Thousand Islands Bridge in August not their looks. By comparison, the sea cucumber UK’s waterways. They sur- 1981. fishery is producing more profit than Southeast vive in both sea and fresh He was diving with John Mott, also of Alaska’s famous king crab fishery, and it is coming Ocean bacteria water, prey on protected Rochester, in a search for a ship that was in at an otherwise slow time of year. native species, such as sunk by pirates during the War of 1812 in Alaska Glacier Seafoods, the only sea cucum- have com- white-clawed crayfish and about 125 feet of water when Schirmer sig- ber processor north of Sitka, will likely process salmon eggs and can naled that he wanted to surface. about 150,000-plus pounds of raw sea cucumbers passes destabilise river banks by During the ascent, Schirmer appeared harvested by Southeast Alaska divers this burrowing into them. to go limp and Mott had to let go of him season. On a good day, a diver A MIT graduate stu- The crabs are already when he tried to inflate an emergency vest. can collect about US$3,000 dent has discovered present in some water- He said Schirmer was carried away by a worth of sea cucum-

a bacterium that ways, including the strong current. STEIN JOHNSEN bers from the ocean contains chains of Thames and Humber and State police say the remains of Brett floor, picking them up magnetic iron miner- have spread as far north Schirmer were discovered in the St. by hand. als that allow it to orient as the River Tyne as well as Lawrence River by scuba divers who to the Earth’s magnetic parts of the North Sea and found the body about 140 feet below YumYum field, like a living compass needle. Channel coasts. ■ the surface near the Thousand Island Sea cucumbers, which con- These bacteria have long been Bridge. ■ trary to their name are actually observed to respond to high oxygen levels animals, are eaten for subsistence in in the lab by swimming toward geomag- Alaska and in Asia as a prized delicacy. It netic north in the Northern Hemisphere and Unique ecosystems hide in Guilty: Husband tastes like clams, some say. Others compare geomagnetic south in the Southern Hemi- it to calamari. Like their vegetable name- sphere. But now researchers from MIT have ice-buried Antartic lakes murdered wife by sakes, sea cucumbers retain a found a bacterium that does just the op- Common Sea lot of water. Divers “poke” them posite: a Northern Hemisphere creature that Lake Vostok, lying beneath more than two miles of Antarctic shutting off her air Cucumber with razors in order to drain them. swims south. ■ ice, is perhaps the best-known and largest subglacial lake in Live specimens can easily contain the world. Scientists have, in fact, identified more than 145 USA— A jury hearing a civil case found over two liters of water. other lakes trapped under the ice. Until now, however, none that a Jamestown PADI 5-Star IDC Zebra mussel invades UK have approached Vostok’s size or depth. Ocean State Scuba owner David Swain In the Seychelles In the February 2006 issue of Geophysical Research Letters, murdered his wife during a 1999 div- Meanwhile, in the Seychelles, fishermen and fisher- The Zebra mussel, an exotic underwater pest scientists describe for the first time the size, depth and origin of ing trip to the British Virgin Islands, and it ies officials met recently to discuss rules governing which can have a major impact on the lo- Vostok’s two largest neighbours. Geophysicists Robin Bell and awarded her parents more than $3.5 mil- sea cucumber fishing, in a bid to avert the need cal wildlife, has now been discovered in the Michael Studinger report that the two ice-bound lakes, which lion in damages. for a third closure of the valuable fisheries res- waters off Cardiff Bay in Wales. The mussel, are referred to as 90ºE and Sovetskaya, have a sur- The Superior Court jury found that source and to tackle the problem of illegal sea which is native to the Caspian and Black Sea face area of 2,000km2 and 1,600 km2 —as com- enough evidence was presented to cucumber fishing and fishing licence abuses. basins, is thought to have been introduced pared to Lake Vostok’s 14,000km2. prove that David Swain, 50, acted The committee are hoping to reinforce meas- by a visiting boat. Each mussel can filter be- Both are sealed beneath more with “malice aforethought” in kill- ures protecting the fishery. The right to fish for sea tween one and two litres of water a day tak- than two miles of ice, and the ing Shelley Tyre, 46, off the island of cucumbers, found in shallow coastal waters, has ing away algae and other organisms, which scientists’ findings also indicate Tortola. twice been suspended and exports banned. The birds and fish thrive on. As that an exotic ecosystem may still Tortola authorities had initially government could do the same again. well as causing ecological be thriving in the icy waters 35 mil- ruled her death accidental, In addition to problems with local license hold- harm, the mussel, which lion years after being sealed off from but Tyre’s parents brought the ers, it has become apparent that illegal fishing of reproduces rapidly, the surface. wrongful-death suit against sea cucumbers is on the increase. There are also can damage the Their depth, along with the fact that Swain, alleging that Swain killed problems of unlicensed vessels straying into Sey- engines of boats. ■ they are parallel to each other and Lake their daughter for money at a chelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and poach- Vostok, indicate that the lake system is time when he was pursuing a rela- ing sea cucumbers around the outer islands, tectonic in origin, the authors conclude. ■ NASA tionship with another woman. ■ which are difficult to protect without patrols. ■

22 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Experts meet to protect sea turtles

International experts on the sea ing the turtles’ egg nests. news turtle have met on the West A European Union conserva- African archipelago of São tion programme, entitled Kudu, Tome for a conference on sav- is under way to protect sea 1913 illus- Edited by ing the creatures from extinc- turtles in the Gulf of Guinea. tration of a Gunild Symes tion. It involves tagging turtles and Loggerhead The sea turtles are threatened compiling a database on them Sea Turtle by G. with disappearance throughout as well as training local guards Clerc-Rampal the world. But in this poor African and organising patrols in the FRESHWATER AND MARINE IMAGE BANK country, where all five spe- areas where they lay their eggs. cies present in the Atlantic are Eggs laid under the sand by tur- Your help found, almost nothing is done tles are put in secure incubators Construction to begin on to protect them. Here they are to hatch. They are then released is needed threatened by the trade in their into the ocean from where they Georgia sea turtle rehab center Protections for Sea Turtles to urge the meat, eggs and objects made migrate to to grow up from their shells. Among other before returning about three Georgia is the only southeastern state on the Are Under Attack Pacific Fisheries threats are crabs and dogs raid- decades later. ■ US East Coast without a special rehab clinic for sea turtles, though about 1,000 loggerhead Council NOT to sea turtles nest each year along the state’s strip protections Maldives ban catching turtles and taking 100-mile coast. Each year about 200 of these turtles, which are classified as threatened under for sea turtles eggs for another 10 years the Endangered Species Act, wash ashore in Sea Turtle by Alma de la Melena Cox, 24 x 24 inches. Georgia, most of them dead. Speak out at: Mixed media in burned wood, layered dyes, pastels, acrylic paint, Marine Research Center’s Executive Director Dr. Mohamed However, a rising number are found alive, but www.seaturtles.org fabric flow, polyurethane glaze. www.almaart.com Shiham Adam said that even when catching turtles was banned sick with disease or seriously wounded by shark in 1995 (with an adoption of a 10-year moratorium then), turtle bites and fish hooks or from eating plastic bags. eggs were continuously taken. Saving them required a trip to Florida or South “Surveys did not show any increase in the number [of turtles] Carolina where the closest rehabilitation clinics Turtles saved on Bali Viet Nam steps up during the period when the moratorium was in place. So, to make were at least 150 miles away. Often they do not the population of turtles grow, we have now banned the taking of have room to take in turtles from Georgia and Tourists on the Indonesian Island of Bali sea turtle protection turtle eggs as well,” he said. two injured turtles in the past three years have have helped release 100 endangered The Fisheries Ministry says that the new 10-year moratorium was died while being transported to other states. green turtles confiscated by police A system to monitor sea turtles and fishing boats adopted because it takes a long time for turtles to grow and Scheduled to open in 2007 on Jekyll Island, from a fishing boat bound for the operating off the northern province of Quang because the actions taken before to protect sea turtles did not the upcoming Georgia Sea Turtle Center will island. Ninh and the southern central province of Binh show satisfying results. ■ have up to 6,000 square feet of space devoted The turtles released at Kuta Beach Thuan is now being installed. The move aims to to turtle rehabilitation, research and education. ■ were captured in the waters off South survey the netting of sea turtles by fishing boats in Sulawesi and were destined for the order to work out to protect sea turtles NOAA cooking pots of Bali where turtle meat from accidentally drifting into fishing nets. Recycle your is widely consumed and used in local A large population of five species of sea tur- Hindu religious rites, or to be smuggled tles are found along Vietnamese coastal areas, plastic bags to other countries. Their shells are also include green turtles and hawksbill turtles, which often crafted into souvenirs for tourists. are listed for national protection in the CITES before they kill Police said two of the turtles would be Convention. kept as evidence against the master Viet Nam approved a memorandum on the a sea turtle and his crew who would be charged conservation and protection of sea turtles in with violating nature conservation Southeast Asian waters in 1997, ratified another SEA turtles are being choked laws. on the animal’s habitat in southeast Indian to death swallowing plas- The release invited a big attraction Ocean in 2001 and made public its 2010 plan of tic bags washed out to sea. for foreign tourists in Kuta who enthu- action on protection of sea turtles in 2004. Thanks The plastic resembles jellyfish, siastically helped unloading the turtles to the establishment of five preservation stations which turtles feed on. The mis- NOAA NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE from the vehicle and released them. ■ in Con Dao island last year, 80 percent of 43,000 taken identity is proving fatal protected sea turtle eggs were hatched. ■ since the turtles swallow the 1883 Illustration of a Leatherback Sea Turtle by H. W. Elliott bags and choke. ■ 23 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Green Sea Turtle. Photo by Ursula Keuper-Bennett/Peter Bennett, NOAA news National Marine Fisheries Service

Edited by Gunild Symes

NEPA takes hard line on protection of marine turtles

The National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) is urging the public to stop hunting and eating marine turtles. Apparently, turtle soup is becoming a regular item on some restaurants’ menus according to the organization. Highly endangered spe- cies of sea turtles, such as the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Kemps Ridley and Olive Ridley turtles, are protected Greenpeace deploys under international law and the Wild Life Protection Act. Under the laws, persons who hunt or trade marine turtles or buoys, launches vessel products from sea turtles such as its meat, shell and eggs, are subject to prosecution resulting in fines up to US$100,000, imprison- for turtle protection ment up to a year or both. ■ Off the Bay of Bengal, India, Greenpeace deployed buoys to assist Trawlers kill Olive Ridleys in India fishermen in identifying prohibited zones and launched the Sugayatri vessel to At least 50 dead and wounded sea turtles were found washed patrol the seas for turtle protection. The ashore on the eastern coast of India between Besant Nagar to move was undertaken in collaboration Kanathur. Wildlife authorities said that casualties went up this year with the Orissa Traditional Fish Workers’ due to an increase in the number of trawlers fishing shallow waters Union and the Orissa Marine Resources in the area. Conservation Consortium according However, trawlers did stay away from the sea after last year’s to Greenpeace officials. Government tsunami until the egg-laying season ended in March. Poachin has authorities welcomed the measure also decreased according to officials, who attribute the decrease which they said helps both fishermen to the posting of turtle guards on the coast. ■ and endangered turtles such as the Olive Ridley which lay their eggs on the SOS Sea Turtles Gahimatha beach each year. ■ campaign targets Bali

Led by underwater journalists and photogra- phers, the SOS Sea Turtles campaign has set up an online petition, which will be sent to the Governor of Bali and other officials in hopes of Kissing Sea stopping the estimated illegal killing of 3,000 Turtles. Photo turtles each year as the turtle trade increases by Ursula in this part of the world according to cam- Keuper-Bennett/ paigners. Supporters of the move include Pro- Peter Bennett, Fauna, an Indonesian conservation group. To NOAA sign the petition, see: www.sos-seaturtles.ch ■

24 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Land of Fjords & Seas of Plenty

NorwayNORDKAPP LOFOTEN TRONDHEIM WRECKS KRISTIANSAND

25 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Wild diving at Europe’s top

Text by Arnold Weisz NordkappTranslated by Peter Symes Top side photos by Arnold Weisz and Stein Johnsen Underwater photos by Stein Johnsen With little regard to the abun- Diving at 71°10’21”N dance of awesome dive sites The expectations were sky high around the island of Magerøya, when we first rolled off the Zodiac it’s the diving in Nordkapp, the and plunged into the big blue Northern Cape, that everybody under the towering 307m high asks for, not just for the sake of Nordkapp plateau. The owner having been there-done that at of Nordkapp Dykkersenter () Hugo Salamonsen is a native Are you a connoisseur of from Finnmark, the northernmost region in nature diving and open Norway, and as is typical oceans? Nordkapp is here, he wasn’t unduly burdened by modesty. the place for you. From He was going to show us some real diving, dam- the town of Honningsvåg mit—and disappoint us, you have access to the he did not. Below the almost verti- magnificent gullies off cal cliffs, we decended into an indescribable Nordkapp, drift dives in wild and beautiful natu- the Magerøy Sound and ral underwater world. One gully followed after in the Tufjord another in a very varied terrain. At a depth of 17- just to name a few. 18 meters, we couldn’t feel the ocean Europe’s most northern point, but anymore, and swimming along also because of the fantastic ter- the wall, we come across big hol- rain below the vertical cliffs. lows encircled by kelp forest. A King crab has taken refuge under an sea anemone clinging to the steep Vertical cliffs of Nordkapp, top of Europe rocky underwater cliffs of Nordkapp INSET: A hermit crab sports the latest fashion in sea anemone decor 26 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Nordkapp

Our senses are go out the way we constantly being entered and con- bombarded here. clude this dive by The visibility is excel- doing a little round lent, and above in the kelp forest. us, we see how the From a depth of surf is breaking and only a few meters, slamming into foam we make our final as it hits the rocks. ascent while look- We enter a gully, ing up at the steep where a squadron cliff, which is the of coalfish swiftly very fringe of conti- sweep across the nental Norway. kelp, flying low in formation. We enter another gully mov- Spooky is trying to hide but is given away by its ing forward in a jerky fashion as the We were also able to make a couple rolling eyes scanning my every move- swell above makes the water pulsate of great night dives on this trip – which ment. I suddenly get goosebumps as down here. Some times it is necessary is not really possible during the high a dark shadow in front of me moves. to grab hold of a kelp stalk, to stay put season when the midnight sun provides The beam of my torch cuts through the when the current recedes outwards. 24-hour daylight. Great night dives can water like a sword and strikes a wolf fish In the narrow gullies, we encounter be done only a few minutes drive from right in the forehead. It just lies there dense beds of sea anemonae. The Honningsvåg, and it is absolutely worth- munching on sea snails with its impres- colourful ten- while spending some hours down there sive dentures. “Bon appetite,” we can’t tacles sway one evening rather than hanging out in help murmuring to ourselves before we with the cur- the pub. press on with our dive. rent. Here Swimming around in the shallow and there, a kelp forest in the soothing darkness of Cave diving curious squat the inner fjord is a unique experience. In Tufjorden, on the island of lobster pokes You are never quite sure what you are Magerøya’s west side, we find a cave. its head out going to encounter next. You sweep At a depth of 4-5 meters, there is an to see who is the surroundings with the beam of your opening taking one about 80 meters coming to visit. torch, and suddently something blinks into the mountain. A good deal of this The path back. An enormous cod comes closer passage is rather narrow, so diving here starts to get to investigate matters and see who should be reserved for high and quite narrow, or what is intruding in on his peaceful calm seas. Otherwise, the swell would so we turn evening. probably send you tumbling around out around and On the light sandy bottom, a plaice of control like clothes in a dryer.

The King crab rules below the waves around CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Reindeer graze on the plains; A snail carries its Nordkapp INSET: Spines of a nudibranch home with it on one large foot pad; Brilliant sea anemone sways in the current 27 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Nordkapp

The innermost parts of this cave opens up but the entrance and exit weather has a great into a spacious cavern with 5-6 meters up makes for quite an exciting deal to say when to the ceiling and a big space of air. and special underwater swim it comes to diving This dive is not for the claustrophobic. for those who have a propen- around Magerøya. After a while in the dark, you start wonder- sity for this kind of adrenaline But it is always pos- ing whether there might be a dragon lurk- rush. sible to find dive sites ing in the shadows while you frantically fin The less experienced can that are sheltered so your way back to daylight. still get their kicks by restrict- you can dive any time The cave itself is not all that spectacular, ing themselves to the first 10-15 meters of of year. Perhaps, you will have to endure the entrance where there is still daylight a bumpy ride to the site or lashing rain or and direct access to the open sea. In the wind. According to Hugo you don’t get far opening to the cave, it is still possible to in these parts if you are not prepared to be marvel at the polished rockface and the flexible around your comfort requirements. play of light on its surface without having to It is not a place for whiners. venture into the realm of absolute darkness. On the other hand, the Arctic Ocean And the diving outside the cave is not might, all of a sudden, show off and bad either. Lots of kelp and a very varied present its most pleasant side when the topography that descends into the depths sea is dead-calm, like a blue rug, while the as you travel into the fjord. Below the sun shines from a deep blue sky. But be southern cliffs, the sea bed is strewn with advised: bring with you clothing for all types boulders covered with dense beds of sea of weather and seasons. If you are properly anemone. dressed, you will always be able to enjoy the magnificent sceneries up here—regard- Four seasons less of what the weather throws at you. This There is no point in denying that the is Northern Norway at it’s best and worst. LEFT: Giant Sunstar graces the rocky reef under Nordkapp; INSET: Crimson tentacles of a sea CLOCKEWSIE FROM TOP LEFT INSET: Red striped shrimp on kelp; Entering the cave at anemone Tufjorden; fish heads hang on lines for the birds to feed; INSET: Striated red scallop 28 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Nordkapp

Nordkapp is locat- ed at the top of Europe

On top of Europe with 250 HP outboards. Even in Nordkapp rises 307 meters out of the Arctic Ocean a bigger swell, these boats have and 200,000 tourists find their way here in order to no problem travelling at speeds claim that they have made it to the top of Europe. up to 30 knots with a group of They want to experience the midnight sun from the divers on board. most northern point in Europe. Well, that is what Each boat takes up to 10 per- they think. sons, and most trips are day trips The most northern point is, in fact, Knivskjellodden, where provisions and air are a little futher to the west. However, Nordkapp is brought along for a full day’s far more impressive than the little lame and boring outing with 2-3 dives each. The tongue of land to the northwest. dive center has at least 10 com- The cliffs at Nordkapp is impressive and a must- plete sets of rental equipment, see even though it costs a whopping NOK 185,- drysuits and lamps for hire. Airfills (about USD 30). It is still worthwhile. Aside from the are offered to both 200 and 300 astonishing view itself, there is a museum, restau- bar. If you are missing a piece rant, chapel and Omnimax movie theatre. of equipment, you can prob- Honningsvåg isn’t just pictoresque, it is also a working fishing port The 17-minute long movie is made by Ivo ably find what you need in the Caprino and gives a fantastic presentation of what well-stocked dive shop. approximately 3.500 inhabitants. The location has Nordkapp and northern Norway have to offer Are you bringing non-divers along, or do you sim- its own airfield and is served by the domestic airline, above and below the surface and from the air. In ply want to enjoy the nature top side? Nordkapp Widerøe. It is also connected by the famous ferry addition, the film gives the viewer the unique expe- Dykkersenter/North Cape Adventures also offers a link, the Hurtigrutan, and a road link to the conti- rience of what diving off the coast of Nordkapp wide variety of other activities such as deep sea nent, which connects through a tunnel to the main- is like and another dimension of its natural rafting, ocean fishing trips, cayack tours, water- land. A multitude of accommodation is available, beauty. sports, bike rides, trekking, skiing and all sorts of ranging from the spartan to the luxurious. For a guided trips. The center is open year round with town of Honningsvåg’s size, there is a good deal of Nordkapp Dykkersenter flexible opening hours. restaurants and night life. It is also possible to experi- The dive center has two ence the cultural life and people of the coast. A CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: 24-foot Zodiac RIBs with Getting there little north of Honningsvåg, we find Skarsvåg—the Cod; Mussles on kelp; King crab glass fiber hulls. Both The town of Honningsvåg is the biggest urban northernmost-located fishing village in the world. For duke it out on the sea bed; Bottom- vessels are equipped area in Nordkapp Kommune (municipality) with more information: www.nordkappopplevelser.no ■ dwelling Plaice are masters of cam- ouflage

29 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Lofoten Islands

Text by Arnold Weisz ABOVE: Norway is the land of the midnight sun Translated by Peter Symes RIGHT: Anglerfish with its huge gape Photos by Stein Johnsen The Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway is made up of majestic mountains and peaks, beaches and in partic- ular a deep blue sea stretch- ing as far as the eye can see. Beneath the surface we encounter a magnificent ter- rain with kelp forests and col- ourful walls covered with sea anemonae. Schools of coalfish is passing overhead. On the bottom, we find anglerfish, wolf-fish, Northern Stone crabs and nudibranchs just to name a few. And we shouldn’t for- get the abundance of exciting shipwrecks. This is Lofoten in a nutshell.

A diver examines a stunning wall of brilliant sea anemones Lofoten is the home of quaint unassuming little Norwegian villages 30 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Wolf fish bares sharp teeth King crab displays powerful claws Lofoten travel A Brittle star stands out brilliantly against the black sea bottom Diver explores Lofaten reef

Midnight sun Lofoten presented itself in the best possible man- ner when we did our crossing from Vestfjorden north of the city of Bodø Lofoten to Lofoten. The is a collec- sun was shining tion of approximately from a clear sky, 200 islands that stretches out into the the sea was calm and the view from Atlantic from Northern Norway north the deck chairs on the upper deck of the polar circle. This location makes was magnificient. Upon disembark- the area unique. The coastal currents ing in Stamsund, we were greeted by are constantly pumping fresh Altantic Bjørn Sandnes from Aqua Lofoten dive water past Lofoten on their way north- center on Ballstad where we were to bound. This current, which originates in spend our first week. Cutting right to the Baltic, makes for a diverse marine the chase, his first question was, “What life in the area. Lofoten, beneath the surface, offers steep drop-offs with walls covered with brightly coloured sea anemonea and lush forests of kelp swaying gently in the current. On the sandy white bottom, we find wolfish, cod and coalfish and the occasional anglerfish with its huge gape. We find both intense drift dives and placid lagoons, tiny nudibranchs and big seals and a huge variety of wrecks —a good deal of which resulted from the second world war—as well as steam- ers and freighters, fishing vessels and what not, not to mention, a passenger liner from the famous Hurtigrute —“The fast route”—the shipping service that sails up and down the length of the Norwegian coast, connecting the coastal cities from Bergen to Kirkenes near the Russian border. Divers preparea to dive in one of the rich A shy Squat lobster crawls over reef corals islets of the Lofonet archepelago Diver enjoys a passage through kelp fronds 31 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Oggling eyes of an anglerfish may be watching you from travel under the kelp Lofoten kind of div- uninhabited ing would you mountainous like?” Being a island Mosken seasoned dive in the south. traveller, I have The current is long since 4-5 kilometers learned that wide and 40-60 the best answer meters deep to this question and the area is “your favourite is considerably places”. And, as shallower than the sea was dead the open sea calm, there were just outside. no issues in reach- The tide fills up ing any dive spot we the Vestfjord would like. First dive was twice a day made only 10-15 minutes and the dif- from Ballstad. Islets and shoals ference in sea usually makes up for a varied level may be as terrain with many hideouts for fish much as four and other sea life. When you hover meters. Right in around the underwater gulleys, in between ebb the kelp forest and along the white and flow the sandy bottom, fantastic scenery current changes and fish life surrounds you all the direction, and it Divers suited up ready themselves for a Lofeton dive way throughout the dive. is during these From mid June to mid July there reversals that vortices are created attack kind of explosion. What we is midnight sun on Lofoten making with a speed of up to six knots. are referring to is a virtual explosion night diving something of a misno- It might sound perilous to dive in of brilliant colour that we experi- mer. The good thing is that diving these conditions, but with a little ence on our dive. is possible ‘round the clock, and it experience and the right planning, It was such a delight flying by is an extraordinary experience to the dives can be fantastic. a wall along some islets in the poke your head out of the water Each buddy pair is equipped Moskstraumen. Thousands of sea and up into the beautiful sunlight at with a big red surface marker bouy anemonae covered the wall like a 1am. attached to a 30m line. This way carpet of yellow, orange, red, pink the boat captain can always easily and violet. There were so many Drift dives track each buddy pair. That being tentacles swaying in the gentle Lofoten can offer drift dives that said, all there is to do is to make a current that we almost became can stand up to what Saltstraumen back roll, descend into the big blue afraid of getting lost between (the tidal current famous for its very and enjoy the “train ride”, and it them. Between these lush fields of fierce velocity) at Bodø has to offer. does indeed feel like a train ride as sea anemones there were healthy Whether you dive in the narrow you are being swept along by the colonies of hydroids. The area also sound Raftsundet or in open water current passing all sorts seem to be much favoured by nudi- at Moskstraumen, it is possibly to of underwater land- branchs who seemed more numer- gain quite some speed during your scapes, shoals for fish and ous that the inhabitants of dives. other underwater Mexico City. Moskstraumen is known as the creatures. This dive was an strongest tidal current in open good example of water. It runs between the island Explosion what the dif- of Moskeneøya in the North to the No, not the terrorist ference

Explosions of color erupt from giant colonies of sea anemone Bright yellow markings on this nudibranch warns predators that it is poisonous 32 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Lofoten

THIS PAGE: Scenes from the wreck dive of the Gudrun Gisladottir, which lies 37m below the surface

between a good dive and a great dive midnight sun shining bright above the shipwrecked in the Nappstraumen June can be with a good dive lamp. Light surface. The kelp forest is a favoured ref- 18, 2002. After several unsuccessful equals colours. And it is not only along uge for a lot of fish and animal species. attempts to salvage her, it was decided those impressive walls we find veluptu- It is not easy to hunt prey that can hide to leave the trawler where she had ous vivid colours, but also in the kelp for- in a dense forest. come to rest. est or along the boulders on the bottom, In other places, the big boulders cre- The sea was still dead calm when we we find this seductive play of colours. ate exciting spaces in which to swim arrived, and the sun warmed us from a On the broad kelp leaves, the col- around. At a first glance, they appear cloudless sky as we rolled into the water ourful nudibranchs have taken up resi- devoid of life and somewhat sinister. But to dive the wreck. We decend along dence. In the narrow crevices, small red then you switch on your lamp and get the to arrive at the mast of fish keep a watchful eye on every move- your suspicions confirmed that you are Gudrun Gisladottir at 16 meters. The ment in open water. These fish are not indeed not alone. Not everyone needs downline was fixed to the upper part of timid and can easily be approached to hide in the dark, some rely on their the bridge, so we sink slowly down along by divers and will even follow a diver camouflage. With a little patience, you the mast. around when they feel like it. The squat will soon locate angelfish, which seem The wreck is already covered in life, lobster, in its bright red shell, comes to be one with the underlying rock upon but has yet to acquire the mystique that across as both being shy and inquisitive which they are resting—giving away surrounds older and more rusty wrecks. at the same time. their presence only by their curious swiv- Nonetheless, this sunken trawler is still a elling eyes protruding out from the sand. wonderful wreck dive. Twilight Tiny gobies also take advantage of the We touched bottom at 40 meters, The terrain beneath the surface in terrain. and peered at the top of the wreck, Lofoten seems to be just as dramatic Swim slowly and open your eyes. You the mast, at 16m. The wreck rests at an as the landscape above. Gullies, grot- will find yourself embedded in an under- angle of 45 degrees to starboard on a tos and a dense kelp forest. Those who water world teeming with life. sea floor of white sand or silt. don’t mind shadowy nooks and crannies Another good wreck dive we enjoyed and have no issues with claustrophobia Wreck dving was that of the D/S Hadsel. This is the will feel right at home here even with the The Islandic trawler Gudrun Gisladottir wreck of a local freight and passenger

33 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: View of the RIB from Lofoten below; Racks of drying fish; Morning on the Norwegain seas; travel Norwegians enjoy their beer and toast a good day of diving vessel that ran aground upon a shoal in 1958 just north of Reine. D/S Hadsel leans over 50 degrees to port. It also rests on a white seabed. The depth here is 44m, but most of the wreck, including the bridge, can be found at about 37m. The aft mast reaches up to 27m. This wreck has been somewhat destroyed, but still feels like diving a whole ship. Although the deck is some- what potholed, there are still parts of the planks left. The visibility was rather good, and we could see almost the entire wreck as we hovered past the mast where we had attached our lines. This was indeed a wonder- ful wreck dive, like a scene out of a Hollywood movie. Other recommended wrecks in the area include D/S Nordstjerna, D/S Mira, M/S Sanct Amandus, M/S Fram, M/S Hamburg, D/S Ramø, M/S Rio, MRS 25, M/S Altas and M/S Stella Orion. Divecenters in Lofoten include Lofotdykk, which can be found in an old sea house built in 1890 in the middle of Kabelvåg. The house has five rooms with a total of twenty beds. There is a communal daily room, show- ers and toilets and a fully equipped kitchen in which guests can prepare their own meals. A full range of Lofoten Islands of Norway rental equipment is offered and airfills up to 300bar. This is also the departure point for Lofotdykk’s 28-foot RIB with access to a multitude of dive sites 5 to 60 minutes away. www.lofotdykk.no Aqua Lofoten Dive Center is located in Ballstad. It offers a full range of rental equipment and fills air up to 300bar. There is also a little dive store and accom- modation for up to eight guests in a cabin with kitchen. One can also find accommodation at the nearby Kræmmervik Rorbuer. www.aqualofoten.com. See: www.lofoten-tourist.no ■

34 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Trondheim is located on the central western coast of Norway

Wreck safari and adventure along the Trøndelag coast on the Moby Duck The Norwegian coastline is long and the shipping lanes winding and chal- lenging to navigate. Here, the mis- fortunes of ships have become the fortunes of discerning wreck divers. Finding these wrecks is not without challenges, however, as you need precise direction and accurate posi- tions. Be off by a few meters and you may end up swimming in the wrong direction and never see the wreck. The difference between success and failure can be a very fine line. Enter Roy Welle, a very experienced diver who knows Trøndelag county’s Wreck Safari water like the back of his hand. He is the skipper of the local dive vessel, Moby Duck. It was early May when we came along for a five-day wreck Text and photos by Nils Aukan Trondheim safari on the .

A diver examines the huge propellor on the M486 wreck 35 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Trondheim

LEFT TO RIGHT: The Moby Dick readies for a wreck safari on the Trøndelag coast; Swedes bring aboard double twin sets; Guide Didrik Tårnesvik with Skipper Roy Well in cab As I embarked the Moby Dick in was joined by Didrik Tårnesvik as As we tum- its home port of Trondheim, I was guide and . Didrik used bled around joined by six experienced technical to manage the renowned dive we scared the divers from Sweden, who had been center at Hitra and had a back- living daylights on tours with this vessel before. All ground as a professional scallop out of a poor the Swedish comrades came with diver. Another professional scallop wolf fish, who 2x12-liter double tanks and a 7-liter diver with experience in Nitrox div- took off like a oxygen sling tank for decompres- ing, Robert Skaanes, came along tempest when sion. They came across very safety as deckhand. Didrik was photo- we showed up. conscentious and were obviously graphing with a Nikon Coolpix We ascended quite experienced wreck divers 990 in a Ikelite-housing, so I was a few meters who favoured bringing ample sup- pleased to have a fellow photogra- more to find plies of breathing gasses on their pher with whom to buddy up. ourselves backs and harnesses. Before we could have a go at grabbed by The Swedes were also equipped the wreck buffet, we headed for another cur- A Squat lobster oggles the camera with brilliant blue lined orb eyes with massive battery packs at a first dive right across the fjord, at rent which and a bright red exoskeleton the end of an umbilical attached Hidrem. At this location, there is a took us back to hand-mounted lamp heads. I population of the special gorgoni- to our starting point—sweet! In the shallows, there were also would say that their equipment ans or sea fans, Paramuricea pla- Meanwhile, we had managed to dense colonies of the omnipres- weighed in at around 60 kg’s each comus, in shallow water, which in get a glimpse of an amazing abun- ent Dead Man’s Hand coral, INSET ABOVE: King crab to be added to their own . this case, means 25-30m. dance of sea life with lots of squat Alcyonium digitatum. feasting upon a sea urchin Negotiating a dive ladder with all If you are lucky, it is also possible lobsters, hermit crabs and lots of As we were here during the this stuff calls for a fair deal of to see the ancient Chimera here, brown sea cucumbers Cucumaria algae bloom, the visibility was RIGHT: Chimera, or Ratfish, physical strength and being or Ratfish, Chimarea monstrosa. frondosa, as well as another spe- down to a moderate, though still are ancient fish of a differ- in good condition. As far Didrik and I weren’t, however, so cies that goes under the local decent, 8-10m below 20 meters, ent age. They came into as I was concerned, I was fortunate. We were swept off by an name of ”scaly sea sausage” Psolus though it was only a couple of being long before sharks and other happy with my single 15- ingoing current once we passed squamatus, which had white and meters in the shallows. early fish and have not changed litre tank and air fill. 25m, and we found it impossible to rose tentacles sticking out of the Our Swedish friends had encoun- much over the millenia. Shown Skipper Roy Well swim back against this current. sandy bottom. tered the same currents as we did, here, Chimaera monstrosa

36 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Trondheim

Map of Wreck Sites on the Trøndelag Coast

but none of them saw the gorgonians on nately, at its this dive. peak when The trip then took us further out of the we visited Trondheim fjord, past Agdenes and into Irma but Uthaug on Ørlandet where we stopped for the wreck the night. We were then served a splendid was clearly dinner—the first of many excellent meals marked with to follow on this trip. a buoy. As Didrik led the way, the towering side er than the average stone. The Irma wreck of the ship just materialised out of the The Swedes had concluded their diving Our first wreck was Irma, 3743 brt and plankton soup. We descended along the day by collecting a good bag full of scal- located off Ørlandet. She was built in sloping wreck to our maximum depth of lops, which made for an equisite scallop Sunderland, , in 1906, and was 30m where we took a series of pictures. soup the following day. a big vessel of no less than 350 feet. The wreck was totally clad in a carpet Heading south during the war fully loaded of big squirts, Ciona intestinalis, sporadi- Lita wreck with 6400 tons of iron ore, she struck a cally dotted by Deadman’s Hands, which On we went to Stokksund and the wreck rock just outside Djupfest-Bjugn and sank added some colour. Fish darted in and Lita, which lies at a depth of 32-39m in on March 14, 1944, with no loss of life. The out of the holes in the wreck’s steel plates. a sheltered area nearby an anchorage vessel had originally come from Latvia, We could have gone even deeper where inside Stokken. The 318 brt big steamer Lita but was seized by the Germans during the the wreck seemed to be more intact, but was built in 1890 in Danzig, Germany, and occupation in 1940. we had decided on this maximum depth. she, too, perished in the second world war What remains of the wreck is found from On this big wreck, it is possible to take after hitting a nearby shoal. She sank with 10 to 46m depth, but down to a depth of many different routes. The superstructure no cargo aboard on January 30, 1944. 25m, the wreck clearly shows signs of hav- is massive, which calls for exploration and In this case, the buoy and downline was ing the cargo of ore and metals salvaged lighter penetration. On the seafloor, there attached to the port side of the wreck. after the war. There is not much left of were still heaps of iron ore. I lifted a few The visibility was unfortunately also rather the bow. The algae bloom was, unfortu- lumps, and they were clearly much heavi- bad all the way down to this wreck, so I

A large Gargonian fan coral ABOVE: The Irma as she once was greets the divers with brilliant colour INSET: Dive guide Didrik photographs the carpet of big squirts on the Irma wreck 37 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Minesweeper M-468 was sunk by a drifting German travel horn mine in 1944 Trondheim made their way to the surface. way towards the stern where we We then sailed on to Bessaker came across our Swedish friends where we had a fabulous nature on their way back. At the boiler dive along a cliff wall. There were room the bottom plates at the lots of squat lobsters, butterfish starboard side was gone, and and yarrel’s blennies. The colour- the whole ship had twisted itself ful squat lobster, Galthea strigosa, in such a way that the remainder definitively got the film rolling. of the ship was lying on its star- With my 105mm macro, I got real- board side at a 90º angle. Some ly close to the little bugger. of the hull plating in the bottom had been twisted outwards in the Minesweeper M-468 explosion. The ribs stood out like We reached the northern- a ribcage with a wavy curvature. most point of our journey at Obviously, the vessel has been Langrøskjær lighthouse. Here weakened by the explosion and lies the wreck of the German lost structural strength midships minesweeper, M-468. This M-class after which the ship collapsed minesweeper had a displace- and twisted itself in the 60 years ment of 775 tons, a length of 62.5 that have since passed. meters and was built in 1942. It From the midship, the mast lies was escorting a German convoy stretched out across the sandy from Trondheim to Bodø when it bottom. Didrik and I took some The tugboat found its resing place on its port side at 25-30 meters ran into a drifting German horn shots here before we moved mine on August 12, 1944 and on towards the stern, where an brt vessel was 67m long. En route downline right on the wreck after sank around 4:30am during an external propeller axel, propeller from Blyth on England to Tromsø locating it with the echo sounder. unsuccessful attempt to tow it and rudder came into sight. The in northern Norway with a cargo This wreck sits right on its keel and ashore before it went down. The vessel had two rudders and twin of coal, it ran aground and sank was, as such, easy to find with mine was spotted before impact, propellers. We shot our last frames 180m southeast of Saxa without the echosounder once one knew but despite a valiant effort and and returned to the downline any loss of life. The salvage vessel where to look. frantic maneuvering, it struck and before our bottom time ran out. Sterkodder almost succeeded in Once more, we were greeted exploded. The vessel capsized to This wreck was very exciting salvaging the ship a week later, by the algae soup in the surface, the port and came to rest on the and, indeed, an extraordinary but the mooring lines broke, and but the visibility improved as we sandy bottom around 25-30m. one. Maximum depth on this dive the pumping hoses were severed, descended. The light condi- The crew was rescued with no was 34m. The bottom time was 21 causing the ship to sink tions were appalling, though, loss of human life. minutes. once more. and it felt like night diving once The visibility was the best we Later, the pro- we reached the sandy bottom have seen all trip, round 8-10m Wrecks paraded peller was at 33m. Here, though the plankton near the sur- The same afternoon, we headed salvaged. we came face cut out a great deal of the back towards Buholmråsa, and Skipper across a light from above. here the wrecks just line up virtu- Roy set stripe of Didrik has been here before ally in rows. We dived the wreck the coal Diver inspects the forward gear of the Lita wreck and was once more my guide. D/S Pollux, which rests just off the We came down to the bottom lighthouse at a depth of 34m. descended with utmost caution back to the stern, Didrik and I close to the bow, which was fit- This vessel was built in 1883 in through the algae-laden water decided to call it quits, whereas ted with a strange arrangement Germany and owned by the column. I attempted to use my our Swedish friends seemed con- of tubes, the acoustic mine- Bergenske Dampskibsselskab 16mm superwide angle and keep tent on carry on. The spring bloom sweeping apparatus. The bow (shipping company) when my strobes close. but the lack of of planktonic algae, in which we section was resting almost upside it was lost on visibility restricted the outcome were so unfortunate to arrive, was down with the starboard stabiliz- November of my photographic efforts. After so intense in places that oxygen ing keel being on top. 22, 1900. a short swim to the midship and bubbles from their photosynthesis We slid along the hull on our The 1112

The Maraton in all her glory 38 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Trondheim LEFT TO RIGHT: Girders of the Pollux wreck; Divers inspect the Treff; Doors open to the Treff

there was no more daylight, so Moi at Maltsekken I switched on the pilot lights on After a splendid lunch at both strobes. Stokksund, we went on the wreck We came down on an empty Moi at Maltsekken, only about lifeboat-davit, and the visibility 100m from where Treff went was just a paltry couple of meters. down. It was not easy to orient oneself, Moi was a 201ft long, 490 brt, so we went along the starboard steel-hulled vessel built in 1952 in side towards the bow quite cau- the Netherlands. She was under tiously. I took some pictures of the way to Knarrvik with a cargo of bridge with our Swedish friends dolomite from Hammerfall, when

from the cargo, which we fol- I saw several good subjects. Two lowed. The side of the wreck of the masts remained erect and stood straight up like a dark wall stood up 4-5m above the remain- nearby, and we got to the wreck der of the wreck. at the midship level. Once more, it was time to We followed its starboard return to the surface, and I made side and went around the stern. my way back to yet another Rudder and propeller were downline around midship. After gone—only the axle remained. the ritual three-minute safety stop, Remains Act, so it is not permitted Nessaskjæret (Nessa Shoal) The wreck was nicely covered by I was soon back on Moby Duck. to bring up any artefacts. about 15 minutes from Stokksund. Deadman’s Hand corals with a The Pollox wreck sits very nicely Close by, the shattered wreck This 204 brt vessel was originally sea lily taking centre stage. We on the bottom, and had we had of D/S Orkla rests at 6-20m. A built as a whaler and launched took a couple of shots before better visibility. It was obvious green buoy was attached to the under the name Treff in 1925. She moving on. that we could have taken many wreck when we arrived. This ves- was 110ft long and was used by Around the boiler the deck was fabulous pictures here. The wreck sel had a tonnage of 4230 brt the Norwegian Navy as a sentry gone, and on top of the engine, is now protected by the Historic and was 380 feet long. It was ship until the Germans seized her owned by a shipping compa- in 1940. They mounted an big ny from Kristiansund and was 76mm canon on the fore deck transporting iron ore when it and equipped it with sinking foundered in 1957. The dis- mines. tance between Orkla and Local belief has it that the posing. It was my intention to con- she ran aground on January 3, Pollux is less than 200 meters. Germans were drunk when they tinue to the bow to take some 1975, and went under. As the And less than half a mile fur- ran the ship aground on May 15, photos there, but at 40m, the expression goes, she sank like a ther out lies the wreck of M/S 1941, after which she slid off the bottom time runs out very fast. I stone. The shoal ends in a steep Maraton. shoal and sank to the bottom managed to squeeze off one shot drop-off, which the ship soon slid where she now rests at a depth of the skylight as I passed it on my down to come to rest at 25-35m. V-5706 Ostmark of 36-46m. In 1995, Navy divers way back to the downline. She is now marked with a buoy. Following a good nights removed sinking mines and 76mm Maximum depth for this dive The Swedes did their thing and sleep in Stokksund our next muntions from the wreck. was 40.8m, and total time, includ- went for the wreck as usual, while dive was on the wreck of The algae soup somewhat ing safety stop, was 19 minutes. I opted for photographing the a German sentry ship, the turned the descent to the wreck I had 100 bars left in my 15-liter marine life on the slope as the vis- V-5706 or Ostmark on the into a night dive. Halfway down, tank. ibility still left a lot to be desired.

The Pollux

39 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED wrecks in Narvik Trondheim in Arctic travel killer whales in Vestfjord

ing two different camera systems, picture. How diving in wrecks & nature in Gulen wrecks & nature in Strømsholmen one with a 16mm wide-angle lens cool is that? This corals in Trondheimsfjord and two 200-watt strobes, and dive was great another Nikon F-90x mounted fun. NORWAY king crabs in Jardfjord with a 105mm macro lens and Just below a maelstrom in Bodø two 50-watt Ikelite strobes. rockface at 25- ...with the Norway specialist expeditions And what a dive we had! 30m, the current The visibility had improved dra- suddenly picked matically, and some very special up again. Here, fish appeared out of the dark: we found a www.xoholidays.com [email protected] Norway +47 21647845 UK +44 (0) 870 486 7580 Ratfish. Not just one, but several. population of They circled around me as my the magnificient strobes fired non-stop. orange sea fans, Paramuricea placomus, biodiversity and some of the best diving I usually lasts for 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, The ratfish, or chimera, is a spe- and they were really impressive. These have experienced in Norway. it cannot be predicted accurately. This cial deep water fish related to the corals are unique for this location, in the The various wreck dives were also year, it started early due an increase in sharks with its mouth placed on Trondheim fjord, where they grow at great. In particular, I fancied the dive on the amount of sun. Usually, the visibility is the underside making it resemble shallower dephts than seen elsewhere. M-468. It had the drama and aura of war decent below the algae, and once you a rodent. The Ratfish lives off what Once more I started consuming film, but history. I was able to overview the ship, go down to 10, 15 or perhaps even 25m, it can find in the soft bottom—fish I struggled staying still in the current, and which was of a manageble size. All sec- it clears up. and crustaceans. In front of the I soon ran out of time. I ascended into tions of the vessel were clearly recogniz- Diving 2-3 times a day can be quite dorsal fin, it has a poisonous spike, shallower waters where I saw more ratfish able, not just a chaotic pile of iron junk, taxing, but when you are accommo- of which you need to be wary. Its and many species of sea cucumbers— which some of the shallower wrecks turn dated so well aboard such a nice boat, eyes are big and reflective—obvi- the common sea Cucumber, Stichopus into soon enough. which takes you effortlessly from site ously equipped with some sort of tremulus, the Orange-footed Cucumber, However, the visibility left a lot to be to site while you are being fed excel- light amplification mechanism— Cucumaria frondosa, and the ”scaly sea desired, but that was due to the season. lent meals, how can it be anything but Prehistoric face of the Ratfish and they are well adapted to sausage”, Psolus squamatus—as well as It is rarely good to go at the time we good? ■ seeing in the darkness that reigns big northern stone crabs, Lithodes maja, went, in May, when the plankton bloom There were a lot of nice ledges and in deeper water. cod and haddock. overhangs with a lot of small fishes, squat The fish were not afraid of us and I could even shoot my last frames dur- lobsters and a lot of crabs. There was came quite close, enabling me to get a ing my safety stop where I was accom- FRESHWATER AND MARINE IMAGE LIBRARY also a blanket of tunicates in the rocks. great portrait of one of them. I also man- panied by lots of hermit crabs performing Topknots and spider crabs were willingly aged to get two of them in the same their mating rituals. The marine life on this posing and helped me bring location was just amazing. home a couple of good Once back on the surface, we frames. found daybreak underway and went back across the fjord to Close encounter Trondheim. with the Ratfish We were now heading In conclusion back into the Trondheim The six Swedish divers and I fjord to make a night dive enjoyed a spectacular adven- at Hindrem—the very same ture in the Norwegian undersea place as our first dive. As world. I have almost 38 years of matters went, the night dive diving experience and have seen and day dive on the same a lot, but I have to say that espe- location turned out to be cially our last dive was so different very different experiences. from anything else I have seen It was 2:15am when we before in shipping lanes and open descended along the slope. ocean. This was fjord diving at its I was well equipped carry- best—exhibiting an astonishing Chimaera monstrosa The Chimera or Ratfish is found in deep water 40 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED KristiansandText by Arnold Weisz Translated by Peter Symes Southern idyl with an Italian twist Photos by Stein Johnsen

Facing the busy shipping at decent depths between 15 to 30m. significant depths. There were two bouys lanes of Skagerrak and being And the Italian presence here, however on the wreck. One is tied to the stern. unlikely, just ads to the equation. Carlos’ From a depth of about 15m, it was a communications link to the hearty laughter and his good command possible to get a decent overview of continent, Kristiansand, with of English, with the unmistaken Italian this impressive wreck even before we its rugged coastline, is a ship accent, guarantees a couple of very could grab onto the rail. Reaching graveyard peppered with entertaining days. The spirits aboard his a maximum depth of 33m, we had dive boats were always high, and that is ourselves a decent tour of the rear area exciting dive sites all of which the way a dive vacation should be. of this massive wreck. can be reached in less than Even though the steel plates have 20 minutes by boat. Advanced diving buckled where the ship broke its back We began with the biggest wreck and settling on the seabed in 1945, it is still Nothing beats local knowlegde. So, deepest dive—one of the best wreck in a fairly good condition. Big openings what options did we have other than dives I ever had in Norway. MV Seattle is make it possible to penetrate parts of to contact the Italian, Carlo Golfetto, not only in relative good shape, but it is the wreck without having to embark on who runs the dive operation, One also huge—a whopping 140m. The only advanced penetration projects. Ocean, in Korsvik Marina a little outside downside is that a big part of it lies quite Even divers who don’t call themselves the town of Kristiansand. The dive deep. die-hard wreck divers, yours truly center is perfectly located for diving We did one dive on the shallowest included, think this dive is magical. The the region’s most famous wreck the part starting at the stern, from 23m sheer size surely plays its part. Since the giant MV Seattle, which rests on a slope on downwards. This was already very wreck sits straight up, it is not an issue only 400m from the dive center. Other cool, but the remainder of the wreck navigating this one and find one’s way great wrecks are located very close beckoned me to venture further down back to the downline. by as well, within 10 minutes boat ride, along the sloping deck and quite

THIS PAGE: Divers explore the eerie architecture of the giant wreck, MV Seattle 41 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Kristiansand

You like’a da pásta, eh? Two out of three parts of the wreck are begun beeping. Even with a maximum As we break the dead calm surface and almost flat but the visibility is really good, depth at this site of not more than 23m, poke our faces back up into the suns- and there is plenty of marine life in and we have now become saturated with hine, we are greeted by a wonderful around the wreck. Different species of nitrogen and are obliged to end our smell of food. Straight back to the dive the colourful wrasses dart in and out. dive despite having both appetite and boat it is, and getting out of the dive On the white sandy bottom, several flat- air for more. equipment can’t happen soon enough fish try out their camouflage and cover as Carlos has one of his lovely pasta themselves with sand when we shine our More rusty steel dishes ready and waiting— steamy hot torches at them. Some of the best dive sites in the regi- and yummy. A 40-minute dive laden In a shadowy cranny on the wreck a on are found just outside Kristiansand with excitement and experiences surely lumpsucker is guarding his nest of eggs. and on the outside of Topdalsfjorden. works up a solid appetite, and followed He doesn’t fancy disturbances, but his We did an impressive nature dive on by Carlos’ pasta with tomato sauce and curiosity seems to get the better of him, the southeastern side of Grønningen parmesan, diving and dining make for a and he ventures out to eyeball these Lighthouse. This dive site wasn’t exactly highly recommended and memorable bubbling intruders. He ends up posing pristine nature. We knew from the onset combination. I can think of worse ways willingly for the photographers. that we would see a lot of wreck diving of passing time while getting rid of some A little school of pollacks sails by but on a trip to Kristiansand, but the fact nitrogen. take off quickly once they establish that that we couldn’t escape finding some The boat is already slowly heading for we are not all that exciting after all. rusty steel on all of our dives is not exag- the next dive site. Hot coffee and tea is Our computers now urge us to move gerated. On the other hand, the pro- also served while we get under way and towards shallower water, so we venture lific fish life seemed to treasure all the our tanks exchanged for full ones. The up into the kelp belt. remains of the shipwrecks that lie strewn next dive site will be another wreck, the Here and there we see nudibranchs over vast areas on this region. Tom B. and crabs but, quite disappointingly, We call this site a nature dive now. CLICKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Italian as he is, Since the sea is dead calm and this not a single lobster regardless of the because the remaining debris cannot Captain Carlos prepares a delicious pasta din- wreck lies in a exposed location by the fact that the terrain offers lots of suitable be called shipwrecks anymore and are ner for the divers which is ready for them when open sea, it is a window of opportunity crevices and hideouts. in the process of becoming integrated the emerge from the wreck; Delicate soft coral not to be missed. Ooops... now the the computer has into the natural habitat. The varied topo- blooms on a branch of sea grass like a flower; Divers explore the wreck of the MV Seattle 42 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Kristiansand

ABOVE: A cozy fire with a hot meal and hot coffee is just the thing between dives LEFT: Large red starfish can be found on the rocky landscape under Kristiansand

graphy in combination with all the hide- a splendid training ground and a good The king’s city outs created by the rusted twisted metal site for a dive outing. Kristiansand is Norway’s fifth largest city acts like a magnet for the local wildlife. The wrecks, which have not been with around 75,000 inhabitants. The city They might be of the free swimming sort, identified, lie in the harbour at Lund was founded in 1641 by the Danish- or crawl along the bottom. in Kristiansand. And if you haven’t got Norwegian king Christian IV. During the The bottom is quite varied and a lot enough of wrecks just yet, it is possible to summer, the city clearly comes to life. of the cliff walls carry unmistaken marks continue diving on several more just by ”Sun, summer and sørlandet” (which from the ice age. The glacier ice sco- swimming off the jetty outside the dive means ’Sun, summer and the county’) ured out fine arching furrows in the center. is a popular figure of speech around bedrock. It almost looks like it has been Just jump in and swim across the little these parts, and for many Norwegians, done by machinery. sound. This can even be done under Kristiansand is the town for summer. water since the depth is not more than Kristiansand can get The city wrecks 8-10m. Here, you will find the wreck of about 2000 hours of Surprisingly, one of the most positive an old fishing boat at a depth of about sunshine a year. wreck dive experiences we did was 10m. But there are so many others. You The boating sea- close to town. Initially, a quick glance can also find the remains of a German son is another popu- at the map had done little to convince war plane, a Dornier, and the mines- lar aspect of living us that it would be a good wreck dive. weeper M-426. here that most of the We envisioned bad visibility and plains of In between the dives, Carlos has Kristiansanders look bare mud, but Carlos insisted. several good sites where divers can go forward to during cold ”The city wrecks” as he called them, ashore and relax between dives. During and murky winters. The are actually a splendid place for begin- summer time, it is tempting to just have a city can boast about ners’ wreck dive training and penetra- siesta and tan in this archipelagian idyl. having the largest tion techniques. A maximum depth of In the cooler months, a campfire and marina in the country. 17m in combination with small and sizea- hot drinks is another way to have a cozy Close by, one can ble wrecks, four to be exact, makes for break. also find the new fish-

Delicate polyps spread out their arms to collect nutiients suspended in the current ABOVE: Great wrecks can be found right in the city of Kristiansand 43 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Kristiansand

The One Ocean dive boat, ProDykk, load- ed with eager divers heads to a local dive site. INSET RIGHT: Captain Carlos does air fills overnight so your tanks are ready the next day

www.becher.com

ing pier which is really worth a visit. a ladder. On the dive deck there are If you want to combine a family showers with hot and cold water so the vacation with diving, this is a very can also be rinsed good place to go. The animal and after diving. With a top speed of 23 amusement park is the town’s number knots most dive sites in the archipelago one tourist magnet. Everyone knows is reached in less than 30 minutes. Tanks ”Kardemommeby” (Cinnamon town), can be refilled from a station 24 hours right? Not to mention, the city also a day. You pay with tokens bought in offers a wide range of cultural activies the dive shop during opening hours. including many museums. Courses offered is PADI Open Water and upwards in the PADI hiearchy. The dive center One Ocean has two types of acco- One Ocean is located in Korsvik modation on offer: Two condomimiums Marina, 8km east of Kristiansand. The view seaview located directly above dive center has a modern 35-foot dive the dive shop. These apartments come boat moored only 20m from the dive will all modern amenities, for up to eight center. One Ocean is open year round divers in each. The other option is the and offers boat trips seven days nearby Dvergnestangen Camping, only a week. In the summer there 500m from the dive center, which also is up to three daily sorties and offer condos and, obviously, camping. dependent on the arrangement For more information, contact One and destination you can have Ocean located at Strandåsen 22, one or two dives a trip. The boat 4638 Kristiansand, Norway. E-MAIL: has been purpose built for diving [email protected], website: in 1998 and is equipped with a www.oneocean.no. Tourist information 215 hp diesel. On the stern a big for Kristiansand can be obtained from diving platform is mounted with www.sorlandet.com. ■

Close-up of a colony of polyps ABOVE: Dramatic view of a city wreck growing in a formation Kristiansand is located on the south coast of Norway 44 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Invasion of the Crabs King crabs invade Norwegian waters Text by Arnold Weisz Photos by Stein Johnsen

The Cold War has been over local marine life, as well as fish stocks for more than two decades, and bottom dwelling animals. These groups accuse the Norwegian gov- but a relentless red army of ernment of ignoring the possible con- monster crabs are still pour- sequences for the marine environ- ing over the border of Russia ment. into Norway. The crabs are Estimates say that the total number of crabs is around 15 million in the feared by environmentalists, Barents Sea. As these millions were but not by scuba divers.

First introduced to the Barents Sea off northern Russia in the 1960s, Red King crabs (Paralithodes camtschati- cus) are now spilling down western Norway by the millions. The first crab was spotted in Varangerfjorden in 1976. Since then, the crab has head- ed steadily west bound and is now Docile monsters beasts, I wasn’t too eager to get too found in large numbers west of the Diving with this monster close. After having caught my first North Cape. The King crab roaming crab is not nearly as fright- crab with my neoprene protected the sea floor of the Barents Sea is one ening as it seems. Although hands, much of the monster stories of five species in the same family. they can grow up to 180cm lost their sting. They are indeed beau- Three are native to Arctic waters, derived from only a few thousand (6ft) between the tips of their legs tiful crustaceans and will not run if and two have their home waters at the beginning, the species have and weigh up to 9-10 kilos (20-22lbs), you decide to have a closer look at along the California coast. The crab proven to be tough, prolific and the crab is a rather docile creature. them. was taken from the Kamtsjatka enduring. In the mid 90s there was The first time I saw them under water You don’t have to venture very Peninsula, on Russia’s Pacific coast a scientific catch of the crabs, but was in the Jarfjord, just a few kilome- deep to see the crabs. They have and introduced to the Barents Sea by only in small numbers. Commercial tres from the Norwegian-Russian bor- been found as deep as several hun- Soviet scientists to get a better supply crabbing was first started by both der. We were told by the local divers dred meters, but are very frequently of seafood for the people in this part the Norwegian’s and the Russian’s in that you can handle the crabs, but found in shallow coastal waters. You of the former Soviet Union. 2003. The crab is regarded as a deli- we were still a bit anxious when we will find the King crab year around, cacy and can fetch up to USD 65 per encountered them for the first time. but in the spring (March-May) they Alien creature kilo at fish markets in Oslo. It will be They are bottom feeders, so you usually can be found in large quan- As an introduced species, the crab very difficult to stop this “red army” will most likely observe them sifting tities at depths easily dived by is by many rated as an environmen- from marching on to battle fields through the sea bed searching for most, from 30 meters and up. We tal . Even though there has further away just by fishing them, so everything from worms and molluscs also caught a few crabs to cook, been research done on the crab for it seems that we have to find other to sea urchins and sea stars. The King because they really are delicious. three decades, neither Russian or ways of controlling the population. crab is also known to add some veg- The taste and texture ranging some- Norwegian scientists can agree on For now, they have given the local etation to its diet and grazes on kelp where between lobster and shrimp. the future impact of the crab inva- fisheries another source of income, and seaweed. While frowned upon by many, for sion on the local marine life. WWF which by many is welcomed, as Or you can see them stride along Norwegian divers, this alien monster Norway and other environmental many costal fish stocks are heavily the sea bed, either single or in large of the deep is a delicacy and an groups have long raised their voices depleted. numbers. I must admit that the first exciting newcomer to their underwa- in concern for the impact on the time I saw a pile of 40-50 of these ter back yard. ■

45 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED WWW.CIA.GOV

factNorway file ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD MICHAEL SYMES PETER SYMES

History After two centuries of Viking raids Norway rejected joining the EU through a ref- MICHAEL ARVELUND, PHD SVETLANA MURASHKINA, PHD EDWIN MARCOW into the European continent, Christianity was erenda held in 1972 and 1994; Government: adopted by King Olav Tryggvason in the year constitutional monarchy 994. Over the next several decades, conver- market activity and government interven- sion of the Norwegian kingdom took place Geography Norway is located in northern tion. Key areas such as the vital petroleum until Norway was absorbed into a union with Europe and is bordered by Finland 727 km, sector are controlled by the government Denmark in 1397 that lasted for more than four Sweden 1,619 km and Russia 196 km. Two- through large-scale state enterprises. The

centuries. Sweden tried to cecede Norway in thirds of the country are covered by moun- country is richly endowed with natural LEIGH CUNNINGHAM MICHAEL AW GUNILD PAK SYMES 1814, but Norwegians resisted and adopted tains; Norway has one of most rugged and resources such as petroleum, hydropower, a new constitution. Sweden then invaded longest coastlines in world with some 50,000 fish, forests and minerals. With one-third Meet the people Norway, but finally agreed to let Norway keep islands off its fjord indented shoreline; It holds a of its exports being oil and gas, Norway is who bring you the stories its own constitution in exchange for accept- strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and highly dependent on its oil production and ing a union under a Swedish king. But rising air routes in North Atlantic; Terrain: Norway international oil prices. Only Saudi Arabia nationalism during the 19th century led to was shaped by glaciers which carved out fer- and Russia export more oil than Norway. a 1905 referendum, which won independ- tile valleys and fjords from high plateaus and While Norway opted to stay out of the ence for Norway. World War I saw heavy rugged mountains; Norway also has small, EU in1994, it still contributes a substantial losses for Norway in shipping, even though it scattered plains and arctic tundra in the north; amount to the EU budget. Privatization BUY ADS remained neutral. At the outset of World War Lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m; Highest has been encouraged by the government Support your magazine and get seen II, Norway proclaimed its neutrality again, point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m; Coastline: and Norwegians worry about the day, but was nonetheless occupied for five years 25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as which will come in the next two decades, [email protected] by Nazi Germany (1940-1945). In 1949, neu- well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and when the oil and gas will start to run out; tel. 00 45 4695 0644 trality was finally abandoned when Norway minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island So, the country has been saving its oil- joined NATO. IN the 1960s, oil and gas were coastlines 58,133 km); Natural resources: petro- boosted budget surpluses in a Government discovered in adjacent waters, which boosted leum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, Petroleum Fund, which is invested abroad Norway’s economic fortunes. The country’s titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropow- and now has now reached a valued of current focus remains on containing spend- er; Natural hazards: rockslides, avalanches; more than US$150 billion. The early part of ing on the extensive welfare system. Norway Environmental issues: water pollution; acid rain the new millenium saw lackluster growth continues to plan for the moment when petro- damaging forests and lakes and threatening of the country’s GDP, but growth picked up Web sites NONOY TAN YANN ST YVES JOHN COLLINS leum reserves become depleted. However, fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions; by 2005. Industries: petroleum and gas, food Norway Tourism Capital: Oslo processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper www.visitnorway.com products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, Nordkapp Dykkesenter / North Cape Adventures Climate is temperate along the coast, textiles, fishing; Agriculture: barley, wheat, (47) 7847 2222 influenced by the North Atlantic Current; potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish www.nordkappopplevelser.no Norway has a colder interior with more pre- Lofoten Tourism cipitation and colder summers; the west coast Currency Norwegian Krone (NOK); www.lofoten-tourist.no

is rainy year-round Exchange rate: NOK per US dollar = 6.62; Aqualofoten MICHEL TAGLIATI DEB FUGITT DAN BEECHAM NOK per Euro = 7.97 www.aqualofoten.com Population 4,593,041 (July 2005 est.); Sørlandet Tourism Download Ethnic groups: Norwegian, Sami 20,000 Decompression Chamber www.sorlandet.com X-RAY MAG’s Haukeland Hospital One Ocean Economy A capitalist welfare state, Section for Hyperbaric Medicine www.oneocean.no MEDIA KIT Now! Norway has an economy that combines free N-5021 Haukeland, Norway, (47)55 97 39 75 SOURCE: www.cia.gov

SCOTT BENNETT SØREN RINKE KAI GARSEG 46 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 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

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amped & awesome Edited by Andrey Bizuykin & Peter Symes Hot Water Equipment New Air2 Bottle In 1979, Scubapro created the Great for fish lovers concept of integrating a second and kids who love fish. stage regulator and a balanced inflator in Sherwood Solaris ♀ Transparent blue hot water the same compact housing. 2006 sees the A compensator designed bottle sports an aquarium advent of the fourth generation of the Air2, by women for women, the new Solaris design with assorted plastic fish which is ergonomic and overall lighter than pre- BC is designed to meet the needs of floating inside. Made from practi- vious generations. It can be assembled on any the woman diver. The solaris uses the cally indestructible thermoplastic BC and eliminates the need for another alternate back-mounted flotation cell design, material with 3-year warranty. Will air source—it works like a classic downstream sec- and the cut of the solaris has been never get that old hot water ond stage. It is convenient and easy to use thanks carefully tailored to fit the contours bottle smell. Oversized plas- to its single hose configuration, fixed VIVA flow of a woman’s body. Finishing details tic fish stay inside so kids vane and one-hand operation. such as the plush interior with a can’t get them out. This www.Scubapro-Uwatec.com comfort neckline and a simplified warm and comfy plaything harness system with front closure is safe for toddlers. 12 1/2” x with depth-compensating feature 7 1/2” Price: US$22.95 for a secure closure allows you to www.fashionhot.com get into the gear with mini- mum adjustments. www.sherwood- scuba.com Pulsar from MB It even looks German. Sleek, solid and oozing high tech vibes, this lamp has been designed to meet the highest Remove Before Dive expectations. The Ever forgotten to put the dust cap back onto specs boast a massive your first stage, flooding it in the rinse tank before output combined you knew anything of it? Not any with almost eternal more with this little bright thingy. It Aquatec burn time. Colour tem- even comes with a spare o-ring Mini LED Light Stick perature is maintained inside. www.divedelight.de will replace the standard constant within tight limits chemical light stick that is, unbe- by intelligent program- lievably, still in use today. The LED Light ming making it perfect Stick uses a high intensity LED along with a for video and undersea patented light diffusing acrylic material to give you photography. Pulsar is an incredible glow that is very visible. These light sticks are equipped with a Xenon not only good to use on your person during a night dive, you bulb, flood alarm and is can also use them to mark the anchor, entry points, etc. rated to 200m. Price: US$19.95 www.oceanbrite.com www.mb-sub.com

47 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Aladin One Easy access to information is the key feature of the new Aladin ONE. Designed with new divers in mind, the Aladin ONE large round display shows all fundamental information at once for the ease and peace of mind of less skilled divers. The maximum depth and the temperature alternate every 4 seconds, while current depth, dive time, non-stop or alternatively deco stop information is always dis- Lifetime played. For maximum convenience, the Warranty 3 minute timer activates automatically upon reaching 5 meters. The Atomic Sub- www.Scubapro-Uwatec.com Frame mask is so Gilan 24W durable that the company is announcing The press release from Dutch Gilan a lifetime warranty against frame break- was commendably short: age. The strength is due to the super - 24W HID (as 100w Halogene) strong engineering grade thermoplastic - 1:45 hours burn time frame molded beneath the mask skirt - NiMH Sanyo batterypack surface. The two-window design also - Trickle charger allows changing lenses for vision-cor- - Euro 549,- (introductory price) rection needs with the mask’s - The dimmer will be released soon after interchangeable lens option. the introduction and sold as an option only. The ULTRACLEAR is a new and There you go. www.gilan.nl exciting optical quality glass with exceptional clarity and Max Holding Systems high light transmission, with Convenient and sturdy Tank Rack System no color distortion. holds 2-4 air tanks, 1-2 , loops www.atomicaquatics.com for torches or masks. Made with industrial suction mounts, holds up to 350 lbs of resist- ance per track, speargun fits into holder. Feeling www.scubastorage.com Streeeetchy snackish? The Elastiprene 7 Introducing Dive is the warmest 7mm high- Bar, the first and only stretch in the world, and the high-energy snack bar first to combine the benefits specially formulated for of an incredibly elastic rub- underwater enthusiasts. Delicious ber material with the rug- as it is nutritious, Dive Bar contains ged features that are found a healthy dose of Papaya and on other Pinnacle cold water suits. Calypso O2 The Calypso O2 regulator has all the same benefits Pineapple enzymes to aid in The proprietary Pinnacle Elastiprene of the popular Calypso regulator with the added digestion and enough Ginger rubber allows the suit to fit an incred- bonus of being built for use with breathing gasses to help settle the stomach and ibly wide range of body shapes and

containing up to 100% oxygen. The Calypso O2 is an ward off seasickness—all of sizes and also to slide on and off like excellent choice for technical divers in need of a which makes Dive Bar the per- your favorite pair of old blue jeans. shallow-water regulator capable of operating with fect pre-, post- or inbetween The Elastiprene 7 also features superior

a high O2 percentage. Assembled in a dedicated dive snack. www.divebar.com features that ensure years of comfort, clean room to ensure suitability for higher oxygen warmth and dependable service. percentage applications. www.aqualung.com www.pinnacleaquatics.com

48 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED �������������������������������������������������

Air Dry P/V This , which embod- ies the renowned Technisub quality, comes with a dual purge valve ensuring quick and easy clearing, and a large volume reservoir keeps residual water out of the breathing path. Rotating

mouth piece adjusts to the  most comfortable position,

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MK17AF / S555 – A system combin- tion can be adjusted. Comfo- ��� ing the toughest balanced dia- Bite mouth piece is replace- 

phragm first stage paired with able. www.aqualung.com �������������

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49 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Apex XtX200 The 2006 XTX200 model is the flag ship of the Pirate’s Cove “Open any diving magazine fleet of fine regulators. It uses the proven Dive Resort & Spas these days and rebreathers “FSR” type first stage as found on the ATX200. are everywhere, proving they This XTX200 first stage features a new bright are steadily becoming more chrome finish. The second stage, although Rebreather mainstream, with ‘Yellow shipped in a standard right-hand configuration, Turtles’ being regularly spot- can be reversed to a left-hand configuration by Week ted from Florida to France,” your authorized technician. Available in either stated , CEO of DIN or Yoke configurations and compatible to 25 April - 2 May 2006, Pirate’s Cove Dive Centre. EAN 40 right out of the box. Dominican Republic “So, we’re quite excited www.aqualung.com about ‘Rebreather Week’ www.apeks.co.uk Pirate’s Cove Dive Centre and are rather hoping to —Dominican Republic’s make this an annual event. new state-of-the-art techni- There are several activi- cal diving centre—is delight- ties planned, including a ed to announce their first Rebreather Clinic, which ‘Rebreather Week’ this April. allows divers to try out dif- With speakers lined up from ferent units. I am delighted the Who’s Who of rebreather to say that we’ve got some diving, and many like-minded quite special speakers com- divers attending, this program ing to this inaugural week. promises to be quite a spe- Hot out of cial event held in extraordi- “During the evening, Scubapro’s nary surroundings. rebreather experts such as oven Jeff Bozanic (Cave research- Ten minutes past Rebreather Week 06 is for er, rebreather expert and deadline, news divers of any level and expe- author), (Cave arrived about rience (including interested explorer, Film Producer and the Kinetix fin and open circuit divers), allow- Technical Instructor), Mike ing everyone to share the Fowler (President of Silent Panthers drysuit. Kinetic best of all worlds. Beautiful Diving Systems, Inspiration is a lightweight travel fin, reefs, spectacular walls & Evolution Rebreathers) Know what you uniquely moulded in three are breathing and wrecks and the most and John Chatterton and sections of different stiffness. extensive freshwater Richie Kohler (Deep Sea Buddy Calibration Gas Panther N1’s 5mm high-quality pre- cave system in the whole Detectives), will be talking. Kit from Analox Sensor compressed neoprene insulates with of the Caribbean. So, we’ve found that spaces Technology comprising of little or no extra undergarments are filling up fast. - 1 of 20l 3% CO2 in N2 necessary, whilst ensuring buoy- - 1 of 20l 100% N2 ancy stability at depth. Panther “If you would like to - 1 Fine Control Valve C1 allows you to wear as many join us for ‘Rebreather undergarment layers as neces- Week 06’, please £151.58 - incl. tax, excl. ship- sary to stay warm and dry, so go to www.pirates- ping. NOTE: This product it is perfect for extremely cold covedivecenter. cannot be sold or shipped to waters; on the other hand, it com for registration customers outside the UK can be worn with vir- details and addi- www.analox.net tually nothing under- tional information. neath for diving in Alternatively, drop us an email or give warm water. us a call at (917) www.Scubapro- 566 9762. We’d be Uwatec.com happy to answer any questions you may have,” said Mattera.

50 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Origin of shark’s electric sense Sharks’ shark tales ancestors sense. didn’t quite Sharks missing in deep ocean The finding also strengthens the theory that before our early ancestors emerged have the bite Ocean depths beyond 2000 metres are almost devoid Sharks from the sea, they too had the ability to of sharks. These findings, just published in the journal have detect electric fields. Despite the fear- Proceedings of the Royal Society B, are grim news. a network “Our fishy ancestors had the anatomy some image of of electrosen- for it,” said James Albert, a former UF modern “Jaws”, her No reserves sory cells—the Ampullae of biologist who is now at the University of ancestral relatives This means that there are no reserves of sharks living in Lorenzini—that allows them to hunt by Louisiana. “You can imagine how valu- couldn’t quite match the abysses, and that sharks species may be more vul- detecting electrical signals generated able this system would be if you were the predatory skills of nerable to over-exploitation than previously thought. by prey and use the Earth’s magnetic aquatic, because water is so conduc- her contemporary mammal and reptile Scientists have long hoped they would find previously field for navigation. tive.” competitors, a new analysis of fossil teeth unknown populations of them Now, researchers from the University of But it doesn’t work on land as air isn’t a reveals. The shapes of teeth from various and perhaps even new species in Florida have traced the origin of those good conductor of electricity. And when marine predators over the past 100 mil- the deepest parts of the oceans. electrosensory powers to the same lightning occurs, you don’t need special lion years show that while ancient marine The researchers used deep-sea type of embryonic cells that gives rise receptors to sense it.” reptiles possessed the thick pointy coni- trawls, baited hooks and baited to many head and facial features in All primitive animals with backbones cal teeth, which are now the hallmark of cameras to see where sharks live, humans. could sense electricity, according to the big sharks, this characteristic wasn’t testing depths in the Atlantic, It’s the so-called neural crest cells, Michael Coates, an associate professor developed in sharks until long after the Pacific and Indian oceans and which are common in vertebrate devel- at the University of Chicago. Mammals, marine reptiles became extinct, and Mediterranean Sea from 471 to opment, which have now been identi- reptiles and birds lost the sense over after marine mammals developed similar 5900 metres. They generally saw fied as the source of sharks’ electrical time, as did most fish alive today. ■ conical teeth. ■ or caught sharks at up to 2000 metres, but there were few sharks beyond this depth. Seychelles bans shark finning DNA test help track As a result, almost all sharks are within reach of modern deep- The Seychelles has banned the cutting whole shark is caught. poached sharks sea trawlers, which can net fish off of sharks’ fins by foreign fishermen “Shark finning is the wasteful and cruel to a depth of up to 2300 metres. to curb a flourishing global trade that practice of slicing off the highly valuable Genetic testing is now aiding US “Sharks are already threatened is threatening the survival of the sea fins, often from living sharks, and dump- federal law enforcement agents Baited hooks and cameras worldwide by the intensity of fishing activity, A study predator and marine ecosystems. The ing the rest of the creature back into the identify fins of imperiled shark were used to investigate in 2004 concluded that some shark species have ban does not include domestic vessels, sea to face a slow and certain death,” species seized from traffickers. where sharks live. Here a declined 80 percent or more, due largely to fishing. which the government says are few and Seychelles Fishing Authority said in a In 2003, National Oceanic and bluntnosed six-gilled shark Of the 490 species of shark, 25 are already endan- controlled, or shark fishing where the statement. ■ Atmospheric Administration closes in to investingate. gered or facing extinction and this number is set to agents confiscated about a Credit: NOAA grow, as many shark species are very slow-growing, tonne of shark fins under way to which means that a sudden drop in numbers can Shark Preservation Marine Parks? Asia. Scientists working with federal threaten their survival. ■ agents took the fin samples using a A United Nations meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity in technique involving both nuclear Brazil from March 20-31 will review calls to extend protected areas and mitochondrial DNA markers. Nicaragua bans freshwater shark fishing into the high seas to help safeguard marine life ranging from sea- The test was run after noticing that weeds to sharks and from starfish to corals. sacks of the seized fins was labelled Nicaragua banned freshwater fishing taken up this migration problem of both Many experts say implementation of existing laws, drafted with the names of several highly pro- of bull sharks and sawfish because of of these species with our colleagues in before the deep-sea marine finds of recent decades, is insuf- tected species including White alarming population declines, and said it Costa Rica,” said Miguel Marenco, head ficient to protect the high seas—the area beyond the 200 Sharks. wants neighboring Costa Rica to impose of Nicaragua’s agriculture department. nautical mile territorial waters. ‘‘By applying DNA techniques to trace a similar prohibition. “Costa Rican fish- Overfishing in the San Juan River that Yet, many countries fear restrictions, and experts say the the species and origin of fins in the mar- ermen have nets and a series of traps forms much of the border with Costa Rica Brazil talks are unlikely to resolve the tangle—many nations ket, we can give ‘teeth’ to fishing regula- that impede the traditional migration has reduced the number of both marine say the U.N. Law of the Sea is the proper forum while the tions,’’ said Mahmood S. Shivji, director of towards lake Cocibolca and we have animals to dangerously low levels. ■ Convention on Biological Diversity should just advise. ■ the Guy Harvey Research Institute. ■

51 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text and photos by Andrey Bizyukin, PhD The first cave diving explora- tion in the USSR took place in May 1964 (image taken from an old film movie). The date marks the official birthday of Soviet cave diving science

The longest underwater cave in Russia Ordinskaya Cave Cave diving is very fasci- Decades have now passed since in underwater caves. Insufficiently nating, but it is also a most this pioneering event. Inventors of trained divers can perish in caves diving equipment have steadily only too easily. Therefore, few peo- dangerous passion to have. created more perfect and trouble- ple venture there. The advances in underwa- free underwater devices, but cave In this little community, most ter cave exploration have diving in Russia is still an activity for divers know each other well. always been determined a devoted few. Members of this little select group Today, in Russia there is an esti- are at the same time heroes and by the state of the avail- mated fifty thousand certified outcasts of the diving community. able equipment. In Russia, SCUBA divers, among which no Their passion for underwater spe- the first underwater cave more than 50 (only 0.1 percent of leology is “vicious”, but the per- exploration took place the population of divers) venture formers are also seen as idols and into cave diving. These people use brave individuals such as Sheck in 1964 when a group of special equipment for diving, and Exley and Jocben Hasenmayer. enthusiasts managed to get they are easily recognised. They Underwater cave explorations past the first sump (a sec- always use at least two regulators, and the achievements of Soviet carry dual cylinders (either a twin and Russian cave divers were so tion of completely flooded set on the back or a side mount insignificant on a global scale cave passage) in the cave configuration where two or more that very few people in gen- system of Ayan on the tanks are carried on each side), a eral knew about the existence of Crimean Peninsula. Without minimum three torches, a helmet, underwater caves in our country. a reel with a strong thin rope (the Russian caves, with their difficult fins, they passed the sump guide line) and their particular entrances, vertical pits, narrow by walking on the bottom. swimming style, frog kicking, which passages and cold muddy water, The length was seventy prevents whirling mud or silk to kick are strikingly different from those in meters, and the maximal up from the bottom. They reel out the warm-water recreational des- a guide line to mark their route tinations such as those in Florida or depth was five meters. Not during the dive. Wreck divers use Mexico where it seems that only much by today’s standards very similar techniques for wreck the laziest divers don’t pursue div- it seems, but this achieve- penetration. ing in the underwater caves found To perfect cave diving tech- there. Recreational cave divers in ment is now considered the nique and skills, it is necessary to these spots can set up a dive rig- birth of underwater speleol- undergo a long training program ging directly out of their car trunks. ogy in the former USSR. and to be passionate about diving

The hitherto previously unknown underwater world of Russia, Ordinskaya Cave—huge under- ground cavities filled with crystal clear cold water. This is exciting darkness that beckons 52 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A lot of underwater space and clear water Ordinskaya gives unexperienced feature ◄ This is a nook in the endless underwater cave beginners the oppor- system. Many narrow and wide passages divide tunity to swim with fins into different directions, so cave explorers kicking in a similar way have to search for the right way out. Big to that of typical PADI heavy stones that have fallen from instructors. There is not the ceiling to the floor of the cave so much silt, so water remind one about the dangers clears quite quickly. You need only a good , a maximum size twin set and the big- Igor gest torch batteries you Lavrov, the can find (the big steel well-known scien- cylinder on the diver) for long life to get two tist and researcher hours of fun diving in of the Ural caves, vis- the very cold ited the cave for the water first time in 1993, where he made topographical maps of underwa- the dry part of the cave. He also ter tunnel. invited Victor Komarov, a cave Subways diver from Ryazan City, to do the with snow first reconnaissance dive in one white walls of the cave’s underground lakes spread out in April 1994. in different Much to their surprise, they directions, found that the cave lakes were leading the covered with a 20cm-thick layer cave diver fur- of ice. Not letting this stand in ther and further their way, Lavrov and Komarov into this under- asked local fishermen if they ground realm. could borrow some of their spe- Komarov had cial devices for ice drilling. With already let out 70 these tools, they made a small meters of the guide hole in the lake ice that was line when it became big enough to squeeze a diver stuck in the narrow entrance The beginning of modern through. crack underwater. He couldn’t go cave diving in Russia For this first dive under ice and into the any further and had to turn back. Koramov The picture in Russia was about to change cave, Komarov took one 7-liter tank. Lavrov gathered up the rope by rolling it around when a landslide on the banks of Kungur secured Komarov at the surface with a safe- his elbow and managed to untangle it and River, which is about 80 kilometers from ty line that Komarov gradually let out. The Kungur City in the Ural Mountains of the diver let out about 30 meters of line when he Perm’s region, exposed an entrance to a suddenly plunged into a narrow crack and hitherto unknown cave. went down to a depth of seven meters. The first visitors to the cave were local Komarov had fallen through the ceiling of people who had gone down the slope of a wide underwater tunnel. Absolutely clear clay in search of a cow which had fallen water, huge spaces and prospects of future down into the cave. When they got down exploration were tantalizing. But to venture there, the rescuers caught a glimpse of the further on one little tank was too danger- big cave halls, chambers and three under- ous. So, Komarov came back to the surface ground lakes with crystal-clear water. The to get another cylinder and returned to the cave was named Ordinskaya in honor of the location for a second look. nearby Orda village. This time, Komarov went much further into captions Cave divers descend into the entrance of Ordinsakaya Cave 53 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Modern equipped Ordinskaya underwater cave feature The first Russian cave divers used old explorer military stuff or homemade equipment and unduplicated breathing devices. It was a time when divers thought that it was very unprofessional to use fins for swimming, and they got past sumps by walking on the bottom in the body of the mountain named ile mineral—so after Kazakova. The greatest part of collapses occur the cave labyrinth is filled with very quite frequently strong mineralized water, so after in gypsum caves each dive, all dive gear is covered above the by a thick coating of gypsum salts. surface, espe- Gypsum is not very solid—a frag- cially after strong rains in the spring and in the autumn. Underground halls of gyp- sum caves on dry land very seldom exceed 20-30 meters unforeseen occurrences or inci- in size. dents under the surface. But in The maximum depth of any of the under- the known underwater passages in water gypsum Ordinskaya Cave does not exceed caves, water helps to sup- port 20 meters. Therefore, even the long- the caves against the tug of gravity, est dives during the exploration of the which is why the underwater tun- cave did not require decompression. nels and halls of underwater gypsum Cave divers from Krasnoyarsk, caves are bigger than their above Chelyabinsk, Novokuznetsk, water counterparts. Ekaterinburg, Perm, Arkhangelsk, pull out the guide line from the away into all the underground However, vaults in Ordinskaya Chernomorsk, Alapaevsk and crack. He eventually made it lakes of the cave. Cave have collapsed every year. Moscow have found underwater pas- out of the sump. They dived in buddy teams Huge gypsum boulders break loose sages connecting all the lakes of the Intent on having this cave a couple of times a day, and from the ceiling and fall to the bot- cave and have navigated through for themselves and not hav- there were enough first explo- tom stirring up a lot of silt. On one all the widest underground tunnels, ing other cave divers run- rations in this huge system to occassion, a five-ton plate collapsed which have many smaller branches ning around in it, Lavrov and go around for everybody. New from the ceiling and fell onto sev- and air chambers under arched ceil- Komarov decided not to speak underground labyrinths crossed eral meters of the main guide line ings. They have laid out several kil- to anybody about the cave for huge halls, underwater passag- of a group of divers. It forced the ometers of guide lines from thin cords the time being. es and canyons disappeared in cave divers to do a lengthy search the size of cheap packing string up to Only three years later, in the different directions and seemed for a new way out to exit the cave. thick mountaineering ropes marking snowy winter of 1997, 20 cave endless. Despite the seeming simplicity and each new passage. Now, it all looks divers from different Russian ease of navigating these caves, one like a horrible mess—a confused cob- cities arrived in Orda village Current views should always remain alert, cau- web put up by some new species, at the invitation of Lavrov. The Today, it is known that the tious and prepared to handle any the “cave spider-monster”. joint team of underwater cave Ordinskaya Cave system is a explorers organized dives right horizontal gypsum labyrinth with- If you swim up from permanent guide lines in some places in the cave, you can to find air bells on the ceiling. But please don’t try to breath there without a regulator 54 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Ordinskaya

Dry chambers past the sumps were explored. Topographical measurements, description and a map of the cave were made. The total length of all known underwater cave passages exceeds 3.5 kilometers. The dis- tance between the entrance lake and the furthest known underwa- ter point in the cave equals one kilometer and 50 meters. The big- gest underwater chamber has a diameter of about 60 meters. The water is so clear in this chamber that two divers swimming at the opposite ends of the chamber can still see one another. The ongoing speleological exploration of Ordinskaya Cave has made it the most famous underwater Russian cave in a span of less than two years.

Repeat customers Underwater explorations in Ordinskaya Cave are so amazing and interesting that many divers, having dived there once, tend to come back again and again. The beauty of the cave has such a strong attraction that one simply does not want to get out of the water despite its numbing tem- perature of only 5º C. Some of the dives in Ordinskaya Cave have exceeded two hours. Successful explorations of the New snow falls out on the cave diver’s camp close with Ordinskaya Cave. Peering CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Many more people come to dive Ordinskaya Cave every year down from the camp, you can see the Kungur River and Orda village on the opposite shore —an experience that makes them forget all about the Red Sea and the Maldives 55 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Ordinskaya

longest underwater cave in Russia have had a huge influence on the development and popular- ity of cave diving in our country. Enthusiastic accounts about diving this cave, about the accessibility of its entrance, the (relative) uncom- plicated access to a very aes- thetically and pleasant dive in clear water, huge underground spaces and the possibility of making new explorations keep enticing the curi- ous and adventure-minded divers to this astonishing place. Even open water divers say that they experi- ence something miraculous in Ordinskaya Cave that make them forget all about the Red Sea and the Maldives. Local entrepreneurs have started to equip the cave for touring and to take money from visitors, so the outlook for the future of Ordinskaya Cave is somewhat dubious. Ecological problems have already started to be an issue and a serious threat to the cave and its beauty. For many years the big limestone sinkhole, located above one of the cave chambers, was used as a huge rubbish pit—a big garbage bin. Now, the sinkhole, undermined from below by cave water, has started to collapse or cave in, so that now, all the decay- ing matter and sewage have start- ed to percolate through the area and threaten to poison the once perfectly pure water in the cave. ■

For millions of years, layer upon layer, the cave accumulated gypsum sediment. Then water penetrated through the cracks into the deep parts of the Earth dissolving the gypsum over tens of thousand of years building the magnificent underground cave labyrinths we see today. Now cave explorers and enthusiasts study its under- ground phenomena and draw maps of this unique underwater cave system

56 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical Leigh Cunningham is the technical manager and TDI matters Instructor Trainer for Ocean College, Sharm El Sheikh. Are you really up to the job with an Probably best known for his Advanced Open Water course? records - Leigh once held the record for the deepest dive in the Red Sea, and is the current holder of the record for deep- est wreck dive - and attempts Leigh of reaching extreme depths, he Cunningham also has a wide range of teach- ing credentials to his curriculum: TDI instructor trainer, DSAT Tech Trimix instructor, PADI MSDT IANTD Technical diver instructor CMAS 3 star instructor

For the last 30 years water students through to review, improve and update or so, dive training advanced diver in four days diving courses at all levels, only. Even so the system is still has not been lost in the haze agencies have been open to abuse, and in some of impressive marketing certifying recreational cases it is. campaigns. divers as competent In the modern day of diver There needs to be a to plan and carry out training, fast track training healthy balance. As diving draws in the package tourist professionals, it is our duty to non-decompression who wants to complete diver promote the best method of and no-stop dives to a training, going from non- training—he scales appear max depth of 40msw. diver through to advanced to be off balance. This naturally leads to diver, within the duration of a short holiday. “Resort cours- Room for improvement a perceived level of es” are becoming more and The fact of the matter is that ability, the “advanced more popular as time goes today could scuba diver”. But how by. be better if there was a lit- Looking at some of the big- tle more emphasis on diver “advanced” are they gest diving resorts today, ten training at all levels and a really? years ago they consisted of little less emphasis on devel- just a few makeshift bam- oping the shortest possible

tandards The difference between the boo huts on the beach, course and perceived level of ability PETER SYMES which are selling it to and the true level of ability, In over their heads? Wreck diving in the Baltic, even to just 25 meters, can be very challenging now replaced everyone directly after training is quite with 5-star including often too big. Divers may divers worldwide have been their belt. According to the diver” should be reviewed, hotels, a golf the dog. thus find themselves planning certified by the single larg- standards set forth by the and the number of required course or two and attempting dives well est training agency. A high largest training agencies, it’s days, or dives, adjusted and several If more beyond their capabilities, percentage of these 70% actually possible to achieve before divers can gain hundred dive dives and even when they are diving go from being non divers advanced “advanced diver” certifica- boats. In the 21st a generally within the formal depth and to become “advanced from non-diver status in as lit- tion. That being said, the century, this machine longer more time limits for their certifica- scuba divers” in less than tle as four days. majority of dive operators needs to be fed! comprehensive Double S Double tion. a week, and with under 10 Possibly, in this case, the and diving instructors would I hope the need advanced Around 70% of certified open water dives under terminology “advanced not consider running open to continually course was ►

57 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ADAM BUTLER technical matters Have the dive training agencies required, the terminol- into the effects of O2, N2 and who have not yet ogy “advanced” would He on the body and mind earned their wings of today sold out be more accurate as under . as a technical diver. and lost sight of regards to most peo- Due to higher a demand When I say “earned ple’s understanding for diver level courses, the their wings”, I am not safety and com- of the word. Some market for technical instruc- suggesting techni- mon sense in the less popular training tors and instructor trainers cal instructors should agencies require more dives has increased. Observing the be breaking depth relentless pursuit and training in order to gain change in technical diver records or pushing the of another dollar? advanced diver certification. training in the last 10 years, I envelope in general. But The end result in this case is would say technical training they should be throwing the a better trained diver, “more agencies are doing a very twin set and stages on from center when running advanced”. good job bring technical time to time and making the courses! No need to own your training into the 21st century. odd deco dive or two. More own kit if you don’t “dive the My advice would be to con- Instructors have been and more often in recent dive”!! sider all your options before dragged off the soap box, years, I’m meeting highly opting for the shortest most and the black board has qualified recreational instruc- “Get out there” popular course. been replaced by the laptop! tors and course directors who My advice to technical Outdated skills, which have have technical teaching instructors and instructor train- “Technical recreational train- no value in the specific type status and instructor trainer ers who have little technical ing”—decompression/extend- of technical course—i.e. skills ratings. Amongst their impres- diving experience is: “Get out ed range/mixed gas diver relating to cave diving have sive array of cards (enough to there.” You cannot conduct training—has increased dra- no place or value in an open wall-paper a small house) we technical diving courses with- matically in the last five years. water course, have been find the technical instructor or out the teaching license, but Due to the nature of this type replaced with skills that have instructor trainer card. unfortunately, you may con- of diving, the required train- clear values and objectives. I’m then disappointed to duct technical diving courses ing is more intense, more discover that the instructor or with very little technical diving equipment is needed and All good stuff instructor trainer has none of experience. advanced What concerns me is the his own tech kit or equipment. (deco software packages) is introduction of the technical Instead, he uses club equip- Do the right thing, dive more! ■ carried out delving deeper instructor and instructor trainer ment, owned by the dive Want to win one of these? Read our next issue! Leigh Cunningham would certainly agree that one of the Golden Rules of technical diving has got to be: Always analyze and label your gas. If you’re want- ing a simple for Nitrox analysis, take a look at the compact GA-O2 Check Oxygen Analyzer from

tandards Technical Diving Limited www.techdivinglimited.com Since it’s launch, the GA-O2Check Oxygen Analyzer has taken the U.S. diving world by storm. Probably because this durable splash proof analyzer is easy to use, runs on user replaceable AAA batteries and is quick responding. So, if you fancy getting your sticky paws on one, just jump onto www.techdivinglimited. com —they ship worldwide—or read the next issue of X RAY MAG in which we will have a competition you can enter to win one of these cool puppies. Safe diving! Double S Double

58 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED New Britain Papua New Guinea

LEFT TO RIGHT: Clownfish in sea anemone; Portrait of a local villager; Text and photos by Don Silcock Mandarin fish; Local villagers in canoes navigate the Isis River

The island of New Guinea, the taken by Holland in 1898 as an expan- distinct tribal cultures and languages. second largest in the world, sion of their presence in the Dutch One of these tribes, the Dani was East Indies, now Indonesia. only discovered less than 50 years ago is located just south of the The Dutch reluctantly agreed to in 1938 when the US explorer Richard equator and to the northeast Indonesian independence in 1949 but Archibold flew over the remote Baliem of the continent of Australia. remained in control of West Papua Valley in West Papua and saw their It is a remote and mysterious until 1962 when it was ceded to the compounds and sweet potato fields. United Nations and ultimately to The Dani had lived in complete isola- place, believed to have been Indonesia in 1969 in what can prob- tion from all outsiders for over 10,000 populated for 45,000 years by ably only be described as “an act of years. Today, they are West Papua’s the Papuan Melanesian peo- Cold War sacrifice”. most famous ethnic group. Their num- ple, roughly the same time as The eastern half of the island, British bers have grown to around 70,000 New Guinea in the south and German and Wamenda, the main town in the the Aboriginal people have New Guinea in the north, became Baliem Valley, receives several hun- lived in Australia. the Territory of Papua and New dred visitors a month who come to Guinea after WWI when it was taken see these unique people. In 1848 the island was divided up over and administered by Australia. between Germany, Holland and In September 1975, it became the The Diving Britain despite the fact that none of independent country of Papua New Scuba diving is very well established in these countries had actually estab- Guinea. many locations in Papua New Guinea lished a presence on the island at (PNG) and becoming so in the Raja the time. The eastern part of the The People Ampat area of West Papua. The Milne island was subsequently colonized by The Papuan Melanesian people are Bay areas at the southeastern tip of Germany in the north and Britain in an intriguing and diverse ethnic group the main island and Kimbe Bay in the the south, whilst the western half was and comprise of nearly a thousand centre of the island of New Britain

Red coral and sponges on reef at Kimbe Bay 59 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED adventure New Britain

Alan Raabe LEFT TO RIGHT: Alan Raabe’s pontoon boat transports divers up the Isis River; Sunset over Papua New Guinea; Fire Dancer; Coral reef at the west entrance of Lindenhaven

are prob- com) and Telita (www.telitacruises.com) New Britain The Journey whilst he piloted the boat to our destina- ably the In Kimbe Bay, it is possible to do New Britain is the largest of the islands Our trip commenced in Rabaul, the capi- tion for the first day’s diving. two most both resort based diving from Walindi of PNG and covers an area of 35,500 tal of East New Britain, and reached on a Over the next 10 days, we dived a vari- popular Plantation (www.walindi.com) and livea- square kilometers—roughly half the size two-hour flight from the PNG capital Port ety of locations in the Lindenhaven and locations board diving with either Febrina (www. of Tasmania. Whilst diving on the north Moresby. One of the great things about Waterfall Bay areas. I saw WWII wrecks, in PNG. febrina.com) or StarDancer (www.peter- coast of the island has been well estab- diving PNG from Australia is that it is possi- reefs in pristine condition and a great Milne hughes.com) both of which operate in lished for many years, the south coast of ble to leave Sydney in the morning, arrive variety of critters and pelagic fish. Bay is conjunction with Walindi Plantation. the island has remained basically unex- in Port Moresby in mid afternoon, transfer best dived from a liveaboard and offers I have done four trips to Milne Bay in plored. onto your domestic flight and be on the The South Coast a tremendous variety of diving from the recent years and thoroughly enjoyed the Alan Raabe the owner and skipper liveaboard that night. Although I have to What makes the south coast special is weird and wonderful critters found there, but in April 2004 I decided of Febrina, and now co-owner of Star say, the transfer in Moresby is never with- a fairly unique combination of circum- diving at Dinah’s Beach to the superb to see what Kimbe Bay had to offer and Dancer, has periodically explored the out it’s worries. stances. corals at Deacon’s Reef and Manta’s at spent several days diving from Walindi south coast during the 20 years he has From Rabaul, it is an overnight journey Firstly, the very deep waters of the the cleaning station just off the beach at Plantation on the local sites in the bay lived and worked in PNG. During my trip to the south via the St Georges Channel Solomon’s Trench lie close to the coast- Gonu Gonu Bara Bara Island. The area is and then seven days aboard StarDancer on StarDancer, I learned about the south that separates the islands of New Britain line and the strong coastal currents mix served by three all of whom diving the dive sites out of the outer bay coast and decided to come back to and New Ireland. The currents in this with the up-swells of cool water from the have a great, and thoroughly deserved and Witu Islands. The diving was excel- New Britain the following January to join area are very strong and treacherous, Trench to produce an optimum blending reputation: Chertan (www.chertan.com), lent and whetted my appetite for further one of the first commercial trips there. but Alan Raabe is an experienced skip- mechanism that helps feed the ecosys- Golden Dawn (www.mvgoldendawn. adventure in this part of the world. per, and we slept peacefully in our bunks tem and nourish the reefs.

60 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED adventure New Britain

LEFT TO RIGHT: Soft coral; The hull of a wreck silhouettes large sponges and sea lily; Lacy Scorpion fish, Rhinopias; Octopus

Secondly, the south coast of New found in Milne Bay with superb reefs tiating with the head of the local vil- Britain is the second wettest place on and pelagic action usually associated lage, known locally as the “big fella”, earth, which means that in the rainy with the Witu Islands. to dive in his territory. I was impressed season the numerous rivers provide by Alan Raabe’s approach to this, as it another rich source of nutrients. Dive site development was clear that he has a genuine inter- Thirdly, the south coast is a very The south coast really is virgin territory est in improving the lot of the village. remote and sparsely populated loca- and dive sites are still being identified, A lesser person would take the easy tion and there is only one unpaved log- which can lead to some disappoint- route, so common in PNG, and grease ging road that penetrates the dense ing exploratory dives. But once a good the palm of the big fella to secure div- mountainous rain forest that sepa- site has been located, regular access ing access, but Alan appears deter- rates the north coast from the south. needs to be secured. This means nego- mined to avoid this. Basically, the only access to the area is by sea, which means that the reefs are virtually untouched and in some areas can only be described as pristine. Another interesting facet of the south coast is that its wet and dry seasons are the reverse of the north coast—when it’s raining on the north, it’s dry on the south and visa versa! The reason for this is that the northwest trade winds, which bring in the low pressure troughs and resultant heavy rain on the north coast, do not make it over the mountainous spine of the island. Similarly, the south- east trade winds that bring heavy rain to the south coast are isolated from the north coast by the mountains. The result of all this is some incredible diving that combines most of the weird and wonderful critters normally only

Villagers along the Isis River help to clear thick reeds blocking the way to the 61 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED adventure New Britain

LEFT TO RIGHT: Coral gardens of the South Coast; Stonefish under camouflage; Bough of a sunken wreck; Grey Reef shark patrols its territory. INSET: Children wear masquerade masks given to them by the kind wife of one of the divers

His view is that, if properly managed, there the sites. should be three beneficial effects of opening up diving on the south coast. When I look back at the trip there were sev- Firstly, there is the direct payment, propor- eral high points that stand out: tional to the number of divers who use the site, made to a community account opened West Entrance at Lindenhaven up in the village’s name—not the big fella’s. Lindenhaven is a small village in the Gasmata Secondly, the villages have an opportunity to area and as its name suggests the dive site is The strength of the currents mean that it trade both with the boat for fresh vegetables on the west entrance to the village. The corals can only really be dived around slack water, and with the diving tourists for locally pro- and fish life were both prolific and pristine and but it was the site I enjoyed most of all the duced artifacts and carvings. Finally, there is are fed by the very strong currents that course ones we did in the 10 days on the south coast. the net positive effect of introducing a new through the entrance. What made the site completely memorable dynamic of tourism, albeit on a small scale This was probably one of the best reef dives was the end of the dive when we surfaced initially, to an area that has previously been I have ever done, and I can still remember the and found ourselves surrounded by about 20 largely closed to foreigners. burst of adrenalin as we descended on the local kids, some as young as 5 or 6, in their Once regular access is secured, a perma- reef from the dive tender. There was a time canoes. They were all highly excited by what nent mooring buoy is installed to minimize when most reefs would have been as rich as we were doing and it was very clear they had future environmental impact of boats diving this, and I felt truly privileged to be there. never seen anything like it before.

62 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED adventure New Britain

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Divers armed with cameras explore Blue Hole; The Isis River cuts deep into the rain- forest; Curious villagers appear on the river banks to watch the divers’activities

INSET: Children from a nearby village help clear a path for the dive boat by using machetes

block the cooling water nowhere of a large number inlets to our boat’s out- of village children with board engines. The only way huge smiles who were very through is with the help of eager to assist us. the local villagers who literally The dive itself is rather surreal— The Blue Hole have to dive down and cut a imagine quite cool blue water in a The Blue Hole is the source of the Isis River path through with their machetes. It’s quite a deep pool that seems to go down in Waterfall Bay, and to dive it means a site to see young village boys as young as 10 forever and where the main features two-hour trip up the river taking everything or 12 swimming against the fast running river are large tree trunks that have fallen you need with you. The trip is spectacular with a huge machete held between their in over the years. In fact, the bot- because you go deep into the rain forest teeth and then diving down to cut the reeds. tom is at 48m, and what you get for that covers New Britain and pass through It is not possible to motor all the way to the going there is a look at a small fissure small villages perched on the riverbanks. The Blue Hole, the closest you can get is about with fresh water gushing out like a fire locals appeared fascinated by our presence 250m to it, and then it is time to carry your hose. A truly adventurous day! and gathered to watch us pass through on dive gear and cameras through the jungle our way upstream. and wade through the river. Suddenly, the Grey Reef Sharks The further you go up the Isis River the source of the Isis River appears around the On several dives we saw numerous harder it is to reach its source because the corner. This part of the journey was made grey reef sharks coming up from the river becomes choked with thick reeds that much easier by the appearance from deep in response to our special shark

63 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED adventure New Britain

CLOCKWISE FROM LOWER LEFT Propellar of wrecked WW2 Japanese sea plane; Submerged tank; Bombs liie exposed in the sea plane’s open cargo hold; Iconic forms of a sunken wreck

attracting device—a half full water bottle rubbed vigor- ously between two hands—and aggressively buzzing us. They are significant creatures. Although always wary, they seemed in complete control and appeard to try and tempt us to go deeper as we strived for that perfect photograph. There was never a point where our excite- dive. ment turned to fear. But then again, there was no food It is located in a river close to one of the villages and in the water that would have encouraged the sharks to some fairly intense negotiations were required on the day overcome their natural caution. we visited because it appeared the “big fella” of the I always reassure myself that we must look pretty intimi- village was determined to extract additional payments dating to these medium sized sharks as we are about the from us. The situation was eventually resolved by Alan same size, or bigger, than they are and make a lot of Raabe and his crew, and we were allowed to explore noise. We also don’t emit the kind of signals that attract the wreck. them unless we use tricks like the water bottle, so why Visibility is not that great due to all the sediment on the would they come close? wreck, but on the day we dived it, we could see the full extent of the wreck and the bombs were like magnets Mitsubishi Sea Plane that drew us closer. ■ Lying on its back in 15m of water, with one pontoon stick- ing up into the water and the other broken in the silt, its For more information or to order images directly from bomb doors open to expose the two live bombs still in Don Silcock, please visit: www.indopacificimages.com their mountings. This WW2 Japanese sea plane is a great

64 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED PNG DIVE DIRECTORY

TOUR OPERATORS & SERVICES Ecotourism Melanesia Ltd www.em.com.pg Melanesian Tourist Services www.mtspng.com factNew fileBritain, Papua New Guinea New Guinea Expeditions www.newguineaexpeditions.com PNG Tourism www.pngtourism.org.pg Sepik Adventure Tours www.ambuntilodge-sepiktour.com.pg Trans Niugini Tours www.pngtours.com History Papua New Guinea is a developing country in the Southwest Pacific. The eastern half LIVEABOARDS of the island is the second largest in the world. In Blue Sea Charters / MV Moonlighting 1885, it was divided between the UK (south) and www.blueseacharters.com Germany (north). In 1902, UK transferred its half to Mike Ball Dive Expeditions www.mikeball.com Australia, which occupied the northern portion MV Barbarian II during World War I and continued to administer the [email protected] combined areas until independence in 1975. After MV Chertan claiming some 20,000 lives, a nine-year secessionist www.chertan.com revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997. Climate Tropical climate with slight seasonal MV FeBrina

Today, PNG relies on the assistance of Australia to temperature variation; northwest monsoon (De- WWW.CIA.GOV www.febrina.com keep out illegal cross-border activities from Indo- cember to March); southeast monsoon (May to MV Golden Dawn nesia primarily, including illegal narcotics traffick- October) Decompression Chamber www.mvgoldendawn.com ing, goods smuggling, squatters and secessionists; Melanesian Hyperbaric Services MV Melanesian Discoverer Government: constitutional monarchy with parlia- Population 5,545,268 (July 2005 est.); 37% below Jacksons Airport, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea www.mtspng.com MV Telita mentary democracy poverty line (2002 est.); Ethinic groups: Melane- Tel: +675 693 0305 or +675 693 1202 www.telitacruises.com sian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian; MV Tiata (UWP specialists, E-6 Processing) Geography Oceania, PNG is a group of islands Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Port Moresby Medical Service [email protected] east of Indonesia including the eastern half of the Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society Tel: +675 325 6633 or +675 693 4444 Peter Hughes Diving / MV StarDancer island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh- www.peterhughes.com the South Pacific Ocean; Along its southwestern Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant 10%, indigenous EVACUATION INSURANCE is compulsory for some coasts, it has one of the world’s largest swamps; beliefs 34% PNG dive operators, liveaboards and resorts. See RESORTS & DIVE OPERATORS Coastline: 5,152 km; Terrain: mostly mountain- DAN for information and travellers insurance: Dive PNG - Manus Island ous with rolling foothills and coastal lowlands; Currency Kina (PGK); Exchange rates: www.divepngmanus.com Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0m; Highest point: 1 USD = 3.11 PGK; 1 Euro = 3.75 PGK www.diversalertnetwork.org Jais Aben Resort / Aquaventures Diving www.aquaventures-png.com Mount Wilhelm 4,509m; Natural resources: gold, Kabaira Dive - Raboul copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries; Language Melanesian Pidgin serves as the lin- Dive Resources www.kabairadive.com Natural hazards: active volcanism situated along gua franca, English is spoken by 1%-2%, Motu is spo- Papua New Guinea Divers Association Lissenung Island Resort the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. The country is subject to ken in the Papua region; there are 715 indigenous Code of Ethics www.pngbd.com www.lissenung.com frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes, mud languages—many unrelated Tel. +675 320 0211 Loloata Island Resort slides and tsunamis; Environmental issues: Growing www.loloata.com commercial demand for tropical timber is causing Health & Safety Papua New Guinea has a high The Dive Centre - Port Moresby Niugini Diving deforestation of the PNG rain forest. It also suffers crime rate. Please check state advisory consular Sales, Service, Rentals, Air and Nitrox www.niuginidiving.com pollution from mining projects and severe drought; information before travelling to PNG. The degree Tel: +675 320 1200 Nusa Island Retreat Agriculture: coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm ker- of risk is very high for major infectious deseases; [email protected] www.nusaislandretreat.com.pg Scuba Ventures Kavieng - New Ireland nels, tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, food or waterborne diseases include bacterial and www.scubakavieng.com poultry, pork; Industries: copra crushing, palm oil protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and typhoid fever; Tawali Resort processing, plywood production, wood chip pro- vectorborne diseases including dengue fever and www.tawali.com duction; mining of gold, silver, and copper; crude malaria are high risks in some locations (2004) Tufi Resort IF YOU DO NOT SEE YOUR oil production; construction, tourism BUSINESS ON THIS LIST AND www.tufidive.com WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED, Source: www.cia.gov Walindi Plantation PLEASE CONTACT US AT: [email protected] Capital Port Moresby www.walindi.com

65 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 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 ON BOLD LINKS X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTED. INFORMATION PROVIDED IS GUL ‘Fresh’ and CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS’ DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE. LINKS ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION ‘Todos’ Long Sleeve Rash Guards Stylish long sleeved from GUL. Flat- lock stitched and a styl- This Year’s Hottest ish ladies cut. Can be worn under a wetsuit to help reduce abra- sion or over your kit to Edited by reduce windage for Gunild Symes performance sailing. Looks great worn All photos are courtesy of the manufacturers Dive Fashion on it’s own, ideal In honor of fashion for extra UV pro- week events all over tection either on the world this time of the beach or in the water. When year, we are devot- choosing your ing this section of the size, remember, rash guards issue to Dive Fashion. should form a smooth, snug fit over the body, a second In the interest of find- skin, particularly when worn ing the top fashions under a wetsuit, they are very stretchy. for scuba divers, we Price: GB£19.95 www.reefwear.co.uk searched the cyberracks DNA Divewear’s striking Blue Wave tee (left) integrates an intricate wave and zen circle with vibrant blue colours on a long sleeved of designers in several The Seven baseball shirt. Light blue/navy or grey/navy for GB£25, or female countries around the Tenths Co has fitted tee white or sporty grey, GB£19.50. Scuba Trooper world for a selection of been produc- (center) in Denim Blue or Black for GB£22, or Underwater unique and best selling ing consistently Daughters (right) detailed 60s style character design innovative and with more than a nod to a diving Barbarella comes items that will appeal to fresh graph- in Aubergine or Navy blue 100% cotton fitted the sea lover in all of us. ics and a tee. S,M,L GB£19.50. www.dna-store.com range of apparel renowned Breeze Trousers Narked Extreme for it’s Made from Henri Sport Clothing quality, Lloyd’s durable TP1 The company durability fabric, these trou- believes that our and design. Established sers are the ideal ocean’s are pre- in London in 1994, Seven Tenths is lightweight, water- cious and should be now headquartered on the North proof yet comfort- respected, that we coast of Cornwall and has distribu- able garment. 100% should work and tors in 25 countries all over the world. taped seams, zip fly play in the sea www.seventenths.co.uk opening, elasticated with responsibility waist with adjustable and care. “Whilst Camaro’s 1mm neoprene swim- belt and zipped ankle people protect the things they love the most, suit fits like a glove, and looks great cuffs make them commercial factors often overwhelm what’s with its bold blocks of color and easy to slip over other right and what’s wrong.” NARKED takes great dynamic detailing. Industrial strength clothes. Item #51080. pride in the quality of their products with all aquawear for heavy-duty fun on Colours: Marine, Red, designs created in-house. All Narked T-shirts the water. 98% neoprene, 2% nylon. Black. Sizes: XS-XXL. are limited to 500 print runs, and therefore, Machine wash, hang dry. Price: www.henrilloyd.com exclusive. www.narked.co.uk US$39.95. www.sierratradingpost.com

66 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED fashion Awoon has created Stylin’ Dive a stunning range of neoprene aquawear Threads for women. The suits are designed in 3mm stretch neoprene—per- fect for tropical diving destinations. Choose Fourth Element from styles with a sexy Bringing glamour back to diving is the mission of front zip feature to the designers at Fourth Element who are integrat- halter neck aquas- ing high tech fabric with high style to produce a line uits with ‘smoothskin’ of dive garments, which James Bond himself would be black rubber finish. proud to wear. The designers are using a special breath- Colors: Red, Blue, able, lightweight and comfortable fabric for the gar- Black, Wine, Teal, Pink ments called Thermoclines, which are also fast drying and Smoothskin. Price: with the equivalent GB£54. Buy it online with your credit card thermal perform- at: www.divegirl.com ance of 2.5mm neo- prene. The garments are made using Polartec® Aqua Shell® fabric. They are neutrally buoy- ant and machine DiveGear USA Boat Coat: Fleece lined Funkyfins “For the very first time, washable, too. Coat with hood and fleece lined pockets. fins with a wow factor!” Funkyfins Fourth Element’s Price: US$150.00. www.divegear.net has pioneered a totally new pat- system ented technique which allows can be used as a fabulous graphics to be inserted lightweight wetsuit Designated Diver Classic denim but- into crystal clear fins. Technical or pool train- tondown long-sleeve shirt for men with excellence and physical comfort ing suit. It works dive flag embroidery and sleeveless but- have not been compromised. as an effective tondown denim shirt with dolphin embroi- Good finning action has remained additional ther- dery for women. Price: US$36.00 each. a priority, while the foot pocket mal layer under- www.designateddiver.com has been moulded to ensure opti- neath a mum comfort. Funkyfins is the first wetsuit and only range to combine or semi great technical design and drysuit. Henri-Lloyd’s fashion. Price: GB£27.95 new Fast-Dri incl. VAT. Euro 39.00. READY FOR ACTION: The Thermocline Featherweight www.funkyfins.com range has been tested in some of the most is the lightest Fast-Dri next to skin product in extreme diving conditions in the world. the range, ideal for warm weather and sail- Heat loss from the body can result in ing. It is extremely high wicking, spreading poor decisions. It can lead to exhaustion perspiration and moisture across the surface and accelerate the onset of hypother- area which speeds up the drying process. The mia. Thermal protection is of paramount highly breathable fabric wicks moisture rapid- importance to all divers whether diving ly away from the body – and has a UPF factor in extreme environments or reef walls in of 30-50+ to protect against sunburn.Colours: the tropics, caves or wrecks, they require Dark Navy, White, Light Grey, Carbon, Pink, thermal protection to maintaining per- Light Blue Sizes: S - XXL. www.henrilloyd.com formance. www.fourthelement.com

67 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED L.L.Bean Wave Gear New close-fitting quick-dry- fashion ing rash guard is made of silky material, which provides sun protec- tion. Nylon/Lycra® elastane fabric feels good against the skin and stretches for freedom of move- ment. Comes in long sleeve, too. Colors: Seedling (shown Dive Junkie here), turquoise, fuscia berry, Urchin has great T’s for the dark mariner and steel gray. Seven Tenths has a dive whole familiy crazy Price: US$29.00-34.00. shirt for you and the kids. about diving and Check out the wide selec- marine life. See their Trail model Pale Aloe Jersey tion of designs with attitude new online collection made of 100% CoolMax® including glow-in-the-dark unveiled this April. polyester feels as soft as Deco Mermaid Semi-Sheer styles. Prices: €14.50-32.95 100% fully combed cotton. Special chan- www.seventenths.co.uk cotten, Lycra-ribbed neling fibers wicks collar, preshrunk away moisture from CWear slouch hat is the ultimate with re-inforced seams. the skin to the out- in protection for divers who value their Prices: S$18-24 (11-15 USD). side of the fabric skin! The wide brim is firm enough to Designs shown clockwise: where it evaporates ensure maximum protection for the Octo T, Manta Movie, Dive quickly. Comes in head and neck, yet soft enough to Junkie Underwater Recon black, blue ridge, fold up and pack neatly into a pack. Team. www.divejunkie. desert rose, gray CWear sells UV protection shirts too. com.sg NEW heather, white Hat price: AUS$25.00 and lapis blue. www.cwear.com Price: US$29.00. Cool Shades A hot ticket in dive www.llbean.com sunglasses comes from Survival Optics. Check out their Cayman and models. Price: US$59.99 Depth Row www.soseyewear.com

Chammyz The ultimate beach, casual and water sport pullovers—so popular, even celebrities are wear- One can never have ing them. It comes complete with full size hood with too many t-shirts... drawstring, kangaroo pouch and drawstrings at G’day Mate! the waist. Chammyz loose fitting pullovers provide instant dryness, warmth and comfort after water sports. They give protection from changing weather conditions and wind-chill. So, what are Chammyz made from? Chammyz are produced from leftovers of the paper-mak- ing process (bark, roots, etc.) that would oth- erwise be discarded as waste. Not only are they fantastic on your body, Chammyz are also making the best possible use of nature’s Ninja Diver Glow-in-the-Dark valuable resources. Comes in lots of great colors. Price: US$62.00. Surf Bomber (on models) US$72.00 www.chammyz.com Innerspace Invaders 68 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Deep Six Divewear The Australian design team is taking fashion dive fashion in a new direction. It is fast becoming the label to be seen in, with interest from the Asia Pacific region to as far away as the U.K, Romania Kelp and the Netherlands. Their latest range is due to launch this April. The Hammerhead T shirt (on model) is the flagship design for Deep Six Divewear catching eyes whenever and wher- ever it is worn. Get yours now from www.deep- sixdivewear.com or www.underwater.com.au

Cotton Terry Russian Pants Aprés-divewear can be comfort- able, stylish and sexy too. Laguna Fitness online boutique carries a wide selection of delectible sweet somethings to slip into between Long Sleeve ThermaGuard dives like these cotton terry Russian by Girls4Sport is super soft with added pants versatile enough to wear warmth, made of 7.7 oz. Micro Suede with Fourth Element Sweats after a dive or for an evening out built-in shelf bra. Flattering body style with Atlantic Zip Navy Sweatshirt for on the town. Price: US$69.00 the right length in the torso to keep you men and Pacific Zip Washed www.lagunafitness.com covered and not ride up as you move. 90% Navy Sweatshirt for women with Needlepoint Fishes Nylon Microfiber with 10% Spandex/Lycra. cool Fourth Element logo are Leather Handbag Flatloc stitching. Price: US$53.00. Short warm enough to cozy up to. Fine handmade needlepoint Sleeve GB£42.00-49.95. Find them at work is hard to come by these US$47.50 www.fourthelement.com days, let alone in fishes! www. marlenecustompillows.com ▼ Girls4Sport Neoprene When you want the extra warmth of neoprene out of the water, this sporty jacket is a nice option. With a trim flexibile fit, side pockets and zip front, the jacket is made of lightweight yet super warm neo- prene. Girls4Sport loves this jacket so much, they just can’t say enough about it. Price: US$125.00 Sea Dreams Full Figured Divas www.girls4sport.com Sporty elegance designed especially for women in a full length 2.0 mm sleeveless black wetsuit. Coordinating Girls4Sport Foundation jacket in pink or blue. Lycra trim. High stretch neoprene supports organizations and Bon Prix Swimwear with smooth skin interior. Flatlock stitching. Jumpsuit Sizes 8-14 US$122.00. programs that provide girls of Don’t want to look like you Jacket Sizes 8-14 US$75.00, Jumpsuit Sizes 16-22 US$140.00. Jacket Sizes 16-22 all ages with the skills, support, just rolled out of the sea bed? US$90.00. Full length long sleeved wetsuit with collar. Constructed of 1.0 mm and opportunity to lead active Check out these fab ocean quick drying high stretch neoprene. In aqua and black. Silver and black elas- lives with confidence including togs at not so shocking prices. tic trim around collar, waist and wrists. Smooth skin interior. Flatlock stitching. school sports programs, sports www.bonprixsecure.com Sizes 4-14 US$119.00 Sizes 16-22 US$139.00. www.seadreamswetsuits.com camps and clinics, and heath and lifestyle education. 69 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Armani 2005 Collection Men’s Zip Jacket fashion Navy neoprene zip-through jacket. Price: US$295.00. Neoprene ◄ www.giorgioarmani.com Haute Couture Then & Now

Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2003 collection featured a neoprene coat imprinted with flowers. ►

Rei Kawakubo swimsuit Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons created her first mini Rei Kawakubo The ‘high priestess’ of swimwear collection with Speedo. Japanese fashion combined neoprene The designer, who jackets and skirts with ballet tutus and gets in the pool white raffia hats in her spring 2005 collection. almost every day, www.style.com ◄ Jussara Lee puts creative design The Brazilian-born designer of Korean in the water. Priced: Combhard Neoprene Designs descent produced this sleek and ele- GB£50-60. Available Thomas Renaud of Biaritz, France, was a surfer who inter- gant neoprene jacket and mini skirt for spring 2006 from ested himself in the properties of neoprene and began her fall/winter 1998 fashion collection. Comme des to design some neoprene products for himself and some Visit: jussaralee.com Flagship store: Garçons stores friends. Soon, the production included womens wear and www.caipirinha.com/Fashion/store.htm and selected mens wear as well as handbags. www.combhard.com ▼ Speedo suppliers. www.speedo.com

Neon Neoprene Jackets with digitaly printed psychadelic silks and velvets by Regazzacci. Sponsored and manufactured by Gul International in 2002. www.regazzacci.com or www.coconut-hut.co.uk Mission Beach & Santa Monica Handbags Cute totes from California, USA, made of high-grade neoprene, nylon lining, inside zip pocket, zip-top closure. Lots of colorful patterns. Take a tour of California cities andl landscape while shopping—see their online photogallery. Price: US$25.99 and $49.99 www.calihandbags.com ► 70 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Vintage 1940’s Modest coverage in stylish fashion reminiscent of the glamorous Solar Tan Thru Trunks 40’s. Princess seams and bust lining. Stripes fashion Got to have a sexy seamless tan? and prints too. Design your own swimwear. Now you can with the body Price: US$96.00. www.bondi-bathers.com Wet or Dry flattering swimwear pro- Sun Soaked duced by Solar Tan for men and women which allows Body Glove Babe Couture the sun to reach those A new crop of smooth and private places. www. sexy bikinis, hip huggers and solartanthru.com shorts for 2006 are availabel from Body Glove Girl. Check out their new ‘smoothies’, paparazzi and coral reef prints. www.bodyglovegirl.com More Combhard Neoprene Jackets French surfer, Thomas Renaud of Biaritz, designed these won- derfully inventive mod looks in neoprene for men and women. Check out the cool 3D interactive Flash anima- tions of these handsome jack- ets. www.combhard.com

Ikanui Aqualeather makes handbags and wal- lets from fish leather. “We transform seafood indus- try waste-streams into glo- bal fashions and accesso- ries.” aqualeather.co.nz

Kobuck Neoprene Jacket Features: 3mm premium RadialFlex™ neoprene windproof detachable hood, handwarmer pocket with two Tie Tracks drains, webbing belt started with with quick release, a few paw heavy duty YKK Men’s Endurance Trunks & prints on a silk tie zippers. Crafted Women’s Sculpture Speedo and grew to over 60 by American Inspired by the little black dress, designs including sea Sportsmen for your Speedo’s elegant little black suit turtles, nautilus and scallop shells, comfort against the 2006 Designer Collections for women is made of soft yet dolphins, crabs and trout on silk ties, tri- unforgiving damp feature dynamic designs such as extra strong fabric made eclu- angular silk shawls, two-sided beaded and cold of the out- this Sunflair suit made of fabric sively for Speedo. Their Endurance silk scarves, cotton gauze scarves and doors. Price: US$109.99 from Italy. Designs for full figure fabric is chlorine and colour resist- aviator silk scarves with fringe. Made in www.dakotaworldout- and mastectomy prosthesis too. ant for extensive use in the dive the USA. www.tietracks.com doors.com www.swimwearboutique.com pool. www.speedo.com 71 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED manufacturer BCD component Text & photos by Andrey Bizyukin, PhD Editted by Peter Symes DIVE SYSTEM of Italy Made to Measure Dive System BCD

Beautifully located on the Dive System is owned and two finally decided to start their colleagues to be testers for the outer abrasion layers. Their coast of the Ligurian Sea, managed by founders Paolo outright production of their own and give feedback on the Pure Kevlar is a very strong drysuits are Zazzeri and Gioia Ancillotti. Both equipment. The year was 1997, prototypes. Their innovations but rigid material that is manufactured to and just opposite Elba Island, have been attracted by the sea and Dive System, the brand, were well received by the diving traditionally used for flak jackets meet and exceed the we find the Italian port of since childhood, so becoming was named. It has been in community, and business just and bulletproof vests. Therefore, highest requirements set forth by Follonica, with its busy side active divers and instructors as manufacture ever since. kept growing. Soon, Zazzeri and the fabrics used in Dive System the skeptical streets, many small seafood adults was hardly a surprising All Zazzeri and Ancillotti’s dive Ancillotti were able to hire their BCD’s and dry suits contains community. The flagship product career move. In fact, Zazzeri, industry colleagues and close first employee. around 25 percent Kevlar of the company’s drysuit line is a restaurants and religious being a regular participant connections, who were also fibers to make the fabric soft thin compressed processions on holidays. in spear fishing (underwater high ranking course directors Strategy: Innovation and pliable enough for these neoprene drysuit Not much, if anything, hunting) competitions, once and such in PADI, TDI, NAUI, SSI, Having studied the products uses while still making the with protective gives away that this port won third place in the Italian PSI and CEDIP, for the most part and quality of their competition, equipment ten times more Kevlar championships. unanimously recommended the it was clear to Zazzeri and resistant to abrasion than covering. town is also the hot spot The pair opened a dive center two to focus on what was then Ancillotti that in order to take equipment made with The for technical diving in Italy. and dive shop that became seen as the future of diving or at scuba equipment manufacture any other material, such Follonica is the home of Dive well known among the least a growth sector—technical to the next level, it was as Cordura, Duratex or city residents. It was diving and equipment made necessary to be innovative Supratex. System, one of the new rising out of the daily work specifically for this field. and come up with original stars in dive manufacturing. at the dive center that ideas as well as employing Drysuits a desire to improve First production the latest technologies in the The top product line of the and make dive The manufacture had its humble manufacturing process. company is the dry suit equipment more beginnings in a small workshop Dive System made contact line, which Dive System comfortable where the pair designed, cut, with the Dupont company and makes for all types grew, until sewed and glued their original started using Kevlar as one of of technical one day, the designs. They then asked the strongest materials available diving.

Dive System worker cuts Co-founder Gioia Ancillotti out pattern pieces for at work at Dive System the semi-drysuit 72 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FOLLONICA manufacturer

Aerial view of the city of Follonica Dive System BCD

material is unique and made to of 1.5 and 3.5 mm in various parts . more order exclusively for Dive System. of the suit. The company has made On the contrary, Zazzeri and highlight One of Dive System’s no compromises when it comes to Ancillotti were intent on thinking from Dive renowned drysuit models quality, and it lends its design ideas to outside the box in this area as well System is the CAVE, made from the recommendations made by some and came up with something novel is the 3.5 mm compressed of the most authoritative participants that would revolutionize the concept wing type neoprene with an of underwater works and experts of semi-dry suits. Again, they applied BCDs for especially strong in long duration and technically a new material—a special soft rubber technical and reliable complex deep-water dives. not unlike neoprene but made for diving. All Kevlar made All Dive system suits come with high pressures. At a depth of 90 their BCDs are specifically for separate boots attached with velcro. meters, the material is compressed by modular with cave diving. The boots have rigid soles and are only 14 percent. the option of , the comfortable when diving with fins or This material is then covered, not exchanging deepest cave walking across a beach with sharp by cheap plush, but by fashionable wings. The diver in the world, rocks. multi-coloured lycra, which is elastic BCD range has dives in such a suit. in all directions. Imagine the classic been one of Another model, the Undergarments lycra suit and think of how flexible it the company’s SOLO, is made in one Dive System is also the maker of is, then add the unique quality seals, biggest commercial and a half millimeter thin undergarments, which are both very some more mobility and comfort successes and have compressed neoprene thick and light at the same time. The and the fact that it is practically been favoured by with Kevlar covering and undergarmenst are made out of incompressible at any depth. Now, beginners, experienced comes with a front zipper three layers with Windex on top. The you’ve got a suit that lasts and lasts. deep divers and cave for the convenience insulation properties of these good- But a good suit is not only about explorers alike. of those who prefer looking garments are the equivalent using quality materials; the product’s The MOD BCD comes with an to be able to zip their of 200 Thinsulate, which means they service life is also defined by the glue universal harness, always with stainless suits themselves. Dive will keep you comfortably warm for that keeps the pieces of materials steel D-rings, detachable pockets and System’s SOLO is a serious hours of diving in water together, and each company has a steel or titanium back plate with alternative to DUI’s suits, of only 5 degrees. their own closely adapter for one cylinder or twin pressing their American guarded tanks. counterparts on both Wetsuits secret when The 3К BCD stands out quality and price. Dive System products are it comes in all its simplicity. It The EXP dry suit line, characterized by the use of the latest to glues, is an European which is also made with technology everywhere. Not even in explains continuation a Kevlar combination, is the manufacturing of the low prestige Zazzeri. of equipment a product line created semi-dry suits have Zazzeri and especially for commercial Ancillotti gone the traditional way. Wing divers and comes with a They didn’t want to be yet another BCDs varied material thickness “boring” manufacturer of anonymous One

Dive System drysuit Dive System BCD New lid fixture 73 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED manufacturer Dive System wings

Dive System regulator

Dive System uses a strong and flexible neoprene-like rubber in their semi-drysuits

manufacatured according to the DIR sport divers want to have and use no time. principle (Doing It Right) favoured by so equipment like the “technicals” or at least Excited, we donned many cave divers. something that resembles the equipment completely new suits and Also worth a mention, is the TEKKY and used by technical divers. went into the water along REC.TEK BCD—modular systems with soft Thus, a new breed of divers appeared the rocky shoreline. The dive harnesses, lots of steel D-rings and the on the scene—“semi technical divers”— took us past a vertical slope and integrated weight pockets. It is possible to the people, which by appearance seem we enjoyed the rich fish life that is use one or two bladder wings made from to be technical divers, but really weren’t. so characteristic of this part of the cordura or kevlar with these BCDs. It became prestigious for the average Mediterranean. All inflators are fitted with a steel cord diver to look like a deep sea explorer. You A school of barracudas swam inside, which considerably increases probably have one or two of your dive close to examine us before two small their durability and reliability. The buddies who belong to this category. sharks frightened them off and they material, volume and colour of the BCDs Especially for these folks, Dive System disappeared into the blue haze. Dive System BCD can be custom made to order in any developed the NET BCD. It is mounted We had a fabulous dive that took combination. with a new Japanese inflator and comes us down to more than 40 meters to The BCD bladders also deserve special with most of the external attributes of the explore a cave. mention. Previously, bladders were technical BCD even though it has really Our impressions? First, we felt very welded from Cordura, so they were been developed and adapted for normal comfortable at any depth in our 5mm resistant to abrasion and couldn’t be non-decompression dives. semi-dry suits and did not feel cold punctured, i.e. by sharp metal objects of even after an hour and a quarter in a wreck. The problem with Cordura is that Testing water of just 13º C. Secondly, the suits it lacks the necessary elasticity for the Every time Zazzeri and Ancillotti design were very close to being neutrally job and would leave at least a liter of air new equipment, they always send it buoyant. Our BCDs allowed us to in a BCD that should be empty. A diver for testing by various dive-centers. The remain motionless in any pose: on the was therefore required to use additional tests are conducted very rigidly, and it is back, on any one side or even upside to compensate for this extra not necessarily done in a season. After down—with absolute ease. We positive buoyancy. testing, the experimental equipment enjoyed both the dive and this new Consequently, a completely new comes back to the company for service, equipment very much. Experience solution was required and a new material study and analysis. All the information says that the two usually go hand in with properties far surpassing the older and experience gathered are then taken hand. ones was developed. All BCD bladders into account and incorporated into from Dive System are now made with this perfecting the design for next season’s Success on the market new material. It is a very dense yet soft testing. Only after thorough testing will Making courageous and innovative and elastic thermoplastic, which cannot any new equipment enter production. decisions has brought the company Deep cave diver, Jim Bowden, uses Dive System be pierced by sharp objects. Needless to say, we did not pass up its well deserved success. Enthusiastic the opportunity to try out Dive System’s responses to Dive System equipment what sets his company apart: Dive System BCD Slaves to fashion equipment in open water when we comes in from everywhere in the world, “We are leading the Italian market Today’s fashion trends in diving seem to were given the offer. A high powered and their popularity seems to be growing in manufacture of technical BCDs and be very much influenced by technical speedboat whisked us over to the island steadily. drysuits from compressed neoprene with diving. The result is that more and more of Elba and the harbour of Porto Azurro in We asked Zazzeri to tell us his opinion of Kevlar covering and semi dry suits with

74 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED DEMA Show 2006 website manufacturer Dive System Lift Bag has now gone LIVE!

Get comprehensive informa- event in the world for companies tion on DEMA’s 2006 show at doing business in the click of a mouse. With a the scuba diving, Elba Island bright, new look, the easy-to- ocean sports and navigate website for DEMA adventure/dive travel industries. Show 2006 has been launched ourselves, so the More than 600 quality of our at www.DEMAShow.com exhibitors from product relies around the world solely upon us. Providing vital information about the and thousands of “In addition, upcoming DEMA Show 2006 taking dive and travel we have place November 8-11, 2006, in Orlando, industry profession- successful Florida, the DEMA Show website is an als are expected designs, patterns invaluable resource for all exhibitors and to gather at this and new attendees. The site currently features year’s show, which will offer the most materials. We everything from show registration guide- extensive educational program in the are constantly underwater equipment. It will be a lines and a downloadable floor plan to industry. experimenting new factory of 4500 square information on sponsorship opportuni- and researching. meters. It will be the ties, access to the Exhibitor Resource Trade only We are future of technical Center and a link to the official web- DEMA Show 2006 is a trade event open confident that diving. site for the Orlando/Orange County only to industry professionals and is we produce For more Convention & Visitors Bureau to help produced by the Diving Equipment & lycra. All these represents original good and really safe equipment for information, visit: exhibitors and attendees plan their trip. Marketing Association (DEMA), and designs, development and patents any diver. However, trading them www.divesystem. managed on its behalf by National by Dive System. In the near future, we should be left only to the experts with com ■ Next Trade Productions, Inc. (NTP). DEMA is plan to expand the assortment and to an understanding of all the subtleties In the coming months, hotel informa- an international organization dedicated increase the volume of manufacture. of diving. tion will be posted to the site and show to the promotion and growth of the Our strengths are having a flexible “In these factors, lies our strength participants will be able to book their recreational scuba diving and snor- manufacture and our quality. The and guarantee of success. Technical rooms online. In additional, informa- keling industry. With more than 1,200 technical diver of today is highly diving is the trend of the time. It is tion on show features like the DEMA members, this non-profit, global organi- individual and every one of them necessary to understand this and to Retailer Resource Center, DEMA Awards zation promotes scuba diving through believes that just his equipment and have a feel for its features and the Party and Silent Auction, a schedule of many initiatives including consumer his dive configuration is unique and essential needs of the market,” said DEMA-sponsored and exhibitor-spon- awareness programs, media cam- correct and that he has unique way Zazzeri. sored seminars and dive training and paigns and sponsorship of the DEMA to do unique diving. Certainly, it is very certification organization presentations Show. difficult to make equipment personal Evolution of technical diving continues. and events will be added to the site. for every such person, but it is possible To meet progress in the field, all Dive The site will continue to be updated More info to try to find common ground and System employees get to work already throughout the year, so check back fre- For more information on DEMA call make equipment that satisfies all these around seven o’clock in the morning. quently for updated information. 858-616-6408 or visit www.dema.org. individual requirements. It is in this place where the best Italian For more information about DEMA “For example, if we are producing equipment for technical diving is born. Media Show 2006 visit: www.demashow.com. a piece of equipment in exactly the Everyday, Dive System becomes more For the media interested in obtain- Companies that would like to exhibit at the right size, in the best quality, with and more popular among technical ing information on the show, all press Show can contact Christine von Steiger at trouble-free serviceability, it must still divers all over the world. The company releases written and distributed on the 1-800-687-7469 x 207 (U.S. only), 703-706-8207 be marketed at a reasonable price. has grown so much that the time show will be posted and archived in or [email protected] The main principle of our company is has come to expand manufacture the online press room. Media wishing To find out about sponsorship opportu- to put all our resources into our own and build a new factory adapted to attend the show will find a printable nities, contact Tom Markusson at 1-800- manufacturing. We do everything for the highest level of technological Media Registration form as well. 687-7469 x 206 (U.S. only), 703-706-8206 or Continuing to be the largest trade [email protected] Co-founder, Paolo Zazzeri 75 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography

Underwater Photography with

HMIText and photos by Michael AWLights

HMI technology is Using two 1200 watts units, he created never not new. Evolved seen before pictures of fluorescent corals, mantas feeding at night at Kona and atmos- in the late 1960s, pheric imagery of the Chandelier cave in a lamp develop- Palau. I was immediately hooked on the er Osram began idea of using a continuous light source that producing HMI illuminates at day light temperature – 5600 Kelvin like that of an underwater strobe or bulbs for the film electronic flash. industry at the request of German Bright television seeking a Watt for watt, Hydragyrum Medium arc - HMI’ lights are two to four times brighter than less expensive alter- their tungsten equivalents. Their application native to incandescent has revolutionized the motion picture pho- lights. Ironically, HMI is tography in films such as the Abyss, Titanic and IMAX production of Volcanoes of the now much more expensive Deep Sea. Since no filament is used, HMI than halogen and tungsten. lights are much more robust and less sensi- HMI lights offer the underwater Though the principle behind the tive to shock and vibration. Generally the photographer another dimension HMI /HID lighting has been known unit uses separate electronic ballast to regu- of underwater lighting to explore late power input and they are the lights of for decades in the movie industry, choice for ROV in deep sea documentary TOP INSET: it was only in 1996 that I first saw productions. Until the last few years, those The greenish glow or florescence them used in underwater pho- used in the movie industry were huge units of these corals is illumated by tographic application by David of 600 watts to 2500 watts requiring surface torches fitted with HMI lights supplied power thus logistics and the cost of Doubilet. rental precluded the use even by profession-

HMI lights can illuminate the natural flourescence of reef corals 76 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography HMI Lights

al underwater photographers. However costs less than USD300, the 24 watt equiva- with the demand of underwater video lent HMI costs in excess of USD 1500. So makers, a few innovative German manu- with prices like these, why bother with HMI? facturers have started to produce units in During the last few years, I have experi- the range of 24w to 100w. mented with the big ‘guy’s 1200w rented from PANAVISION for the 24-hour shoot CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Backlighting soft corals such as this large sea lilly can create otherworldly effects and Somewhat costly in the Maldives, 50w units by Treble-Light capture the ethereal quality and transparency of these wonderful creatures. HMI lighting adds drama and Albeit the extraordinary illumination quality, and most recently the 24w Solaris Pro from mystery, depth and dimension to underwater shots where human beings and marine life interact. Even the the principal draw back of HMI applica- Keldan. Each of them serves the applica- unassuming squid sparkles like a Christmas tree when HMI lighting draws out its natural luminescence tion is its cost. Whereas a 50w halogen light tion, achieving the impressive results.

77 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED HOW TO USE HMI LIGHTS HMI Lights photography 1. For DSLR start with ISO 400 and for Prosumer camera, set to the highest possible. 2. Use S priority and set speed at 1/90 second or higher 3. If your HMI unit offers power setting, use the lower option. 4. Position HMI light in front of lens point- ing downward to subject at 45˚ angle. 5. Start with shooting macro at distant of 30cm, using f16 aperture – bracket up or down for optimum exposure

* to diffuse hotspot, add a 3mm Perspex to the front of HMI/HID light source

THE SOLARIS PRO HMI (BOX) future

Highly recommended and relatively afford- able is the Keldan Solaris Pro. Using metal meets halide high intensity discharge globe, the light produces an excellent light in daylight classic quality with its color temperature of 5500 Kelvin. The rechargeable battery pack is easily removable for recharging and the five stage level indicator gives accurate information on remaining illumination time.

Burning Time LOW/HIGH 80/60 min Advantages of HMI HMI’s seems to have Luminous Flux The main advantage for digital photogra- the ability to “wrap LOW/HIGH 800/1100*) phy is apparent. With SLR camera capa- around” the sub- Beam Divergence 10/60**) degree ble of firing 6 ject, seemingly able Correlated to 9 frames to enhance depth Color temperature 5200 Kelvin per second, and soften shadow. Electrical Power 18/24 watts there are no Powerful units like Battery Type NiMH underwater the 1200w to 2400w Battery Capacity 14.4V/2.7Ah strobes capa- units provide great- Charge Time 3hrs from empty ble of recy- er true-color rendi- Diameter (head) 6.7cm cling to keep tion over a wide Length 19.5cm up with the area, making them Weight (in water) 1.1 (0.5) camera firing HMI captures the irridescence of a delicate squid an ideal illumination speed. Keep- source for filming ing unneces- camera reduces the illumination of unde- wrecks and wide seascapes. These pages sary light out sired back scatter. In this department, a show some examples of my work with HMI between the HMI light source is more forgiving than an lights. See also: www.michaelaw.com ■ Up to new shores! object and the electronic flash. I also find that light from www.seacam.com Sweden • Norway • Denmark • Finland TOP PHOTO: HIMI light seems to wrap around Bäckebolslyckan 18, SE-422 54 Hisings Backa Backlighting with HIMI lights shows off the subject, like this gorgonian, offering anoth- Tel + 46/31/769 09 70, Mob + 46/708/29 33 41 the eerie transparency of soft corals er dimension to underwater shapes and forms e-mail: [email protected] 78 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography 8 Gb U W D V . C O M 2 . 0 Sony debuts news Underwater Digital Video ebration, Layang-Layang 8GB compact (www.uwdv.com) announc- announced the date for its vault drive for es the 2006 re-launch of first International Underwater higher storage their website. The site is the Photography Competition capacity— Photoevent Calendar by Jason Heller first dedicated specifically to celebrate the beauty Adding to its to the mastery of conceptu- and delicacy of its marine removable hard Welcome to another great new X RAY MAG alizing, shooting and editing environment. Photographers disk drive line up for the An ideal companion feature—our Dive Photo & Video Event underwater video. Although will compete from July 25 digital photography to high-end digital cam- Calendar, provided by DivePhotoGuide.com. the site has been around – 31, 2006 in two catego- market, Sony Electronics eras, the new drive’s since April of 2003, they ries: macro and wide-angle. unveiled the Compact 8GB capacity holds up have just given it an over- Renowned photographers, Vault™ 8GB drive. The to 2,560 JPEG images April 1 haul, complete with a com- Takasago, Rod Klein, William new drive is compat- (at 3MB each) or 320 Celebrate The Sea (Singapore) New SWCY munity of visitors who share Tan and Stephen Wong will ible with Compact Flash minutes of MPEG4 video ► www.celebratethesea.com On June 1, URPRO will introduce the new SWCY a common passion for pro- be judging the competition, type II slots and provides and has transfer speeds optical glass underwater filter. This specialty ducing underwater video. and the event is expected a significant increase in of up to 12MB per sec- April 3 URPRO filter is designed for color correction in In conjunction with the to attract participants from 8 data storage over the ond. Price: US$259 out in shallow tropical blue green water using natural resort’s 10th anniversary cel- different countries. ■ current 5GB version. June. www.sony.com ■ Sandisk Red Sea Eilat (Israel) sunlight only. Based upon patented and proven ► www.sandiskredsea.com technologies, the SWCY filter is ideal for ALL still, digital, video and cine imaging systems. (SW = April 21 Shallow Water ~ CY = Tropical blue green waters) Golden Dolphin Il Mare Milano (Italy) ► http://posta.acquariocivico.mi.it Moscow International Diving Festival “Golden Dolphin” photo competi- May 15 tion winners were announced dur- International wildlife & environmental film ing the jam packed dive show (Feb festival -Wildscreen (UK) 15th -18th). The show consisted of a ► www.wildscreen.org film festival, photo competition, and an exposition hall filled with all the new diving goodies, and saw 22,000 were on display for all to see as they May 20 Photo competition winners celebrate at the attendees pass through its halls over walked through the show. A com- Dive-In 2006 Photo Contest (US) Moscow International Diving Festival in Russia the four days. The film festival was a plete listing of the winners is avail- ► www.coralreefalliance.org success, receiving 90 films from 16 able on the festival website: countries. The winning still images www.mosfest.ru Antibes festival officially open to digital format

For several years now, the transferred their digital images to create a sub-category for the Antibes festival has accepted to slides, whereas others directly slide contest. Now, film and dig- the digital format in its colour presented a CD with digital files. ital format will cohabit together and black and white photogra- Of course, the jury had to with no difference. phy contest. For its 33rd edition, judge the works on an equal Thus, in the festival, what the Antibes festival officially footing and the necessary primes (and is prized) is the vision accepts the digital format in its means were given to enable of the photograph. So, film fans slide contest. them to work in the best condi- or digital addicted… just take Officiously, digital images have tions. According to the jury’s your camera! www.underwater- been accepted in the slide con- deliberations of the last edition, festival.com . test for years. Some competitors it seemed it was not necessary X-Ray Mag’s own Yann Saint-Yves at Antibes 2005 is already in full digital outfit 79 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED PADI International Ltd has teamed-up with Canon UK to provide a valuable instructor training pack- photography age of the latest Canon Powershot A540 dig- news ital camera and WP-DC2 underwater housing, rated to 40m depth

PADI International Ltd and Canon UK link up in training partnership

PADI has developed a new also snorkelers, and above all, ful results can be achieved as an all-in-one provider for course—the PADI Digital non-divers, especially non-div- very quickly. Students are its customers. This means that Underwater Photographer ing photo enthusiasts. Douglas provided with an informative participants have access to Specialty course, which in Nash, PADI International Ltd manual together with a white both the training material Europe is to be launched commented, “We will suc- balance slate for use in water. and the camera including by PADI International Ltd. in ceed in reaching completely Practical work on a camera in underwater housing at the partnership with Canon, at new target groups with our the water also guarantees an dive center/resort where the the London International Dive PADI Digital Underwater additional feeling of achieve- course is being held. This in turn Show, April 1-2, 2006. Photographer Specialty. And ment. means that participants can PADI will not only be tar- we are convinced that we will When it comes to the complete the specialty with- geting divers with the new open up new segments.” PADI Digital Underwater out having to use their own PADI Digital Underwater There are two levels to this Photographer Specialty, the equipment. www.padi.com ■ Photographer Specialty but new specialty where success- PADI Dive Centre/Resort acts

World’s BEST SELLER Olympus E-330 UNDERWATER DIGITAL GUIDE The release of the Olympus E330 represents a major landmark in the development of AN ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL for those who wish to digital cameras. The E-330 is the first New capture successful digital pictures underwater camera to feature live previews – now in the new 2nd Edition directly on the LCD. This ground breaking innovation enables Stuff OUT NOW framing of shots without the need to look through the UPDATED viewfinder. To many, this D200 and 5D housings With more ‘How to’ techniques development may sound Nikon’s D200, and Canon’s 5D are two Professional secrets insignificant, but this new feature will allow the pho- of the most popular cameras around tographer to compose pictures with their cameras at at the moment, and it seems like new Recommended Retail US$20.00 arms length, or allow you to use the camera in situations housings are being announced daily! where it is difficult to frame using the viewfinder. Not being www.nikon.com www.canon.com ORDER NOW stuck directly behind your camera can change your shooting Email [email protected] for details style dramatically. By holding your camera at arms length, Subal, Aquatica and Ikelite have all trade enquires welcome: www.michaelaw.com you’ll find you can get closer to marine life recently announced new hous- because your presence and your ings, and there are bound to A well-structured, comprehensive work, lavishly sup- exhalation bubbles will not be be more on the way soon. ported with explanatory diagrams and magnificent as threatening to timid sub- Check out manufacturers images the, Essential Guide To Digital Underwater jects. www.olympus.com ■ websites for more infor- Photography will undoubtedly prove to be as much mation. www.subal.com an educational tool for novices as it will a reference www.aquatica.ca work for those with greater proficiency in underwater www.ikelite.com ■ image making. — “David Strike” Editor NEKTON 80 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photonews

Honorable Mention Wide-Angle Traditional Barakuda by Tibor Dombovari Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea

Our World Underwater film festival Best of Show 1st Place Wide-Angle Traditional winners announced in Chicago Shark in Motion by Christopher Guglielmo February 24-26, 2006— Photographers compet- from all over the world. West Caicos ed in six categories to win more than $25,000 The winning photographers alone spanned Turks & Caicos Islands in prizes, including premium dive travel, under- the globe across 14 countries. X RAY MAG’s water photography equipment, and more. very own Jason Heller from DivePhotoGuide. 1st Place Judges , , Dr. com announced the winners on stage at Macro Traditional Alexander Mustard and Berkley White select- the 2006 Our World-Underwater festival in Seahorse ed the winning images from over 1,000 entries Chicago, Illinois. ■ by Noam Kortler Eilat, Israel

81 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photonews

Honorable Mention Compact Camera Pinjalo and Barracuda by Judy Johnson Honorable Mention, Wide-Angle Unrestricted Walindi Plantation Underwater Forest by Alex Dawson, Sweden Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea

Honorable Mention Wide-Angle Unrestricted 2nd Place Dig In Wide-Angle by Martin Heyn Unrestricted , Honduras Mangrove by Cor Bosman Solomon Islands

82 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photonews

◄ 3rd Place Wide-Angle Traditional Reef Patrol at Sunset by Jose Alejandro Alvarez Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands

▼ 2nd Place Wide-Angle Traditional Island Cruising by Justin Gilligan Cocos (Keeling) Islands

1st Place ► ◄ 1st Place Wide-Angle Macro Unrestricted Unrestricted Open Wide Bat Fishes by Cor Bosman by Tibor Dombovari Solomon Islands Kimbe Bay Papua New Guinea

83 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photonews CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Honorable Mention Macro Unrestricted Juvenile Goby by Karl Dietz Turks & Caicos

3rd Place Macro Traditional Red Eyed by Alessio Viora Lembeh Strait Indonesia

2nd Place Macro Traditional True Frogfish by Ann Worthy Papua New Guinea

Honorable Mention Wide-Angle Unrestricted Tigers & Lemonshark by Alex Dawson Tiger Beach, Bahamas

Honorable Mention Wide-Angle Unrestricted Octopus by Andy Lerner Kona, Hawaii, USA

84 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photonews

3rd Place ► Wide-Angle Unrestricted Below Him by Alessio Viora Papua New Guinea

▼ Honorable Mention Macro Traditional Twins by Matthias Blättler Lembeh Strait

Honorable Mention ► Macro Unrestricted Mr. Mom by Keri Wilk St. Vincent

85 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

The Art of Diving & Adventure popular adventure sports activities in the Underwater World on Earth. Physically demanding and Movies NOW Award winning photographer spiritually addicting, diving enthralls ON DVD media Alexander Mustard joins leading us and has matured over time to author Nick Hanna to produce this become something more meaning- Books Film DVDs CDs stunning book which embraces the ful than just a depth defying sport— Edited by Peter Symes joy of scuba diving and the spiritual it is an art form requiring agility and & Gunild Pak Symes dimensions of being underwater grace: keeping your kit simple, per- and communing with the sea. With fecting buoyancy control, the art of POINT & CLICK over 20 million people qualified fish watching and close encounters ON BOLD LINKS to explore the underwater world, with the creatures of the sea. Scuba diving is one of the most www.theartofdiving.com ■

New Guide by Sport “It is not a coffee table book—instead, it Voyage to the Bottom Diver: World’s Best is a large format book with a strong theme of the Sea on DVD Diving & Resorts Admiral Harriman Nelson (Richard The 2006 edition provides a that explores why we love scuba diving and Basehart) and Capt Lee B. Crane year-round resource for sport the diverse adventures we have underwater.” (David Hedison) take us to the divers and professionals depths of the sea in and amaz- seeking new dive adven- — Dr Alex Mustard ing submarine—the mightiest Cold tures. All the hot spots are War weapon the U.S. has. Directed covered such as Cayman by Jus Addiss, L. Benedek. Black & Ilsand, Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji new White, Closed-captioned, Color, and Curaçao. Divided in DVD Dubbed, Full Screen, Subtitled. 20th to geographic regions, Undersea There’s Century Fox. Released Feb. 2006. the guide offers up-to- nothing like local knowledge 795 minutes. www.amazon.com ■ NEW DVD! date and useful diving and resort to get you the scoop on the The Lost information to help divers make the right choic- best diving in an area. This is Radeau: North es for their dive travel needs. Available on news- no less true for Belize Barrier America’s Oldest stands and in bookstores. www.sportdiver.com ■ Reef where local underwa- Intact Warship ter diver and underwater In Lake George, New York, photographer, Chris Taylor, a unique French and Indian War (1755-1763) shipwreck makes his living. While was discovered at 107ft (33m) by a group of underwa- game many an international ter explorers, the Bateaux Below, using state-of-the-art film-maker has tackled book Klein side scan sonar in 1990. This 57 minute long docu- Finding Nemo, this treasure chest of comming mentary covers the story of the shipwreck and its discov- the Game! underwater wonders, ery. Sunk deliberately in 1758 by British forces to protect Well, they’ve done NASA this DVD highlights the soon from marauding French and Native American allies, the it again... Disney’s remarkable footage compiled by Land Tortoise radeau left behind an intruguing history Pixar Animation local boy, Taylor, over six years during which An Inconvenient Truth and various obstacles for the explorers to conquer in her Studios’ smash hit, he worked on liveaboards on the blue Belizean A timely rallying cry to protect archaeological recovery. The DVD included never before Finding Nemo, now waters. Sharks, rays, turtles and a plethora of the earth we all share, former U.S. seen underwater footage comes in a Ninten- fish are the stars of Taylor’s scriptless docu- VP, Al Gore, and director Davis of the Land Tortoise radeau do DS touch screen mentary, which sports an eclectic soundtrack. Guggenheim tell the tale of the and special animation by game version in Although originally made for Taylor’s baby sister, planet’s warming and climate J.R. Whiesel who wrote the Escape to Big Blue. The Tank Gang—Nemo, Marlin, the video quickly became popular with many change in this compelling film. documentary with Joseph Dory and their briny buddies—have had enough of ocean lovers curious about Belizian reefs. A Gore gives us a glimpse into his W. Zarzynski. To order, visit: aquarium life and are finally ready to make break sequel, Our Backyard, will be realeased later lifelong commitment to revers- www.thelostradeau.com ■ for the deep blue sea. Go on an adventure through this year as well as an educational DVD for ing the effects of global warming. more than 20 mini-games using the Nintendo DS local schools. The price for the current DVD is Guggenheim says Gore lays out microphone and wireless capabilities for multiplayer US$40.00. Undersea Belize is available at gift the facts for us to ponder, while Click to see video mode. For more information on Finding Nemo: Escape shops in Belize City and San Pedro or you can using wit, charm and an engag- clip of trailer ► to Big Blue, or the rest of THQ’s upcoming video game email Taylor at: [email protected] ■ ing style to relay his haunting mes- titles, check out their website: www.thq.com ■ sage. www.amazon.com ■ 86 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Hawaii Text and photos by Barb Roy Escape to Maui, Lanai & Molokai Like most divers who live in the northern parts of the world, I enjoy the occasional getaway to warmer climates, especially during November. To satisfy my tropical needs, I selected Maui, Molokai and Lanai of the Hawaiian Island Archipelago for my escape. Within six hours of leaving the Seattle area, Continental Airlines had me on the gar- den isle of Maui. Not only is Maui Hawaii’s second largest island, it is home to Mount Haleakala, the world’s larg- est dormant volcano with an elevation of 10,020 feet (3054m). I could hardly wait to explore the underwater sites and indulge in some topside activities like kayak- ing, hiking and Luau dinning!

Diver explores Cathedral’s underwater passes. ABOVE: Maui luau dancers 87 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Hawaii

INSET; Luau dancers entertain guests LEFT: Lanai diving RIGHT: View from Maui Hyatt Regency resort

All three islands are part of the Hawaiian Maui Adventure the “Cathedral”. Our group of eight had Mike pointed out the lobster and crabs nacle that pierced the surface. Rolling Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, com- After securing my rental car, I headed two divemaster guides; Mike Jones and hiding beneath ledges and odd look- surface waves cascading over a sheer prised of eight major islands, stretching to Lahaina, on the western side of the Shigeki Ichinose, who not only shared ing sea cucumbers in the sand. Shigeki side was awesome to watch from 60 feet slightly over 2000 miles (3219km) in length. island, to the comfortable confines of the their knowledge of , they brought his group in as we departed, fol- (18m) down. During Mike’s tour we came The group is part of a submerged chain Hyatt Regency resort. A fragrant breeze enlightened us with local cultural stories lowing Mike around to the backside of across pairs of butterfly fish, colorful sea of volcanic mountains located 2,550 with a hint of tropical flowers caressed as they prepared the gear. the cave. While pausing to photograph stars, red pencil urchins and more odd- miles (4014km) southwest of Los Angeles my face as it swirled in from an open Before long Mike had four of us in the a colorful coral head, everyone disap- looking lava structures. Overall, Lanai’s and 23,900 miles (38,463km) southeast of lanai (balcony). Although I scanned water, leading us down to the Cathedral peared within a small passageway, lead- underwater sites were very healthy and Tokyo. Hawaii lies 20 degrees above the the turquoise ocean below for passing entrance at 60 feet (18m). The dark ing back into the cathedral. But Mike topside proved to be a great place to equator, the same latitude as Mexico whales, it was too early in the season. abyss from within seemed to beckon fur- had returned to retrieve me. Once again spend a day exploring, via a passenger City and Calcutta India. Within a few weeks though, over 3000 ther investigation. We slowly entered as a I entered the vast cavernous space ferry from Maui. Polynesian settlement of Hawaii whales will have migrated from the north group. Ancient lava flows created these inside the cathedral, before ascending. occurred over 1000 years ago after cross- to spend their winter around Maui. massive cave-like structures centuries Black Rock ing 4000 miles (6437km) of open ocean ago as several lava tubes entered from Fish Rock The next day I joined dive instructor from the South Pacific. Captain Cook Cathedral different directions. Now, only a hollowed After a tasty BBQ lunch on the boat, Joshua Bischoff from Five Star Scuba for a arrived in 1778 and was later killed on Early the next morning I walked with my out opening remained with a ceiling rid- we were back in the water at another shore dive at “Black Rock” in front of the a return journey. In the 1820’s, Hawaii scuba gear along the ocean-side path dled with holes. of Lanai’s wild sites called “Fish Rock”. Sheraton Maui Hotel and Resort. Visiting became an important whaling station for to meet the crew of Trilogy Excursions I paused on the warm sandy floor, At the surface the water churned and divers can explore this site with a buddy European fisherman, followed by a flood for a day of diving around Lanai. After now at 80 feet (24m), to take it all in. The swirled, but beneath its turmoil surface (on their own) or hire a guide from Five of missionaries. After becoming a USA ter- paperwork at their beachside hut, I area resembled a spacious church with life was plentiful. As with the previous Star Scuba. Five Star’s beachside facility ritory in 1900, Hawaii was adopted in as boarded a huge catamaran, one of dancing beams of light pouring in from dive, visibility was at least 100 feet (30m) also offers complete scuba and snor- the 50th state in 1959. seven boats operated by Trilogy, with above. My companions were equally in with a water temperature of 79 degrees. keling rental sets. several other guests. Within minutes we awe as they swam around me, intertwin- The terrain was mostly made up of fin- Josh and I easily entered through the were underway to a popular site called ing with multitudes of shimmering fish. gering lava rock reefs surrounding a pin- surf (mornings are best) and headed out

88 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Hawaii underwater around the black cliff and outcropping of boulders. The ocean floor was blanketed in creamy white sand. At 30 feet (9m) there weren’t very many reef fish and the coral was sparse. Just as I was wondering if putting a wide angle lens on my camera was a mistake, I turned to find a green sea turtle hovering above me! It was a young female Honu (Hawaiian population), letting my exhala- tion bubbles roll over her ventral (belly) area. I had read about the populations’ fight for survival and their slow come- back over the years, but she looked very healthy. Her body was streamlined and her flippers long and powerful. I could see the green color of her body fat, caused from the algae they eat and that she was not able to retract her head like her terrestrial counterparts. For a while she swam circles around Josh and I until we noticed another green sea turtle sleeping under a ledge. A larger male, maybe 350 pounds (159kg), lay still. These huge reptiles can actually stay submerged for more than two hours at a time. Unfortunately, he seemed to be afflicted with Fibropapilloma, a poten- tially deadly disease causing the growth of large bulbous tumors, mainly on soft tissues. Although it looked awful, the turtle awakened and headed to the sur- face for a breath of air, followed by the female. Josh and I kept our distance and returned to the beach. As we cleaned our gear Josh explained that the turtles are more plenti- ful during early mornings because fewer divers are around. He also added that due to Federal and State laws govern- ing their protection, swimmers and Solidified lava flows form a moonscape coastline on Maui divers are not allowed to ride them or cause undue ing the turtle the one in charge of the and very curious of underwater visitors. tating and a serious concern, will not picked me up and we headed for the stress, mak- encounter at all times. As long as divers and snorkelers keep a drive the honu to extinction. I also discov- Nakalele coastline, Maui’s northernmost respectful distance from the Honu, co- ered Hawaii was not the only location point and the youngest lava flow on the Turtle Love enjoyment of the site is believed possible. dealing with the Fibropapilloma problem: western side. After receiving a narrative It was evident after our Intrigued with these fascinating critters, Florida and parts of the Caribbean face talk on the areas history and a few local dive at Black Rock that I later searched the Internet and found similar maladies. legends, we commenced on a 3-mile the turtles are on the ‘Turtle Trax’ website some informa- The following day I joined up with a hike down an easy path to just above Green Sea Turtle the highlight tion about recent studies where scientists group from Maui Eco-Adventures, for a the water and along the coast in a circu- of this location feel the Fibropapilloma, although debili- hike/kayak combo adventure. Their van lar direction. The black lava didn’t look

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Fire dancer at luau; Tropical flowers in bloom; Walk on the lava coastline; Kayaking with Maui Eco-Adventures

a feast of authen- Diving was arranged through Tim tic Hawaiian food Forsberg, owner of Molokai Dive ‘N Fish, and dance enter- who set up two boat dives and a kayak- tainment. Two of ing excursion for me. Early the following my favorites were morning I met up with one of Tim’s dive- the Old Lahaina masters, Mike Kelly and we boarded their Luau and the 27-foot (8m) boat and headed east on Hyatt’s dinner the south side of the island towards the show, Drums of mountainous area. Mike explained that the Pacific. Both the company supplies all dive gear to were buffet-style visiting divers and is expecting an addi- meals featuring tional 30-foot (9m) boat to provide visit- barren, harsh or desolate, as everyone ride them. an assortment of ing divers other locations to choose from. thought it would. Small patches of green The water was South Pacific cui- It was another beautiful day in para- foliage and colorful flowers added a calm and the sun still sine, compliment- dise as we motored by racing dolphins lively touch to the landscape. Our jour- high as we headed ed with tradi- and scenic countryside vistas. In the dis- ney ended when we arrived at a cliffs down the coast for tional hula dance tance mantas and turtles surfaced for air edge where crashing waves caused two the next protected and stories. and play. The first site was Barnacle Bill’s, different blowholes to erupt with gey- cove. Paul explained named after a huge resident turtle cov- sers of seawater. After finishing a tasty that the turtle popu- Molokai ered in barnacles. lunch, we were off to meet up with Mick lation was slowly making a comeback me we would see more in the cove. Molokai was nothing like I imagined it Visibility was great as Mike and I McAffe and Paul Anka from Kapalua due to the protection status. With sexual Sure enough, there were several turtles would be, based on the island’s adverse entered the clear water and followed Dive Company for the ‘kayak’ portion of maturity occurring between 10-50 years at the surface in the protective cove. historical past. Instead it was a lush green the textured bottom as it gently rolled the tour along the Kapalua coastline. (averaging around 25 years) they need Part of the group opted to snorkel in the tropical island rich in pineapple fields. deeper beyond 100 feet (30m). We lev- The kayaks were the sit-on-top style, every bit of help they can get. cove, hoping a honu would come check One end of the island was almost bar- eled off at 80 feet (24m) and glided with requiring little to no paddling knowledge. A sudden splash between our boats them out, while others decided to climb ren of trees and the other resembles a a gentle current over the coral hillside. Mick gave a short safety talk then led us interrupted our conversation followed by a small cliff for some daring dives into the rain forest covering a mountainous ter- Multitudes of tiny colorful fish bounced down to the beach where we launched the bobbing head of a turtle. Another water. Overall the day was enjoyable rain. Kaunakakai is the main town on the from one coral head to another as if on the boats. Continuing with his speech, larger head popped up. I almost jumped and gave me a chance to see Maui island. After checking into Hotel Molokai, a mission to inspect every inch of coral Mick explained that we may encounter in, but noticed the group had already above the water. I returned to town and found a deli with for tasty morsels. Pairs of angel and but- turtles or dolphins, but not to touch or turned into the cove ahead. Paul assured After each day on Maui. I tried to enjoy espresso and Internet available. terfly fish made great close-up subjects

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for my camera while a variety of coral for- there were multiple dive sites to choose from sion, but quickly became overgrown. As mations blended into splendid wide-angle around Molokai, but they had five favorites we continued on, a massive tangle of trees shots. The highlight of the dive was when in this area alone. They can currently cater and roots lay before us with a shallow nar- a huge spotted eagle ray gracefully lifted to most groups, but with the arrival of their row path just wide enough for our boats. off a sandy section in the reef and swam new 33-foot (10m) boat, they would be able We separated the paddle and used one between Mike and I. For a slight moment it to accommodate another group of ten. end only. Mr. Coconut and I brought up paused for a look before dashing away. I spent the rest of my visit on Molokai the rear. At first the route was easy, but the We went the opposite direction for our doing some kayaking and hiking before forest seemed to swallow us up the deeper second dive and came across a wide sandy returning to Maui for my departing flight. we went. I found using my hands to pull gap between thick surrounding coral beds. Tim arranged the kayak tour for the follow- myself along was easier in the tighter areas. The depth was much shallower, around ing morning. We launched at sunrise from Crackling sounds and odd noises resonated 30 feet (9m). Several large turtles bobbed Kaunakakai Harbor. I was joined by a return- from the thick tangle surrounding us, similar at the surface while others could be seen ing married couple and a guide with two to a rainforest. Rays of light drizzled down sleeping under outcropping ledges. As we of his fishing friends. We kayaked along the like droplets of rain bathing is in a warm rested on the sand, a young male turtle outer perimeter of Molokai’s mini barrier humid swathe. After about two miles we came over to check us out. Similar to the reef. Below us in only a few feet of water exited into a clearing, still within the man- encounter at Black Rock, this turtle was were an assortment of fish, small skates and groves. Unfortunately, Mr. Coconut had intrigued with our bubbles and opted to fol- crabs. Floating coconuts were everywhere. been snagged by a dangling root, because low us as we toured the area. On several I grabbed one up and tossed it into my he was nowhere to be found. occasions the turtle swam between Mike boat, remembering Tom Hanks in Castaway. The space opened to a favorite fishing and I and often hovered above us, watch- Instead of “Wilson”, I dubbed mine “Mr hole for many old local Hawaiians who, ing me photograph other turtles and fish. Coconut”. Half way to the destined man- according to our guide, have been coming Unfortunately the need for air summoned grove forest, we paused for a snorkel break. here and to other secret deep water spots a return to the surface and ended another Our guide informed us that mangrove for prime fishing. excellent day of diving. trees are not common in Hawaii; they were A mild current assisted our return trip, tak- On the way back to town Mike explained purposely planted to prevent shore ero- ing half the time to complete. Mr. Coconut

ABOVE; Sunrise over Maui. INSET LEFT: Kayaking in Molokai. INSET RIGHT: Sea turtles at the surface Diver hovers over a cluster of hard corals on Molokai reef 91 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Hawaii

Lanai dive site Molokai Resort Beach

had found his way safely out. After a when talking to the divers as they exited After Thoughts tasty lunch we headed back to the har- the tank, they were stoked and couldn’t It was not hard to conclude that one bor. I caught a flight back to Maui later wait to do it again! week was just not enough time to do that day. The green sea turtle display was my everything. Maybe during my next trip I last stop, where I discovered a tank full will be able to visit Molokini Crater and Aquarium of young healthy honu. These turtles other popular dive sites like the Pyramids. Whenever possible, I try to include a were part of a hatch-and-release pro- A visit to the Haleakala National Park will visit to any local aquariums or marine gram, to be set free over time to aid in also be on my agenda, for a drive up to science centers during my excursions. population reestablishment efforts. the 1.5 million year old volcano that last Before flying out, I stopped erupted in 1790. by the Maui Ocean Center As for my in-water at the Ma’alaea Harbor attire, a one-piece 5/4/3 Village. The aquarium mm suit with a thin skull- opened in 1998 and offers cap worked best. The over 60 interesting exhibits water temperature was and a Shark Dive in their usually around 78˚F (26˚C) 750,000 gallon (2839m3) at depth and 80˚F (27˚C) Open Ocean Exhibit. near the surface. Topside Certified divers 15 and up weather is fairly consist- are allowed to swim with ent with summer (May to over 20 sharks, stingrays October) temperatures and numerous tropical fish around 85˚F (29˚C) and found around Hawaii. There winter (November-April) is a charge for the dive and around 78˚F (25˚C). reservations are required to For more information participate. about diving, travel and Although I arrived too lodging in Maui, Lanai late for the dive, a group and Molokai, please see of divers were having the the contact list of links time of their life as I walked on the next page. A through the exhibits clear Hui Hou! (Until we meet tunnel. Needless to say, again) ■

Diver explores an underwater cave off the coast of Hawaii Divers enjoy a dive inside the aquarium at Maui Ocean Center 92 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED NI`IHAU KAUA`I HAWAII DIVE TRAVEL INFORMATION: BELOW: Map of the of America. RIGHT: O`AHU ACCOMMODATIONS • Hyatt Regency Maui (Lahaina) 808-661-1234 LANA`I www.maui.hyatt.com WWW.CIA.GOV • The Old Wailuku Inn At Ulupono (Wailuku, Maui) fact file MAUI Hawaii, USA 800-305-4899 www.mauiinn.com • Hotel Molokai (Kamehameha) 808-553-5347 www.hotelmolokai.com • Outrigger Royal Kahana Resort HAWAI`I 800-688-7444 or 808-669-5911 www.outrigger.com or royal-kahana.com

DIVE OPERATORS History The American Revolution in 1776 lowest point. September 11th terror- • Kapalua Dive Company (Lahaina) 808-385-8065 saw the break away of the 13 new world Coastline: 19,924 ist attacks on New York www.kapaluadive.com colonies from Great Britain. Following the km; Terrain: vast and the capital were • Molokai Fish & Dive (Kaunakakai) 808-553-5926 Treaty of Paris in 1783, the rebel colonies central plain, met with a remark- (also offers scuba diving and cultural hikes) were recognized as the new nation of the mountains able resilience of the www.molokaifishanddive.com United States of America. An era of expan- in the West, U.S. economy. Major • 5 Star Scuba has 6 resort locations on Maui sion occurred during the 19th and 20th hills and low mountains in the East; rug- Population 295,734,134; Ethnicity: White shifts in U.S. national resources to the military 808-667-5551 www.5starscuba.com centuries when 37 new states were added ged mountains and broad river valleys in 81.7%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian were instigated with the Iraqi war (March- • Trilogy Excursions 888-225-MAUI to the country, which grew westward Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in and Alaska native 1%, native Hawaiian and April 2003) and the subsequent occupation. www.sailtrilogy.com across the North American continent to the Hawaii; Natural resources: coal, copper, other Pacific islander 0.2% (2003 est.) Long-term issues: insufficient investment in Pacific Ocean. A number of overseas pos- lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, economic infrastructure, huge trade and ADVENTURES & ACTIVITIES sessions were also acquired including the bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, Language English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, budget deficits, rapidly rising medical and • Maui Eco-Adventures (Lahaina) 877-661-7720 Hawaiian Islands, which achieved state- silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, other Indo-European languages 3.8%, Asian pension costs of an aging population and www.ecomaui.com hood in 1959. Two of the most traumatic timber; Natural hazards: tsunamis, volca- and Pacific island 2.7%, other languages stagnation of income of families near the • Maui Ocean Center (Wailuku) 808-270-7000 experiences in U.S. history were the Civil War noes and earthquake activity around the 0.7% (2000 census) poverty line; Agriculture: wheat, corn, other Shark Dive Maui 808-270-7075 (1861-65) and the Great Depression of the Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Gulf of grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, beef, pork, www.mauioceancenter.com 1930s. Victories won in World Wars I and II Mexico and Atlantic coasts; tornadoes in Economy With a per capita GDP of poultry, dairy products, forest products, • Drums of the Pacific Luau (Hyatt Resort in Maui) and the end of the Cold War in 1991 gave the southeast and midwest; California mud US$41,800.00, the U.S. economy is the larg- fish. Industry: The U.S. is a highly diversified, 808-667-4727 the US the momentum to become and slides; forest fires in the West; flooding; per- est and most technologically powerful in technologically advanced leading industrial • Old Lahaina Luau 808-667-1998 remain the world’s most powerful nation mafrost in northern Alaska stunts develop- the world. In this market-oriented economy, world power with industrial development www.oldlahainaluau.com state. The economy is marked by steady ment; Environmental issues: The U.S. is the private individuals and business firms make in petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aero- • Molokai Outdoors 877-553-4477 growth, inflation and low unemployment. largest single contributor of carbon dioxide most of the decisions. For the most part, space, telecommunications, chemicals, (Kayaking, hiking, biking, cultural tours) Rapid advances in technology continue emitted into the atmosphere from the burn- federal and state governments buy needed electronics, food processing, consumer www.molokai-outdoors.com to spur the U.S. economy; Government: ing of fossil fuels; acid rain in the Northeast goods and services in the private market- goods, lumber, mining Constitution-based federal republic with a has resulted from air pollution; agricultural place. American business firms have signifi- VISITOR & TOURISM BUREAUS strong democratic tradition; Dependents: runoff of pesticides and fertilizers contributes cantly greater flexibility than their Japanese Currency US Dollar; Exchange rate: • Maui 800-525-6284 www.visitmaui.com American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, to water pollution; desertification; dry areas and European counterparts in decisions to 1 USD = .83 EUR, .57 GBP, 1.62 SGD, 1.34 AUD • Molokai Visitors Association 800-800-6367 Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, in the West with limited natural fresh water expand capital plant, develop new prod- www.visitmolokai.com Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa resources require careful management ucts and lay off surplus workers. But they Deco Chambers in Hawaii • Lanai 808-565-3240 www.visitlanai.net Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra face higher barriers upon entry into foreign Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island; Climate Most of the U.S. is temper- markets than foreign firms face upon entry 808-523-9155; 808-587-3425; Pearl BOOKS Captial: Washington, DC ate, but there are tropical areas in Hawaii into U.S. markets. The U.S. is a leader in Harbor 808-422-5955; Maui 808-244-9056 • A Pocket Guide to Hawaii’s Underwater Paradise, and Florida, arctic regions in Alaska, semi- technological advances, especially in the DAN Emergency number 919 684 8111 or by John P. Hoover Geography Located in North America, arid parts in the great plains west of the areas of IT/computers, medical, military and 919 684 4DAN (4326) collect consultation • Lonely Planet’s Guide to Hawaii or Maui bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean Mississippi River and arid regions in the aerospace equipment. A “two-tier labor www.diversalertnetwork.org www.lonelyplanet.com and the North Pacific Ocean, between Great Basin of the southwest. In the north- market” with less technologically skilled Canada and Mexico, the U.S. is the world’s west, low winter temperatures are relieved workers at the bottom who receive less and Web Sites TURTLE CONSERVATION third-largest country by size, after Russia and occasionally in January and February by less pay raises, health insurance coverage Hawaii Eco-Tourism • Turtle Trax IF YOU DO NOT SEE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS LIST AND Canada, and by population, after China warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes and benefits, has resulted from the techno- www.hawaiiecotourism.org www.turtles.org WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: and India. Mt. McKinley is the highest point of the Rocky Mountains logical boom. Since 1975, household gains • Earth Trust [email protected] in North America, and Death Valley is the have gone only to the top 20%. The 2001 SOURCE: www.cia.gov www.earthtrust.org

93 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text by Gunild Pak Symes Images by the Delta Club The Child’s Eye CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Thinker by Dmitriy Gritskiy, Underwater photography by children of the Ukraine Delta Club 14, using Zenit camera, Flektogon 20 lens and home- How do you get a bunch of children and teenagers for just this purpose. Members were given the use made housing; Portrait by interested in art and science? Put them in a pool of cameras, lenses, underwater housing and light- Mariya Svidlo, 13, won First ing and the freedom to test their imaginations and Prize at the Tahov Festival in with underwater camera equipment and let them 2005. Used Nikon D70 cam- go wild! That is exactly what a group of progres- creative powers. The results you can see here are era with Seacam housing; sive-thinking and innovative dive instructors did in outstanding works of new and unique underwater Delta club members at the vibrant and dynamic land of the Ukraine. They images of what can only be fascinations sprouting the 2005 World Festival of Underwater Pictures in formed the Delta Club for children ages 5 and up out of young underwater photographers’ minds. Antibes, France 94 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Small Diver by Dasha Guseva, 16, won First Prize in the 2004 Delta Club portfolio World Festival of Underwater Pictures category of Young Underwater Photographers. Used a Zenit camera, Flektogon lens and homemade housing; Portrait by Evgeny Klaptsov, 14, using a Nikon D70 camera and Seacam housing; Couple by Anton Bezruk, 15, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 20 lens and homemade housing; Lonely Wanderer by Nataliya The Delta Club logo was Vasilchenko, 13, using an designed by renowned Olympus camera dive artist Pascal LeCocq

95 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Delta Club portfolio CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Teacher by Nikita Azarenko, 13, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 20 lens and homemade housing; Fly by Nikita Azarenko, 14, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 20 lens and homemade housing; Sea Mouse by Dima Kondrashov, 14, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon lens and homemade housing; Sea Star by Viktoriya Chubakha, 12, using a Nikon D70 camera and Seacam housing

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Moonlit Night by Olga Gritskaya, 8, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 20 lens and homemade housing; Atlantis by Olga Kharlamova, 15, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 20 lens and homemade housing; Spiral by Vladislav Peredera, 15, using a Zenit camera, Gelios 44 and 18 lenses and homemade hous- ing; Delta Club members at work in the pool; Untitled by Olga Kharlamova, 14, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 35 lens and homemade housing

97 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Delta Club

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Lemon and Guest by Georgiy Strelkov, 13, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 35 lens and homemade housing; Clown by Mariya Svidlo, 13, using a Nikon D70 camera and Seacam housing; Untitled by Pavel Boiko, 15, using a Zenit camera, Flektogon 35 lens and home- made housing; Turtles by Nikita Azarenko, 13, using a Zenit camera, Gelios 44 lens and homemade housing 98 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Delta Club Ivan Muratov,10, was the winner of the 2005 World Festival of Underwater Pictures First Prize in the category of Young Underwater Photographers for his image (right) entitled, Small Boat. He used a Nikon D70 cam- era and Seacam housing to create the image And the winner is...

The Delta Children’s Club of Underwater Photography and Diving of the Kharkov (Ukraine) regional Palace of Children and Youth Activities was founded more than 25 years ago. The club specializes in sport underwater photography, underwater photo-hunting with a cam- era, fine art underwater photography and training of underwater swimmers by the CMAS system. The total number of members is more than 80 children ages 5½ to 18 years old. Since 1995, many members of the Delta Club have won various championships in the Ukraine in the catagory of sporting underwater pho- tography by youths and juniors. The Delta Club mem- bers are also participants and winners of the largest international festivals and competitions of underwater images in Tahov, Czech Republic; Antibes, France; Donetsk, Ukraine; and , Turkey.

Guidance Vladimir Kushnir is the director of the Delta Club. He is a winner and gold medalist of many underwater photography competitions, a participant in world championships, a CMAS** instructor, a photo-instructor at the CMAS II level and a CMAS trainer-instructor in children’s diving. Kushnir created the training program for young underwater photographers and divers. He is

99 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Members of the Delta Club portfolio Delta Club IN OUR NEXT ISSUE “The most came to me in the pool. In the autumn, I exciting part gathered a lot of maple leaves and want- Diving in Patagonia of the process ed to take a picture of an autumn under- of underwater water bouquet. One leaf sailed away The Maldives photography from the bouquet during the shoot. It was is to obtain the a lonely leaf, but the best one. I decided Grenada printed result. to take a separately picture of it.” Ideas come Alena Manets (14) said, “Underwater Canary Islands during viewing photography is unusually extraordinary! TV programs, Not always does one succeed at taking a magazines... picture as planned, but there are a lot of Sometimes the ideas. Sometimes amusing stories happen ideas are even during the photography sessions in the given birth in pool. Recently, during a photo shoot of an sleep. With object, a lot of beads came unstuck from Small Diver. I it, and we had to gather them from the a doctor of science with a PhD in experi- really wanted to photograph a cheerful bottom of the pool. It was hard work! In mental physics. and dynamic picture. I decided that my my picture, Still Life, one can see the top Nikolay Silkin is an instructor with the young cheerful friend, Timka, would be of an amphora. There is a small spiny lob- M. MAMMANE Delta Club. He holds a graduate degree my model. I wanted to create an image ster on the amphora. This idea came to

in engineering and design. He is also an where a small child appeared like a frog. me when I went to a lecture on archaeol- M. MAMMANE instructor of underwater sport. He devel- It was rather difficult to make a photo, ogy. To see the image, one should turn oped the original technique in the area because my model was only two years the photo upside-down. We called such of design of underwater equipment and old, and he was not able to stay too long images, ‘perevertysh’. It was difficult to underwater photographing technique. He underwater. The photo shoot was carried make the photo, because I tried to hide also developed the “underwater-techni- out in a pool. At this time, the well-known the pool’s bricks using the bubbles of air. I cal training” programs for the club. photographer, Todd Essick, arrived in our had to adjust the quantity of bubbles. But Tatyana Azarenko is the teacher of country and visited our club. Some photos in the final version of the image, there are the first category of students. She is an were made together with him.” no bubbles.” This image took part in the instructor of medical physical culture and Natalia Vasilchenko (13) who made the 2005 World Festival of Underwater Pictures a sport master. Since 1995, she has been image entitled, Lonely wanderer, said that in Antibes, France. ■ the children’s medical aide, instructor of the image represents a maple-leaf wan- the teaching of swimming for pectoral dering on a children in the program, “Float early, then blue ocean. walk”, and a CMAS* swimmer. Since 2000, “It is quite she has been the leader of the club’s lonely, but its basic training group. Azarenko developed twin brother is the training program for young underwa- always near ter photographers and divers. him. Its broth- er is a reflec- What The Children Say... tion, which is Darya Guseva (16) who won First Prize in never sepa- the category Young Photographers at the rated from M. MAMMANE 31st World Festival of Underwater Pictures the wander- in Antibes, France, 2004, said: er. This idea COMING IN JUNE CLOCKWISE: Instructors work with students in the Delta Club; Instructor Nikolay Silkin assists a club member at Subscribe now FREE! TOP: Etude by Olga Kharlamova, 14, using a the pool; Two more members at work; Volodimir Kushnir Zenit camera, Flektogon 35 lens and home- and Tatyana Azarenko are also courageous and nurtur- www.xray-mag.com made housing. BOTTOM: Still Life by Olena ing instructors who head the Delta club with Silkin and Manets, 12, using a Nikon D70 camera and bring the young photographers to the World Festival of Seacam housing Underwater Pictures in Antibes, France

100 X-RAY MAG : 10 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED