North America Newfoundland Egypt Yolanda Wreck GLOBAL EDITION August - September Ireland 2005 Number #6 Connemara Raja Ampat Discovery Profile Glowing Jellyfish Portfolio Alex Mustard 1COVERX-RAY PHOTO MAG BY : 6DEB : 200 FUGITT5 DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by AquaScope Copenhagen, Denmark - www.aquascope.biz www.xray-mag.com

PUBLISHER CO- EDITORS Schools of anchovies and silversides. Raja Ampat, Indonesia & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrey Bizyukin - Caving, Peter Symes Equipment, Medicine [email protected] Michael Arvedlund - Ecology contents MANAGING EDITOR Dan Beecham - Photography & ART DIRECTOR Michel Tagliati - Videography, Gunild Pak Symes , Medicine [email protected] Leigh Cunningham ADVERTISING - The Americas + Asia-Pacific: Edwin Marcow Claude Jewell, USA - Sharks, Adventures International sales manager [email protected] REGULAR WRITERS Europe + Africa: John Collins - Ireland Michael Bremmer, UK Nonoy Tan - The [email protected] Amos Nachoum - CA, USA South East Asia: Robert Aston - CA, USA Catherine GS Lim, Singapore Bill Becher - CA, USA [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Internet-advertising: Deb Fugitt, USA Mark Andrews [email protected] Michael Arvelund, PhD Michael Aw SENIOR EDITOR Andrey Byzuikin, PhD Michael Symes [email protected] Dan Beecham Leigh Cunningham TECHNICAL MANAGER Lanna Cheng, PhD Søren Reinke Sylvia Earle, PhD [email protected] Deb Fugitt DEB FUGITT CORRESPONDENTS Jerome Hingrat John Collins - Ireland Edwin Marcow Yann Saint-Yves - France Svetlana Murashkina, PhD 13 19 28 43 50 plus... Jordi Chias - Spain Alex Mustard, PhD REPORT: CELEBRATE NEWFOUNDLAND RAJA AMPAT LIVEABOARD MASTERS OF NAVIGATION YOLANDA WRECK EDITORIAL 3 Enrico Cappeletti - Italy Debbie & Rick Stanley THE SEA FESTIVAL 2005 DISCOVER THE CHARM INDONESIA CORAL FISH LARVAE WHERE DID SHE GO? Gary Myors - Tasmania NEWS 5 Gunild Pak Symes BY MICHAEL AW BY ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD BY DEB FUGITT BY MICHAEL ARVELUND, PHD BY MARK ANDREWS Marcelo Mammana - Argentina EQUIPMENT 44 Michael Symes Svetlana Murashkina - Russia Peter Symes SHARK TALES 74 Tomas Knutsson - Iceland BOOKS 76 Jeff Dudas - CA, USA Benjamin Victor, PhD 55 63 65 78 CLASSIFIED 87 Barb Roy - WA, USA Ingo Vollmer MARINE INSECTS GLOWING JELLYFISH DIVING REBREATHERS IRELAND’S CONNEMARA WALKING ON WATER NEW DISCOVERY WHAT IS IT LIKE? DIVING THE LOUGHS PORTFOLIO 89 Further info on the Contacts page of our website: www.xray-mag.com BY MICHAEL SYMES BY MICHAEL SYMES BY PETER SYMES BY JEROME HINGRAT Dr Alex Mustard Poetry in Motion

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46 61 70 74 81 COVER PHOTO MANUFACTURER: CRESSI-SUB TECHNICAL MATTERS: DIGITAL UWPHOTOGRAPHY: SHARK TALES: PROFILE: HER DEEPNESS Two different of fusiliers at Mios Kon BY ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD & TABLES & COMPUTERS CAMERAS & HOUSINGS REPAYING THE DEBT DR SYLVIA EARLE Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Photo by Deb Fugitt SVETLANA MURASHKINA, PHD BY LEIGH CUNNINGHAM BY DAN BEECHAM BY EDWIN MARCOW BY PETER SYMES

2 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 Amsterdam Barcelona Cape Town Chicago Copenhagen London Moscow Okinawa Oslo Paris Ravenna Reykjavik San Francisco Sharm El Shiekh Warsaw editorial I love tuna Tunaholics embrace

Ah, summer! I don’t know about the rest of you, but after a long dark and damp winter at our 55º41’north lati- tude, summer is like a feast. Exams are over, projects concluded and contracts signed. We all want to head Nicoise. For out into the countryside, the sooner the uniniti- the better, to be with our families and ated, it is a tuna you enjoy the long days and romantic salad with green lettuce, hard boiled can find, white nights. It is also the time for “sum- eggs, olives, feta cheese and a lot of and it could probably save society a mer foods”, lighter courses based on other good stuff—very tasty and very helluva lot of problems with cardio-vas- the fresh produce from the kitchen healthy like other tuna dishes are. cular disease if we all ate more tuna gardens—a much welcomed change It is also an almost perfect food. It is instead of beef. Great stuff, so is there of menu from all the old stale imported inexpensive, easy to prepare and the a problem here, Officer? Eat more of it, stuff we get in the winter. source of many important nutrients. right? One of my favourite meals is Salade Tuna is high in protein and low in fat, meaning that you can Wrong. Yes, there is a problem. snack on a can of tuna Tuna is being hunted and fished to throughout the day with- extinction. And one of the root causes out having to worry about is our little innocent daily routine of adding excess pounds. It is picking up yet another can of tuna off low in sodium but contains the shelf in the supermarket. the essential omega-3 oils We are emptying the oceans and plus lots of iron and taurine, the populations of big species are col- which promotes decom- lapsing at an alarming rate. Ninety per- position of cholesterol in cent of the big fish are now gone. At the liver. It is also a good this very moment, fleets of fishing vessels source of Vitamin B12, are still out there combing the ocean phosphorus, niacin, sele- with huge trawlers for the remains of a nium and what not. steadily dwindling resource just to sat- Tuna is one of the tasti- isfy my taste for this fine fish. est, most nutritious meals So the sad conclusion, it seems, is

Adrian’s gourmet kitchen www.adriansgourmetkitchen.com

3 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Chargrilled Tuna with Chilli Oil: The tuna is marinated in lemon juice, fresh thyme and olive oil, then given a fierce editorial brief searing in a cast iron ridged griddle pan. This lends some great flavour to the outside, that I will have to be weaned leaving the inside just cooked from my culinary addictions. No —exactly as tuna should be. more sushi on Saturday nights It’s then served on a bed either. Tunaholics Anonymous, here of rocket with oven-dried I come. cherry tomatoes and driz- History seems to repeat itself. When zled with a mild chilli I was a kid, cod was a regular course oil dressing. at the dinner table. Cod was cheap and plentiful in those days. Not any more. Not that I really miss eating cod all that a steadily faster growing population. much—every other mouthful was so full Until now, improvements in technology of small bones that my palate felt like a have, fortunately, enabled food produc- cient way of utilising our food calories. pin cushion afterwards, but that is beside tion to keep up with the growth in global But we all know that this not going to the point. population. Sure, people in the third happen. Cod was an important species for world are still starving and malnourished, Ecology is about economy too, both everyday consumption and of signifi- but that is a distribution issue. Overall, in a literal sense and in regard to how cant economic importance. Now, it is there is enough food to go around. the dynamics work. Our ecosystems, and an expensive luxury and a rare sight on However, as the Millennium Assessment consequently our food production, are dives. Cod stocks collapsed with dire in all practical senses ultimately based consequences for both economies and But what about specicide? on photosynthesis wherein solar energy ecosystems in some countries, and the Putting a whole species out of is used to build biomass, which are then population won’t just bounce back passed in a pyramid-like structure with because we stopped fishing them. existence is, more or less it seems, fish at the apex. And there are, obvi- Meanwhile, something else took their just considered a casualty, however ously, limits to how much this system can place in the ecosystem. produce in a sustainable way. We seem so eager to put war crimi- regrettable, of the economic compe- Modern open seas aquaculture, nals on trial for genocide, but what tition between nations who can’t or where tuna and other important species about specicide? Putting a whole spe- are cultivated, could perhaps hold the cies out of existence is, more or less it won’t restrict and effectively answer and alleviate the on seems, just considered a casualty, how- police their fisheries. natural populations. Aquaculture is, how- ever regrettable, of the economic com- ever, fraught with its own difficulties—it petition between nations who can’t or is tricky and, financially, a high risk and won’t restrict and effectively police their clearly stated, the global ecological sys- often quite polluting, but the technology fisheries. Nobody is held responsible. We tem upon which everything else we rely has come a long way recently. even use tuna for pet food. on rests, is starting to buckle and squeak We consumers have been so wor- It was as long ago as 1798 when in every corner. ried about the dolphin by-catch in tuna the economist, Thomas Maltus, wrote So what is the answer here? Forget fisheries and have demanded “dolphin- his famous Essay on the Principle of tuna and revert to eating turnips and free” tuna, but now perhaps it is the time Population in which he stated that popu- potatoes? Skipping a level in the food to reconsider our incessant consumption lations grow geometrically while food chain by eating vegetables ourselves of wild tuna overall before they are all supplies only increase arithmetically. In rather than feeding them to our live- completely gone. Cut back or demand other words, we can’t keep up feeding stock would indeed be a far more effi- reared ones instead ■

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4 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Spiegel Grove arrives off Key Largo. Photo courtesy of Keys Tourist got your sea legs Development Council Now, how is

News edited that poible? by Peter Symes NEWS Date Sunk Ship Length June 10, 2002 510 feet / 155m Location Ship Type Education Foundation, it is also home to 6 Miles off Key U.S. Navy Landing at least 166 different fish species. Largo, Florida Ship Dock Maximum Depth Commissioned Delight 130 feet / 40m 1956 The diving community was enthusias- MinimumDepth Decommissioned tic and delighted as the news spread (before it was 1989 quickly through the Florida Keys’ sport uprighted) dive industry. “I’m flabbergasted,” 45 feet / 14m Rob Bleser, volunteer project director, according to various newspaper sourc- Achival photo of the USS Spiegel Grove, courtesy of Florida Keys Tourist Development Council es, after a dive on the newly oriented Spiegel Grove. “Nature took its course and put it where it belongs. This will mean a whole new dive for those that have dove it before. Its highest point is now 60 feet down. However, at least one federal official Oops-a-daisy was less enthusiastic about it. “It’s bad news from my perspective as a resource manager that it moved,” said Billy Hurricane Dennis puts tilted Causey, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent. “We have to figure out why.” Spiegel Grove wreck upright Matt Strahan, meteorologist in charge The former USS Spiegel Grove, Grove has been resting on its side since it at the National Weather Service Office in Key West, said waves at the wrecksite an off Key West prematurely sank and rolled over leaving its upside-down bow protruding from the were as high as 20 feet, when Dennis was and one of Florida’s best known water. A salvage team then managed to southeast of and that waves of When the Spiegel Grove was sunk it came the forward deck of the Spiegel Grove June wrecks, suddenly flipped upright rotate and fully sink the retired Landing that height in close proximity to the reef to rest on its side rather than sit on the keel 26, 2002. Photo by courtesy of as planned. Diver Paul Caputo swims near Florida Keys Tourist Development Council. after the core of hurricane Ship Dock three weeks later but it came can produce unusually strong currents to rest on its starboard side rather than with tremendous . Dennis passed well over 200 on its keep. miles (320km) to the west. Nonetheless, the 510 feet (155m) long As of this goes to press, sanctuary officials wreck soon became one of the most have temporarily closed the wreck site Mother nature has then set right what popular artificial wrecks in the Florida to sport divers to analyze its stability and the project organizers behind her sinking Keys, and there have been an estimated replace lost mooring buoys. Further info in 2002 originally wanted, which is hav- 75,000 sport dives on it since. According on this link: www.fla-keys.com/spiegel- ing it sitting right on its keel. The Spiegel to Lad Akins of the Reef Environmental grove/index.htm ■

5 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Three sets of depth records Edited by First, South African Gomes plunged to a record 318 m Peter Symes & Michael Symes utilized a team of nine support infrastructure and medical sup- Previous dives divers and 21 bags of dive equip- port, reported the diving website. In July last year, Gomes had ment including 320m shot line Gomes undertook his last accli- planned to make his first 16- weighing a hefty 56kg, a decom- matisation dive on June 6 at a minute descent to 320m. Despite pression tree, and four massive depth of 150m before attempting being “under” for 11 hours to buoys to support all staged cylin- the main dive. Bad weather con- account for stops, der and depth tags. ditions — strong winds in particu- Gomes had to abandon his mis- Gomes descended to the lar — deterred the four-star CMAS sion at 271m due to technical record depth in less than 20 min- diver from attempting the dive on problems, reported the diving utes but needed 12 hours to resur- Thursday, said Setzkorn. website. face after a series of required In order for Friday’s dive to It is not the first time that the decompression stops. qualify as a new world record, technical diver has been named The record dive was the end Gomes had to remain underwa- as the record holder for the South African engineer result of months of mental prepa- ter for 12 hours and only resur- world’s deepest scuba dive. still holds the rations and physical training faced at about 18:00 on Friday. According to a report in Beeld, Deep Wreck Dive Record record for the deepest dive for the civil engineer. Last year The new record must still be Gomes holds the record for the in a freshwater cave. In Gomes had dived to 271m but verified. If deemed legitimate, the deepest dive above sea level A nine-man technical diver team has set a new deep 1996, Gomes descended to suffered equipment failure. “That 318.25m will replace Mary Ellyatt’s — a depth of 282.6m — in the wreck world record of 193 meters (633 282 in Boesmansgat, in the was a close call. As Nuno Gomes world record of 313m in Bushmansgat sinkhole in the feet). Northern Cape, South Africa said at the time: ‘It’s no joke run- on December 18 2003. This dive Northern Cape in 1996. Lead diver Rob Lalumiere reached the deck of the ning out of air at 280m’. was an improvement on the late It is still the deepest recorded USS Cooper seven minutes after starting his descent, Technical diver Nuno Gomes, It certainly took all the experi- ’s dive of 301m in cave dive, but almost ended in and placed a memorial plaque on the shipwreck to 52, broke the world scuba deep ence of the team to get Nuno 2001. tragedy when Gomes nearly got honour the 191 officers and crew who went down with the ship when it was torpedoed by the Japanese dur- diving record, on Friday June 13. out of the water safely.” Dr Gareth J Lowndes of the Wits stuck at the bottom. Gomes is to ing the Battle of Ormoc Bay on December 3, 1944. in the Red Sea, Egypt when he The Red Sea was the ideal Underwater Club said Gomes did return home on Wednesday June Over five hours later, as Lalumiere was completing his plunged to a depth of 318.25m. venue for the dive because of its not require any decompression 15. ■ last required decompression stop at a depth of three The run time of Gomes’ dive tepid water, outstanding visibility treatment following the dive and meters, surviving USS Cooper crew 81-year-old Hank was 12 hours and 20 minutes and and availability of hyperbaric the team were in high spirits. Wagener asked to be taken from the surface support vessel to the top of the descent line which was con- nected to the ship he served aboard 60 years ago. Hank Wagener was in the water for 16 hours before he was picked up by PBY Catalina flying boats that dodged heavy fire to rescue 168 men. Lalumiere stated that the true significance of the Then, Frenchman THE USS ALLEN M. SUMNER OFFICIAL HOMEPAGE. WWW.DD-692.COM depth of the dive is not the record but Pascal Bernabe the fact that we are gradually expanding the envelope so that went on to claim research and wreck divers throughout the 330m

world scuba diving PHOTO: WWW.RALFTECH.COM community can safe- Just weeks after Nuno Gomes reached at a cost of 529 minutes decompression. strong dive team and 12 support divers. The ly explore sites that have always been 318m, French technical diver, Pascal The dive was the 41-year-old’s fifth attempt experienced deep diver completed the considered too deep Bernabe, was reported to have set yet at breaking the open circuit dive on , carrying seven cylinders – 20 even for the most another deep diving record at this time at record, which he spent three years prepar- cylinders were also placed on three decom- proficient technical 330m. This record was set in Corsica, with a ing for. Dive manufacturer Ralf Tech spon- pression lines. www.ralftech.com ■ divers. ■ descent time of less than ten minutes and sored the event, which involved a thirty-

6 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED whales & dolphins New Dolphin Species

examining the skulls and external live in shallow coastal waters in Researchers in have ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD MICHAEL SYMES PETER SYMES measurements of both species, Australia and are generally shy of discovered a new dolphin spe- as well as observations at sea of boats. They appear to be restrict- cies. The Irrawaddy dolphin is an the dolphins in seven countries. ed to Australian, and possibly unusual dolphin that has been DNA studies, too, show that there Papua New Guinea waters. recorded in the coastal waters are clear differences between The new Australian dolphin is Edited by and major rivers of Asia and in However, the Australian Snubfin the two populations that had not named after researcher, George Peter Symes northern Australia. Until recently it Dolphin has now been found to been previously recognised. Heinsohn, giving it the scientific was believed that only one spe- be a different species. Australian Snubfin Dolphins name of Orcaella heinsohni. ■ MICHAEL ARVELUND, PHD SVETLANA MURASHKINA, PHD EDWIN MARCOW cies occurred in these countries. The discovery was made after

Solar activity a factor in whale strandings?

Scientists at the University sun cycles were below average ing a migratory path from the LEIGH CUNNINGHAM MICHAEL AW GUNILD PAK SYMES of Keil think that surges of in duration i.e. when there was a Norwegian Sea, could become high solar energy output. disorientated by minor changes Meet the people solar activity may cause in the geomagnetic field as they who bring you the stories whales to run aground, Magnetic sense? enter the shallow-shelf North possibly by disrupting It is thought that whales may Sea. Soft sediments on a con- their internal compasses. have a magnetic sense of ori- tourless seabed may cause a entation like pigeons, which are disfunction in their deep-water Sightings of sperm whales found thought to navigate using small and other adaptations to Brain development of dolphins beached in the North Sea magnetic crystals on their beaks. their normal habitat. between 1712 and 2003 were The male sperm whales, follow- Previous studies have also sug- not dependent on sleep compared with observations of gested that powerful marine Support your magazine sunspots, an indicator of solar sonar could be to blame for Is is believed that sleep is criti- no safe places where an radiation. It was found that more whale strandings by disrupting cal to the early development could curl up and rest and not BUY AN AD whale strandings occurred when the whales’ sense of direction of mammals. Most of the mam- worry about their predators. Apart the sun’s activity was high. and depth. mals so far studied only gradually from helping to ensure thier surviv- The cycles of sun activity In 2003, autopsies carried out decrease their sleep requirements al, not sleeping also keeps them range from eight to 17 years, on whales that beached in the as they grow. Sleep is thus an active and responsive, allowing with 11 years being the average. Canary Islands a few hours after important component of the lives them to breathe at the Short cycles are linked with peri- a naval task force passed by, of newborn babies, who in their surface and help them to grow ods of high energy output, while found that the whales had suf- first month are known to sleep for more rapidly. NONOY TAN ALEX MUSTARD, PHD JOHN COLLINS long cycles are low energy. fered a terminal attack of the over 18 hours. These mammals have found a These changes in levels of solar “bends”. Dissection showed However, it is different with way to cope with sleep depriva- radiation have a big effect on that the livers and other inter- some of the mammals living in tion, facilitating rather than hin- Earth’s magnetic field. In fact, nal organs of the whales were the sea. It has been reported in dering a crucial phase of devel- big solar flares can disrupt tel- filled with gas bubbles, and that Nature that newborn bottlenose opment for their offspring, raising ecommunications and power smaller blood vessels had been dolphins and killer whales are the question of whether humans lines, and knock out delicate destroyed. awake most of the time in their and other mammals have electronic circuitry on satellites. The injuries were consistent first month. Their mothers manage untapped physiological potential MICHEL TAGLIATI DEB FUGITT DAN BEECHAM It was found that of the 97 with . with practically no sleep at all. for coping without sleep. ■ stranding events reported This is perhaps because there are around the coastal countries of For futher details, see the Journal the North Sea over the 291 years, of Sea Research, published by 90 per cent occurred when the Elsevier. ■

CLAUDE JEWELL SØREN RINKE KAI GARSEG 7 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED of sloughed-off skin from which the ������������������� whale’s genetic code could be used to determine its age. Previous methods involved analysing the layers of wax inside the whale’s ������������������������������� ear canal, which could be obtained ������������ only when the were killed. ������������������������������ ���������������� Japan says it needs to slaughter �� � ������� whales to understand their life cycles ���������������� and diets, and to examine skeletons ������������������� and blubber to determine if they are ��������������������� exposed to pollutants. Japanese whal- ����������� ers are saying they need to kill whales in order to determine their ages, but ������������������ there is absolutely no scientifically New DNA method credible reason for killing whales at ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� the moment, and this final excuse for to estimate the age the need to establish the age of the whales will basically be removed as of whales well.

Researchers will spend the Researchers in Australia are develop- Sponge-wearing dolphins may be sharing culture next three years working ing the first non-invasive and non- on the $300,000 ageing lethal method of determining the age When marine biologists first of culture. It is believed that sponges. However, the animals project. A wide range of of humpback whales. The method, spotted bottlenose dolphins off the dolphins wear the sponges that used sponges could be skin samples already in which relies on analysis of collected the coast of Australia, wearing while foraging for small fish, born with a gene that created the centre will allow a skin samples, undermines one of sea sponges on their snouts, crustaceans and other food an instinct for that behaviour. start to be made estab- Japan’s declared reasons for killing they were mys- along channels in the sea floor The researchers therefore ana- lishing the technique, the mammals. tified. An inter- to protect themselves against lyzed DNA samples from 185 with the details of the The research focuses on using a national team sharp coral and stinging stone- dolphins, including 13 sponge technique being refined new molecular technique to deter- of researchers fish. It is a trick that appears to users. They found that while all over the next couple of mine the age of humpback whales has now pro- be almost exclusively passed sponge users were related, the years. A database will eventu- by looking at the DNA present in skin duced evi- from mothers to daughters. pattern of sponge use among ally be created, detailing the whales’ samples. When the whales move dence that this An environmental cause them was not consistent with ages and habits. ■ around they leave behind pieces behaviour rep- was ruled out, as other animals any of 10 possible genetic ex- resents a form in the same area never used planations. ■

Movements of deep-diving dolphins traced Bermuda dolphin travels followed via GPS, Internet Three wild dolphins living in the by global geographic satellite ments appear to be meander- Atlantic Ocean off the coast of relay technology and posted ings around the island, two of Bermuda are surprising scientists daily on the research Web site at them have surprisingly gone on a in San Diego and a worldwide www.dolphinquest.org. week-long journey to nearly 200 audience following the dolphins’ Time-depth recorders measure kilometers northeast of Bermuda. daily swims and dives via the and report the dolphins’ diving Previous studies of wild dolphins Internet. behavior. Preliminary data show focused on shallow water, near- The three wild dolphins were the female of the three diving to shore populations. The Bermuda caught, fitted with satellite tags depths exceeding 600 meters, by dolphin study is showing that and released by researchers far the deepest dives recorded some groups of dolphins are studying the offshore dolphin for the species. And while much extraordinarily deep divers. ■ group. Their travels are tracked of the dolphins’ daily move- Click here to launch the Bermuda Dolphin Tracking Project Slide Show. GPS Satelitte. Image courtesy of Souhern California Earthquake Center, www.scec.org 8 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Edited by New Photo Competition in Venice, Italy Peter Symes & We, the organisers, believe that Marco Pinna, President of National tails served from 6pm and dinner Michael Symes the art of photography, poetry, Geographic Italy, to our very own to complete the evening. rhythm, and composition will find Associate editor Edwin Marcow, A luxury catalogue book, to mark Venice the perfect venue to would judge submissions. the award ceremony will be print- express every culture and nation- Closing Date for Submissions ed. All winning prints will be exhib- ality. is Aug 31. Report Cards and ited in the VIPC World Show Tour There are 11 themes but we Notification: Sept. 7.Award 05/06. Venice, Alexandria, Cairo SOURCE: ALON BODNER / WWW.ISRACAST.COM want a large portfolio of nature Ceremony: Oct. 1-2 [to be confirmed] Los Angeles, Las - wildlife images submitted. A pres- The award ceremony will be held Vegas. ■ www.vipc.it tigious panel of judges from Mr in a Venetian palace with cock- New dive show in Artificial finally here? The 1st annual Hawaii Ocean Sports Expo Feb. 4-6, 2006 at the Hawaii Convention Center will bring together top exhibitors, attractions and New device for divers attendees from around the world. With the Israeli Invention Enables Diving Without Oxygen Tank anticipated support and sponsorship of lead- ing industry brands a 30,000 gallon pool for Israeli inventor Alon Bodner has be carried by a diver, and much In the new invention this is done free introductory dive and lessons and found a way to use the small more than can be supplied by a by using a rapidly rotating centri- fashion show this consumer based tradeshow amounts of air dissolved in sea fish. In order to breathe, fish use fuge contained in a lightweight is set out to become a success for exhibitors water to provide oxygen to divers instead the dissolved air that exists cylinder. Water passing through the and attendees alike! Located in the heart of and even to submarines. in the surrounding water. And this is centrifuge is thrown to the outside the Pacific, the tradeshow combines the mod- The new device has the poten- what the new device does. of the cylinder thereby creating a ern requirements of a state-of-the-art meeting tial to overcome limitations At a depth of 200 meters in the low pressure at the middle of the facility with the beauty, comfort and culture imposed on divers by oxygen sea there is still about 1.5% of dis- cylinder. The dissolved air, which that are uniquely Hawaii. ■ www.hiexpos.com tanks. The tanks limit not only the solved air. This might not sound contains both oxygen and nitro- amount of time a diver can remain like much but it is enough to gen, is thereby released. It is pos- under water, but also affect the allow both small and large fish to sible to extract enough air from ’s as they empty breathe comfortably. The idea was water for a human to breathe. out over the course of a dive. In to create an artificial system that The system will be powered DEMA Art Exhibit addition, of course, tanks must be will mimic the way fish use the air by rechargeable batteries. brought to facilities to be re-filled. in the water, thus allowing both Calculations show that a one kilo DEMA partners with Ocean Artists photographer, Bob Talbot to fos- The new invention is a closed sys- smaller submarines and divers to lithium battery can provide a diver Society (OAS) to make art related ter an appreciation and develop tem as opposed to the normally get rid of the large, cumbersome with about one hour of diving time. to the world’s aquatic environ- continued interest in the ocean used open diving systems where air compressed air tanks. A laboratory model of the system ments more readily available to arts. Art on display in the AIC is is inhaled from a tank and exhaled The new system uses a well has already been built and tested dive industry professionals. DEMA’s available for purchase. Any DEMA- it into the water. This requires a very known physical law called Henry’s and, if everything goes accord- Art Innovation Center (AIC), an member artist can exhibit a speci- large quantity of air. With closed Law which describes gas absorp- ing to plan, in a few years the new art gallery at the DEMA Show, pro- fied number of pieces when they systems, the required water flow is tion in liquids. This law states that portable tankless breathing sys- vides a place where the beauty of donate a separate piece of art to small, so this device is very suitable. the amount of gas that can be tem will be operational. It will be the underwater world can be seen DEMA. Donated art will be placed Nuclear submarines have long dissolved in a liquid is proportional attached to divers in the form of by thousands of people. To maxi- in DEMA’s Silent Auction, “Explore used systems that generate oxy- to the pressure on the liquid. The a vest that will enable them to stay mize the impact of the Center, the Underwater World,” with a por- gen from water by electrolysis. law works in both directions, so underwater for a period of many DEMA has partnered with the OAS, tion of the proceeds of the Silent The real thing. Gills on a nudi- However, these systems require a that lowering the pressure will hours. ■ an organization founded by art- Auction benefiting the Make-A- branch. File photo: Peter Symes lot of energy, much more than can release gas from the liquid. ists, Wyland and Guy Harvey, and Wish Foundation. ■

9 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Basking Sharks Edited by Move Up to Scotland Peter Symes & SOURCE: WWW.WIKIPEDIA.ORG Gunild Symes Recent surveys show that an the average number of shark Common Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua increasing number of basking sightings in May according to a sharks have migrating to Scottish spokesperson from the Marine waters in the last four years. Conservation Society, Richard Speculations suggest that global Harrington. He said that sightings warming is making the sharks have increased by 65 percent, Decline in codfish stocks venture further north. while sightings in South West The 11-meter, plankton eat- England, which was the hotspot ing giants of the deep arrived for basking sharks in the UK, have may not be reversible early this year with three times decreased by 66 percent. ■ NOAA. PHOTO BY CHRIS GOTSCHALK

According to a new study by sation of fishing in the area. But we are left with babies, and they of . “You’ve got Canadian scientists, the marine this has not happened. On the are not safe.” to resist the temptation to fish so North Sea Now Too ecosystem off the coast of contrary, scientists now say that A trickle down effect has also heavily that the stock will deplete Nova Scotia has been altered the disappearance of the cod involved the lowest members of itself... It’s pretty shocking when by the collapse of cod stocks and other large species has led the marine food chain such as you stop fishing, the fish don’t Hot for Some Fish more than a decade ago. to a phenomena called the cas- algae and zooplankton which return.” A new research survey shows lected in annual scientific research shows cool-water- It was thought that the cod cade effect. are quickly being depleted Research indicates that the that almost two-thirds of bot- surveys of bottom fish every loving plankton of the North stocks, which have plunged In this process, the fish that the because more fish are feeding cascading effect may be tak- tom-dwelling fish species year since 1977. Sea have also shifted north- 96 percent since the 1850’s large species preyed upon like upon them. This raises fears that ing place in other regions of the studied in the North Sea are In addition to the move- ward. He stated that studies according to old fishing herring, capelin, shrimp lobster smaller fish species that rely on North Atlantic where cod stocks reacting to the increasing ment of these North Sea fish of this kind of phenomenon records, would rebound and snow crab, experienced algae and zooplankton for sus- have collapsed. It was well- ocean water to cooler latitudes, southern must take place over long with the ces- a population explosion due to tainance could be in danger of known that the cascade effect by moving to cooler climates. species are in fact mov- periods of time in order to the fact that they were no running out of nutrients. existed in fresh water areas, but Scientists conducting the ing into the North Sea area. get an accurate analysis. longer being hunted However, there is a bright lin- now scientists can prove that it is study said that if the exo- Again, this signals a warming What has been discov- by the cod and ing to this dark cloud: seals have also found in the ocean. Future dus continues, the North trend of the oceans. What ered that is important to other large fish. less of a struggle to find food studies will investigate whether Sea could see in the next is not certain is how preda- fisheries, said Perry, is that if In addition, juve- since their competition, cod, the ecosystems of the Grand 45 years, a depletion of an tor-prey relationships will be sea temperatures continue nile, larval and cod have disappeared; and fisher- Banks, Labrador Shelf and the economically important spe- affected by these changes, to increase, commercially eggs are now more vulnerable man are reaping the benefits of Gulf of St. Lawrence have been cies. Like a canary in the said Perry. important species such as to being feasted upon by a the population explosion of high- effected. mine, the smaller, quick-living According to another cod and sole could move growing population of other priced shrimp, lobster and snow The scientific research of Ken fish and juveniles are acting scientist, David Checkley out of the North Sea area fish that are no longer eaten by crab. But scientists warn that Frank, Brian Petrie, Jae Choie as barometers for climate of Scripps Institution of within as few as 50 years. ■ adult cod. there could be a repeat per- and William Leggett, which is changes in the sea. Oceanography at the It is now unclear whether formance of species dessimation based on forty years of data, “The species that are University of California in San cod can make a recovery if the shellfish industry does not suggests that the ocean’s plants responding have young that Diego, previ- in this new environment. regulate overfishing. and animals exist in a complex respond (to ous Even under the best of con- “The collapse of cod should web of relationships that human changes) that much faster,” ditions, only one out of a serve as a lesson that if you want beings have only just begun to said Perry, the lead author million eggs a female cod to keep the populations sustain- understand. of the research paper. spawns makes it to adulthood. able you’ve got to have a con- For more information and According to Perry, juvenile Robert Steneck, a University of servation ethic in mind,” said Ken source reference, see Trophic and smaller fish are much Maine scientist who has studied Frank, a scientist who works for cascades in a formerly cod-dom- more sensitive to tempera- the cascading effect in the Gulf the Department of Fisheries and inated ecosystem, Science 2005 ture change. This conclusion of Maine, said, “With overfishing, Oceans at the Bedford Institute 308: 1621-1623. ■ was based upon data col-

Peter Symes 10 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Pressrelease

news Whalesharks are shrinking Restoration According to a study by elusive, slow growing, plankton- we do need to pay attention Workshop on Bali Edited by Australian scientists, the world’s eating, highly migratory ocean- to the signals they are giving Global , Sun & Sea Peter Symes & largest fish, the whaleshark is ic fish, which has been spotted us... Any fish population e.V.and Yayasan Karang Lestari have Michael Symes getting smaller. in protected waters at Nigaloo that is undergoing announced the Third BiorockT Reef Records show a reduction in Reef in Western Australia and unsustain- Restoration Workshop at Taman Sari the whalesharks’ average size occasionally ventures to a few able Resort, Pemuteran, Bali, November from 7 meters in 1995 to around coastlines around the world mor- 21-28, 2005. 5.5 meters today. Although including those along Somalia, tality scientists do not know why this Kenya, the Seychelles and usually Workshop participants will experi- decrease is happening, specu- India. Scientists include this ‘top shows implored ence hands-on training in the simple lation includes suspicions that order’ animal as a barometer a drop in countries techniques to design, construct, install, over-fishing practices in unpro- for the health of the ocean. average size of individual fish, to work harder to protect the maintain, monitor, and repair Biorock reef tected international waters, a At the International Whale and a drop in abundance. whaleshark and its habitat as nurseries. drop in average whaleshark Shark Conference in Perth this So what we’re seeing at well as move away from prac- The BiorockT Process, or mineral accre- age and injuries to the whale- year, Dr Mark Meekan and Ningaloo is particularly worry- tices of harvesting the sharks to tion, is a revolutionary technology that sharks caused by collisions with colleagues who authored the ing, because these waters are initiating more sustainable alter- grows structures and marine ecosystems in sea vessels could be to blame. report said, “They’re like the protected.” natives such as carefully man- seawater. It provides a cost-effective and Very little is known about this canary in the coal mine, so Scientists at the conference aged ecotourism. ■ sustainable method to accelerate coral growth and greatly increase coral survival from environmental stress. Biorock methods can restore damaged coral reefs, allow highly productive maricul- ture of corals, oysters, clams, lobsters, and fish, freedives to an astounding 209.6m protect shorelines, and provide building mate- rials from sustainable energy. New record in On breaking the magic 200m barrier, on The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Tom ’s No- June 26 2005, Patrick Musimu wrote in his We tend to reject Goreau, President, Global Coral Reef Alliance journal: “Today, my team and I have suc- and Professor Wolf Hilbertz, President of Sun and Limits discipline ceeded a historical dive, 200m. Together ideas and concepts Sea e.V., as well as several Biorock project man- we have demonstrated to the whole we do not under- agers and staff. world that there is no limit to the plasticity The workshop will take place at the site of of the human body in terms of adapta- stand. In fact, igno- the Karang Lestari Project, the world’s tion when submitted to extreme environ- largest Biorock instal- ment. The real barriers are in our minds, we rance is humans’ lation, in Pemuteran, are our worst enemies in terms of future worst enemies. Bali, Indonesia. accomplishments. We tend to reject ideas and concepts we do not understand. In For more fact, ignorance is human worst enemies. Ignorance leads to denial and fear and as informa- demonstrated through the centuries, this tion on the fear of the unknown generates mental con-

Filephoto: www.patrickmusimu.com event see flicts, which in term leads to physical ones the Global and wars” Not recognised Coral Reef While no one questions that Patrick Alliance 209.6 meters The 200m dive was the Musimu has indeed become the deepest website: set target but on June 30, after three days freediver in the world—the dive was very of resting, Patrick set out to claim yet an- well documented—there were no of- other record when he on a dive that lasted ficials or judges from AIDA, The Associa- 3 min 28 s reached the depth of 209.6m. tion for the International Development www.globalcoral.org Archival photo from of Apnea, present, and therefore the www.patrickmusimu.com Screendump from the record cannot be recognised as an showing the profile of the 209.6m dive official worldrecord.

11 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Edited by Peter Symes & Gunild Symes Did Chinese sailors reach America before Columbus? ADVERTISEMENT That’s what a new exhibit in Singapore were drafted from previously exist- suggests. The exhibit, based on 1421: ing maps, some from Kublai Khan’s The Year China Discovered America dynasty, which clearly show North by Gavin Menzies, presents new evi- America. Kublai Khan’s maps, dence that Chinese exploration to the which are thought to be from the Americas may well have begun in the late 13th century, were recently time of Kublai Khan and was contin- found at none other than the US ABOVE: Christopher Columbus. INSET: One of ued later by the celebrated Chinese Library of Congress and are now Columbus’ ships, the Santa Maria Admiral, Zhen He, who completed being carbon-dated. seven maritime expeditions to the New “Columbus had a map of America, archaeological site at Cape Dauphin World between 1405 and 1423 with de Gama had a map showing India in Nova Scotia indicates the existance a fleet of 317 ships and 28,000 men. and Captain Cook had a map showing of a large early Chinese settlement However, how far he travelled is still a Australia, and it’s not my saying; it’s the including canals, smelters, mines, matter of dispute. explorers saying it,” Menzie said. “None Islamic graves and Buddhist tombs According to experts, the Chinese of the great European explorers actual- surveyed by researcher Cedric Bells. already had 600 years of sailing expe- ly discovered anything new. The whole While some argued that this site could rience by the time of Admiral He. world was charted before they set sail. be Viking, Chiasson said it was too Artifacts have been recovered from So somebody before them had done far away (700 km) from the nearest this time period suggesting that the it... Most of the world had already been known Viking outposts, which are much Chinese reached America 70 years mapped by Kublai Khan’s fleet.” smaller. Evidence of Chinese junks before Columbus. Not surprisingly, Menzies’ statements have also been uncovered in Florida, Menzie, a retired British Royal Navy have stirred up some controversy. South Carolina, New York and Canada, submarine commanding officer, said But evidence dug up by a Canadian said Menzies. For more information, visit: that explorers of day used maps that architect, Paul Chiasson, at a new www.1421.tv ■ Taste for Fish Sparks Early Human Migration Out of Africa

Seafood was the lure for the first peo- tropical coasts of the Indian Ocean an Gulf. ple to leave Africa according to a new onwards to the Pacific over a few thou- Seventy thousand years ago, early genetic analysis by scientists in Leeds sand years. modern humans in East Africa lived off and Glasgow, UK. The new research The first migratory wave may have big game, but that changed accord- overturns the standing hypothesis of the included fewer than 600 women, who ing to archaelogical finds that suggest first migration of modern humans. are now considered to be the moth- their diets shifted to consist mostly of DNA evidence traced through mater- ers of all non-Africans including mod- shellfish. It is thought that early humans nal mitochondria, the power packs of ern Europeans who descended from in this region were prompted to seek cells, provides new insight to the spread a group of pioneers that splintered better fishing grounds elsewhere after of modern humans across the Red Sea off from the rest of the early modern the Red Sea’s shellfish stocks decreased from the Horn of Africa, towards the human population around the Persion due to climate change. ■

12 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Celebrate the Sea 2005 An Unforgettable Festival Text by Michael Aw Photos by Peter Symes

As another Celebrate entries into this year’s imagery the Sea festival wraps competitions were astounding; hundreds of adults and children up, it is clear that with explored the prints in our public each year that passes, galleries while the slide shows and the show grows strong- film festival kept viewers enthralled er and stronger. Staged for three days straight. Each year Celebrate the Sea at Singapore’s Suntec offers a unique opportunity for div- City convention cen- ers, photographers and nature lov- tre from June 3 -5, this ers to come face to face with the year’s festival was truly who’s who of underwater imagery. In seminars and workshops div- unforgettable. ing and photography experts like , Michael Aw, The highlight of the event was Jason Heller, Robert O’Toole, John an unprecedented evening Cosgrove and Tay Kay Chin enter- in Asia Pacific on which three tained and interacted with their

super-stars of the underwater COURTESY OF DR PHIL NUYTTEN audience. From raunchy discussion world celebrated our oceans. about sex in the sea to internet Dr Sylvia Earle jump-started Dr Phil Nuytten in his invention, the marketing, capturing the essence the evening with an inspir- of sea birds in one image, the lat- ing talk on the sustainable use of Public Access est photography techniques, night our seas. She addressed pertinent The festival itself was free to the romps through Amazonian jungles questions like how can one per- public, with bustling crowds of and how to explore the ocean in son make a difference and surely avid divers, nature lovers, photog- an car these there was not a dry eye in the raphers and shoppers streaming seminars are crucial in cultivating house as she portrayed the bleak through the exhibitions. There was our knowledge of the ocean. realities of shark finning. everything from eco-tour operators More of a comedian than a to dive resorts, photographic and Saving Sharks maker of deep sea diving equip- outdoor equipment, shoes, watch- The show was again used as a ment, Dr Phil Nuytten then led us es, underwater housings and was platform for OceanNEnvironment’s down with him through his jour- even a tank in which one could Say No to Shark Fin Soup cam- ney in the depths of the ocean. experience the thrill of scuba div- paign. Our posters, video and life To close off the evening, David ing for the first time. size shark in the foyer all highlight- Doubilet, the light magician, mes- But as always the focus of the ed the plight of the shark as it is merized us beneath the miracle festival is to praise the image mak- slaughtered in the name of culture waters of Africa with images cap- ers that continue to capture the and nutrition-less soup that gets its tured during his trip to Botswana. many faces of our ocean’s beauty flavour from chicken stock. With a in the hope of preserving it. The Chinese restaurant right next the

GUNILD PAK SYMES Singapore city center 13 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news

LEFT: A young staff member hands out fliers for a dive travel booth at the Celebrate the Sea 2005 show

RIGHT INSET: , Al Horns- Michael Aw and David Doubilet survey the pho- by, Tay Kay Chin tographic entries of the Epspn Award Finalists and Peter Symes (behind camera) in the jury room exam- ining entries for the

festival that served shark fin soup, like those who volunteered and most impor- The finalists from all the photography David Doubilet led the judg- most in Singapore, the matter could not tantly those who came from around the competitions were displayed in special ing of the slides, revealing his be more poignant. globe to celebrate the ocean with us. public galleries through which hundreds admiration for photographers “There is a tremendous amount of And as for the rest of you, see you next of adults and children explored some who are able to capture enthusiasm and really genuine interest year at the unforgettable festival. mesmerizing images and creative takes ‘special moments’ as he calls in what is going on, specifically with the on the natural world. Meanwhile, the them. As for the films in com- business of shark fin soup…Singapore can Imagery Competition slide shows and film festival kept viewers petition, Dr Phil Nuytten said, be seen a model of stewardship for look- As the focus of the Celebrate the Sea enthralled for three days straight. “The entries were very good ing after the environment,” says Dr Phil festival, this year’s imagery and film com- With up to $50 000 in prizes awarded and it was a tough job, but Nuytten, inventor of the ‘Newtsuit’. petition entries were of outstanding qual- to this year’s winners, the judging was the top notch ones stand out. A truly international affair, Celebrate ity. no easy task. Dr Sylvia Earle helped with The winner was crisp, sharp the Sea has established itself as the big- With the overwhelming number of the judging of the children’s painting and spectacular.” gest and most exciting festival of its kind entries in the many competitions judged competition. The Artist of the Sea 2005 Thank you to our sponsors in Asia Pacific and will continue to grow at the festival, praise was given these was a little girl named Lakshmishree from and congratulations to those in upcoming years. OceanNEnvironment artists who have endeavored to capture Bangalore India. Her whole village saved who won and for those who would like to thank all our sponsors, those the ever-changing beauty of the ocean up enough money so that she could missed out on a prize, better who attended, those who competed, in the hope of preserving it. attend. luck next year! ■

Michael Aw, Dr Sylvia Earle and Shahram Saber, marketing manager of PADI Asia-Pacific 14 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news Celebrate the Sea 2005

Posters created by children at the Celebrate the Sea 2005 show Children participate in the Save the Sharks poster contest aimed at raising awareness against www.celebratethesea.com the serving and selling of shark fin soup, which is considered a delicacy in Asia

CELEBRATE THE SEA FESTIVAL 2005 Silver Medal: Ernst Seeling, Austria Manado for one pax ROLEX AWARD OF EXCELLENCE SHORT FILMS Prize: Epson Printer R800 plus Prize: Long Bow Mini Bronze Medal: Amati Emrico, Italy FOR BEST FILM Gold Medal: Carlos Virgili Two-night stay at Raffles Marina EPSON AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Highly Commended: Jeff Yonover, USA, Prize: SG $500 Radiator product voucher D.Lop and M.Boyer “Mama” FOR BEST PRINT and AB Lee, “Life at the Edge of the Reef” Prize: Pulau Resort 7-day diving DIGITAL SHOOTOUT Wyatt Chew, Singapore MACRO SLIDES Prize: Return air Ticket to Mauritius and accommodation package Gold Medal: Tong Nguen Khoong Prize: EPSON printer model R1800 WIDE ANGLE PRINTS Gold Medal: Amati Emrico, Italy 10-day trip for two and two weekend Silver Medal: Josh Jensen and Liz Harlin Prize: EPSON PRINTER R800 Gold Medal: Alessandro Dodi, Italy Prize: 10 day diving trip for two trip on MV Grace “Encounters with Giants” BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS Prize: 4-day/3- package at onboard the Citra Pelangi Prize: 6-day / 5-night diving package full OCEAN ENVIRONMENT / ASIAN Gold Medal: Darek Sepiolo, Poland Asmara Dive Resort or similar for two Silver Medal: Tobias Bernhard, FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES board at Redang Kalong or Diver’s Den GEOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENT AWARD Prize: DIVE KOMODO Silver Medal: Andrey Nekrasov, Ukraine Gold Medal: Thomas Behrend Resort for two Viora Alessio for print 5-night live-aboard dive cruise Prize: Long Bow Mini Prize: Angsana two nights at Maison “Hunters at the Cape of Storm” Bronze Medal: Josh Jensen and Liz Harlin Silver Medal: Alessandro Dodi, Italy Highly Commended: Marc Nussaume, Souvannaphoum Hotel Luang Prabang Prize: MINAHASA Lagoon Resort 7-day “Underwater Beauty” BOOK OF FESTIVAL Prize: Long Bow Micro Thailand Highly Commended: Amati Emrico, Italy diving and accommodation package Prize: Long Bow Micra 101 Best Dives Highly Commended: Silver Medal: Denis Legrange Sea Paradise Federico Cabello, Italy AWARD OF EXCELLENCE WIDE ANGLE SLIDES “Blue Pacific” DIGITAL PORTFOLIO FOR BEST SLIDE PORTFOLIO Gold Medal: Alessandro Dodi, Italy Prize: Pulau Sipadan Resort 7-day Gold Medal: Wyatt Chew, Singapore BEST WEB SITE MACRO PRINTS Tobias Bernhard, New Zealand Prize: SG $500 Radiator product voucher diving and accommodation package Prize: ORIS TT1 Divers watch set Jason Heller Gold Medal: Andrey Nekrasov, Ukraine Prize: NIKON SLR FILM camera set Silver Medal: Tobias Bernhard Bronze Medal: Ballsbio Osvaldo Silver Medal: Charles Hood, England DivePhotoGuide.com Prize: 5D/4N Diving package at Silver Medal: Alessandro Dodi, Italy Prize: Long Bow Mini “Seasons of the Sharks” Prize: Nikon Coolpix model TBA Sipadan-Mabul Resort for one pax. Prize: 7-day/6-night dive package Highly Commended: Viora Alessio, Italy Prize: Long Bow Micra Bronze Medal: Aaron Wong, Singapore Plus EPSON R800 printer full board at Kima Bajo & Spa Resort,

15 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Red Sea Liveaboard goes under, strikes reef

Divers aboard the Red sea live aboard MV Coral PHOTO: JULIAN ELLIOTT Queen were suddenly forced to abandon ship when their vessel hit a reef and sank in the southern Egyptian Red Sea. The 26m-long liveaboard, which is owned by UK tour operator Oonasdivers, immediately filled with water and began sinking after the collision at the Sha’ab Sataya dive site in Fury Shoals.

Everyone rescued The divers were immedi- ately rescued by another liveaboard, MV Heaven Majesty which were anchored close by. The guests had no time to recover their belongings however. According to Oonasdivers on www.divemaga- zine.co.uk, all of the divers escaped unhurt and were taken to shore and transferred to the Egyptian capital to obtain new passports. Oonasdivers also

PHOTO: WWW.CHINANEWS.CN said it hoped to set up an operation to recover the The MV Coral Queen flounders in the water after it struck Lake Kanas is located on the Altai vessel, which settled only 10m below the surface. ■ a reef in the southern Egyptian Red Sea Mountain in Chinas Xinjiang’s region. Ancient Greek Sea Battle Inspires Search Divers sent to To better understand the battles head of Greece’s department of look for monster of the ancient Greeks, experts underwater antiquities and co- have begun to search for the leader of the project, Katerina in mountain lake ships lost in the Aegean Sea Delaporta said, “This is the first nearly 2500 years ago during the time such sophisticated technol- Every continent has them it defining victory over Persian forc- ogy is being employed.” seems, lake monsters that is. From es under King Darius that is seen Technological advances in Loch Ness in Scotland, lake Tahoe as the first victory of democracy are in the US and, so it seems, Lake over tyranny. being used by the Greek minis- Kanas in China. It is famous for One of the main targets of the try of culture towards a growing WWW.KELSALL.SCHOOL.CHESHIRE.ORG.UK its scenic beauty and for its leg- international team of archeolo- body of research. Resources in Artists’ impression of a trireme endary monsters. After a group gists is finding the premier warship cluding a 42m oceanography ramming another trireme of Beijing tourists boating on the of the classical age, the trireme, boat and submersible as well as lake, saw and filmed two uniden- to find out more about ancient two remotely-guided craft have Triremes tified creatures about 10 meters Greek civilization as well as how been provided by the national The prow, or front, of the long, a group of divers will be the Greeks won the war over the centre for maritime research, trireme was made of bronze dispatched in July to investigated Persians. Leader of the research Elkethe, operating under the and was used to ram enemy matters at a cost of 1.5 million team, Shelly Wachsmann of Texas development ministry. ships. Oars were arranged in yuan, or 180,000 US dollars. A&M University said, “This is high- Several discoveries have been three rows with a man to each But some are skeptical that they risk archaeology. Discovering a made under this collaboration oar. For short periods the row- will uncover a monster’s lair. trireme is one of the holy grails. including over 30 shipwrecks from ers could propel their trireme The director of Xinjiang Ecology Not one has ever been found.” the Byzantine, Roman, Hellenistic through the water at speeds Institute Yuan Guoying, for one, Previous discoveries have only and Classical times at depths up of up to 16km/h very fast for says after 20 years of study he been cargo vessels. Researchers to 550 meters. Artifacts uncov- human power alone - and fast believes the so-called “Lake are using the historical texts of the ered at some of these wrecks enough for the ram to hole Monster” is a type of large fish 5th century ancient Greek histo- include an ancient bronze statue, the enemy’s hull. Many Greeks called a Hucho taimen. rian Herodotus to guide them in groups of amphorae believed to ships had an eye painted near He says the lake’s cold water the search for the trireme ships date from between the 5th and the prow to ward off the ‘evil could have made it grow very as well as the latest technology 2nd centuries BC. ■ eye’ - a motif that can stille be large. ■ in sonar and submersibles. The seen on Greek boats today. ■

16 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED PETER SYMES Townsfolk protect ‘Nemo’ and catch more Nemo is the colorful clownfish other poisons and some- heart and residents take turns character in the 2003 Disney times explosives. The colorful patrolling the area. The Bureau animation, “Finding Nemo,” anemones which served as the of Fisheries and Aquatic that introduced moviegoers clownfish’s home were also Resources has also given to the fascinating world of the collected for food or to sell as them radio equipment so they sea. It also inspired fisherfolk aquarium decoration. could easily go after violators. in the Philippines to gather “But since the sanctuary is Through the years, the number clownfish from various areas of off-limits to all forms of fishing, of violators has dwindled, pre- the Panacalan fish sanctuary, legal or illegal, the clownfishes sumably because the fisher- a 50-hectare marine-protected are thriving,” said Ben Caasi, men have realized the impor- area off the shore of this island a local council member. tance of the sanctuary to their town, and put them in one The Panacalan fish sanctu- livelihood. corner of the sanctuary. Here, ary was established five years The fish catch has also the clownfish proliferate safely ago by the local government increased. Before, the daily and away from collectors of and managed by officials harvest of a fisherman was aquarium fishes. and residents of Barangays less than a kilo of fish. Now, a Some fishermen used to Macaleeng and Sablig. fisherman can catch at least illegally collect clownfish and Since then, the fishermen three kilos. Coral cover, too, other fishes using cyanide, have taken the sanctuary to has grown. ■ 75000 celebrated Earth Day 2005

Concerned communities all ingly theatened ecosystems attention in the annual cel- over the world celebrated this of coral reefs, lakes, rivers and ebrations of Earth Day. Dive In year’s Dive In To Earth Day. oceans was the focal point To Earth Day now generates Events were organized in 71 of the united effort to raise around 25 percent of all the counties with a total of 75,000 awareness on an international international registered Earth participants from all walks of level. Day activities world wide. life including divers, conserva- Since 2000, The Coral Reef tion groups, park managers Alliance has helped communi- For more information, visit: and many others. ties around the world to ensure www.coralreefalliance.org ■ The concern for the increas- the underwater world is given

17 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED news A dvertise in these pages Edited by Peter Symes & Model of Jules Verne’s Nautilus Michael Symes

THOUSANDS OF READERS IN OVER 70 American Civil War submarine found off Panama COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD 299 USD FOR THIS SPOT. BUY IT! The dscovery of the remains of an originally discovered in Panama in submarine. Like The survey of the boat was car- CONTACT: [email protected] unique submarine that was built 2001. Explorer, Nautilus ried out by British tech- around 1864, at the time of the It was only later, after several stud- was also used nologist Roger Cooper American Civil War, has sparked ies and comparisons, that Colonel to gather items of Market Harborough. speculation whether this was the John Blashford-Snell and James from the sea- Cooper noted the vessels submarine that inspired French nov- Delgado of the Scientific Exploration bed. “strange Victorian engi- elist Jules Verne to create Captian Society sent to investigate the craft, The 36-foot neering” that reminded Dive hoppen identified it as the one designed (13m) boat is him of the Nautilus in the S Nemo’s vessel Nautilus in his book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. and built between 1863 and 1865 by believed to film, 2000 Leagues Under The remains of the cast-iron sub- German engineer and naval officer be one of the Sea. Udstyr og Kurser i City mersible called Explorer is lying in Julius Kroenhl. the earli- Executive Director of the only three meters of water on the Kroenhl had built the ship with est sub- Vancouver Maritime Muse- coast of San Telmo Island in the financial support from the Pacific marines. um, James Delgado, a mari- Gothersgade 159 · 1123 København K Panamanian Pacific, where it was Pearl Company to be used during It has time archaeologist, is seeking Telefon 3332 3537 the US Civil War (1861-1865), but it ar- special funding to lift the Explorer to rived too late and was transferred to features the Warren Lasch Conservation Åbningstider Tirsdag til Fredag 11-18 · Lørdag 10-14 Panama in 1866 where it was used such as a Centre in North Charleston, USA, Mandag Lukket to extract pearls for three years. lock out chamber where an earlier sub is undergo- She was ideal for this purpose be- that permits hatches to be ing restoration. ■ www.diveshoppen.dk cause of an unique lock-out system opened for crew to emerge under- identical to the one in the Nautilus water after it is filled with pressurized from Verne’s book published in 1870. air. This feature made it possible for a The lock-out system is a reversible huge harvesting of pearls after it was air-lock that enables submariners to rejected by the US Union Navy. leave the vessel, harvest pearls from A dark side to the story includes the sea-bed, and then return to the the deaths of the German inventor and eight of his crew when inten- sive operations took them down to 100 feet (30m). Mariners at the time The International Journal of the Sea Scuba Diver Australasia is Australasia’s premier dive journal, featuring all the best Asian and Australian knew nothing of decompression destinations, stunning photography, portfolios of the masters, digital photography, new gear and more. sickness, and it is likely that it was this that caused their deaths. Scuba Diver Australasia is now the official

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Asia Pacific and Asian Geographic Magazines are pleased to launch the PADI Diving Society in Asia Pacific, a diver membership society dedicated to the underwater world and the exciting div- ing lifestyle. Already established in the USA and UK, the PADI FAR LEFT: Illustration of Captian Nemo from Diving Society is the largest diver membership of its kind offer- ing members a vast range of benefits for a lifetime of scuba Jules Verne’s novel, 20,000 Leagues Under diving adventures. Scuba Diver Australasia will be the Official Publication of the PADI Diving Society in the Sea the Asia Pacific region and members can expect a supercharged Scuba Diver Australasia with new LEFT: The Civil War period submarine Explor- features covering diving adventures, lifestyle, training, equipment reviews, marine science, destinations, photography and more. er rests in just under 3 meters of water on the coast of San Telmo Island near Panama www.scubadiveraustralasia.com

18 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Discover the underwater charms of

Newfoundlandof Thorfinn Karlsefni, but the newcomers did not settle Many millions of years ago, a piece of a land broke away the area for a long time. Five hundred years later, on from the ancient continent, June, 24, 1497, eighteen British sailors on the crew ship Gondwanaland, from the place Matthew under the command of Genoese Captain we now know as Morocco, and Giovanni Caboto (in English, John Cabot) made the traveled a long journey westward long crossing over the Atlantic Ocean in search of a until it collided with the North sea route to China, but landed instead on the coast American continent a bit to the south of Greenland. of an unknown island. They raised the Union Jack—the The first Europeans who visited this new world in 986 British flag—on this island and named it New Found A.D. were the Icelandic Vikings under the command Land.

No, this is not – Text by Andrey Bizyukin Here, one can find many times more fas- Photos by Andrey Bizyukin, cinating and exciting diving adventures! Ingo Vollmer, Debbie and Rick Stanley --- Andrey Bizyukin

19 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfy

LEFT: Diving with iceberg

TOP RIGHT: Aerial view of Bell Island and Con- ception Bay

INSET: Curious New-

foundland moose PHOTO BY TINA OLIVERO COURTESY OF OCEAN QUEST CHARTERS

After coming back traditions are still technological achievements of the to Bristol, John Cabot strong here,” the old last century when in 1901 the first trans- informed the authorities residents tell us with atlantic radio signals sounded in the that “the lands, which I pride. Local residents heretofore silent ether of the planet; have found, are not rich respond with pleasure Cape Spear—the most eastern extrem- with gold, but a lot of fish to the inhabits the seas along coast.” For nickname Newfy. this discovery, King Henry VII awarded Newfy are benevo- John Cabot the premium prize of ten lent, quiet, socially bal- pounds and an annuity of twenty anced and relaxed pounds sterling, which established the people, speaking one British claim to this territory until 1949. of the oldest English lan- Newfoundland remained the first over- guage dialects with the seas colony of the British Empire. Today, Newfoundland accent. the replica of the Matthew sits proudly The capital of the in Bristol Harbor for all to see. island, St. Johns, is the Newfoundland is the biggest of most eastern port and the Atlantic Canadian provinces, the the oldest city in North mother land for hundreds of thousands America. The city is filled of caribou, millions of birds, the famous with great history: Water breed of black diving dogs and moose, Street – the first and which can be found walking on motor- oldest street of North ways. Human population on the island America; the Titanic numbers half a million inhabitants museum with exhibits of (many with Irish origins), ten thousand artifacts lifted from the of whom are divers. Newfoundlanders sunken giant; Signal Hill differentiate themselves from the with Marconi’s legendary Canadian nation. “The Irish spirit and tower—a symbol of the Whale’s greeting—different forms of life have different ways of saying hello

20 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfoundland icebergs race swiftly past the Hundreds of species—sea- coast. Here, there are plenty weed, fish, sponges, anemo- of inns and bars, where it is nes, jellyfish and starfish, mol- possible to meet adventurers luscs, octopus, lobster and and seamen from around the crabs, seals, white whales, world. narwhales, sharks and slopes—live and breed here. Natural treasures Newfoundland’s Great Banks, The nature here is familiar to one of the richest places in me as it is an exact copy of the world’s ocean for fish, the central part of Russia— provides a habitat for the birches, fur-trees, mountain largest colony of sea birds on ash, lilac, clover and rose-bay. Earth as well as a population Only the sea and underwater of over 5000 whales. world are unique. At the end of June and Where two powerful ocean July, the sea giants, who ity of America; and the Bay of indulge in permanency. The currents meet—the cold have over eaten capelin St. Johns—the first reliable har- thick fog, snow or rain can Labrador and the and cuttlefish, start to play. bour on the ocean away from suddenly be replaced by warm Gulf Stream—a unique They wave huge chest fins, Europe. strong winds or a storm or by underwater biodiversity is cre- clap tails and jump out of The weather of the north- sunshine in the blue cloud- ated. the water, attracting a human LEFT AND RIGHT: Great diving photo luck—an infrequent meeting with a friendly narwhale ern Atlantic region does not less sky above the sea where

21 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfoundland

LEFT: Whale, just before breach- CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Amazing and exciting ing, races upwards towards the moments for lucky “whale-tail-watchers” surface of the sea

audience of enthusiastic gapers. Aside from the whales’ perform- ances, tourists and divers adore the parade of Greenlandic icebergs. Year round, Labrador’s current brings hundreds of the ice mon- sters that have broken away from a continental glacier. The age of some of these icebergs can reach up to ten thousand years, and they can weigh up to two hundred thousand tons. Nine-tenths of ice- bergs are under water, therefore one must immerse oneself with an aqualung to catch a glimpse of the blue bulky freakish forms of ice leaving the sea abyss. Nobody is left indifferent after such an experi- the year, the bays become covered and dive. “It is my swimming pool,” ence. in ice. Rick tells us with pride as he shows us Rick and Debbie Stanley, our kind the bay, which is covered with fog. Diving with whales dive masters and engineers of the He adores his 18-seat , and The North Atlantic is an area of risky Sea Quest Company, have con- while imitating Schumacher, flies out diving. Too much depends on quickly structed a magnificent two-floor hotel onto the bay in the huge brightly changing weather conditions. The div- for divers with a great view over the coloured red inflatable Zodiac with ing season in Newfoundland is from sea bay and islands. Strong wind and 150-strong Mercury engine, overtaking May until November. During the rest of rain remind us that it is time to go out the wind.

22 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfoundland Rick chases some whales and comes nearer to them—a distance of a few meters. It is possible to observe the behaviour of these sea giants indefinite- ly—to examine their huge fins, tails and backs and to admire their perfection. With any great divers’ luck and a happy coincidence of circumstances, one can also dive together with them.

Wrecks The most popular place for diving is a coastal zone of Bell island, named so because of a rock located near to it that outwardly resembles a bell. Here, at depths of up to 45 meters, four “smart” military trans- port shipwrecks lie on the sea floor. The history of their occurrence and the events leading up to their sinking are full of drama and military riddles. During the Second World War, this small island located in Conception Bay, became a strategically important military base. The reason for this was that the largest iron ore mines in North America were located here—huge labyrinths and tunnels located two hundred meters down in the earth were exca- vated lower than sea level. The mines were a source of ore with an iron content up to 50-60 percent. Prior to the war, Germany was a major purchaser of this ore. In 1939, Germans imported more than five hun- dred thousand tons. Clearly, that was a reason for the beginning of military operations. The role and importance of Bell island ore increased over time. In addition, St. Johns became the gathering place for military transport escorts in the days before transports used the North Atlantic passage to England and Russia. Many Allied ships voyaged between

LEFT AND INSET: Wrecks of Conception Bay

23 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfoundland

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Sunk wreck treasure of Bell Island - unexplored holds, cannons, unexploded torpedo and collection anchors

Bell, Newfoundland, and the great ports Two successful missions of German city. I am travelling on it and research- to a bright red buoy on the surface. I of the world continuously. submarines left four “brilliant wrecks”, ing it. This is a unique feeling of flight, admired the unusual transparency of The Second World War began for according to our hosts, and two unex- the freedom of movement in three the water and the solar beams that Newfoundlanders on September 5th, ploded torpedoes, which have sunk in dimensions, and the pleasure of the played in the depths. 1942, when the British military transport the sea, because their accumulators discovery, simultaneously. I have made At the depth of 15-20 meters, we ships, Saganaga and Lord Strathcona, were faulty. Now, they are a source of about forty dives just on Rose Castle could already see the huge sunken ship which were standing at anchor in Lance inspiration and many an exciting con- and still have not exhausted my curiosity below. The bow deck of Rose Castle Cove, were attacked and sunk by the versation among wreck enthusiasts in as a researcher,” said Bill. was directly under us. Bow reels and German submarine U-Boat 513, IXC- the diving community. bulwark were visible. They had become type, led by Captain Rolf Ruggenberg. “Why do you like to dive these Diving the wrecks overgrown with actiniums. The deck Two months later, while taking advan- wrecks?” we asked William Flaherty, Having heard plenty of these stories, house, cabins, cock boat-beams, masts tage of the limited measures taken by our encyclopaedic erudite skipper and we decided that it was time to dive the and funnels were all overgrown with British and Canadian Navy on navi- the local expert on the dive sites of wrecks immediately. Heavy fifteen liter anemones, but were still pleasing to gational protection of ships, another Newfoundland. tanks with 25% , a wide step into the eye. At 35 meters, the water was German submarine U-Boat 518, of the “Imagine the bird’s flight, when you fly the water with a loud “pluh!!!” and a so clear that the sunlight penetrated same IXC type under the command of in the sky above a city and examine the big splash of heavy lead-gray coloured the deep very well, and there was no Captain Friedrich Wissmann, attacked people, trees, streets and houses below. water. The is excellent gear necessity for additional illumination. and sunk the 140-meter British giant, Precisely the same sensations I also suf- when it is made to measure. How com- My dive buddy today is the self- Rose Castle, and the small French ship, fer when I plunge into the depths to see fortable it makes you feel in any body proclaimed “slowest trimix diver of PLM 27 (Paris-Lyon-Marseilles), in the the wreck. It seems to me that I see the of water. Newfoundland” and a former US Navy same place. wreck like a city—a sunken underwater Submersion started along a line tied diver.

24 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfoundland

He does it all very slowly, for ulti- the decompression time, check the mate safety, and fixes a decom- gas volume and decide to examine pression cylinder on the wreck one of the top rooms of the vessel. deck. Only after that, do we start It appeared to be a radio cabin. our underwater journey. As in all old ships, the radio cabin, In the beginning, we find the or Marconi’s room, was located huge aperture of a hold and after just above the superstructure of the turning on our torches, we are ship. The door was absent, so we immersed in the gloom. Pipes, lad- went inside. There were old broken ders, cross-beams, heaps of rusty wood boards and a panel with metal and crystal-clear water. We old style arrow galvanometers with hang with in the scraps of wires hanging on them. darkness of the hold. In absolute Antiquated microphones, or head- blackness, we rummage the sides phones were also visible. with the light beams of our torches. I found out that my dive buddy We try do not to sift up the silt mud also happened to be a specialist in or catch our SCUBA hoses on the wireless radio communications with wreckage. knowledge accumulated over 23 A light from the opening of a years of service in the Navy. So, he turned-out section of the vessel is was ecstatic over this find. His eyes piercing the dark ahead of us. This is burned with enthusiasm and his the place of the torpedo’s impact. happiness about the discovery was We are not sure if the construc- boundless. If only he could have tion of the wreckage is safe enough touched the history of radio here to pass here, therefore we decide in this British wreck in the Northern not to return to the surface through Atlantic, he would have been all the exploded aperture, and the more excited. instead, swim back the same way Despite language barriers under we came inside the wreck. water, it was simple to understand On the main deck, we are met his exuberance, because I had again by sunlight. We mount our enough knowledge and apprecia- tanks above the deck to reduce tion of the topic myself. During that ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: People, wrecks and fishes, researching each other

25 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Newfoundland

moment however, I was more nervous about the gas pressure in my small cyl- inder. Decompression time was grow- ing too quickly, so I was the first to give the signal that it was time to go home. We came up to the sun and warmth very slowly with “deep micro bub- ble stops”. We each retreated into our own thoughts, recollecting the brightest impressions of the dive. After returning to the surface, both of us were in unanimous agreement with our skipper that the ship was a huge underwater city full of fascinating secrets and exciting discoveries. We were full of desire to dive it again and again knowing that we could never the uncontrollable desire to come completely explore everything in this back here again arose—as with any sunken city. good fairy tale, you want to read it again—to see 5000 whale tails and to Newfy Charm experience more the underwa- Newfoundland is home to an under- ter charm of NEWFY. water world full of life—blue ice blocks PS: The editors of X-RAY MAG would and brilliant icebergs, whales breach- like to express their gratitude to Rick ing, mysterious coastal grottoes (which and Debbie Stanley, skipper William should be checked for hidden pirate Flaherty and Steve Moore, and Ocean treasure) majestic wrecks and the Quest Charters for their hospitality unique, sun lit and clear waters of the and guidance in the experience of North Atlantic. Peering at this won- Newfoundland. derful island far below the wing of www.oceanquestcharters.com ■ the plane on my return flight home,

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Great marine life, great landscape, great views, great diving and … great luck! This is Newfoundland 26 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED factNewfoundland, file Canada

History Canada is a country of num, potash, diamonds, rich natural resources and vast dis- silver, fish, timber, wild- tances. In 1867, Canada became a life, coal, petroleum, self-governing territory while retain- natural gas, hydro- ing its relationship with the British power; Natural : crown. The country has developed continuous permafrost economically and technologically in north is a serious in parallel with its southen neighbor obstacle to develop- along an unfortified border, the ment; as a result of the United States. After a decade of mixing of air masses budget cuts, the country’s greatest from the Arctic, Pacific, Web sites political issues are improving edu- and North American Newfoundland and Labrador cation and health care services. interior, cyclonic storms Tourism www.gov.nf.ca/tourism Recently, the issue of reconciling form east of the Rocky Newfoundland&Labrador.com Quebec’s francophone heritage Mountains and produce www.newfoundlandandlabra- with the rest of the country’s popula- most of the country’s dor.com tion which is anglophone, has reced- rain and snow east of ed after a referendum held by the the mountains. 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Dive Operators Quebec government failed to pass Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed Ocean Quest Charters in 1995. Government: confederation Economy Canada closely background 26%; Religions: Roman www.oceanquestcharters.com with parliamentary democracy. resembles the US in its market-orient- Catholic 46%, Protestant 36%, other ed economic system, pattern of pro- religions 18% Deco Chamber Geography Located on the duction, and high living standards. Centre for Offshore and Remote northern half of the North American It is an affluent, high-tech industrial Currency Canadian dollar Medicine (MEDICOR) continent, Canada is bordered by society. Agriculture: wheat, barley, (CAD) Exchange rate: 1 CAD = $ .82 Faculty of Medicine, three oceans: the North Atlantic oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; USD / € .63 EURO St. John’s, NF, Canada, A1B 3V6 Ocean on the east and the North dairy products; forest products; fish; Telephone: (709) 737-6433, Pacific Ocean on the west, as well Industries: transportation equipment, Language English 59.3% (offi- http://www.med.mun.ca/medi- as the Artic Ocean to the north. chemicals, processed and unproc- cial), French 23.2% (official), other cor/pages/nasa.htm ■ After Russia, Canada is the second essed minerals, food products; wood languages 17.5% largest country in the world. It has and paper products; fish products, a strategic position between Russia petroleum and natural gas. and the US on the north polar route; about 90% of Canadian are con- Climate varies from temperate in centrated in the area within 160 km the south to subarctic and arctic in of the border with the US. Terrain: the north wide plains with mountains in the west and lowlands in the southeast; Population 32,507,874 Natural resources: iron ore, nickel, Ethnicity: British Isles origin 28%, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybde- French origin 23%, other European Newfoundland, Canada www.oceanquestcharters.com

27 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Raja Ampat Liveaboard Diving Indonesia in Style

LEFT: SMY Ondina, a Spanish owned ship built by hand using the traditional methods of South Sulawesi, was designed for diving ABOVE: Wayag’s Rock Islands top Palau for beauty RIGHT: Red-orange starfish on blue tunicates; Blue-ringed octopus; Elegant squat lobster on soft coral

Text and photos by Deb Fugitt Raja Ampat in Indonesia is dot- one looks, potential dive sites provides us colourful soft cor- with tiny islands scattered beg to be explored and with als and packs the huge schools like beads across an area of sea a water temperature always in of fish into dense masses. The and surrounded by large plat- the 27-28° C range we would currents also bring nutrients for form and fringing reef systems. be happy to spend many hours the small creatures. Raja Ampat The seas here are calm much of per day doing so. Strong cur- is becoming well known for its the year due to light winds and rents are very common on reefs diverse marine life by scientists the shelter provided by nearby throughout the area. This is a and divers alike. islands and reefs. Everywhere good thing as the current diving

28 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Raja Ampat

A pristine white sand beach on Gam Island

As a still photographer, world be compared.” Raja Ampat appeals to me Raja Ampat is consid- for its wide angle opportuni- ered remote. Located off ties, video being the only bet- the Northwest “Bird’s Head” ter tool to capture the area’s Peninsula of New Guinea wonders. No where else I’ve Island, Raja Ampat is a cluster dived offers such consistent of over 1500 small islands, bays mind boggling vistas of fish and and shoals surrounding the corals. Yet, focusing down to a four islands of Misool, Salawati, smaller level there are macro Batanta and Waigeo. Named creatures galore. after the “Four Kings” of these Areas of mushroom shaped islands, Raja Ampat is a part rock islands seem to harbour of the West Papua province of some of the better dive sites Indonesia which was formerly and make for beautiful and Irian Jaya and is now its own interesting topside scenery as district with its own govern- well. This area is destined to ment. become a World Heritage Site. “Remote” depends on your Dr Gerald Allen declared definition. While much of the recently that “Raja Ampat area is unexplored, it is easy represents the bulls-eye of enough to fly by jet into the biodiversity in coral reefs” and local Sorong airport from recommended “we protect Manado or Makassar (Ujung the reef at all costs, because Pandang) where you are col- it represents the baseline to lected by ship to travel an which all other reefs in the hour or so to the diving areas.

LEFT: Orange gorgonian fans, red soft corals and golden cup corals ABOVE: Ghost pipefish can be found on night dives around grow within inches of the rainforest overhanging The Passage Waigeo, Fam, Dampier Straits, Misool

29 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT: This beautiful Ctenophore, Coeloplana astericola, is found on the arms of starfish in Raja Empat Raja Ampat travel BELOW: Blue Tail Surgeonfish and Barracuda. Small schools of barracuda often hang near or mix into schools of surgeonfish and other species

Bear hugs and quickly. Wrapping his powerful arms around boat was the best decision I had made in big fish Tony’s waist, Michael hoisted Tony in a giant years. “Michael!” We bear hug spinning him effortlessly in a circle Michael has an uncanny ability to know cried out in unison while carrying him across the deck. A joyous the conditions underwater, where the fish as we hopped reunion with an old friend portended great are schooling and the direction and force aboard SMY adventures for our first liveaboard charter in of the current, all necessary skills to get Ondina, our livea- the Raja Empat islands. the most out of a dive in the current-swept board home for When Tony Matheis and I began coming areas of the enormous reef systems in this the next month. to Raja Ampat in ’99, it was Michael who, hot new dive destination. Thanks to his years Stepping agilely after two weeks of so-so diving with other of experience in the area, we came home across the deck, guides, put us into the water in the condi- with some of the best images in years. Michael sidestepping tions that we now recognize as optimal for Our guide dropped us into immense bewildered look- seeing the reefs and fish life at their finest. schools of Pale or Blue Tail Surgeonfish. As ing new passengers, crew and luggage, Opting for diving with him from a longboat we plunged headfirst toward the bottom Michael reached my companion, Tony, instead of with the other tourists on the dive we scattered huge schools of bannerfish

30 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED  City Seahorse Inc.   Raja Ampat

and streams of fusiliers so as to get in front of the reef before the cur- rent carried us over the top. The surgeonfishes hanging effortlessly in the current were so densely packed, they were like black and blue walls stretching from the sand to the top of the reef. When sepa- rated by less than 10 meters from my buddy, I could not see him or Millions of Sweetlips the flash from his powerful strobes. Over and over, we jumped into the fishiest dives I had ever seen. Again and again, we left our Can’t be Wrong secure current-less spot in front of the reef out of film but not bottom time. We soared like gliders over Raja Ampat is our favorite ! the tops of immense reefs survey- ing the life below until we slowly surfaced a hundred meters or  more away from our site and were met instantly, and incredibly, by Michael, who hoisted me up with  his muscular arms back onto the longboat.  The longboat is a sort of over- grown wooden canoe equipped  for transporting material through the islands, not for divers. While the men with their natural upper body      strength climbed easily aboard, I had to be lifted.       After the first day and multiple     bruises on hip bones, I worked out a successful, if rather comical, alternative method that always put the men into fits of laughter.  After handing up my fins, I would lay back in the water and throw  my legs over the edge, then two of the men would grab my arms kept on coming back to dive as interior layout was designed by  and sit me up into the boat. Hey! often as we could. the on-board owner and cruise At least the bruises were all behind director, Ricard Buxo, who also  me now. The Liveaboard Trip supervised the ship’s construc- That was when we fell in love For our month long trip, I chartered tion. Ricard’s careful design makes  with Raja Ampat’s diving. SMY Ondina, a traditional Phinisi Ondina function as though it is a  Ah, those were the good old ship built in Bira, South Sulawesi, much larger ship. Cabins are spa- days! We survived on peanut but- Indonesia, of exotic hardwoods. cious, and the dive deck is well   ter, bread and canned tuna and She is a Spanish-owned ship whose organized. There are tables, charg- ABOVE: Lionfish on red fan coral 31 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLOCKWISE FROM LOWER LEFT INSET: Raja Ampat Kaboi Bay, as well as many travel other areas of Raja Ampat, is filled with small rock islands

SMY Ondina is outfitted in exotic wood and decorated with Indonesian art

Ondina has a large table for working on cameras, deep storage for cameras under- neath and two fresh water padded camera rinse tanks

There is plenty of light in the cabins and individual AC units

Dampier Straits First, we headed out to the Dampier Straits to dive the long, fishy reefs there. Depending on the current, dives are best at one reef or another. There are several world-class sites within a 15 minute ride. When the current is running, the best location is chosen, divers are dropped just in front of the reef and then the current carries ing and camera rinse facilities for Michael fished these waters with them back into the sweet spot just the photographers, and there is his father before showing the first in front of the boat. room for guests to spread out. dive operator in the area the best In this area, we expect to see Numbers of guests are limited, so reefs for fish as well as the location lots of fish, turtles, manta rays, that divers can get in more dives. of many WWII wrecks. Every trip schools of large bumphead par- Ondina’s Captain Ambo made is geared toward photog- rotfish munching the corals and worked in Papua for five years on raphers, and entire days are often plenty of fish. Oh, and did I men- a different ship and now has a spent at one site alone diving the tion there are quite a lot of fish total of seven years experience sites as many times as desired. here? in the area. He is quite skilled in Bottom time is not arbitrarily lim- navigating the treacherous reefs ited. First Dive and helps plan our flexible itiner- The crew is happy with our The red and white inflatable dive ary estimating times and possible arrangement, as the guests can tenders ferried us out to the reef routes when we want to make a dive and the crew can still get a where fortunately there was a change. bit of rest during the day. Michael, manageable current running. Although SMY Ondina’s crew is however, is always watching Falling backward over the side, I quite experienced, Michael and the divers and somehow knows did a complete underwater som- one other Papuan guide were which diver is where on the reef— ersault and surfaced briefly for asked to come along to help with although I would swear he cannot Michael to hand in my camera. the dive schedule, which included see them. I made a quick survey from the more dives per day than a normal top which showed so-so visibility trip. but plenty of fish and diver activ-

32 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Raja Ampat

LEFT: A beautiful green anemone is host to a pair of brilliant red Spinecheek Anemonefish RIGHT: A frilly-edged Tasselled Wobbegong Shark rests on a table coral

ity. Clouds of tiny fish surrounded the reef. I let myself be carried zontal V-shaped crevasse under- some of the coral bommies while down current to check out some neath to see that it was, as usual, up and down the steep slopes coral-encrusted bommies on the filled with several large batfish, of the site, schools of four-lined white sand bottom that are very some oriental sweetlips and a few snappers, sweetlips, fusiliers and colourful places to make a horizon- smaller fish. rabbitfish wandered amongst red tal image. Afterwards, I stayed low, Turning back toward the point, and purple soft corals, leather and ducking behind corals and large the area most densely covered in black coral bushes. fans, playing eddies created by the life, I spotted a giant clam on top The divers from the first tender current so as to get back up to the of the point. The spot must have were already busy. From my van- point without an exhausting swim in been a great place for filter feed- tage point, I saw several divers open water. ers as the clam was huge. But it waiting around an overhang to Just to the other side of the point, was also a tough spot for a diver to photograph a frilly-edged Tasselled yellow streams of four-lined snap- stay still. I ducked down behind the Wobbegong Shark, which rested pers swarmed over the slope like bommie beside the clam and wait- underneath; others lining up shots yellow rivers, parting around coral ed for schools of fish to pass over with several intermediate batfish islands and pausing beneath tow- and behind the clam to catch a in front of coral covered bom- ering table corals. These docile fish more interesting wide-angle scene mies; and our trip’s anemonefish allowed me to swim right into their on film. addict, Marylou, setting her sights schools, coming within inches of my on a beautiful green anemone that camera lens. The school flexed and Favourite Sites was host to a pair of brilliant red finally parted to let me pass. for Small Creatures Spinecheek Anemonefish. I made a brief visit to a large soft One of the favourite macro pho- The current split at the point of coral covered bommie with a hori- tography sites on the trip was in

33 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Raja Ampat

LEFT TO RIGHT: Orange Pygmy Sea- horse; morosa on Giant Clam; Juvenile crab on pink coral in silty bay of Batanta; Blenny on soft coral; Flatworm on Gold Sponge

a deep bay on the western end of The dive site is long and protected. Waigeo where a long wall alternates Although there occasionally was a with a steep slope both covered in current, there was no chance of get- corals and anemones and shadowed ting lost or being swept away and by rainforest from the island above. there was always a sheltered area. The site is populated by orang-utan What we found immediately were crabs, ghost pipefish, a great variety schools of silversides so dense they of nudibranchs, several species of lion- would turn day into night when over- fish and of course, pygmy seahorses. head. Even in the brightest part of the Pygmy seahorses seem to be eve- day, I would need a light to enable rywhere, so we restrict ourselves to me to focus on the robust ghost pipe- looking for them on designated macro fish or on the tiny crabs in the fire days when we are diving in calm urchins. areas. Every bubble coral had its orang- This site could be dived from 30 utan crab. Nudibranchs and flatworms meters to the surface so bottom time were scattered like confetti over was no problem. We took advan- much of the site. There was always tage of this by spending the entire something interesting to be found on day at this site, most of it in the water. the soft corals, among the algae or Highlights were the abundance of in the holes. Rainbow-coloured man- orang-utan crabs, striking orange tis shrimp would sit up and watch as ‘pygs’ (pygmy seahorses) on a match- divers swam past then dart toward ing fan, a giant zebra crab on a fire their hole when approached. Certain urchin, and bizarre Phyllodesmium areas were covered in the small yel- species nudibranch, juvenile egg cow- low holothurians (sea cucumbers) that ries and both robust and ornate ghost are common in Indonesia as well as pipefish. an orange and green coloration that

34 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Raja Ampat

I had never seen before. Divers came and went as they pleased all day changing locations as they learned what others found in their explorations, trading informa- tion on critters, their depth and landmarks to find them. On the sec- ond dive, I came upon a beautiful orange sea fan perched on a sandy ledge in the wall. It was such a beautiful colour that I searched it carefully for any small creature to use as a subject for a photo composition. Imagine my surprise when I found three nice-sized pygmy seahorses! I marked the fan with a nearby stick that had fallen from the rain- forest above, sticking it vertically into the sand. Other divers were able to locate the fan and get some photos of these cool ‘pygs’. After a lengthy night dive at the site, we started the long overnight leg of the cruise. Everyone sat down for a dinner of Indonesian specialities inside SMY Ondina’s air conditioned dining room and lounge.

Night diving In Raja Ampat, the stems of the tiny mushroom- vision narrowed to the beam of our dive lights, shaped islands sit upon a shallow plateau, we focus on tiny creatures crawling across most or ridge, and are covered in soft corals, fans of the corals and crinoids. Decorator crabs, and tunicates. These are also among the most hermit crabs, squat lobsters cling to the corals favourite spots for night dives and small crea- and are happy to grab and eat the tiny worms tures. During the day, vertical schools of fish attracted by our lights. often drape these islands’ sides or swirl across At one site where I noticed a beautiful yellow hard coral covered plateaus. Divers search gorgonian in daylight, I was pleased to find now- the tunicate laden sides of the islands for nudi- conspicuous tiger cowries crawling amongst branchs, flatworms, blennies and scorpionfish. its branches at night. Raja Ampat is home to a ABOVE: Chromodoris Koi nudibranch in The Passage At night, even spots that looked barren dur- huge variety of molluscs, so it is very common INSET TOP: This blenny made its home in a deserted worm tube ing the day come alive with small crabs, shrimps to find allied cowries and other species of shells INSET BOTTOM: Night is the time to find crabs, shrimp, lobster, eels and mol- and other night creatures. In the dark with our moving at night. luscs. Decorator crabs can be quite funny with a top hat of coralimorph or TOP: Sargassum Frogfish live in floating sargassum weed upside-down jellyfish BOTTOM: Bright Red Orange Sponge and Orange Tunicates 35 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Raja Ampat

Unusual Dives at the open end of the channel in No story on Raja Ampat diving can shallow water during a period when be complete without a mention of the current is running toward Kaboi the narrow passage between Gam Bay and before it gets too strong. and Waigeo Islands. A channel, so In the shallow water, delicate let- narrow it seems to be a small river, tuce leaf corals grow just beyond divides the two islands and runs reach of the current. Small soft red TOP LEFT: Nude pygmy seahorse into Kaboi Bay, a bay which at first corals cling to the bottom out in the TOP CENTER: Tiger cowrie seems to be a large lake. On both channel. Let the current carry you BOTTOM CENTER: Black coral shrimp sides of the channel dense rainforest along while you manoeuvre to stay RIGHT: Pregnant shrimp on Bubble coral overhangs the water. The channel is close to the side. Otherwise, the dive shallow and at times has a ferocious will be over in minutes. pink soft corals that line the chan- current with mini whirlpools in the Along the channel, divers pass nel’s sides. Tuck inside a shallow bay larger bays. The best dives here start areas of golden cup corals, red and for a relaxing look around. There

36 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CLOCKWISE FROM INSET LEFT: Raja Ampat Halfbeak. The Passage, Waigeo and travel Gam

Entering The Passage. A narrow chan- nel between Gam and Waigeo is a short cut for boat traffic and an excel- lent dive site. This site must be dived near slack

Tunicates and hydroids are food for nudibranchs and flatworms. purpureaolineolata feeds on tunicate

Archerfish skim along just beneath the surface watching the leaves above for bugs. They can shoot a bug with a stream of water knocking it into the sea

of nowhere, swerve to avoid divers overnight voyage, and continue on out of sight. but always comfort- Everything in the channel is on a able as the waters in mission. Divers can continue this Raja Ampat are very journey, in and out of the current protected from rough and quiet bays until they reach a seas by the abun- large bay where they finish the dive dance of islands. in a sandy shallow area with many Misool’s dive sites are species of shrimp gobies. certainly the most If the day is overcast and dark, densely covered with photographers can concentrate the most colourful soft on shooting scenes of archerfish, corals, fans and tiny to see rainforest where polka-dot cardinalfish, flatworms fish that I have ever archerfish seem to and nudibranchs. seen and are excel- fly through the green The Passage is a short cut for boats in lent for colourful coral leafy branches of trees. the area, so one can often see families shots and for macro, In some places, cor- of Papuans while anchored there. We particularly at night. als are only inches from were visited by entire families who live on However, we do not leaves. We’ve joked a covered raft, catching and drying fish see the variety of that the only thing on the roof. One of the crew bought a larger fish found in missing to complete Cockatoo from them, which was quickly northern Raja Empat sites and more waiting to be discovered. in the calm water, pinnacles covered the perfect reef and rainforest photo, adopted by some of the women on the or the variety of underwater structures Each dive site is large and there is such with tunicates host many flatworms and would be a Wilson’s Red Bird of Paradise trip. They cleaned and nursed the poor there. On other days, sailing time lasts variety and diversity on each one that nudibranchs. Soft corals and fans grow perched on a branch just above the creature for the remainder of the jour- from 30 minutes to no more than 4-5 a long article could easily be written on drowned logs while the sun paints water. This bird lives nearby so it is not a ney. hours after the night dive. about each site. I encourage everyone the dark water with streaks of light. completely unreasonable hope. who wants to experience this area to Inside these mysterious bays where the Back out in the channel, Bumphead Overview Conservation do it quickly while this it is still relatively water’s surface is very calm, one can Parrotfish, large tuna, turtles, jacks or The only long passage on our trip was Raja Ampat is a relatively small area untouched. look up past brilliantly coloured sea fans sometimes sharks seemingly come out from Waigeo to Misool, about a 10-hour with a huge number of world-class dive There is currently no effort at conserva-

37 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Raja Ampat

LEFT: Blue-ringed octopus are smaller than a hand ABOVE: Scorpionfish are often well camouflaged among the corals and sponges. Be careful what you touch! INSET: Underwater photographer and diver, Deb Fugitt

tion in the area, and it is likely to crew for another month in Raja that designs web sites for travel, be years before any effective Empat. He has new places to dive and photography busi- conservation plan is in place to show us. We are keen to see nesses. For more information or protect this amazing ecosystem. new sites and to spend time to make reservations for one of We hope the new Raja Ampat with our gregarious Papuan Fugitt’s special Raja Empat trips district government will resolve friend. We anticipate more bear organized a few times each some of these issues and help to hugs from him, which are given year, see: www.cityseahorse. protect the people, reefs and generously to us and to those com/rajaampat rainforests of this remarkable who have also caught the Raja and unspoiled area. Only time Empat “bug”. We will meet him Visit www.smyondina.com will tell. again in Papua. for liveaboard trips to Papua Our Raja Empat dive guide, and other destinations within Michael, eagerly anticipates Deb Fugitt is an underwater Indonesia with SMY Ondina. ■ this year’s voyage with SMY photographer and owner of an Ondina’s superb ship and Internet marketing company

Soft Corals at Slacking Tide. When there is no current, Raja Empat’s dive sites change in appearance. The current is slowing to a stop in this photo. Some of the corals have started to droop and shortly they will be difficult to see

38 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RAJA AMPAT factRaja fileAmpat, Indonesia LIVEABOARD TOUR WITH THE SMY ONDINA

PRICES Sorong-Sorong Trips: SMY Ondina stand- ard trip, 10 night trip, 2200 euro; City Seahorse special 11 night charter (limited participation, extra dives, special meals & guides): $3245 / 2660 euro. History Humans first settled New off the western coast of the Bird’s Electricity Standard electricity Guinea at least 50,000 years ago, Head Peninsula of New Guinea is 220V, 50Hz. A few hotels and live- TRAVEL when it was connected to Australia Island, the western half of which aboards have transformers to pro- Reach Sorong to meet liveboards via by a land bridge. A British attempt is Indonesia and the eastern half, vide 110V. Bring smart chargers for Makassar (Ujung Pandang) or Manado at colonization in 1793 colony was Papua New Guinea. The province rechargeable batteries. The plugs in Sulawesi. There are several flights evacuated within two years. The was formerly called “Irian Jaya”. have two prong round plugs. daily. Visitors can also connect from their Dutch were next, proclaiming in International flights from Bali or Jakarta. 1828 that the natives of the western Climate Tropical, hot and humid. Health & Vaccinations Flights into Sorong require booking half of New Guinea were to be sub- The water temperature is normally Nearest decompression cham- through an agent in Indonesia, or through your local dive travel agency who works jects of the King of the Netherlands. 84-86F / 28-29C year round, with an ber: Manado. Malaria is common with an agent in Indonesia. SMY Ondina’s They opened Fort du Bus to protect occasional “chilly” 82F / 27C spot. in the area. Check with WHO or office in Bali or City Seahorse’s agent can their lucrative trade with the spice We’ve had no problem with cold your dive operator for prophalaxis book your flight into Sorong. islands from other European powers, when diving 4 -7 long dives per day recommendations. Larium is not but abandoned the area after only in 1mm neoprene suits, however effective in Papua. Be prepared REFERENCES 10 years. No continuous settlement some people prefer 3mm. with insect repellents containing Interesting reading about the culture, was established in West Papua until DEET. International Certificate of fauna and flora of Papua and the Raja 1897, and no substantial develop- Environment Logging. The Vaccination required for Yellow Empat Islands: ment was undertaken within the rainforests within the combined Fever required if arriving from infect- country until the 1950s. In 1949 West Papua/Papua New Guinea ed area within five days. The Malay Archipelago (1869) the Dutch ceded sovereignty of land mass are second in size only to by Alfred Russel Wallace

Dutch East Indies to the Indonesian those of the Amazon, making it ‘the and certain series of bills are almost million (1.5 million). Migrants and Visas & Permits A 30 day Illustrated excerpts on the Papua Republic, but excluded Dutch New lungs of Asia’. In 2001 there were 57 impossible to exchange. Travelers’ transmigrants born in other parts of visa-on-arrival facility is available chapters can be found at: Guinea (West Papua). A long and forest concession-holders in opera- cheques are becoming quite diffi- Indonesia: 350,000 (850,000). to nationals of the USA, UK, most tortuous history followed. The con- tion around the country and untold cult to use except at banks. European countries and many http://www.papuaweb.org/dlib/bk/ troversial West Papuan version can other forest ventures operating ille- Visa cards, and cash in major Language Bahasa Indonesian, Asian countries. The fee is currently wallace/papuan.html be examined at www.newint.org/ gally. Mining. Tailings from copper, currencies are widely accepted at in addition to 253 tribal languages. $25 for visitors from most countries. issue344/history.htm. nickel, and gold mining are real banks, money changers and hotels West Papua and its neighbour, Check with the Indonesian Embassy CHAPTER XXXV: VOYAGE FROM CERAM threats. in major cities and tourist destina- Papua New Guinea, contain 15% or Consulate nearest to you for a TO WAIGIOU Government Republic of tions. When visiting Raja Empat it of all known languages. English, longer visa. All passports must be Indonesia, Papua is one of 27 prov- Currency The currency is the is unlikely you will have an oppor- Spanish, German are spoken on the valid for a minimum period of six CHAPTER XXXVI: WAIGIOU inces with its capitol in Jayapura. Indonesian rupiah. ATM machines tunity to use an ATM or exchange ship. Bahasa Indonesian and English months beyond your intended stay. CHAPTER XXXVII: VOYAGE FROM As of late 2004 Raja Empat has a generally offer the best exchange money. Check with the dive generally spoken at hotels and air- To enter Papua, you need a surat WAIGIOU TO TERNATE separate district government. rates, dispense rupiah and are operator for forms of currency they ports along the route and in Sorong. jalan which is issued by the local readily available in most major cit- accept, or bring cash in rupiah for police. This can be arranged by ABOUT THE LIVEABOARD Geography Southeast Asia. ies or where there are many for- tips and purchases. Security Although they are in an your dive operator who will require www.smyondina.com Raja Empat is the most western dis- eign visitors. Large denominations active Independence movement a copy of the photo page of your trict of the Indonesian province of ($100 bills) of cash in US dollars is Population All of Papua in Papua, tourists have not been passport and the visa-on-arrival or www.cityseahorse.com/raja-ampat- Papua. Raja Empat consists of an fairly easy to exchange, however Province - Total population: 2.1 mil- impacted. visa page from your passport. ■ .html area surrounding four major islands all bills must be issued after 1999 lion (2.5 million). Indigenous: 1.3

39 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED THE FACTS AND VIEWPOINTS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF X-RAY MAG. EQUIPMENT PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAS NOT BEEN TESTED BY X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTED, INFORMATION PROVIDED IS CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED T2 from Atomic Aquatics FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE LINKS ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATIONS Says Atomic Aquatics on their web- POINT & CLICK site: “The T2 is designed to be the ON BOLD LINKS best performing and best looking regulator on the market—PERIOD. Built in durable and leightweight titatanium this sleek looking 300bar reg comes with a lifetime corrosion Edited by What’s hot...what’s next warranty. Can be used with Nitrox up Andrey Bizuykin to 40% without modifications. & Peter Symes Equipment www.atomicaquatics.com

Fashion statement This eye catching dive computer, Xtender Lady, is an exclusive special edition of the probably smallest dive computer available on the market at the moment, the Scubapro Extender. Suggested retailprice is € 579,- Euro www.Scubapro-Uwatec.com Buzz Off No, we are not being rude. Buzz off is the apt trade name of these special garments. They are insect-repellant, and as such, will come in very handy for any travel- ler that goes to areas where there are mosquitoes and other nuisances - as divers sometimes do. The are several different models, sizes and colours for ladies, gentlemen and kids. Typical pricerange usd 35 to 85 seen as seen at Ex Personal Locator Beacon Officios webshop. www.exofficio.com OK, so you are lost, stranded or in serious distress, stranded, injured or otherwise in need of rescue but your cell phone is out of reach of the network and you don’t Radiator carry a radio either. What do you do? A new type of material technology. It’s a 4 layered Enter this Personal Locator Beacon which construction, comprising a ‘slipskin’ inner lining reflecting use satellites to not only relay your distress body heat, a closed cell neoprene rubber core, a titanium call to the Search and Rescue services, lining which acts as a highly efficient barrier to the cold and a but also provides them with a fix on your nylon jersey outer layer for durability. Put simply, you can now position. This Aquafix 406 GPS GPB comes wear less. Radiator were selected by ISPO, the world’s largest a suggested retail price of USD 650 sport’s trade fair, as the best new sportswear in their “Brand www.acrelectronics.com New” section in 2004. www.radiator.net

40 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Out to dry MK17AF The Inevitable This portable, lightweight drying rack Scubapro writes about the With steadily more mobile from H2Ice will not only store your gear new MK17AF that it is their phones being equipped with between uses and keeps equipment dry most advanced overbal- digital cameras it was just a and odor free. Their patented drying anced diaphragm 1st stage thing waiting to happen: An system, which comes with one or two today and the first of a new underwater housing for cells blowers, will dry out even the wettest generation of diaphragm first phones with MMS capabili- wetsuit in the matter of a few hours. stages that offers exception- ties. It it is depth-rated to 20 From usd 225 www.h2iceonline.com ally high performance in its meters and there cases class (up to 8000 liters/minute for Nokia, Siemens, Sony- flow at 200 bar), close to the Ericsson and Samsung - and unrivalled overbalanced piston in various colours. Check design. Wave cases’ website for www.Scubapro-Uwatec.com pictures taken this way. www.wavecase.de Hello? Ocean REEF has some adjustments to their The GSM (Global Submarine Messenger, underwater com- muncation unit for their Neptune full face masks and others’) to make it louder and clearer than ever! The GSM has a new microprocessor that removes “dirty frequencies” such as noise from bubbles, water brushing rocks, boat motors, etc. www.oceanreefgroup.com

InView goggles Keep track of your swimming laps with goggles these that dis- plays lap count and time on the inside of the goggle lens, directly in the line of sight of a swimmer. An exiting new Nightvision? Singaporean project from Katie Williams, A filter set from Night sea in front of a dive- Clogs...erh.. Crocs an industrial design student light, and one of these visors is all you need ScubaPunk T’s Ever needed some footwear, say on a diveboat, which you could at London’s Brunel univer- to experience one of the most amazing Looking into making a different easily slip into, which can get wet without being ruined and has sity. No production details underwater sights: Corals’ flouresence. Filter sort of dive fashion statement? a non-slip sole. Well crocs may be the answer. This model, the yet, but nice thinking. to fit onto your divelamp (not) shown and visor Check out ScubaPunks streetwear Highland, is “closed-top, portless, durable design ideal for cold, Source: The Engineer comes in packages priced at usd 135. Seperate inspired collection of t-shirts with wet climates and/or bio- hazardous environments. Ventilated, fash- Online visors cost usd 20 www.nightsea.com an attitude. www.scubapunk.com ionable and really, really comfortable.” www.crocs.com

41 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Seek and ye shall find The new UWATEC navigation slate is a real allrounder when it comes to precise under- water navigation. The slate with non- slip handle and pen holder can be used for your notes, directions, reef descriptions or simply your dive plan. But the main attraction is the angled rim that holds up to two dif- ferent instrument capsules. You can read your notes easily and watch your most essential instruments like a compass and your dive computer at the same time. Fits the Aladin Tec and Aladin Prime, the Digital Bottom Timer as well as the Standard . www.scubapro-uwatec.com

From the inventor of the VR3-computer

The Ouroboros is a fully closed circuit, rear mounted counterlung unit. Designed as an electronic control unit will full manual override. Advances in CO2 canister design have been incor- porated into the unit. A radial scrubber, the coun- terlungs and other sensitive parts are all enclosed in a carbon kevlar case. Electronics comes with a pri- mary wrist mounted display, Head-up Display (HUD) a rear facing display and a completely redundant passive oxygen display showing true real time pO2 independent of the main electronics. www.ccrb.co.uk

In case of emergency apply ICE

East Anglian Ambulance Service have launched a national “In case of Emergency (ICE)” campaign with the support of Falklands war hero Simon Weston and in association with Vodafone’s annual life savers award. The idea is that you store the word “ I C E “ in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted “In Case of Emergency”. In an emer- gency situation ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. It’s so simple that everyone can do it. Please do. Please will you also forward this to everybody in your address book, it won’t take too many ‘forwards’ before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life. For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc

42 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Ecology

Coral Reef Fish Larvae Edited by Michael Arvedlund, PhD and Peter Symes ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUNILD AND PETER SYMES Masters of Navigation

Coral reef fishes have a requires not only cues and the tude to detect a reef tenuously ming patterns differed life cycle that is divided sensory means to detect a coral and return to it. For example at among three locations reef, but also the ability to deter- Lizard Island, the northeastern on different sides of in two. They begin their mine the direction from which the , Dr Leis and the island, and were life after hatching with a cues originate. Recent research his research team analyzed the offshore at each loca- pelagic larval phase, last- has shown that the swimming tion. This implied that ing from a week up to two behavior of reef fish larvae on Recent research has the fish larvae – all the open ocean indicates that less than a few cen- months depending on the they do orientate rather than just shown that the swim- timeters - could sense species, and ends with cruise about haphazardly. But ming behavior of reef fish the Lizard Island from exactly what cues reef fish may over 1 km offshore. a benthic phase, when larvae on the open ocean the fish larvae settles to detect and use is not so obvious. At an oceanic atoll in The well-known coral reef indicates that they do ori- the Pacific, Dr Leis and the coral reef one night. fish researcher Dr Jeff Leis, the his team found that nearly For decades the pelagic Australian Museum, have in entate rather than just all swimming patterns of four phase has been a black recent years caught, identified, cruise about haphazardly reef fish species were non- and then followed released reef random and usually linear regard- box to researchers. Only fish larvae off shore in many less of location. In a nocturnal that recently has the lid to this research projects, determining swimming directions of a group of experiment, within 50 m of the from 30% black box been opened. direction and swimming fish larvae of several coral coral reefs, also of Lizard Island, to100% of settle- speed of reef fish larvae. reef fish species, each the Australian researchers ment-competent larvae of a Some reef fish released individually, Dr Stobutzki and Dr given species may reject a given The above research on settle- In a recent article in X-RAY MAG, larvae swim and showed that Bellwood could reef and swim back into open ment behaviour was done during we looked at the astonishing away individual show that the water. the day, and we have no idea swimming ability reef fish larvae from the swimming majority of fish lar- For example, some species how settlement behaviour might have. However, long reef, out patterns vae swam toward will settle only on lagoonal reefs, differ at night. distance of sight of it, and of most the nearest reef indicat- whereas others reject shallow The combination of habitat swimming then return. This were not ran- ing they knew the way to the lagoon reefs, but accept deeper selectivity and swimming abili- is of little dom but significantly reef. ones. Once over a reef, selectiv- ties means that settlement-com- use with- towards one ity about settlement sites can also petent reef-fish larvae have the out naviga- particular Settlement be great: some species only settle potential to actively examine a tion. Orientation is The transition from the pelagic on live coral, whereas others only variety of reefs at scales of tens of necessary if a pelagic (open water) environment to a settle into schools of similarly-sized kilometers to find a suitable settle- reef fish larva is to find a reef by behavior implies either reef, i.e. the settlement, is com- recent recruited, now juvenile ment site. other than chance, and a good memory for plex. Reef-fish larvae are highly reef fish. So ready-to-settle fish lar- But as Dr Leis expressed the orientation reef location, or direction, and that on selective about where they settle. vae certainly do not simply settle situation for researchers studying the apti- average, these swim- Dr Leis and his team also found onto the first reef they bump into. the interesting life of reef fish lar-

43 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED BONAIRE ecology Larval Navigation LEFT: Goby larva, Psilotris batrachodes, Hospitality Without Limits 6 mm. Photo courtesy of Dr Benjamin Victor. www.coralreeffish.com

vae, “matters are yet even more have been misled by similar theo- complex.” Behaviour also varies ry-based predictions in the past. within a species depending on Sensational the situation. For example, larvae Senses But However, Owing to Oders of a number of species released what senses enables where currents are Olfaction has the potential to ����������������� nearby to reefs swam much slower minute reef fish larvae to weak, each reef might be operate over larger scales, as ������������������������ when approaching the reef than navigate in such astonishing surrounded by a -main- has been known with salmons for ����������������������������������������������������� if they swam away from it, and lar- complex ways and over several lateral line that they are mov- tained “halo” of smell that could many years. If odors are carried by ������������������������������������������������������ ������������ vae of one damselfish consistently kilometres? Dr Leis suggests that ing through water when they are provide cues that a reef was near, currents and structured by fronts ������������������������������������������������ swam faster in open water in an many possible cues associated swimming, unless they have an and a similar halo could be estab- between water masses, olfaction ����������������������������������������������������������� atoll lagoon than in ocean waters with reefs could provide clues for external reference, such as a view lished by current reversals such as operating at a small scale could ��������������������������������������������� surrounding the atoll. navigation. These include smells of the bottom, they will be unable those caused by . result in orientation over larger $ and sound which comes from to determine that they are being scales. 599 pp/sext Vertical distribution reefs; differences in wind- or wave- moved by and with the water, as Electromagnetivity This may also be the case �������������� Vertical distributions can also differ induced turbulence; gradients in when being carried along with Magnetic anomalies are current with temperature differences. ������������������������������ between locations. For example, abundance of fish, plankton, or a current. Therefore, currents are independent, and more likely to Damselfishes, among them the ����������������� fish larvae may swim deeper in the reef potentially detectable using vision be associated with reefs on oce- popular anemonefishes, have �������� ocean than in an atoll lagoon, or near the bottom or near a reef, anic islands than with continental- been shown to use chemical cues ������ ���� ���� ������ ������������������� they may swim deeper off but it is unlikely that cur- shelf reefs. Most reef fish species to locate settlement �������������� the windward than rents or movement have wide distributions i.e. they live sites off the leeward by them will be on a variety of island and shelf ������� side of a habitats, and in a ������������� reef. We ������������ ��������������� can ������������������������ ����������� ������� detritus; over �������������� ������������� and differences in tem- relatively peratures of lagoonal or reef flat small distances, ����������������� �������������������������� water flowing from a reef. In some detectable i.e. a few meters. Are expect cases, a magnetic compass or sun in blue water, i.e. off- coral reef fish larvae of species SILVER-SPECIAL! �������������������������� that behav- compass could help in increasing shore, and thus they are unlikely to variety of that are symbiotic with anemones ������������������������� iour differs chances of fish larvae encounter- be an aid to orientation. current regimes that differ in their particularly good at using olfactory between night and ing a reef (e.g., a larva in the Coral Some of these possibilities seem predictability over many scales. In cues to select settlement habitat? day and probably at dif- Sea would increase its chances intrinsically more general and addition, changes in sea level over Two points about these experi- ferent stages in larvae devel- of encountering one of the reefs therefore more likely in a evolution- time can result in radical changes ments are important: first, they opment. This kind of behav- on the Great Barrier Reef by swim- ary sense to have been utilized. For in reef systems and associated cur- show that olfaction can operate ioural flexibility further complicates ming to the west), but it seems example, sound is almost current rents. Therefore, it seems likely that over scales of up to a few tens of any attempts to make realistic unlikely either could assist orienta- independent, travels in all direc- any cues to which reef fish larvae meters - perhaps even much long- mathematical model dispersal tion toward a particular reef. tions from the source, and spreads have become adapted to use er distances; second, they were – models which are very popular One possible exception is that a over long distances, so it could be in finding reefs would be general done over the reef habitat. ���������������������������� among researchers, because they magnetic sense could allow a fish a very general cue. ones, useful over much or all of the We do not know yet if olfaction ������������������������������������������������������ may be an important tool in e.g. larva to detect an oceanic basalt range of the species. can be used in the pelagic envi- ������������������������������������������������������������ coral reef park management and island (or, some volcanic islands on Smell However all these predictions ronment in the find reefs. Olfaction ���������������������� ���������������������������� �� �������� fisheries management. However, continental plates) on which reefs In contrast, smells are current based on theoretical arguments is clearly important in the location �������������������������������������������������������� it is of course necessary for these were growing, because basalt dependent, must travel with water should be treated with caution of specialized habitats such as ������������������������������������������������������ models to be based on correct islands have a magnetic anomaly. movement, and would be of until they can be tested with reef anemones or corals, and in the ������������������������������ assumptions. Although fish can sense via the little use “up-current” of any reef. fish larvae. Reef fish researchers location of conspecifics all over ���������������������������������������� ����������������������� �������������������������� INSET: Juvenile pipefish. Photo: Peter Symes 44 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

FREE back issues Larval Navigation Did you get the previous ecology issues of X-RAY MAG?

small scales within reef habitats. and fish making sounds with the plex biology of reef fish larvae, Use of olfaction for orienta- swim bladder, from underwa- researchers are looking forward tion by other than a few spe- ter speakers next to light traps, to conduct many more experi- cies of pomacentrids, or over which are known to attract ments with these fascinating larger scales, or in the pelagic many reef fish larvae, and creatures. It is certain that they environment, is a real possibil- then compare with light traps have yet many more surprises ity given the results to date, but without bio sounds, Dr Leis and waiting for us. It is a research this has not yet been demon- several other researchers have area only in its very beginning. strated by reef fish researchers. shown that reef bio sounds provide useable cues for set- Literature CAYMAN ISLANDS, Bloody Sound tlement-stage larvae searching This text has mainly been based Bay Wall, Freediving World Records, Coral Spawning, Innerspace, Wrecks of Narvik Reefs are noisy places and for settlement sites. on: Leis, J.M. & McCormick, M.I. Norway, Siberian , Tagging sound has the potential to 2002. The biology, behavior, Whalesharks, Cabilao. Link: X-RAY #5 NESTING provide orientation cues over Conclusion and ecology of the pelagic ADULTS a wide range of scales. The As with the olfactory cues, larval stage of coral reef fishes. EGGS lateral line is sensitive to water many details remain to be In: Coral reef fishes. Dynamics movement, but is capable of determined, including when in and diversity in a complex eco- detecting this over only small the development the ability to system (ed. P.F. Sale) San Diego distances, on the order of 1–3 hear and use sound for naviga- & London: Academic Press p body lengths. Vision is used tion develops, and what sounds 171−199. by many reef fish larvae on (frequencies and intensities) Figure one is from Fautin, short distances, i.e. less than larvae can hear and use, and D.G. & Allen, G.R., 1997. Field 50 m and even at night in dim over what scales. It is, however, guide to anemonefishes and PACIFIC NORTH WEST AMERICA. ADULT light. A magnetic sense could clear that sound and chemi- their host sea anemones. 2nd Vancouver Island, Puget Sound, Neah potentially operate over a vari- cal cues can be an important edn. Perth, Australia: Western Bay, Alaska, Honduras Sharks, Amous ety of scales, from very large orientation and navigation cue Australian Museum. A free elec- Nachoom, Jon Gross, , Fish Sense Link: X-RAY #4 LARVAL (oceanic), as has been shown for larval reef fishes in both tem- tronic version is available from STAGE is the fact for some species of perate and coral-reef environ- this website: http://biodiversity. tunas and salmon, to relatively ments. uno.edu/ebooks/intro.html ■ small (local), as shown in ham- Summed up, aside from merhead sharks. It is likely that olfaction, hearing, and vision, different cues are used at dif- none of all these cues men- ferent scales even by a single tioned has yet been shown to individual: a possible scenario is be used by reef fish use of sound to locate the reef, larvae for JUVENILE vision and the lateral line to orientation, MALAYSIA. Coralreeefs after the Tsunami, avoid predators near the reef, and even Whale beachings, Tragedy in South smell to locate the settlement with these, Africa, Nemo’s Nose: The Science of Fish Fashion, in Russia. Todd habitat, and vision to locate the use has Essick Link: X-RAY #3 the settlement site in the habi- been at either ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF FAUTIN AND ALLEN 1997 tat. relatively small or Sound has proven one to be unknown scales. ACCLIMATION a cue used by some reef fish However, based Figure 1. Coral reef fish life cycle, larvae. By playing bio sounds on our current exemplified by an anemonefish from the reef, i.e. sounds from knowledge of snapping shrimps, fish grazing the very com-

RIGHT: Albacore larva, Thunnus Diving in the Himalayas, Swimming albacares, 5.2 mm. Photo courtesy with Orcas in Norway, El Dorado in the of Dr Benjamin Victor. Philippines, Gaansbai in South Africa www.coralreeffish.com Link: X-RAY#2 45 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED manufacturer Text and photos by Andrey Bizyukin, PhD and Svetlana Murashkina, PhD The Cressi Empire Portofino, Italy, the Cressi-sub motherland The classical philosophy only to enter into the computer Every accessory for fins, snor- of Italian diving the type, the sizes and the colours kels and masks such as fasteners, The huge mountain valley, the of fins, masks or snorkels, to start straps, holders, glasses and other majestic bridges, the many cars the manufacturing process by little items are also made here at and motorcycles, and people simply pressing Enter on the key- this plant. Brilliant quality built with pride under rushing to work are all first impres- board. The most expensive compo- the Cressi logo—top fins made in Italy sions of the industrial zone of We see how smart machines, nents of this method of manu- Genoa. Here, we find the head- not unlike giant vacuum cleaners, facture are the moulds of which mould from design to a finished quarters of the Cressi empire and soak up polymer granules, which there are several types and model that it is good enough for their factory. are heated up and melted into colours for the fins, masks, and production can easily run into the The Cressi trademark draws a liquid that is then filled into a snorkels respectively. The quality, tens of thousands of dollars. This is attention from afar, and the enor- pressing form. After cooling, the smoothness and functional char- an area where Cressi-sub excels. mous building, located directly mould opens, and a robot moves acteristics of the items all depend The company has put huge in the foothills, is impressive, with the component onto the con- on the quality of the mould. capital investments, millions, into its hundreds of square meters of veyor belt bringing it to the next Therefore the creation of each the manufacture and develop- industrial workshops and many process. huge warehouses, nine meters Every fin from Cressi-sub consists high, well stocked with various of three components, and con- Cressi-sub sets itself apart sorts of techno polymers and sequently, it passes three sites on by being a company boxes with finished products. In a the conveyor belt. Thee-compo- three work shift cycle, the plant nent fins have better character- that is entirely controlled is kept in continuous operation istics and are more effective and by one Italian family, the around the clock producing, durable than simpler and cheap- Cressi family. Since it was among other items, more than a er models. founded, to the present million masks, making the Italian The Cressi fins have variable brand one of the most popular elasticity depending on the direc- day, it has been built on in the world, supplying snorkels tion and force applied to the a principle of not basing for scuba divers and a hundred blade. Underwater, it becomes business on bank loans thousand of the most well-known visibly clear that Cressi’s fins are but on family money models of Cressi fins. strong, elastic and have a power- ful spring action. They are easy to alone. The plant use, even in strong currents, mak- The plant is virtually fully auto- ing them a real pleasure to wear. mated. Along the conveyor belt, Snorkels and masks are manufac- robots seem to do everything. tured in a similar manner. Pure liq- Computers are everywhere. Fins uid silicone (clear or black colour) and masks are seen on the is injected into a special mask screens. The staff on duty have mould under high pressure.

Great diver of the world, Mr. Antonio Cressi, owner The Cressi-sub empire building 46 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED manufacturer Cressi-sub RIGHT TO LEFT: Cressi rebreather; World famous Cressi-sub wetsuit designer Marino Bernardino—Cressi’s “Armani”—with two Russians admirers; Mr. Antonio Cressi prepares for a test dive with new equipment designs

ment of the top quality diving research laboratories equipment. They take pride in are crammed with being an entirely Italian manufac- smart technology, ture and, as a symbol of quality the warehouses are and reliability, all Cressi-sub prod- full of raw materials ucts come with a lifetime warranty. and finished goods; offices with ment of the company Il Pescatore of the big old employees and a showroom with Subacqueo Cressi, later to be dive equip- Cressi-sub has become the new product samples—in essence, renamed Cressi-sub Spa. It is a little ment manufac- legislator for diving fashion everything that the strict laws of known fact that in 1947, the com- turers. Also, at the effective manufacture require. pany created their first rebreather this same time, But a museum, on the contrary, is called ARO 47. a former officer Cressi history just nostalgia and poetry that does For some reason this and some in the Austrian Many of the old manufactur- not increase production speed.” of the other activities in the post- army, Ludwig ers have a company museum, However, all the employees, war years seem to be kept a family , came but when you ask the question from the bottom up, feel like they secret, although the developments to the Rapallo why Cressi doesn’t have one, the belong to one big Cressi family of rebreathers apparently contin- to open a little employees just shrug their shoul- and take pride in the fact that the ued. The ARO 57B shop, and later ders. Their stance seems to be a company has already existed for was later introduced to found the practical almost 60 years. Everyone seems in 1956. Also in 1947, Mares com- Mr. Francesco Odero, manager one: “Here, to be quite familiar with the key we saw the first full pany. we have moments of the family and com- face masks, the In 1953, the first mask with opti- spacious pany history. Medusa G1 and G2, cal lenses and a nose within the industrial with integrated snor- skirt was introduced. This was the workshops In the beginning kels. The next signifi- Pinocchio, which is still in pro- and the It all began as far back as 1940, cant step came duction today in more when Egidio Cressi developed, in in 1951 when modernized forms. his home, the first mask, the first modern In the middle of the called Sirena. Then in fin, the Rondine, 1960’s, the company the following years, from came to light. created their first 1941-1945, the two Cressi It was the first regulator and then brothers, Egidio, who fin with an decided to go into was the diver of the pair, inclined the creation and and Nanni, who was the blade and production of a full business representative an open foot- line of diving equip- (and the father of today’s pocket. ment including masks, “boss”, Antonio Leopoldo At that time, the fins, snorkels, neoprene suits, Cressi) began the produc- project manager regulators, rebreathers, cyl- tion of underwater equip- at Cressi was Luigi inders, knifes, spear guns, har- ment in their home. Ferraro, who later poons and torches. In 1946, the business went on to found For the first time, a diver had extended into the establish- Techni-sub, another one the choice and the opportunity INSET: Cressi-sub meets the Pope. ABOVE: The Mediterranean sea is full of beautiful bays that make attractive places for holidays and pleasure diving Mr. Luca Falco, manager, demonstrates the top quality of the Cressi-sub fins 47 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED dema ad_215x280mm 5/9/05 4:54 PM Page 1

BUSINESS PLEASURE EDUCATION DIVING manufacturer Cressi-sub

to be equipped totally with Cressi- sealing, new shapes of masks, glasses, sub equipment from top to toe. And frames and even the snorkel-holders. as time has later shown, this was a The use of new technologies has good idea. In 1970, Cressi also made allowed Cressi to combine three types a splash when they marketed, as one of materials in one product and to of the first, a BCD that had an inflator make new composite types of fins, hose connected to the first stage. which among other things are about Cressi’s history can be character- 30 % lighter, than the competitor’s ized as one of creative work, new Dive writer, Andrey Bizyukin, checks out models, yet they pack a powerful ideas and experiments all aimed at the new Cressi regulator construction stroke and offer less resistance in the the development and popularization before the first check dive water. Cressi fins are created espe- of scuba diving. Persistence, enthu- cially for the ocean, for diving and siasm, belief in correctness and pas- sary instructions on the fly. The factory swimming in currents with less fatigue. sionate desire to make the world’s now has 16,000 square meters cov- They do indeed stand out with their THE WINNING best have occu- ered with sophisticated robotic pro- ideal shapes, magnificent design, pied the minds of the Cressi family duction systems, and their highly spe- surfaces as smooth as mirrors, fault- throughout their company history. cialized R&D department is equipped less quality and a lifetime guarantee. with the latest computers and testing These are the fins of the new century, COMBINATION Cressi-sub today equipment. and they are technological marvels. The many current successes of the Nonetheless, like his father before, company can be attributed mainly to Antonio believes that any new prod- No right to make mistakes DEMA SHOW 2005 Is the World’s Only one person, Mr. Antonio Cressi, who uct, even if designed by today’s com- Cressi-sub, being one of the world’s International Event for Diving, Adventure Travel has headed the company for two puters, must pass the test of exten- largest private dive equipment manu- decades. Mastering all the stages of sive use in the sea before it qualifies facturers, also has a high influence on and Action Water Sports Professionals. manufacturing, logistics, sales and to carry the name of which he is so diving fashion. But how are decisions business management, he can be proud. “Do not drop the majestic made as regards to which models BACK IN LAS VEGAS for the first time Connect with more than 10,000 industry said to have graduated from the name of Cressi,” is the motto and phi- and what equipment will appear on since 2002, DEMA Show provides you professionals on the show floor, on the manufacturing floor. He is not hiding losophy of the company. with more business resources and more strip or at the industry’s biggest social in a fancy office either, as a business Today the company is recognized value than ever before! event, the DEMA Awards Party. executive would often do, but leads, as one of the global lead- as an expert, where all the action is. ers in dive equipment See more than 600 exhibits of the hottest Participate in hundreds of hours of In the early morning, it is possible to design from masks, equipment, destinations, services and educational programming sponsored by accessories on the planet. View the current DEMA, exhibitors and certifying agencies – meet him practically in any of the pro- fins and snorkels exhibitor list at www.demashow.com. including enhanced Ships to Reefs duction “hot” spots: at the conveyor- to suits. Cressi- sessions, the Adventure Travel Symposium, DEMA Show 2005 belt, in a warehouse, at the workshop sub has also just and FREE Power Up Your Morning October 4-7, 2005 where the suits are manufactured, in opened a com- seminars. the shipping department or at orders pletely new venue Las Vegas Convention and deliveries. in the production of Center Without any much ado, he warmly dive masks. Only safe 150,000 square Feet • 10,000+ attendees • 600+ exhibits • 4 days • 1 event LAS VEGAS, NEVADA greets the employees as he makes non-allergenic silicone IT ALL ADDS UP TO A WINNING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU! www.demashow.com his rounds of the factory, dynamically is used. It is profoundly solving questions and giving neces- changing the quality of Make plans to attend or exhibit at www.demashow.com

48 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED manufacturer Cressi-sub

the diving market? What are the their projects. secrets behind Cressi’s successes? Free diving Luca Falko, from Cressi’s export world champi- department explains: ons, Umberto “Cressi is a family business, and if Pelizzari and our company is going to start pro- Deborah duction of some new dive equip- Andollo, have ment, we want to be absolutely all chosen sure that we get a positive result. Cressi-sub. This We should be certain that our also contributes innovations will be well received to the basis of by divers, and here again, quality the family busi- equipment should be irreproacha- ness, which is ble, it should have great looks and determining faultless long-term quality. A private the success for company, such as Cressi-sub, does our company.” not have any right to make mis- takes. New samples of equipment Future Cressi are tested thoroughly, sometimes Millions of people in the world for months or even years. All prod- go to the seaside for recreation. ucts, regardless of being tested Consequently a mask, fins and a rigorously by machines or on spe- snorkel are already an integral part cial equipment, will also be tested of equipment for many a holiday- personally by the boss. Mr. Antonio maker. Diving with a complete set Cressi wants to be absolutely sure of ABC equipment is the first step that the quality, reliability, conven- into the underwater world and a ience, stylishness and operation of way to introduce the wider audi- the equipment are flawless for all ence to scuba diving. And here, types of diving. Cressi-sub is an undisputed global “The next very important aspect market leader. As the number of of our philosophy has to do with the holidaymakers and active divers opinion and responses to the use worldwide seem to grow from year of our equipment by world famous to year, Cressi’s future seems to be people. So, Hollywood stars Chuck quite bright. Norris and Pierce Brosnan, dive with Cressi-sub. National Geographic For more information, please visit: ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Scenes from teams use Cressi-sub equipment in www.cressi-sub.it ■ the Cressi-sub manufacturing plant Cressi-sub masks and regulators on the conveyor belt

49 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Quest for the Yolanda Wreck

Text by Mark Andrews Where didDive photos by Valentina Cuchierashe go? Archival photos of Yolanda wreck supplied by Leigh Cunningham File photos of Yolanda reef by Peter Symes

fact that a I was on a deco stop in ship’s cargo the cold waters of the (the Yolanda’s) of sanitary national dive centre in porcelain, the UK when my thoughts most notably turned to diving the warm- toilets, have er waters of the Red Sea been spilt and strewn across and particularly the wreck the shallows of the Yolanda, or should between some I say, to the question of coral heads where the wreck of the where they sit as somewhat Yolanda came to rest. grotesque and misplaced That same evening, I e-mailed sculptures—an my deep diving buddy, Leigh Mark Andrews, the author (right) with buddy Leigh odd sight, but Cunningham in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Cunningham, our technical diving columnist nonetheless, a and suggested we searched for quite amusing the wreck of the Yolanda. He of highly skilled technical divers one. immediately responded with a wanting to be involved in such a The Yolanda herself was a “cool-cool,” his usual reply to project and as such a multination- Cypriot cargo vessel of 75m in something that sounds like a al team was quickly put together. length and is believed to have good idea. Yolanda reef is a very well had engine trouble resulting in The search was planned for known dive location in Egypt’s her being forced upon the reef at the week of May 21st, and while famous Ras Muhammad national Ras Mohamed on the first of April I undertook some deep, dark park, which is at the very tip of 1980. She rolled onto her port side and cold warm-up dives here in the Sinai peninsula, and not far with her stern resting in 25m. It the UK, Leigh was busy down in from Sharm el Sheikh. seems that she has been regularly Sharm planning the logistics for For most holiday divers this spot visited by divers until sometime in the week. The Red Sea is not short is virtually unforgettable due the 1985 when she, following a storm,

PETER SYMES LEFT: The Yolanda wreck as it once was before it slipped off the edge of the cliff 50 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Yolanda adventure LEFT: Glorious sunsets can be enjoyed on the Red Sea RIGHT: One of the infamous porcelain artifacts found on the Yolanda

were a further two 12L tanks car- ried as stage cylinders making up his familiar six-tank rig. My own dive rig consisted of a 12L triple set and two 12L stage tanks—a dive rig that I often use in UK waters. Our main problem with these large dive rigs is that the profile they offer in the water results in a need for substantial amounts of lead both in order to enable us to leave the surface in the first place, and, more important- ly—due to the positive buoyancy of an empty alloy cylinders—to

PETER SYMES enable us to remain at our shal- low decompression stops without slid off the reef and down into the generally getting comfortable at being dragged towards the sur- PETER SYMES abyss never to be seen again. depth with the dive rigs. face. On Sunday, the 22nd, both Once we were weighted cor- to begin talking about the drop to kit up in comfort. We decided an accomplished deep diver him- The plan Leigh and I made up our dive rigs. rectly, we made an 80m check off and how it must be a dive for to hit the water around 12:00 pm, self. The plan for the weeks of diving Leigh’s rig was a 12L twin set with dive at a local dive site, Ras Katy. the future. which is when most of the rec- The preparation for the dive was to spend the first two days a single 12L strapped to either The dive went perfectly, and we reational divers return to their day was run with military precision, preparing the equipment and side of the twins. Added to this were both happy with the dive Tuesday 24th saw us out at boats for lunch. as on this dive site we did not rigs and the . Monday the Yolanda reef, the site of our goal. Leigh and I would each be have the luxury of a mooring and 23rd saw the team at another Yolanda reef is a very busy dive accompanied by two safety had to rely on all the support local dive site, Far Garden. site with many hundreds of rec- divers and a videographer, who divers to be ready to jump on This time we planned to go a reational divers spilling from doz- in turn each have their own safety the given signal by the skipper, little deeper, and we were both ens of day boats all over the reef diver. Getting everyone ready for Yassir, who skilfully manoeuvered shocked to discover a wall at like a swarm of bees to a honey such a dive can be a logistical the Colona boat into position a depth of 100m. As we swam pot. We stationed the Colona nightmare and is the sole respon- some 100m away from the reef along the edge, we looked dive boat away from the crowds sibility of the dive co-ordinator. to assure us a deep water drop. at each other with a know- and the ever present long In our case, we were fortunate The count down began, and ing thought that the other was to have each team made their way to also wanting desperately to go Doozer, the back of the boat where Leigh over the edge and check it out! a well sat on the dive platform in full kit, However, at this stage, we both seasoned exposed to the scorching sun in simultaneously gave the up signal and expe- his O’three dry suit. As I am a lot and reluctantly headed back up rienced more susceptible to the heat, I the slope toward the reef wall. organiser of positioned myself just behind him, Once on the boat, we couldn’t deep dives also fully kitted up in a drysuit and get our gear off quickly enough as well as swamped with dive tanks.

Check dive at Ras Katy. Leigh Cunningham in front with his Skipper Yassir works his magic as he expertly typical six-tank configuration. maneouvers the dive boat to the perfect Mark Andrews follows in back entry and exit points for the dive team 51 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RIGHT TOP TO BOTTOM: Leigh Cunningham Yolanda checks out a second container; large gargonians adventure decorate the wreckage; Leigh and Mark meet Yassir, the skipper, sounded the horn, which rounded by wreckage of various shapes and was the signal to jump, and the back of the sizes. dive boat erupted into action with heav- ily equipped divers entering the water on Ascent Doozer’s signal. I ascended slowly up the sandy slope and Leigh and I followed shortly and were met one of my safety divers and gave him the immediately met by our support team who okay signal that all was well with me. proceeded to make the all-important bub- As I ascended, I was also met by one of ble check on our dive rigs. Once completed, the videographers. We came across a very Leigh and I gave the descend signal and large Danforth anchor at 63m and a hospital vented the air from our wings. We slowly stretcher at 55m along with some very large slipped into the silent liquid world. We both batteries. feel more at home here than in the noisy hus- After completing the majority of the decom- tle and bustle on dry land. pression schedule, I bumped into Leigh and his The sea was warm and clear as we safety divers at 15m on the reef wall where we descended into the dark blue waters past compared our dive slates. shoals of inquisitive fish. We descended rough- Leigh had been to 100m but slightly to the ly 30m apart and occasion- left of where I dived. He had ally gave each other the come across a large metal okay signal to show that all The condition that she plate with a rope attached was well. As I looked down that ascended to who knows from 40m, I could see the was found in was sur- how far, but not much else wall in front of me some 50m in the way of wreckage. He away and a sandy bottom in prising to us all and had, however, seen a further the depths below. drop off which began at 110m The bottom came rushing definitely warranted and quickly dropped away at up towards me at 50m per almost a 45 degree angle. minute and we slowly pulsed further investigation We completed our decom- air into the wings to bring pression stops around the ourselves to a halt just short remainder of Yolanda’s cargo, of the bottom. which most Red Sea divers have visited at some time. It consists of toilets, wash basins The Wreck and bath tubs scattered along the reef As I turned, I immediately saw a large intact amongst parts of the ship’s superstructure. ship’s container. I couldn’t believe that we The decompression was complete after 90 had dropped directly onto the wreckage, and minutes, and both Leigh and myself surfaced as I looked further down the slope I began to with our respective safety divers. Yassir, the see more and more wreckage. skipper of the Colona dive boat, again mas- Leigh headed off to the left of the con- terfully manoeuvered the large dive boat stern tainer, while I swam inside to take a look. This towards us for an effortless pick up. first container was at a depth of 73m and was The safety teams, well-versed in removing completely intact with one door open but our large dive rigs in the water, handed up empty of all cargo. our rigs piece by piece to the ever ready boat I exited the container to find Leigh some crew and surface support team. distance down the slope in deeper water, so I The post dive de-brief was full of excite- decided to head off to the right and explore ment and amazement of just how much a separate area. I quickly came across a wreckage there was down there. Each team large scour in the seabed heading off into the member gave an account of the items they dark area below me. I came across a further saw and the depths they recorded. We were container this time, broken up at 86m and sur- very quickly able to draw a rough map of

LEFT TOP TO BOTTOM: Mark Andrews checks out an intact container; looking inside; on the way down 52 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED adventure Yolanda wreck debris. From this rendering, an obvious path of the main wreck soon MARK ANDREWS TONY WHITE AMOS NACHOUM emerged.

Wednesday 25th saw the team return to the site of the wreckage minus myself who was now laid up in bed with stomach cramps from the local Egyptian cuisine. YANN SAINT-YVES KAREN GOWLETT-HOLMES, PHD ANDREW WOODBURN While I spent the day backside on the toilet and head in the sink the dive team was busy preparing for another adventure. Leigh decided to make a dive to 115m and follow the deep scour in the seabed. spend another day staring at the to spare on his run time. BILL BECHER LAWSON WOOD JEFF DUDAS Grim reminder green walls in my hotel room. This was Focusing his eyes to the dimmed Meet the people As Leigh descended, he noticed that to be the first mix dive of the project ambient light, he scanned the sea he had dropped too far to the right with a planned depth of 150m. bed below for any signs of wreckage who bring you the stories of the scour, and as such, needed to The problem here would be hitting but could see nothing until he turned make a substantial effort to swim his the depth within the planned run time. to his right and noticed a crack in large dive rig in the direction of the All the dives are being made as free the sea bed with two different levels. wreckage. descent and ascent. No shot line is Thinking this was bizarre, Leigh took a Approaching his bottom time, he used due to the fact that we do not closer look and noticed a number of found himself at target depth look- know where the wreck rests and have metal protrusions emerging from the ing over a steep slope. Leigh stared no access to echo sounders. Besides, sand. The more he looked, the more it hard into the darkness below willing his this part of Ras Mohamed is also one became obvious that this was in fact Support your magazine eyes to make out some form of rec- of the busiest dive sites in the area, the wreck of the Yolanda. Give to the Contributors Fund ognisable shape, but what appeared and as such, shot lines and large buoys Time to go had come around all too below, although recognisable, was are not a viable option. soon, and Leigh had to start his 103 definitely not a ship wreck. As Leigh’s We rely entirely on the information minute ascent to the surface looking eyes focused on the object 20-30m gathered from previous dives to deter- on the way back for any signs of the below him, the shape of a human fig- mine the drop site and the skill of the body sighted on the previous day’s ure emerged. skipper to place us right on the mark. dive, but it was no longer there. The The body of a diver lying on the decompression schedule went without sandy bottom at a depth of around Bull’s eye complication, and he emerged safely JORDI CHIAS MARCELO MAMMANA 130m was a stark reminder of what Once Leigh and the team were ready, from the water with the good news can happen when things go wrong. the boat positioned and the horn that the Yolanda was truly re-discov- Leigh’s ascent and decompres- sounded, the divers hit the water at ered. sion time passed by without incident, 11:00 am. Leigh descended into the accompanied by the usual enter- blue. An amazing facility tainment provided by the local dive He found himself descending too far That evening, the team met up at guides who were herding customers to the right of the scour and decided Rawasett to undertake the important along the reef edge like sheep. to head out into the blue before hitting task of for the follow- GARY MYORS GAROLD SNEEGAS JON GROSS the slope, this would be the only way ing day. The facility provided for the Thursday 26th After spending 28 to assure obtaining the depth required. project was Mix unlimited run by Chad hours in bed, I returned to the dive Concentrating on swimming, he took Clark. It is the most amazing gas blend- boat. I was unable to dive, but I would in very little of the surrounding sea bed. ing facility I have ever laid eyes on. It rather be ill and with company than Then, he reached 150m with 1 minute consists of two membrane compressors

ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Views of the Yolanda wreck as she lies in her new resting place on the ocean floor PETER BATSON JACK CONNICK TOMAS KNUTSSON 53 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Mark Andrews and Leigh DUE CREDIT Cunningham meet to make The Yolanda wreck project was a complete Yolanda air and equipment checks success due to the team effort and the pro- adventure fessional way it was run. It had the full sup- severe gastro-enteritis. What along the reef. Leigh port of the SAR team and the doctors at the a week of torture I was hav- made an instant decision Sharm chamber facility. We thank you all ing, listening to Leigh talk and began his descent. and look forward to the next chapter. about the wreck brimming His safety team followed with excitement and all the in hot pursuit and posi- DEEP DIVERS time looking at my dive rig tioned themselves at their Mark Andrews is a Professional Scuba bone dry on the back of the predetermined depths to Association (PSA) instructor trainer examiner deck. wait for his return. and the technical director for the London As he descended, School of Diving in Chiswick and can be Safety first Leigh could see that this contacted at : Friday 27th, the team assem- was a better drop than [email protected] bled on the Colona dive the previous one and descended straight into 130m of water. boat when the DSMB surfaced and were Leigh Cunningham is a TDI instructor trainer After getting his bearings, he swam dropped right on top descending down based in Sharm-El-Sheikh and can be con-

EGYPT SIS down and along the reef at a depth of to spend the rest of the decompression tacted at [email protected] 160m. Slowly, the wreck came into view time with him should he want for any- and he was able to settle on the wreck- thing like spare gas. DIVE TEAM age and take a good look around. The decompression went without a SAFETY DIVERS: hitch and two hours after entering the John kean (England) Wreck check water, he surfaced with the safety divers Doozer (England) The wreck itself is almost completely bur- and film crew to be met by the SAR Schniffer (Scotland) ied in the sand with very little remaining team to make sure all was well before Adrian Curran (Australia) above the sea bed except some of the they departed back to their base quar- David Wilke (Australia) twisted superstructure and, off to the left, ters. Robert Bohlin (Sweden) the crows nest. Below, on the slope, lies On deck, we drew out the new infor- Mattias Andersson (Sweden) boat as usual and started scattered poles similar to those we had mation on to our rough sketch and dis- Johan Nilsson (Sweden) assembling dive kits. The seen in the shallow water whilst decom- cussed the next phase of the project. Per Nielsen (Denmark) boat motored out toward pressing.

GUNILD PAK SYMES Yolanda reef on a calm blue The visibility was almost infinite and the The next step VIDEOGRAPHERS: sea. The excitement mount- ambient light enough not to require a We will be returning to the Yolanda in Valentina Cucchiara ed as the reef drew nearer. . Leigh looked up the slope and August to film her stern to bow and sur- Tracey Medway As Leigh prepared to enter could easily see the ship’s path down to vey the wreck to try and capture her the water, the search and her deep-water resting place. He could demise as best we can. The condition PHOTOGRAPHER: rescue team boat (SAR) see the outline of the deepest container that she was found in was surprising to us Adam Butler ABOVE: A white ibis stealthily crosses the beach at the Red Sea appeared on scene to pro- at 86m—some 74m shallower! all and definitely warrants further investi- INSET: Aerial view of Ras Muhammed, Red Sea, Egypt vide medical safety cover The time to leave came around all too gation. ■ GAS BLENDING: and fast evacuation in case soon. The12 minute leave time and a Chad Clark pumping out a constant flow of Nitrox 32 of an emergency. This was backed up push on the wing inflator saw the begin- and four air compressors. Also contained with doctors Adell and Ahmed back at ning of the ascent and almost 2 hours of SEARCH AND RESCUE CO-ORDI- in this one unit is a Trimix blending panel Travco in the Chamber facility. decompression. NATOR (SAR): Sammy along with Haskell booster pumps. The We had provided them with a copy Bang on time, the surface support crème de la crème comes in the form of of the gasses used and the dive plan so team spotted the DSMB (Delayed CHAMBER SUPPORT: a military specification oxygen generator as to be sure, in the case of an emer- , ed.) on the sur- Doctors Adel and Ahmed that can turn normal air into oxygen. gency, the appropriate treatment would face, but out in the blue and not on the With the blending complete, the team be administered quickly. Nothing on this reef as expected. Due to the strong cur- BOAT CREW: headed off for a good night’s sleep to project, or any of the other deep dives rent, Leigh had been unable to reach Captain Yassir be ready for the next day’s dive, which we undertake, are left to chance. the reef wall and was forced to make a Mahmoud was planned for a depth of 160m. I, on Leigh entered the water shortly after blue water ascent. Mohamed the other hand, ended up at the doc- his safety divers, and it was instantly The next shift of safety divers were tor’s office and was diagnosed with apparent that a strong current existed already kitted up on the back of the The cast and crew of the Yolanda wreck project aboard the Colona dive boat 54 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 55 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Walking on Water

Text by Michael Symes Marine Insects Photos courtesy of Dr Lanna Cheng, —and the strange case of the Halobates University of California-San Diego and Sea skater, Halobates. Photo courtesy of Scripps Institution of Oceanography-La Jolla Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla

When we think of the animals about 5 million species is probably the of the oceans our first thoughts most accurate. (Gaston, KJ. 1991. The magnitude of global insects species rich- are generally of whales, sharks, ness. Conservation Biology 5: 283-96). dolphins, tuna fish, and perhaps Thus, only about 20 % of the global insect octopusses. All these have been fauna is probably known and named. in the news lately, also in this Big numbers magazine, for reasons regarding Insects comprise more than 75 percent their behaviour or exploitation. of all described animal species. Some These are large animals, and 30,000 to 40,000 insect species, i.e. just 3 like the lesser food fishes such to 4 percent of all insects, are aquatic, or have aquatic larval stages, and live in all as salmon and herring, we have sorts of watery habitats. About 9,000 spe- many reasons for our interest in cies (mostly bugs and beetles) have all them. However, even the very stages under or on water. In about 30,000 species only the larval stage is aquatic small acquatic creatures such (flies, mosquitos). as krill and zooplankton are Insects are found throughout the world important because they are at except near the poles and, with but a the bottom of the food chains of single exception, pervade every habi- tat except the sea. Some are found at the larger fish which themselves depths of 1,300 meters in Lake Baikal, again are food for those at the some are to be found only in rain-filled top of the chains, we humans. tree holes, while others inhabit caves and Thus, all marine life in someway underground aquifiers. Map of A Marine Chironomid (midge) habi- A Marine Chironomid (midge) Freshwater habitats are the only aquat- tat. Pontomia are found only in lagoons or other is important to us. Photo by Dr Lanna Cheng, University of California-San Diego ic habitats where insects dominate. In or tide pools in the Indo-Pacific. Illustration saltwater and brackish habitats, crusta- courtesy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln There is one important common factor in the oceans, that which lives by or on the University Press) there are approximately cea (the next most numerous arthropod) Department of Entomology the examples of marine life given above. ocean but not in it at all. Here I am think- 926,400 described species of extant dominate. Although only 3% of all insects They all have their prime existence in the ing about the marine insects. hexapods i.e. insects. Estimates of the are aquatic for some part of their life Impact water, i.e. at least partially below the According to an excellent, newly total number of insect species vary from cycle, insects make up more than 90% Despite their low numbers compared to surface. We rarely, if ever, consider the published book (Evolution of the Insects, about 2 million species to 30 million spe- of small creatures found in mountain the terrestrial insects, marine insects still other sort of animal life associated with D Grimaldi, M S Engel, Cambridge cies and more. However, an estimate of streams. have a tremendous impact on man. Flies

56 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Marine Insects  science Special are the most numerous and is much more oxygen in air underwater. A skin of air economically important (20%), and water is much that is trapped by hairs on species of marine insects. heavier than air. the body or under the wing  Water scorpion The disease-bearing mos- So, to extract oxygen from covers (Water Beetle). The quitoes, biting horse flies, water, an animal will have insect breathes the air in the  deer flies, and midges have to process a lot of water bubble through the holes in impeded the human devel- to get the same amount its abdomen (spiracles) just  opment of enormous areas of oxygen. That is prob- like other insects. of coastal land. And other ably one reason why adult  marine flies can transmit dis- aquatic insects continue Making the best eases such as Leishmaniasis. to breathe air instead of of both worlds  Unlike the dominating developing gills. Usually only Living on the margin of land-based insects, howev- aquatic insect larvae devel- water and air, many aquat- er, the marine insects have op gills to absorb oxygen ic insects have developed  additional prob- ingenious ways lems to overcome to sense the  Whirligig Beetle live in their fight for sur- world and to  on the surface of the vival. For example, move around. water at the edges how do aquatic Most aquatic of lakes and streams. insects avoid insects are sen-  They are 5-25 mm ? Most sitive to water long and are named            insects that land on ripples to detect so, because they swim in circles water are trapped predators or by the water sur- prey. Some even face tension and create their own tiny ones can even ripples on the drown inside a water surface water droplet, una- and process the ble to break out of returning “ech- the bubble surface. oes” to detect Aquatic insects prey. Many also cope by having a Pond Skater create ripples to waterproofed skin find mates and so the water doesn’t get from the water. So, how do communicate with each  into the body. Many are aquatic insects obtain their other (Whirligig Beetle, Pond covered with a water-repel- oxygen? Skater).  lent waxy layer. They also Like mosquito larva and In a double-vision adap-  usually have hairy or waxy water scorpion, they can tation the Whirligig Beetle  legs which repel water so snorkel with a breathing has eyes divided horizon-   they don’t get trapped by tube. The end of the tube tally to see both under and the water . usually has bristles to break above water. This is very the water surface tension useful when predators can The oxygen problem and keep the tube open. attack you from both below There is very little oxygen in This method, however, and above. water (as low as 0.4% and doesn’t allow the insect to Many paddle underwa- often zero). Water contains travel far from the water sur- ter with oar-like legs. These less oxygen the warmer it face. legs are long, flattened and www.nauticteam.com [email protected] A mosquite larva uses a snorkel-like breathing is. This is why there is often Others have a scuba fringed. The hairy fringes tube at the posterior end of its abdomen more life in a cool pond tank. These “divers” create spread out on the power shaded by trees and in an “air tank” for greater stroke increasing the surface temperate climates. There freedom of movement area, and bend in on the

57 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science Marine Insects face tension. In this way, the water sur- ocean. The secret is the tiny water-repel- face tension on the front pulls it forwards. lent hairs on their legs and feet that allow It shoots forwards on its front feet which them to “tiptoe” across the surface of are held out like skis, and steers itself by the water. These hairs also help to spread flexing its abdomen. This tiny bee- the insects’ weight over a larger tle is the size of a rice grain surface area, preventing but can travel nearly 1m them from sinking. a second this way. It The surface tension of doesn’t hunt on water, the air-sea interface but at the water’s allows them to stand edge, and saves or move on the Marine Skater Eggs on a floating Spirulla this trick to escape water at a speed as shell. Even though Halobates live their predators. fast as one meter A map of the world-wide distribution of entire lives on the ocean, they require per second. As long Just one genus the marine insect, Sea Skater, Halobates. floating objects upon which to place The Halobates as the surface ten- living on the oceans The known distribution is displayed in their eggs. These objects can include As we have seen sion is maintained, But why is there only just this one sin- white. There are five known species of floating seashells, sea bird feathers, above, marine sea skaters are able gle genus of insect living on the open Halobates distributed around the earth pieces of wood, plastic or lumps of tar. approximately between latitutdes 40- insects have devel- to move normally. If oceans? The five known species of The eggs, which are often crowded degrees south and north of the equator. on small objects due to the lack of oped succesful the surface tension is Halobates are distributed around the Questions remain about whether the available egg deposit sites, are rather strategies for survival lowered by pollutants world roughly between latitudes 40- insects require the warm ocean waters large in size compared to the body size in an aqueous envi- or detergents, they flop degrees north or south of the equator. in this region or whether they are dis- of the female who produces 10 to 20 ronment. However, if we on the surface and eventu- Do Halobates require these warm waters, tributed more widely but scientists have matured eggs at a time. Photo by Dr read further in ‘Evolution of the ally sink. Tiny hook-shaped hairs, or are they more widely distributed but not yet been able to find them through Lanna Cheng, courtesy of the University Insects’ (referred to above) one finds about 1.5 microns long, also cover the have not yet been detected? Why are sampling. It is also not clear why there of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of the very surprising statement (page 317) sea skaters’ bodies. These trap a layer of there so few species, and how do they are only a few species and how they Entomology “Halobates is the only pelagic insect” air surrounding the insect, making them live in a habitat where no other insect live in a habitat where no other insects —i.e it is the only insect that lives on the buoyant. Thus, they are basically occurs? Given the diversity of are found. Some hypotheses state that the insects may be currently adapting to return stroke to reduce water resistance. open oceans! enclosed in an air bubble; if insects in freshwater, it might life on the ocean and Halobates is just (Water Beetle, Water Boatman). These Halobates, or sea skaters as they are they are pushed under the be thought that the the first to make the transition. Illustration insects usually have flattened streamlined called, are a group of wingless insects water, they quickly pop Earth’s oceans would courtesy of the University of Nebraska- bodies or are torpedo-shaped. that can “skate” on ocean water. Sea up again. If sea skaters support an almost Lincoln Department of Entomology The Camphor Beetle (Stenus) also skaters feed primarily on zooplankton are caught in rough infinite number if skates on the water surface but has a trapped at the sea surface, grasping seas and trapped insect species. Only neat trick to enhance its speed. When their prey with their short front legs and beneath the surface 0.0091 percent of expert on marine insects at the University alarmed, it releases a chemical from its sucking them dry. They have never been for short periods, this the Earth’s surface of California, San Diego, with others, back legs that reduces the water sur- observed breaking the water surface to jacket of air provides water is contained gives several hypotheses as to why this feed—i.e they do not dive. them with enough in lakes and rivers, is so. While members of the coastal species oxygen to survive. and 95.96 percent The first hypothesis suggests that insects deposit their eggs on fixed materials such No other animal on is in the oceans. are limited by salinity. While this may be as mangrove tree trunks or rocks, open- Earth lives in such a Nearly 30,000 insects true for the majority of insects, many flies ocean species lay eggs on just about vast two-dimensisional inhabit freshwater have effecient osmoregulatory mecha- anything that floats, including empty sea- habitat. They are the only yet only five species nisms that allow then to tolerate salinity in shells, wood, feathers, seeds and even marine invertebrates con- belonging to one genus excess of 3 times that of the ocean. lumps of tar. strained to traveling, feeding are adapted to living freely The second hypothesis suggests that and reproducing only at the sur- in the world’s most vast ecosys- ocean depth limits an insect’s ability to Walking on the ocean face of the ocean. Among the dificulties tem. This is very strange indeed. complete its development. This is true of Among the most interesting aspects of of living in such a vast world is how the many insects and yet chironomid fly lar- the Halobates is how they manage to Halobates find each other to breed and Hot hypotheses vae survive at depths below those that walk or skate across the surface of the lay eggs. Dr Lanna Cheng, a well-known long-time even the deepest diving mammals can

Lesser Water Beetle INSET IMAGES: A sea skater, Halobates. Photo cour- tesy of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla 58 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Join the cause and save the sharks SAY NO TO SHARK FINS science Marine Insects Sponsored by Celebrate the Sea 2005 Singapore

Finally, a fourth hypothesis considers the fact that insects were successful because they colonized land. By moving away from the ocean, they adapted to a terrestrial existence while their major competitors the crustaceans stayed in the sea and continued to adapt. As millions of years passed, insects lost their ability to successfully compete in the ocean while crustaceans have had only limited success in invading land. Dr Lanna Cheng believes that this is the most likely explanation for the abscence of insects in the oceans. As potential evidence, it is noted that the only insects that live on the open ocean, live on its surface. As such, they never come in contact with the crustaceans living beneath its surface. Final thoughts There are many questions still unanswered about this strange case of the Halobates. How come that they alone of the so many insects managed to adapt to life on the oceans? Whatever hypothesis is true, though, if any of them are, the Halobates are a really remarkable Marine Skater, Halobates. Photo by Dr Lanna Cheng, example of marine life rarely, if ever, to be observed by University of California-San Diego divers.

reach. For more information on marine insects, visit the Marine The third hypothesis suggests that the combination of Insects Home Page of the Department of Biology at the salinity and depth imposes a further limitation of oxygen University of Nebraska at Kearny: www.unk.edu content in ocean water. Again, certain fly larvae are Or visit the Marine Insects page of the Department of able to survive months without oxygen, and numerous Entomology at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln: aquatic insects survive in polluted waters with similar or entomology.unl.edu ■ lower oxygen .

A

The Water Spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is not an insect, but it is an aquatic expert. It lives underwater by creating an underwater air cham- ber. It gathers a small bubble of air from the surface on its hairy hind legs, then releases it into a web woven among water weeds. It waits inside this underwater lair to catch passing prey. The spider mates and lays eggs inside this air chamber which works like a and allows the insect to absorb oxygen directly from the water. As the insect uses up the oxygen in the bubble, dissolved oxygen in the water diffuses into the bubble so the insect actually get more oxygen than originally in the bubble. However, nitrogen must be present for this to happen. The nitro- Shark fin soup is considered a culinary delicacy in Asia. So, every year, millions of gen provides stability to the bubble (it diffuses more slowly out into water than sharks are caught by fisherman who cut off their fins and drop the sharks’ maimed other gases). So, the insect goes back to the surface to replenish nitrogen rather bodies back into the water, often still alive, to sink to the bottom of the sea and drown than to get fresh oxygen. In an experiment, an aquatic insect provided with pure a horrible death. Several shark species are approaching extinction. Stop the slaughter. oxygen survives only 30 mins underwater, while with air it can survive 4 hours. ■ Say no to Shark Fins: www.celebratethesea.com

59 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED science AIR Surface Tension

H2O H2O H2O

H2O H2O H2O

H2O H2O H2O WATER NPS

Water Strider Model illustrating bond forces of water

Text by Micheal Symes Water Facts Surface tension Surface tension is a quantity which we which there are many. (An explanation Surface tension is measured in new- The hydrophobic often meet in daily life without thinking of hydrogen bonding was given in the tons per meter (N m-1) and is defined as legs of a water strider too much about it. It plays a large role previous number of Xray-mag.) the force along a line of unit length per- A water strider can walk on water in washing and cleaning procedures, In the bulk of the liquid each mol- pendicular to the surface. At 20°C it has because its feet do not break through for example, as well as in lubrication, ecule is pulled equally in all directions the value 7.29 x 10-2 N m-1. For compari- the surface. This is because its feet and cosmetics and rainwear. Among the by neighbouring liquid molecules, result- son, mercury, in which the intermolecu- legs are hydrophobic i.e. water repel- numerous anomalous properties of ing in a net force of zero. At the surface lar bonds are electrostatic rather than ling. It has been shown that the water water is its very high surface tension. of the liquid, the molecules are pulled hydrogen bonding, has the value of 46 resistance of the legs is due to their spe- This has great consequences for all life inwards by other molecules deeper x 10-2 N m-1 i.e. about 6 times greater. cial structure, being covered by large forms, both human and otherwise. In inside the liquid, but there are no liquid This is why mercury forms bigger spheri- numbers of oriented tiny hairs with fine the article on Marine Insects in this issue molecules to balance these forces, so cal drops than water on, for example, a nanogrooves. It is this physical structure of Xray-mag the ability of insects to the surface molecules are subject to glass surface. that is more important than the chemi- ‘walk on water’ is ascribed to its surface an inward force of molecular attraction Dimensional analysis shows that the cal properties of the waxy coatings of tension. The effect of this phenomenon which is balanced by the resistance of units of surface tension, N m-1, are the legs. It has been calculated that is thus of vital importance to these the liquid to compression. There may be equivalent to joules per square meter the maximal supporting force of a single insects. a small outward attraction caused by (J m-2). This means that surface ten- leg is 0.00152 newton, which is about Surface tension has properties resem- the air molecules, but as air is much less sion can also be regarded as a surface 15 times the total body weight of the bling a stretched elastic membrane. This dense than the liquid, this force is negli- energy. Energy is required to increase insect. This shows that the surface of the is due to the fact that water molecules gible. the surface area so it is minimised and leg is strikingly water repellent. It is no at the liquid–gas interface have lost As the forces between the water mol- held under tension. As a sphere has the wonder, then, that these insects are so potential hydrogen bonds directed at ecules are several and relatively large smallest surface to volume ratio i.e. the good at dashing around on the surface the gas phase and are pulled towards on a per-mass basis, compared to those least surface energy, this will make the of water. ■ the underlying bulk liquid water by the between most other molecules, the sur- sphere the most stable shape for a bub- remaining stronger hydrogen bonds, of face tension of water is large. ble.

60 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical Leigh Cunningham is matters the technical manag- er and TDI Instructor Trainer for Ocean Divetables, College, Sharm El Sheikh.

Probably best known for his records - Leigh once Leigh Computers or held the record for the Cunningham deepest dive in the Red Sea - and attempts of reaching extreme depths, Bottom timer? he also has a wide range of teaching credentials to his cur- riculum: Few instructors, however, remem- instructors, that spoke English as well The dive wheel ber to mention at this point that dive as I speak Hebrew, I started working A number of years later, I was TDI instructor trainer, DSAT Tech During computers or bottom timers can do as a chef on a liveaboard dive safari introduced to the PADI wheel (a Trimix instructor, PADI MSDT all this, easier faster and safer. And boat. Unfortunately, there wasn’t so method of planning multilevel IANTD Technical diver instructor our initial open in reality, on the next adventure into much in the way of dive leadership dives with a set table, see illus- CMAS 3 star instructor. water training, we were all the abyss, most will be indeed be on this boat either, but it was a long tration next page)—fantastic. shown how to use a dive table. equipped with a computer and/or be time ago, and that’s another story. Later still, I had the pleasure of supervised and led by a dive master So, after trying to plan initial dives instructing students in the use of But did we ever use it again - anyway. with my nice new shiny table, I came the wheel. After a short while, I and is the right tool? So what are the chances that we to the realisation that I didn’t speak noticed numbers fading on this will actually look at any tables again? Hebrew, and this table wasn’t much high tech device due, I think, Doing the table excercises during use for planning the multi-level pro- due to the combination of sun our first open water course, we could The dive table files, which the other recreational and sand that seemed to get establish an NDL (No Deco Limit) and Looking back into my own experienc- divers on the boat were planning. in everywhere. pressure group, find a repetitive pres- es, I remember shortly after complet- I therefore soon put the dive table Particularly for new divers sure group based on our surface inter- ing my own first diving course, CMAS to the bottom of my dive bag and who are diving in warmer val, and see how long we could safely one-star in Eilat, Israel, unfor- started following other divers around water reef environments spend on our second or next dive, with- tunately with three wondering if I’d got the whole story and following the dive mas- out exceeding the NDL, and what not. different wrong regarding decompression, ter or leader around, it is a Nitrogen loading and DCS. good idea not to exceed After my initiation, with some div- the planned depth, ascend ing experience and knowledge to a decreasing depth level gained, it was clear to me that and when you reach 100 bar cylin- ual nitrogen levels, square profile diving—in which der pressure, head to your five meter which needs to be taken into consid- you go straight down, swim hori- safety stop with around 60 bars left. eration on repetitive dives, is to wear, zontally and then go straight up, No more talk of pressure groups, or have somewhere on your person, (the only way to accurately and you didn’t seem to get bent. But a dive computer. It’s better to be measure nitrogen loading with let’s get on to the next rung on the safe than sorry and have an annoy- a set table)—in this environ- ladder of technical evolution and get ing itch and a blotchy red rash. ment was about as rare as a digital If you don’t have a dive computer polar bear in the Sinai. and this sounds like your type of pro- And for good reason— The dive computer file or dive plan, or for anyone whose most of the corals and Let’s begin with a word of caution: actual dives do not accurately simu- marine life were located in The only way to really gauge nitrogen late the pre-planned, depth and time Dive Tables Dive the first 20 meters. absorption and elimination, establish plan—GET A DIVE COMPUTER. an accurate NDL and predict resid- Buy one before your next dive trip. ►

ALL PHOTOILLUSTRATIONS BY PETER SYMES 61 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED technical matters Have you ever thought of this: The Wheel is actually an analogue com- puter

not. All these topics have dive comput- might not become end- less subjects ers. Divers stretch to two- The reality of diving for debate. The part of now have mix gas com- in the 21st century general interest in all this a re-adjust- puters directly So, even if divers may need a table is, in the last few years, ed plan after paying for to eat their lunch from between we have seen the birth of based on the formal Trimix dives, the dive computer still wins on the mixed gas com- puter— the exact training. all other points over the dive table. one small step for computer manufac- digres- One minor area But do con- The theory behind Nitrogen absorp- turer’s, one big step for mankind. sion from where a bot- sider an appropri- tion, elimination and bubble formation the pri- tom timer may still ate computer—which is one for your can be gained without the necessity Everybody’s a winner mary plan, have the upper experience level and the type of for dive table explanations and use Aside for the faithful bottom timer, whether hand over the dive diving you will be doing in the near during the entry level course. which has been cruelly rejected by the digression computer could future. The most expensive computer Entry level diving courses with some divers, the blessing has been the was depth or time based, be when divers are in the dive shop may not be your best training agencies include dive com- mixed gas computer. or due to loss of a particular gas ie pushing the depth choice. I would recommend a “single puter explanations and use instead of No longer will mixed gas divers need because of equipment malfunction. envelope. The diver may not agree mix”, that is a basic nitrox computer the dive table which is now optional to carry wet tables with an array of With this in mind, the dive can now with the specifics regarding modifica- to begin with. With recent advances reading. In the future, all training back up plans or back up slates. be treated the same as an air/EANx tions to the algorithm that a type of in technology, all but the most basic agencies will consider set tables to be No longer will mixed gas divers need decompression dive with the diver computer incorporates, which dictate dive computers will have an FO2 optional and eventually deem them to spend hours generating numerous using two multi mix air/EANx computers. the type of schedules generated by (Fraction of Oxygen in , obsolete. bail out plans taking into consideration the computer. Or, the computer may usually set as %) selection option. exceeding planned Another word of cau- simply not have the required range. A This also enables divers to track Technical diving depth or time, loss tion: Don’t slip into the habit depth timer or the computer in gauge both Nitrogen and Oxygen param- For the technical diving commu- of gas scenarios and Dive tables and the of making a plan on the fly— mode may have greater range than eters (such as CNS toxicity, time and nity, tables have been appropriate checks deciding upon exact depth the dive computer itself or the compu- limits) accurately, in obsolete for many along the way. dive computer offers and time during the dive. The ter in computer mode. blends from 21% Oxygen (regular air) years—although No longer will mixed a simulatation only. mixed gas computer could through to EANx 50 (Nitrox with 50% some tech divers gas divers need encourage this bad habit. Conclusion Oxygen), based on the exact mix the will keep them in to travel into the Diving an accurate Trimix diving must be shown In my opinion set dive tables are a diver is breathing. the dive bag as they unknown hostile abyss plan is no absolute the same degree of respect. thing of the past. The appropriate Shortly after entry level are useful for drawing without the added Dives must be executed with computer for you and your type of training, more and more straight lines on the dive security of having a guarantee DCI will the same high degree of diving has to be the way to go. The divers are making the wise slate. computer on their not occur accuracy and maturity bottom timer has got it hard, but still a choice to enroll in a basic The tech diver is, how- wrist that is tracking as they always have been. very useful tool. nitrox course, making the ever, consumed by the gas absorption and One last thing: Dive tables and the optional FO2 selection world of somewhat nerd- elimination based on a mathematical The Bottom timer dive computer, if used correctly, simu- computer the best buy. ishly interesting decom- formula or algorithm that simulates the So where does this leave the bottom late the rate at which our body tissues pression software pack- rate at which our body tissues absorb timer? A paper weight—much more absorb and eliminate nitrogen based The bottom timer is an ages, dive computers and and eliminate He and/or N2. useful than the dive table. No!!! on a number of theoretical tissue electronic depth gauge bottom timers. The bottom timer will always deserve compartments. Diving an accurate with a few basic func- Discussing V-plan over Z-plan, Gue With up to 10-mix pre-programmable its rightful place as a very good back plan is not an absolute guarantee tions. It doesn’t do over Gap, Pyle, WKPP, modified stops gas switch options and whatever ratio up depth/timer for the recreational will not occur.

Dive Tables Dive any computations as by changing gradient factors, Nitek of He to N2 you so desire, the mixed or technical diver and for the new regards to decom- Helium vs VR3 computer and what gas computer is the true Ferrari of mixed gas divers whose budgets P.S. Keep fit and drink lots of water. ■ pression or limits

62 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT: A close-up view of the newly discovered siphonophore reveals several of the glowing red lures and tentilla

INSET: Close-up view of the lure. It closely resembles a swimming copepod Text by Michael Symes Photos courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Glowing

JellyfishGlowing red lures are used by deep-sea jelly to catch fish

ROV observes siphonophores in their native habitat Probably about 90 percent of deep-sea animals are bioluminescent. Some jellies use bioluminescence as a defense, i.e. they glow when disturbed in order to light up their predators, making their attackers vulnerable to even larger animals. A few deep- sea fishes and squids have glowing organs that look like lures, but even these animals have never been observed actually using their glowing organs to capture prey.

STEVEN HADDOCK © 2004 MBARI 63 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT: The deep-sea siphonophore is around 45 cm (18 inches) long. Swimming bells that pulse like jel- Glowing Jellyfish lyfish make up the upper half of the colony and features keep the colony moving through the water. White stinging tentacles make up the lower half. The ten- tacles capture small deep-sea fishes

a major food item for immature they only give off blue- small deep-sea fish, and green luminescence, but as they were flicked back and mature, the blue-green luminesc- forth repeatedly so that ing parts become surrounded by the glowing lures darted tissues containing red fluorescent through the water just material. like swimming copep- Further details can be found in ods. Finally, at least one the July 8, 2005 issue of Science siphonophore’s digestive magazine ■ system contained both fish and lures, suggesting that the lures were ingested along with the fish. Advertise © 2003 MBARI Erenna’s glow- ing red lures may in sparsely inhabited environment. also force scientists to take Most siphonophores set a big web a new look at the role of red of tentacles to catch animals that light in the deep sea. Red happen to swim by. But this jelly bioluminescence is extremely doesn’t deploy its tentacles very rare, and the prevailing view far. It uses deception to attract fish among marine biologists has instead of casting a wide net to been that most deep-sea capture them. animals cannot detect red Microscopic examination light at all. However, because showed that interspersed among deep-sea fishes are so hard STEVEN HADDOCK © 2004 MBARI their stinging tentacles were thin to bring to the surface intact, A microphotograph of the newly discovered siphonophore shows a tentacle with tentilla—tiny filaments branching rod-like structures which were we know very little about off the main tentacles. Each tentilla has thousands of stinging cells. On separate stalks are red lures that move up and tipped with red, glowing blobs. their physiology. Haddock’s down. In this manner, they wiggle to look like swimming copepods, which are a typical food of small midwater fishes Several lines of evidence eventual- work suggests that some Thousands of readers ly led to the conclusion that these deep-sea fishes may not only red blobs served as lures for small see red light, but routinely use in over 70 countries Now a new species of jelly-fish siphonophores. Related to the as they often break into pieces deep sea fish. The first clue lay in it in finding food. including the Americas, has been discovered in the typical round “jellyfish” that when disturbed or captured, the siphonophore’s behaviour. It is strange that in the Europe and Asia deep sea that attracts fish by sometimes wash up on beaches, and they were therefore also Jellies that use bioluminescence deep sea they are using red wiggling hundreds of glowing siphonophores are colonial ani- studied in their native habitat, for self defense tend to have lights light, which doesn’t travel red lures. This is the first time any mals, arranged in chains that thousands of meters down, using distributed all around their body, very far. Possibly the red Interactive Ads marine invertebrate has been in some species can be dozens an ROV. which flash brightly when dis- light might be drawing in fish Very competitive rates found to use a bioluminescent of meters long. The members of The siphonophore discussed turbed. The Erenna siphonophores, because they could be mis- lure or to display red biolumines- a colony specialize at different here, an unnamed species in the however, keep their biolumines- taking it for the red glow that TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES: cence. tasks. Some form swimming bells, genus Erenna, lives at depths of cence very localized and under comes from the algae in the Marine biologist Steven which pulse slowly, pulling the 1,600 to 2,300 meters, where fish tight control, suggesting that their stomachs of shrimp-like cope- Claude Jewell Haddock of the Monterey Bay colony through the water like a are few and far between. It was lights had an entirely different func- pods, their prey. [email protected] Aquarium Research Institute long, fluid freight train. Others therefore surprising to observe tion. The red fluorescent lights of (MBARI) has studied glowing specialize in feeding, and sport small fish in their guts because In addition, the red, glowing Erenna are only found on the marine animals, focusing on stinging tentacles. Siphonophore how could these jellies capture blobs were shaped remarkably like animals’ fully grown, branch- www.xray-mag.com gelatinous animals such the colonies are difficult to study enough fish to survive in their the bodies of deep-sea copepods, like stalks. When the stalks are

64 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED WWW.AQUALUNG.COM Dräger Ray semiclosed rebreather. Behind, an Rebreathers open Inspiration fully closed rebreather What is it like? WWW.AMBIENTPRESSUREDIVING.COM Text & photos by Peter Symes Diving Rebreathers Why bother?

Rebreathers look cool, glitzy, tech- they provide for a much differ- nical and heralded as the future of ent and richer diving experience, which, in the first place, is why we go in diving, right? We read a lot about the water ourselves rather than watch- their impressive performances con- ing dive movies on Animal Planet from cerning duration of dives, gas econ- the comfort of our reclining chair at home. omy, extended no deco limits and However, as we all know, there is no such thing as a free lunch in diving either. There is what not. But isn’t it a bit like watch- a trade-off, and you will have to consider if it the underwater realm so you can have an ing Jeremy Clarkson from BBC’s car is still worth your while despite this. enriching experience by witnessing, first program, Top Gear, whiz around in It is not merely a matter of comparing hand, this magic realm. So, as far as I am fancy Ferraris and Aston Martins with technical matters, performance and param- concerned, if someone invented human eters when pitting rebreathers against the gills and a thin hide to cover and keep me a goofy, happy grin on his face and open circuits (regulators and tanks). It is warm, my twin-set would surely be left to rust reeling off a string of excited super- easy to be blinded by dazzling numbers and in the attic for good. latives? Yes, they look fabulous and facts on how much longer you can stay I just want to see fish and other underwa- under water with no deco-obligation and so ter life. I want to get as close as possible sound fabulous, but you’re still not on, but consideration should also be given without disturbing the sure what all the fuss is all about and to the sensation and experience of diving creatures, and for what’s in it for you... and whether you rebreathers. me, this is could actually afford one. I think these subjective matters have been exactly grossly overlooked in textbooks and articles. Rebreathers aren’t exactly an impulse buy, Yet, how can we put words to them? but they don’t quite require the same deep pockets as a super car. So, you could actu- Why? ally own one if you put your mind and piggy Wine connoisseurs have a whole weird bank pennies into it. vocabulary to describe all the flavours They do come with the same sort of built- of wines, but describing diving the in bragging rights and can still gather a rebreather experience to an open crowd on a beach. However, the glitz fac- circuit diver still feels somewhat tor shouldn’t be the only reason for getting like trying to describe a sunset one—there are easier routes to impressing to a blind person: “It’s... erh... members of the opposite sex. just really cool and... uhm...” Any piece of equipment is Diving experience just a means to an end and The reason to go with a rebreather should not the end itself. It is a means be their performance in the water, and that of transporting you down into

Aaah! Silence at last—and the Unbearable Lightness of Being starts to sink in Black goby, Baltic sea 64 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Up close and personal. This squirrelfish Rebreathers tips almost sat on my mask

what all the fuss and hype Comparison Rebreather-friendly is about with Let’s go on a dive and compare how dive centres & locations these gizmos. open and closed circuits perform. In Do check the list of so-called rebreath- I am a pho- the following, I will use a fully closed er-friendly dive centres before you go. tographer, so system for comparison rather than the It could save you quite some hassle aside from more widespread and more economi- and money. You can find these dive the better cally accessible semi-closed system centres on various lists, ie. online bulle- personal since the fully closed systems are the tin boards and web sites. For example, experience, I thoroughbred of rebreathers, and you could use this one at the Ambient can also get because I am better acquainted with Pressure web site: www.ambientpres- better pic- this type of system. surediving.com/ccrdbint.htm) tures when I Before we even get to the water, So far, it seems that open circuit sys- don’t blow or there is the matter of transportation. tems lead closed circuit systems 4-0 in scare all the If you are going to the beach in your the why-bother score due to the hassle and remains stretched like a drum-skin. critters away. own van, there is not much difference factor. If not, we have to go over all the seals For me, the in hassle when it comes to transporting and joints once more. longer no-deco a with tanks and regulators Before the dive The open system now leads the score times that these or a rebreather. OK, we are now at the waterfront with 5-0. units give me But if you have to travel by air, we all our gear spread out, rigging up. Mr. Next, comes the fire-up sequence are great but not are talking about a completely differ- Open Circuit mounts his BCD on a tank, where the rebreather diver stares very a prime concern. ent ball game. Going by plane, the regulator on top, opens the air and he intently upon the unit’s handsets (the Although, I have on open circuit diver can bring along his is ready to dive in a minute or so, save controllers). Do not distract her at this more than one occasion, or her regulator and BCD, or the diver the odd popping o-ring experience. No time! appreciated the fact that I can opt to hire everything at the desti- complications here. The electronics on the handset are could just stay down there at nation. The diver doesn’t have to worry Ms. Re Breather, on the other hand, taking the diver through a “pre-flight” depth to get my shot far long- about carrying tanks either, so there is has a lot more equipment assembly sequence of actions and tests, and she er than an open system would not too much excess baggage. to do, some testing on top of this, and must respond to these accurately and have permitted me. Rebreathers are different story. then some “pre-flight procedures” to observe closely that the rebreather Other CCR divers may have other undertake. responds correctly. By pre-breathing uses and other subjective reasons for The check-in challenge After assembling the unit, we first the unit, the diver makes sure that it liking their units. For instance, rebreath- It isn’t quite the same for the poor have to do a negative pressure test, operates properly before entering the ers have also become quite popular rebreather diver who might have to where we, under eye-popping strain, water. among some wreck enthusiasts, techni- schlep quite a bit more hardware onto suck all the air out of the unit, close During the start-up sequence, the cal divers and cave divers. the plane. It is not an issue to be taken the mouthpiece and watch it to breathing loop is filled lightly these days when airlines are less see whether the counter- with 100% oxygen Hearing and less tolerant of passengers who do lungs remain deflated and to calibrate Another major reason why I have not head weight limits and bring along squashed like vacuum- the sensors, a richer diving experience on my overweight bags. packed coffee. so we rebreather is that I can hear better—no The rebreather diver must rely on the After that, we then have to noisy breathing apparatus or bubbles— destination dive centre to fill his or her do a positive pres- and so, can more keenly sense what oxygen tank, and if the diver is lucky, sure test where is going on around me, even when I the dive centre can also supply CO2- we inflate the unit do see it directly. I have a much more scrubber and rental tanks. If not, well… fully and make it acute sense of the three dimensional let’s hope that overweight charges look like an over- space around me and what is in it. But aren’t an issue for you. blown tire to see let me get back to that later. if it holds pressure

On a rebreather, I often get the sense that I can hear what is going on behind me 65 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A couple of worthwhile tips Rebreathers rebreather resources: www.therebreathersite.nl www.rebreatherworld.com Weight can As you descend, the increasing ambi- become a real issue ent water pressure also starts to squash Some manufacturers: when travelling with your counterlungs flat. They have about www.steammachines.com your rebreather. the same volume as a BCD, but need www.customrebreathers.com If possible, sort it a constant volume in order for you to M www.ambientpressurediving.com ot beforehand. have something to inhale. www.ccrb.co.uk Sometimes you can negociate a fair Unless you add some more air (or price on overweight diluent, which can also be some other (Above list is not exhaustive) before you go - or breathable gas) on your way down— buy some extra either by manual injection where you allowance. do a series of small bursts, not unlike

what you do with your drysuit, or by the WWW.CUSTOMREBREATHERS.CO means of an ADV (Automatic Diluent observe that the oxygen partial pressure a little water into our masks, and then Valve)—you will soon enough find your- drops down from 1 bar to stabilise at clear it by an exhalation through the self sucking very hard for no air... not so 0.70 bar partial pressure, which we have nose. On open systems, this is just some- comfortable, so you only do that once. chosen as our low set point. thing you do, and many divers exhale Some 5-6 meters down, or if you are This is the oxygen level with which through their nose on a regular basis. at the bottom of a somewhat shallow we start the dive. Any wrong or erratic On a rebreather, this is a big no-no, as it coral reef, you pause and look up for behaviour of the oxygen sensors will means venting precious gas out into the the tell-tale streams of bubbles that The Megalodon is another popular show in the readings or produce an out- environment. might indicate a leak. You can also ask CCR-rebreather on the US market right error-message, of which you must On rebreathers, you clear masks very your buddy to look around for you. strive to find the cause and correct carefully and sometimes in a cross-eyed If everything’s fine, you may proceed before you can dive. manner as you try to watch exactly how and switch to the higher set point, Finally, we can hit the water. Upon much air is required to just push that last where your oxygen level is kept at entry, or slightly into the descent, it may drop of water out of the mask without 1.3 bar partial pressure. Only below 3 Prism CCR from Steam Machines as it was pre- be our habit to clean our masks. We let losing any air. meters at which time the ambient pres- STEFAN BESIER, WITH PERMISSION FROM STEAM MACHINES sented at DEMA 2003

The ADV (Automatic Diluent Valve) on a Inspiration CCR, makes sure that more air gets automati- cally added into the breathing loop upon descent

Hovering becomes a delicate skill when diving rebreathers. You need to be far more accurate in regards to how much air you have in your wing or dysuit. But once you get it right, you will lie com- pletely still—even while breathing in and out

66 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED tips Mouthpiece Rebreathers sure is at least 1.3 bar, can the system level given much mention in various Flow-diagram and the whole breathing loop with air from maintain a 1.3 bar partial pressure of text books. This feature allows you, all of main components Air/ diluent tank my air (diluent) tank. With one hand, I oxygen, hence, the need for a lower set sudden, to hear or sense what goes on of a Prism Topaz keep pressing the inflator button down point at the surface. (On newer rebreath- behind you. It provides you with a 360º CCR-regulator. The injecting air, while I pull the cord to keep ers, like the Evolution, this set point switch- awareness that is not so unlike what you diver’s lungs and open the over-pressure valve that is vent- the CCR’s counter- ing can be set on automatic.) have on land. On land, you can usually ing air. I do this for say, 10-15 seconds, lungs, scrubber and It is, after all, this bother that permits hear when somebody enters an area hoses has a con- after which the entire atmosphere in the the rebreather to flourish and deliver its you occupy even if you are reading a stant total volume Scrubber breathing loop should be exchanged promises. This is where it picks up on all book and facing another direction. with air, which I know I can always the points leading to an enhanced div- breathe. Needless to say, this procedure ing experience. Buoyancy issues Counterlung is quite wasteful of your relatively small First of all, there is this amazing tran- Continuing on our journey, we swim, gas supplies. quillity—you can’t hear a sound except, down a slope. As I sink, I compensate for If I am still in doubt for some reason, maybe, noises from your buddy’s equip- lost buoyancy with squirts of air into my the golden rule is to “bail out”. That ment. And this is what I treasure most on wing, and then, to halt my descent com- means switching to open systems, which the rebreather: you regain the practical pletely, I take the traditional deep inhala- Oxygen is either a regulator connected to the use and sense of hearing. You are not tion, which would, if I were on an open tank rebreather’s air (diluent) tank, or a com- cocooned any more in cascades of bub- circuit, have halted me just above the WWW.STEAMMACHINES.COM pletely separate system, ie. stage tanks. bles and heaving, wheezing, whining bottom. Not so on a rebreather. If I switch, it is paramount that I remem- valves. This time, I most ignominiously plough no effect on overall volume and buoy- I can still just hang around to make the ber to close the mouthpiece, otherwise You’d be amazed how much noise straight into the muddy bottom flat on ancy. most of my roll of film. water will enter the breathing loop and open circuits actually make, but it is hard my face. The reason? My lungs and the Boy, does it make you feel stupid when But unlike my open system buddy, I do replace the air resulting in a very consid- to fully appreciate this before you try and counterlungs on the rebreather main- you bite the dust this way. have to watch my handsets, my con- erable loss of buoyancy. experience the alternative yourself. tain a constant total volume, so when I Buoyancy on a rebreather is a more trollers, at regular intervals to make So, what should you know and be I haven’t seen this change of noise inhale, I just empty the counterlungs with delicate thing. Because you can’t use sure that I am still getting the right able to do? What should your buddy, your lungs to fine tune your hovering, nor Nitrox blends. On a closed circuit on an open system, be able to do to “Artist’s impression” of the 360º awareness sensation will your breathing disturb your position, rebreather, I always have to know assist you in case you run into trouble? you won’t bob up and down with each which gas mix I am breathing and A CCR rebreather diver can become breathing cycle, which is really great that it can sustain life at a given depth. unwell for all the same reasons that an once you have nailed it and want to lie On open systems, once you have open circuit diver can, plus a couple completely still with a pygmy seahorse in the regulator in your mouth, you more things can happen including the cross hairs of your camera viewfinder. only have to breathe it and you are , and . For the very same reason, a rebreather set. Not necessarily so on a (CCR) (too little oxygen, too much

diver will prefer to swim around an object rebreather, which is a mobile nitrox oxygen and too much CO2). rather than over or under it. Ascending mixing unit. As such—if anything goes means venting gas, which you lose for awry, God forbid—it can serve you a good. gas mix too lean or too rich in oxygen Diluent flush At depth, I have several other advan- for your own good. maneuvre. tages over my open circuit buddy: I Too little oxygen leads to hypoxia, Illustration adapted won’t run out of gas any time soon. and you will faint. Too much, and from Inspiration My on board gas supply will last me you run the gauntlet of oxygen manual ( Diving) 10-12 hours, although the CO -scrubber toxicity, which brings along with it 2 Simultaneously shouldn’t be used more than 3 hours. uncontrollable cramps. In either pressing the diluent And with lots of non-deco time to go case, drowning is imminent. This feeder and pulling around at medium depths, it also gives is why knowing at any given time the over-pressure me peace of mind and no stress. what you are breathing is one of valve chord al- It is the Zen of diving. Should a school the golden rules of CCR-diving. lows air (diluent) of hammerheads parade by 45 minutes If I am ever in doubt, I may first to replace what- into the dive when my buddy’s open perform a strangely looking exercise ever gas was in circuit system would be down to 40 bar, called a “diluent flush”, where I flush the breathing loop before

67 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED This little Rebreathers green knob is the valve to maintenance and cleaning of the the O2-tank. unit. Rebreathers need to be disinfect- Buddies should ed at regular intervals because the know how to unit has recycled air that has been in The check and open it and out of your lungs numerous times. Semi- closed The verdict? rebreather Dräger It seems that you will have to endure Ray comes—at the If I am in trouble and appear unre- a bit more bother and complexity time of this writing—at a sponsive, it is first of all, important to when diving rebreathers. Which brings suggested retail price of around ensure that I don’t drop the mouth- us back to the main question: Is it US$ 2,000, making it just a little bit piece for the reasons just mentioned worth it? more expensive than a complete and to prevent me from drowning. Yes, it is. Rebreathers are certainly scuba set for open circuit diving, that It could also be beneficial if you know not for everyone. The ease and is, regulator, BCD and tanks. how to perform a diluent flush on my uncomplicated aspects of the open The fully closed rebreathers are system. So, before we enter the water, systems will still make open circuits more expensive and will, as a rough we should perform a little drill. Also a better option for many as well as guide, come in the US$ 5,000-10,000 you should know how to open my O2 a certainly more economical and range for the most popular consumer valve, in case it has become closed accessible one, ie. when you bring models. This is, admittedly, not exactly and caused my problem. Other than your family along on a trip. pocket change for the average blue that, all the usual drills and techniques But for those who are willing to go collar worker, but not totally out of taught at any advanced or rescue those extra nine yards to fully appreci- reach either, if you really want one. diver course applies. ate what it is like being down there It all comes down to a matter of On the ascent, the rebreather diver soundless, bubble-free, the way priorities. Do you want to have the will once again become more busy. nature intended, the rebreather is kitchen refurbished, or one of these As the breathing loop contains a sub- the thing that will get you hooked for great machines? Well, that is a matter stantial amount of gas, this also has to good. (Don’t say I didn’t warn you) for you and your partner to sort out. be vented in a controlled way along I have already mentioned the Safe diving! ■ with that of the wing or drysuit in order soothing silence, but the ability to be to perform a controlled ascent and to in the water and have a sense that The Ourosboro rebreather by Kevin Gurr do the required safety or decompres- you are truly part of the environment is one of the newest CCRs on the market. sion stops. rather than being the noisy intruder, is See the New Equipment section for more Before I go shallower than 3 the priceless part. The wildlife acts dif- information meters, I also have to ensure that the ferently—your presence is somewhat rebreather switches back to low set accepted. I wouldn’t go so far as to point, so it will not over-inflate and say that marine life acts indifferently, make me float up like a zeppelin. but the rebreather certainly lets you At the surface, I will not switch to get far closer, and the critter behav- snorkel as some open circuit divers iour seems far more natural and less do, but keep breathing on the unit, apprehensive. mouthpiece in place, until I am safely I have had blennies sitting right on out of the water. This also gives me my mask. This is the closest I have lots of oxygen in the meantime. Also, gotten to feeling like a human fish. It I must not power down the unit while gives you the same sort of Zen expe- I am still breathing from it as the injec- rience as when you freedive, yet it tions and continued replenishment of gives you the time duration of open oxygen is being controlled by the unit. systems and then some. Maintenance & cleaning Footing the bill After the dive, there is also a bit more OK, now we come to the serious ques- to do and hassle when it comes to tion: What is this going to cost me?

������ � ��������������������� 68 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED 010101010100010101010010101010101010101010101010010101010010101 Photography Digital Underwater Photography: Text and photos by Dan Beecham

PRODUCT SHOTS COURTESY OF OCEAN OPTICS WWW.OCEANOPTICS.CO.UK Cameras And Housings In the last issue we looked Compact Cameras and at the advantages and Housings: WP-DC40 The production of cheap poly Compact cameras and hous- disadvantages of digital carbonate housings for con- ings are now so popular that underwater photography sumer level cameras such as the nearly all divers carry them compared to traditional Olympus C7070 and Canon S70, film systems. Now we’re has made it inexpensive for the first time to submerge camera’s reviewing images and navigating tographers are often caught out going to look at what kind which offer features which in the menus like an SLR. whilst struggling to get their heavy cameras and housings are past were only available on more Compact cameras are easy equipment to and from their des- available on the market expensive SLR’s. Housings for com- to travel with; we hear more and tination. A complete compact pact cameras are produced by more about divers in disputes camera system can weigh as little today, the costs involved, the cameras own manufacturer, with airlines over fares for excess as three or four kilos, which means and which one is right for and also appeal to the outdoors baggage, and underwater pho- it is easily transported in a ruck- you. market, making them much sack. cheaper than if they were just There are many cameras and To help simplify matters, we’re being used by divers. Because compact’s offer so Using a compact camera and housings on the market at the going to group cameras into four much flexibility at a fraction of housing means you can use the moment, but most different categories, these are; the cost, they occupy a large same camera that you use on people agree that - Compact Cameras and part of the market, and nowa- land, whilst diving. This saves Olympus are the most Housings days nearly all divers have a costs, and means you only have versatile systems avail- - Digital Underwater cameras camera and housing, to travel with one camera. There’s able. Filter threads are - Entry Level DSLR’s and Housings often small enough to also a huge range of accessories - Professional Level DSLR’s and fit into a BCD pocket. available for compact’s, includ- Housings ing filters, external flash units, and supplementary wet-lenses that can be removed and replaced underwater to suit your subject. Another great thing about com- pacts is that the LCD screen can be used for composition, not just

D70 housing with fisheye As you can see with a cam- era and housing you can use a wide range of ‘ports’ to accommodate a range of lenses, from a 10.5mm fisheye D70 housing with lens for photographing large subjects such as wrecks or sce- 70-180mm macro nic’s, right through to a 70-180mm macro zoom lens for photo- zoom lens graphing small shy subjects from a distance.

70 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography

a standard feature on the Olympus Disadvantage Digital Underwater Cameras range, which leaves you much more The main disadvantage of a compact Also known as amphibious cameras, choice in the range of accessories that camera is shutter lag. This is a small de- these are systems which are designed you can attach in the future. This also lay between pressing the shutter release specifically with underwater photogra- stops you having to use adapters to button, and the camera actually taking phy in mind. Cameras such as the newly add accessories, which can be expen- the picture. When you first use a camera released Sea and Sea DX8000G, offer sive and often introduce many more with shutter lag it can be very distracting, an ‘all in one’ to an underwater parts into the system. especially if you’re used to the instant camera, and often include handy fea- Whichever system you choose to go shutter release on an SLR. If the camera tures such as built in colour corrective for, check that the camera offers you is very slow it can stop you getting the filters. aperture and shutter priority modes; picture you wanted. If you plan on pho- Amphibious cameras generally offer the the majority of compact cameras only tographing fast moving subjects, a com- same sort of functionality as a camera in have fully automatic exposure systems, pact may not be the best route to take. a housing, in fact that’s exactly what an which do not offer enough flexibility for Compact’s suit most peoples needs, amphibious camera is, a normal digital use underwater. Also check that the they can be carried on every dive for a camera built into an underwater housing. housing will accept any accessories quick snapshot if the opportunity presents There’s nothing special about the cam- you may need to use in the future. For itself, or they can be kited out as a com- era which makes it more suited to under- example, if you plan on photographing plete system for more serious photogra- water photography. very small critters such as nudibranchs phy. Compact cameras and amphibi- or pygmy seahorses, then you’ll need One of the hot cameras at the mo- ous cameras share many of the same to make sure the system you’re looking ment is the Olympus C-7070. A 7 mega- advantages and disadvantages, they at will accept a close-up or macro lens, pixel compact which offers you plenty both suffer shutter lag, yet they both otherwise it will not be appropriate for of control, excellent image quality, and offer you the versatility of being able to you. a housing which will accept a range of change lenses underwater. accessories. The camera and housing together should cost you around £500 (US$875).

The V is prob- ably the best known amphibious camera and the model which many famous photographers started. It went out of Sea & Seas newly production 4 years ago released DX8000G but left a lasting legacy

71 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Glove housings fits the photography camera very snugly Which brand? The Canon versus Nikon debate is stronger than Enlarger for a view finder ever at the moment.

jects) and dome ports for wide angle When you pick up a glove housing all the newer lenses (for shooting large subjects). The controls fall in the same position on your cameras lens quality and final image quality on hands as if you were using the camera under the an SLR is generally much better than that on it’s own. This offers you the highest water, a of other systems. Depending on where level of functionality. Because the hous- box housing and how you use your pictures, this may ing is designed from scratch, they are a may be a bet- make an SLR more suitable for you. lot more expensive. A housing body can ter choice for you. Some high end housings also offer the cost more than £2000 (US$3500), and a Box housings are also great option of a viewfinder magnifier. These system fully kitted out with ports and flash if you’re working to a tight DSLR’s and Housings can be especially useful with modern units could easily cost more than double budget. You can normally get a system Modern DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) DSLR’s that generally have very small that. up and running with a range of lenses for cameras such as the Nikon D70s and viewfinders, which appear to be even less than half the cost of a top of the line the Canon EOS 350D are now so cheap smaller when viewed from inside a Box Housings housing. However do bear in mind that on the high street that more and more housing and from behind a dive mask. As a general rule, box housings tend to because the system will be heavier than photography enthusiasts are using them Magnifiers significantly increase the cost be a lot larger and heavier than glove a glove housing, there could be poten- on land, unfortunatley the cost of get- of a housing, but also massively increase housings. This is because manufacturers tial costs in transporting your equipment Even though they sound ideal, amphibi- ting one underwater is very high. For this functionality. Many professional under- use the same basic hull for many dif- on a dive trip. ous cameras are often not the best sys- reason DSLR’s generally appeal to very water photographers simply will not work ferent cameras, and adjust the place- DSLR’s offer excellent level’s of flexibil- tems to go for. One of the problems with enthusiastic photographers who want with a housing which does not offer this ment of controls for different models. This ity, resolution, image quality and control, an amphibious camera is that if the worst to utilise the unique features that a DSLR feature. means there is a lot of wasted air space but this all comes at a price. There is happens, and you manage to flood offers the user over an amphibious or There are many different housings inside the housing, making it buoyant, no cheap way to get an SLR under the and destroy a camera, or if the cam- housed compact camera available for DSLR’s, ranging in price and and so additional weight must be added water, all housings are expensive (some era develops a fault for some reason, Beside costs there are some other functionality. There are two main types of to get it under the water. This also means a lot more than others), and you also the whole unit is useless. With a housed major differences between SLR’s and SLR housing; these can be reffered to as that the controls are not positioned very have to invest a lot of time into the main- compact camera its easy to replace the compacts, as well as differences in the box, and glove housings. Brands tend to conveniently on the housing, and you tenance and preparation of your equip- camera if you need to, and in fact many housings. As previously discussed, hous- specialise in one or the other. can be distracted by your equipment ment. photographers carry a backup camera ings for compact cameras are produced rather than being able to con- The most popular cameras at the with them, just incase. With a camera for the mass market, and as a result are Glove Housings centrate on get- moment are the Nikon D70s and the and housing you have a camera which very cheap. SLR housings are a com- When a new camera ting the image Canon 20D. The D70s currently costs you can use more effectively on land, pletely different ball game. Some hous- is released, a com- you want. around £600 (US$1050) usand the 20D also compacts are generally cheaper. ings are so specialised and appeal to pany such as Subal, Box hous- around £950 (US$1650) (camera body such a small market that they are made Seacam, or Nexus ings tend to be only). Many divers are choosing to go in batches of 20 or less, hence the cost. will design a brand available much with the Nikon, this is because there are Unlike a compact, when using an SLR new housing from sooner than glove two different wide angle lenses available, you must select which lens you plan on scratch. This means housings, simply a 12-24 mm zoom lens and a 10.5mm full using before you begin the dive. When the body of the hous- because they frame fisheye. This offers the user more working with an SLR you travel with a ing has a very snug do not take as flexibility when choosing which lenses to range of ‘ports’, these accommodate fit around the cam- long to develop, use underwater. different lenses. You use flat ports for era, with very little if you’re in a rush Fisheyes are very popular, allowing you macro lenses, (for shooting small sub- dead air space inside. to get one of the to capture large subjects such as wrecks,

Seacam housing

72 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Underwater pho- tography is nothing new. This is the Rollei housing that the legendary used

the past and so they have a lot of money invested in lenses, however most professional land photographers are taking the reef Canon route. The IDS Mk II is des- scenes or tined to become a cult camera, tems up and running, whale sharks. The many people believe it was the Hopefully we’ve now cleared Canon 20D is a better cam- first camera which allowed us to up a few of the questions about era in terms of resolution, speed say that digital is actually better the questions that you may have and build quality, but at the than film, and the results that it is had about the pros and cons of moment there is no fisheye avail- producing underwater are truly some of the cameras which are able. stunning. available on the market today. ■ Most underwater photogra- Professional level DSLR’s phers need not consider profes- In the next issue: Cameras such as the Canon EOS sional level DSLR’s, lower end Let there be Light IDS mk II, and the Nikon D2x are cameras such as the Nikon D70 the tools of professionals, and offer more than enough in terms Remember all the stunning colours carry price tags which are way of control, flexibility and resolu- you’ve seen in countless underwater outside most peoples budgets. tion. There are however a select photograph’s, and now wander why With a system fully kitted out, a few, mainly professional underwa- it’s not in yours? We’ll look at how to photographer could be entering ter photographers, who can justify get colour in your shots through the the water with more than £10,000 the expense of getting these sys- use of flashguns and filters. (US$17,500) worth of cameras equipment. Professional level DSLR’s offer the handling, build quality, and speed that many were used to with top of the line film cameras, as well as resolution and image quality that meets the needs of professionals. With regards to high end cam- eras, the Canon versus Nikon debate is stronger than ever at the moment, it seems that the majority of underwater photog- raphers are taking the route of the Nikon D2x, a 12 megapixel camera which renders excellent image quality and carries a price which is very competitive to the top of the line Canon cameras. Many divers are taking this route because they owned Nikon’s in Where the pros go, camera tables tend to get a little cluttered

73 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED shark tales

Text by Edwin Marcow Photo by Peter Symes The time has come to repay the debt A suggested new revolutionary dive levy There have been three shark 70’s, particularly after the Jaws films, that attacks in Florida recently; all sharks were vilified as killers. Divers with a misguided sense of bravado went Armin Trojer, 19, was bitten in about decimating shark populations chest-deep water; Craig Hutto, throughout the world. The problem today File image of black tip reef shark from the Kattegat Aquarium in Grenaa, Denmark. www.kattegatcentret.com 16, lost a limb while fishing in has become so great that the popula- Cape San Blas; and Jamie Marie tion projection for the gray nurse shark lowing their food source into new waters. The money raised from this levy would cal stage of its fight of survival, and the is quite depressing. The extinction of this The impact of man on the natural be directly used for an artificial breed- regrettable and shameful past of divers Daigle, a14 year old girl, was magnificent animal in eastern Australian world has had a far-reaching effect, for ing program. Test tube sharks in fact. indiscriminately killing sharks for sport, killed as she swam on a boogie waters could be a reality 10 years from we have upset the natural balance and Embryos harvested from female sharks in would not every one agree with this board. now. placed many animals, the wild would be reared revolutionary idea? However, objec- the gray nurse shark separately in artificial tions have come from – most surprisingly Shark attacks happen, but they are rare Rare included, on the endan- Shark attacks wombs to prevent “intrau- – Australian dive operators, the very peo- events, and are usually due to mistaken Shark attacks are rare and loss of life gered list. It is now time happen, but they are terine cannibalism” (this ple who should be more environmentally identity. But it is always greatly regret- worldwide only numbers a handful of to repay the debt! takes place where embry- aware. table when such terrible incidents do people annually. More fatalities occur rare events, and are onic sharks feed on one They fear that these extra charges take place. One can hardly imagine the from elephant stampedes in India but Shark Tax usually due to mis- another within the womb), would put people off diving. I believe, terrible pain and anguish of those poor without the same emotive and chilling A revolutionary idea has and to increase the odds though, that in 10 years from now, if families, especially for the family of Jamie headlines, or sense of . taken shape in Australia. taken identity for successful healthy there are no more gray nurse sharks in Marie Dagle, the teenage girl whose life We live in an ever-changing world, with Primary Industries Minister births. eastern Australia, the diving industry will ended so abruptly. our climate and the oceans on which we Ian McDonald has This would go a long way suffer even more than the recent 30% The closer we come to the day when depend being in a state of flux. Sightings championed the cause for ‘pay as you to help, as there are believed to be only drop the industry has suffered in the last we have electronic barrier protection for of basking sharks are up 65% off the dive’. In certain critical gray nurse shark about 460 gray nurse sharks remaining in two years. Why? The answer is simple. bathers and swimmers, the closer we will Scottish coast since 2001, but are down locations a charge of 20 Australian dol- eastern Australia, with a low birth rate of Love them or hate them, most people, come to having a human and a healthy 66% in south-western England, their natu- lars per diver, per day, would be levied. only two pups every two years. The math- especiality divers, are drawn to sharks, all shark population living side by side with- ral habitat. The reason for this abrupt and Divers would also be required to dive ematics speaks for itself. With so few gray sharks. out tragedy. dramatic change, with rising sea temper- with only specially licensed commercial nurse sharks remaining, and a low birth We need to be magnanimous, brave, atures, is that the distribution of plankton dive operators who would adhere to a rate, most scientists believe the popula- visionary and, above all, live with a good Jaws has been severly changed from its usual code of conduct and various other prac- tion cannot regenerate itself naturally. conscience. Save our seas, and we will It was after human intervention in the pattern. The whale sharks are simply fol- tices. With the population in such a criti- perhaps save our world. ■

74 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED No Safe Harbor: The Tragedy of the media Dive Ship Wave Dancer Books•Film•DVDs•CDs by Joe Burnworth Edited by Peter Symes Hardcover: 254 pages Publisher: Emmis Books & Gunild Pak Symes Published: June 20, 2005 ISBN: 157860219X POINT & CLICK Price: US$13.59 ON BOLD LINKS The author of this book, Joe Burnworth, has created a gripping page-turner focusing on the worst accident in sport scuba diving history. A true adven- Sea Salt: ture book, No Safe Harbor provides a Memories & Essays dramatic account of the events that by turned a carefree scuba diving vaca- Hardcover: 320 pages tion in into disaster and tragedy Publisher: New World as Hurricane Iris captured a group of Publications divers in her mighty path. Published: October 20, 2005 www.amazon.com ISBN: 187834840X Price: US$30.00 This book holds a treasure chest of memories and stories by the author, famed filmmak- er, adverturer and explorer, Stan Waterman, collected over his 50 years on, under and exploring the sea. Great tales of exciting adventures with Great White sharks and other magnificent creatures riddles the book with profound insights and poetic exposés of the natural underwa- ter world and the author’s experience with the amazing creatures of the ocean. www.amazon.com A World Below: Episode One Malta DVD Published: April 2005 DEEP DVD Price: GB£14.99 This DVD gives viewers the ulti- mate audio visual experience of shipwrecks through a fusion Aliens of the Deep of spectacular underwater by Joe MacInnis, Lisa Thomas (Editor), scenes and an amazing musical Sipadan Mabul Kapalai: James Cameron (Introduction) score. With essential informa- Hardcover: 192 pages tion of each shipwreck pro- Sabah’s Underwater Treasure vided in a unique format, this by Isley, Jason; Simon Christopher;, et al Publisher: National Geographic Published: February 1, 2005 is the first part in the H2Ocean Hardcover: 202 pages series that takes viewers to the Published: 2005, Malaysia, 1st Edition ISBN: 0792293436 Price: GB£19.99 Mediterranean island of Malta. ISBN: 9838120944 The island’s strategic location Price: US$79.04 (S$132.00) James Cameron, director of The Titanic, offers this companion volume placed Malta in a pivotal role Ignored by the rest of the world until the 1980’s, the three during WWII where several bat- small Malaysian islands of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai, are to the new 3-D giant-screen film. The book follows a team of NASA tles left the island’s shores lit- home to one of the most diverse underwater ecosystems tered with an abundance of in the world. Five passionate divers who have spent the scientists on their exploration of the deep ocean vents in the Atlantic and interesting wrecks. last seven years in and around these islands document this www.aquapress.com remarkable ecosystem in this book with superior images Pacific Oceans. Earth’s most hostile and text that provides insight into the day-to-day activities and inaccessible environments are and behaviors of the flora dn fauna of these islands. While revealed as we catch a glimpse of the region is at risk for environmental impact from global the remarkable inhabitants that exist climate change, the future holds that the island of Sipadan in these strange ecosystems. will soon be recognized as a World Heritage Site. www.amazon.com www.selectbooks.com

75 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Often fished but rarely dived, Connemara loughs are bog diving territory at its best

RIGHT: Killary fjord, Connemara BELOW: Tube worm feeding Ireland’s Connemara

Text and photos by Jerome Hingrat Sliding into brack- ish water riddled by a seasonal down- pour might not be everybody’s idea of a week-end in the Wild West...but for the frustrated winter diver that I am, there is sometimes nothing like the peaty waters of Connemara.

The region of Connemara on the West coast of Ireland is famous for its scenery and fishing. It has inspired many artists and attracts tourists every year from all over

76 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Connemara the world, in particular the ment, it takes a while to seen to a live underwa- United States, Germany adjust and spot them. A ter Christmas tree. Sitting and France. The town of lot of these mud hoppers on a hard base of white Clifden, in particular, is a are more curious than their tubes, they really stand out popular place for fishing— sea counterparts, they will against the muddy lough sea and fresh water—golf, come out to gawk at the bed. At feeding time, with and hill walking. With a tourists, stare and hop out the reefs in full bloom, the low density population, of reach. bottom suddenly comes wild scenery and friendly In places, tubeworms alive. people, it is one of those have congregated in These reefs are very places where you can truly huge numbers and devel- much alive and support get away from it all. oped into full-grown reefs. a variety of animals. The Connemara loughs are Clumps of red, orange, colonies of tubeworms act like proverbial watering yellow and white serpula as a magnet for several holes: there is no short- (tube worms) are fanning species and diversity is the age of them. Water is not themselves in a gentle cur- order of the day. Sleepy exactly a rare commodity rent. This is the closest I’ve edible crabs are found around here, above and on their relation to the below, out of the heavens sea, some loughs seem it comes in every colour, deprived of any visible life, salted, fresh, not so fresh or others are just teeming with with a seasonal Guinness it. With sea loughs, a layer tint. In late summer, a of brackish fresh water sits plankton bloom and peat over the layer of salt water. water conspire to create In the summer, as the sun visibility averaging chow- filters through the surface, der-like conditions, at best. the water takes on an To cap it all, clouds of jel- eerie post nuclear glow. lyfish pulsating by don’t The surface acts help improve the visibility. like a filter and blocks off What a contrast with the daylight, soaking up what- clear waters of the Atlantic ever sunshine dares find its nearby! way over Connemara. Fed with seawater and fresh water from nearby Mysterious Shallows rivers, sea loughs can bring Moving along the shallows together an odd mixture reveals a sandy bottom of life resulting from the of broken shells and grav- interchange with the sea. els. Not the typical mud A slight current is notice- plain. Beyond the shallows able with the tide and brings you into deeper water clarity can improve. waters, and in some areas It is a great spot for watch- the slope falls sharply into ing passing shoals feed- 20+metres. With limited vis- ing by. Shoals of garfish ibility, many dwellers are and rainbow trout are not camouflage experts and uncommon. Depending blend in with their environ-

LEFT: Detail view of Tube worms CENTER: Blennie camouflaged in the shallows RIGHT: Diver over reefs of tube-worms (serpulids) 77 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Connemara feature nestled among clumps of Connemara is a savage beauty. tubeworms. Starfish and brit- —Oscar Wilde tle star sit atop or in the cen- tre of the reefs when they’re not crawling their way across clumps of colourful umbrellas. Further along, the reefs are covered with strings of sea squirts in the shape of

light bulbs. In places, various attached to glowing pieces of the grub here is five-star. weeds and sponges appear orange sponge or wedged in to smother the colonies of a crack. Smaller scallops and Macro life serpulids, each species com- mussels are buried in many In June, nudibranchs and sea peting for space. It seems that places. They can be hard to hares enlaced in amorous the tubeworm colonies has spot and it’s only after get- embrace have colonised been themselves colonised. ting close that you’ll make out the reefs. They are obviously their tiny eyes. Another striking thriving in this environment. Fish residents are nudibranchs slim- It is difficult to imagine all Fish are not lacking either. ing their way across the reefs. these animals surviving on the Blennies and dragonets are Further along, three lob- muddy lough bed. The reefs hopping along the muddy sters have found a home at provide a habitat for these bottom, rock cook and the base of a large clump of species that would probably wrasse hover around feeding. tubeworms. One of them pops not be found here other- Blennies are not used to divers out of its den wielding a pair wise. Watching these animals and faced with less preda- of claws like garden shears. will test your buoyancy and tors than in the sea. In any But they’re not all the stay-at- breathing control. Serpulids case, they show real curiosity, home variety. We turn around are extremely sensitive to any attracted by the whirr of the to face an even bigger light, noise or vibrations. The auto focus - a few oblige by specimen trampling the muck. slightest disturbance and the posing. May coincides with Amazingly, the wily old beast colorful beasts retreat in a nest building for wrasses and keeps a steady course. I have wink. Unlike critters that dart the reefs are a busy hive of to make way as he retreats away and never reappear, activity where wrasse can into a hole hindered by two the serpulid worms are soon LEFT: Starfish in bog water be seen carrying along sea- oversized claws. Eat your out again. They cannot leave TOP INSET: Nudibranch weed twigs. Further along, the heart out Popeye! If the size of the reefs, they are the reefs, BOTTOM INSET: Curious blennie reefs have eyes. Scallops are these animals is an indication and I must have aged taking UPPER RIGHT: Clifden, Connemara glued to the reefs. Some are of the nutrients available, then photographs of them.

78 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RIGHT: Split view of bridge and shallows feature BELOW: Portrait of a lobster with diver Connemara Deeper, the atmosphere can be bottom is a plain of mud. The light- downright spooky. Light penetration est fin kick raises a cloud of soot-like is minimal and on cloudier days, dust. The kind of particles that stay almost non-existent. Past 20 m, we in mid-water and take all summer might as well be diving in a tun- to come down. nel. A halogen torch cuts through Back to the shallows, sun rays the first meters of water shrouded passing through the surface weeds by plankton and particles. Looking create ghostly silhouettes. After up, the surface is a faint glow. On persistent rain, water droplets float a sunny afternoon, we hit 25 m of on the surface trapped in an oily complete darkness in the centre film. Run off from the land give the of the lough. I had never been on surface a milky appearance. Within a night dive in the middle of the the last five meters, the separa- afternoon before. Definitely one for tion line between the layers of sea the logbook. and fresh water becomes visible. In contrast with the colourful reefs A horizon line runs below the sur- seen only a few minutes earlier, the face. Looking up from 10 metres,

the surface seems to have doubled up only fjord, Killary. It is an into two layers. Crossing the layers is like ideal base to dive and going through an optical illusion. I wonder discover the islands of if I haven’t gone cross-eyed. A bit like look- Clare, Inisboffin, Inisturk, ing through a magnifying glass that won’t and the many wonders of focus...After heavy rain, the halocline can Connemara. be seen up to 5 metres deep. www.scubadivewest.com

Dive Center Jerome Hingrat is a profes- The nearest dive centre to Clidfen is Scuba sional underwater photo- Dive West on the Renvyle Peninsula in journalist from Brittany. His (Ireland) among many others. His work focus- County Galway. It is a family run PADI photographs and articles have appeared es on destinations and subjects ranging from five star dive centre established for many in a wide range of publications, including the Amazon to the Indo-pacific to underwa- years. It is located on the banks of Ireland’s SportDiver (UK), Océans (France), Subsea ter Ireland. www.jeromehingrat.com ■

79 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED fact file BELFAST Connemara, Ireland Superiority by innovation

Irish Sea DUBLIN

NORTH GALWAY History Connemara’s his- implementation has met some and business investment. GDP is ATLANTIC tory streches back thousands difficulties in recent times. 10% above that of the four big OCEAN of years. Local archeologists European economies per capita have found Bann spearheads Government Republic and the second highest in the in Streamstown that are 7,000 EU behind Luxembourg. The Irish The combination of elegance, innovation and precision opens up years old. The spearheads are Geography The country Government has implemented a new dimension in a symbiosis of state-of-the art underwater hous- evidence that the people of is located in Western Europe, a series of national economic ings and autofocus reflex cameras. We ideally combine electronic that era were nomadic hunter west of Great Britain. It occu- programs over the past dec- Celtic Sea and mechanic perfection with classical modern and ergonomic gatherers. A change from the pies five-sixths of the island of ade designed to curb price design. nomadic lifestyle to that of farm- Ireland in the North Atlantic and wage inflation as well as Map of Ireland designating Connemara region ing communities is shown in arti- Ocean. Terrain: mainly level to reduce government spending, facts dated later. rolling interior plains surrounded increase labor force skills and groups: Celtic, English; Religion: Web sites Celtic tribes arrived on the by low mountains and rugged promote foreign investment. On Roman Catholic 88.4%, Church The Killary Centre island of Ireland between 600- hills as well as sea cliffs on the 1 January 2002, Ireland joined in of Ireland 3%, other Christian reli- [email protected] 150 B.C. Norsemen began to west coast. Coastline: 1,448 km; circulating the euro along with gions 1.6%, other religions 1.5% Maol Reidh Hotel invade the area in the late 8th Elevation: lowest point - Atlantic 11 other EU nations. Agriculture: www.maolreidhhotel.com century. The invasions were Ocean 0 m, highest point - turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar Currency Euro finally ended when King Brian Carrauntoohil 1,041 m; Natural beets, wheat; beef, dairy prod- Exchange rate: EUR 1 = USD 1.21 Dive Operators BORU defeated the Danes in resources: natural gas, peat, ucts; Industry: steel, lead, zinc, Scubadive West 1014. In the qwth centery, English copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, silver, aluminum, barite, and Language English is the offi- www.scubadivewest.com invasions began and started gypsum, limestone, dolomite; gypsum mining processing; cial language generally used. more than seven centuries of Environmental issues: water pol- food products, brewing, textiles, Gaelic or Gaeilge is spoken Deco Chamber Anglo-Irish struggle of fierce lution from agricultural runoff, clothing; chemicals, pharma- mostly in areas located along Galway Chamber rebellions and harsh repressions. especially of lakes. ceuticals; machinery, rail trans- the western seaboard Galway Regional Hospital Guerilla warefare was sparked portation equipment, passenger tel. 00 353 91-24222 ■ by a failed 1916 Easter Monday Capital Dublin and commercial vehicles, ship The SEACAM system has been designed for top performance in Rebellion. In 1921, it resulted in construction and refurbishment; order to comply with the desires of most demanding professionals independence of Ireland from Economy With growth glass and crystal; software, tour- and committed photographers. Whether it’s fully automatic function the UK for 26 southern counties averaging a robust 7% in 1995- ism; Exports: machinery and or clever manual control, we want to help you to make full use of while six northern (Ulster) coun- 2004, Ireland is a small, modern, equipment, computers, chemi- your photographic possibilities. It is up to you to combine your entire ties remained part of the United trade-dependent economy. cals, pharmaceuticals; live ani- experience and creativity with one of the world’s best optotechnical Kingdom. Ireland withdrew Once the most important sec- mals, animal products systems. from the British Commonwealth tor, agriculture is now dwarfed in 1948. In 1973, it joined the by services and industry. Industry Climate Temperate maritime European Community. Since accounts for 46% of GDP, about modified by the North Atlantic then, Irish governments have 80% of exports, and 29% of the Current. Ireland has mild winters, www.seacam.com sought the peaceful unification labor force. Exports remain the cool summers, constant humidity of Ireland and have worked with primary engine for Ireland’s and is overcast about half the Britain to halt terrorist groups. A growth, however, the economy time peace settlement for Northern also benefits from a rise in con- Ireland was approved in 1998. Its sumer spending, construction, Population 4,015,676; Ethnic Lobster on the run. Photo by Jerome Hingrat

80 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text transcribed by Gunild Pak Symes from Dr Sylvia Earle’s presentation at the Celebrate the Sea 2005 Festival and Image Competition in Singapore

Photos courtesy of the National Geographic Society, Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, NOAA, NURP

Her Deepness: Dr Sylvia Earle Named Time magazine’s first “hero for Well, I thought about it, and it occured back bones up through the Atlantic and the planet” in 1998, marine biologist to me to ask, “Okay, let’s get rid of the the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Sylvia Earle has pioneered research on ocean. What would the planet be like? You know, there’s lumps in the deep- marine ecosystems. She has led more Think Mars. The red planet was perhaps est sea, based on observations by a than 50 expeditions—that’s more than once blue, but not today. You know, couple of guys who made the descent 6,000 hours underwater. Earle has been we might set up housekeeping on Mars to the depths of the Marion Trench PHOTO BY AL GIDDINGS COURTESY OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC an explorer-in-residence at the National some day. And a few people think that back in 1916. But ironically, nobody has National Geographic Geographic Society since 1998. She that’s a worthy goal. But not for six bil- been back to this deepest part of the Explorer-in-Residence holds many diving records, including the lion of us. It’s just not a viable alternative sea since, despite the fact that Japan DR SYLVIA EARLE women’s depth record for at to living here. And if we launched a robotic device a thousand meters (3,300 feet). Below is should make it to Mars There’s plenty of that made several marinal a transcription of Dr Syliva Earle’s pres- one day, we’d have to water in the universe trips to the deepest part of entation at the Celebrate the Sea 2005 think about things we the ocean. That robot was Festival in Singapore. take for granted here. without life, but lost a little more than a year Where is the water going nowhere is there life ago. It was the attitude. The compla- to come from? The food? without water. Plus there were no means cency is what prompted me to The place to live...some- for our species to access thing to eat. —Dr Sylvia Earle the deepest sea either with visit Australia a few years ago The ocean governs the people inside a special sub- when a reporter put the question way this planet operates. This beloved mersible or with a robot that can send a Walk in the Deep to me, ”Why should I care about blue planet. Average depth 2 ½ miles, camera to the deepest part of the sea. Oceanographer Sylvia Earle gets a fish- the ocean?” She said, ”I don’t maximum depth 11 kilometers—about 7 We now have the technology. Why don’t eye view of Hawaii’s ocean floor as she miles. we have the will? dons a high-tech for “a walk swim. I get seasick. I don’t fish. And here’s the thing... Although in the It probably happens because of that in the deep,” 1,250 feet (380 meters) People don’t drink salt water. If last half century, it is safe to say, we’ve complacency—the lack of understand- down. A tether linked her to a research learned more about the ocean than in ing that the ocean really does matter submarine above; a communications the ocean dried up tomorrow, all preceding human history. Half a cen- to all of us. That is why this conference wire wrapped around the tether ena- what difference would it make bled her to talk with the sub’s crew PHOTO BY CHUCK NICKLIN COURTESY OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC tury ago, we really didn’t know much is so important and why each of you, to me, or anyone?”—this from about the depths of the sea, and we still as an embassador for the ocean, is so somebody who lives in Australia don’t. But at least we know that there important. We need to get the word out for heaven’s sake. are mountain chains that run like giant that the ocean, first of all, matters to all

81 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Sylvia Earle Books by or with Dr Sylvia Earle

Defying Ocean’s End, with Linda K. Glover, et al, 2004

Jump into Science: Coral Reefs, 2003

Atlas of the Ocean: The Deep Frontier, 2001

Hello, Fish: Visit to the Coral Reef, 2001

The Oceans, with Eilen Prager, 2001

Sea Critters, 2000

Dive: My Adventures in the Deep Frontier, 1999

Wild Ocean: America’s Parks Under the Sea, 1999

Sea Change: A Message of the Oceans, 1996

PHOTO BY KIP EVANS COURTESY OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Click on the book cover to order from Amazon.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MARINE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION Earle studies the creatures of the ocean in a deep sea submersible

humankind. Without the ocean, there single non-negotiable thing. There can cerned about the complacency entists just recently that documents that guide this interest in doing would be no life on Earth—certainly not be water without life, but not life without concerning the oceans, “How do we tuna, swordfish, cod—fish that ran in the something to convey to people—not life as we know it. And it may be like on water. So, at the same time as we have change the way people think? How do deep seas—grouper, snapper, big hali- just the scientists, not just the divers, not Mars where there was apparently an learned more about the nature of the we get inside their heads and do some- but...The big fish have been extracted just those who are curious about the ocean once upon a time or maybe like sea, it’s possible that we have lost more thing about the problems that are taking from the oceans. The sharks. That has ocean, but the public at large—we on one of the moons of Jupiter—Europa. owing to what we are putting into the place?” happened in my lifetime, it’s happened dreamed up the concept of doing a film In fact, whereever there is water in the sea and what we are taking out of the After all, in the last half century, we’ve in the lifetime of many of you. The pace with the National Geographic Society universe, there is a possibility that there ocean. probably lost on the order of 90 percent right now is picking up, which is what about a fish. might be life, because water is the cor- I was asked a few years ago by a of the big fish in the sea based on a makes this point in history so important. It took some doing to sell the National nerstone of what makes life possible—the group of individuals who were con- study that was done by Canadian sci- So, given the chance to hopefully Geographic Society on the idea of doing

82 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Sylvia Earle

a film about fish. Now, a film about lions... you some of these images. But let me SCIENTIST: “I sincerely believe the Blue we got lots of films about lions; tigers... start with this one. (The following is the fin tuna is now in a state of crisis. All our lots of films about tigers; sharks...there script of the film clip) people should know that what we did to have been a number of films about the buffalos on land, we are doing to big sharks. But in this case, we convinced the NARRATOR: “We call it the blue planet, wild animals in the ocean.” National Geographic Society to choose yet the creatures we know best rule the one of the other big predators in the land. But one of nature’s most impres- NARRATOR: “On the front line of the con- sea. And I just want to share with you the sive creatures is an ocean dweller often troversy is a small group of scientists strug- opening sequence from this film. It runs a missed and seldom understood... Swifter gling to learn the secrets of the Blue fin full hour, and I only have a few minutes than a dolphin... A hunter as bold as the as quickly as they can. For them, there is to stand here in front of you and show Great White shark... The Blue fin tuna is even more at stake than the legendary perfection made animal itself.” real. Designed for speed, it DR SYLVIA EARLE: “If the ocean is in trou- races the cur- ble, our future is in trouble. These crea- rents at 50 miles tures are the lions, the tigers, the wolves, an hour—one of the eagles of the ocean.” the fastest swim- mers in the sea. NARRATOR: “It is a creature so A warm-blooded advanced, its deepest secrets may giant, it crosses always ellude us.” (end of clip) whole oceans at NOAA will spanning the Well, there you go. It’s the Blue fin Dr Sylvia Earle and the dive supervisor discuss plans for the next dive seas on epic jour- tuna—a fish that many people love. It is neys.” so rare to see them other than as sushi or system. But the second big discovery is that it does matter to us, it comes back sashimi. The taste for tuna in the last half that we do have the capacity to alter to us. It doesn’t just matter to the fish and DR SYLVIA EARLE: century has grown to a state right now the way the it works, to really diminish the whales and the turtles and the sharks. “The ultimate where their numbers have significantly creatures that once seemed to be infi- It matters to us, because we, too, are fish has to be declined. nite in their capacity to rebound no mat- connected to all that blue stuff out there the Blue fin tuna. Imagine that within less than 50 years, ter how many we extracted. that governs the way the ocean works. Those creatures we managed to whittle down their num- It’s a hard thing for most people to I want to give you one other example. that can power bers from what they were when some of face up to especially when our numbers I know that both in this conference, and their way across us were kids to a fraction of their former are growing and prospering at such a over the years that this conference has the whole ocean numbers. It is because our taste for rate. Population on our planet has tripled been carried out, the focal point has basin. That has to them is at a point where our technol- in my lifetime, that is, human population. been the fate of sharks. Oh, I certainly be the supreme ogy has reached a level where we can While all other species, our fellow crea- remember as a kid, the feeling was that creature unlike find and bring to market every last one, tures, are diminishing in their numbers. really the only good shark was a dead any other on should we choose to do so. It seems pre- Not all creatures, but certainly some of shark. And a lot of people thought they earth.” posterous. them that we have particularly targeted were really doing a great thing if they When I was a child, and even now, for taking. would exterminate every shark that they NARRATOR: many believed that the ocean was infi- So, what do we do about it? The first could find. And the problem was, you “But the Blue fin nite in its capacity to yield back to us step is knowing. If you understand that know, that people thought that sharks tuna is hunted whatever we wanted to take out and there is a problem, there is a chance were man-eaters—of course, I didn’t whereever it to absorb whatever we wanted to put that you might care, and if you care, you worry about that, because of my gender, goes. And there is in. And perhaps the greatest discovery might do something about it. If you don’t I didn’t qualify. But now, the problem is, a serious debate about the ocean in the last century has know, you can’t care. And that is the man eating sharks. about the conse- been first of all that the ocean really is idea that the ocean is not infinitely pre- You know, lots of them, millions of quences.” at the heart of what makes the planet served; that we do have the capacity to sharks, are munched on by us. And work—the cornerstone of our life support change the way the ocean works. And every once in a while, they turn around

83 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dr Sylvia Earle ...a paradise of dreams

and take a bite out of one of us. But maybe they are allowed when you take a look at what we are doing to them. Let me just give you this little example from an island that people The South China Sea is the world’s most exciting dive destination rarely go to. It’s off the coast of South —Becca Saunders America. It’s part of the eastern tropi- www.layanglayang.com cal Pacific seascape—that body of water that sweeps along the coast of Equador, Panama and Costa Rica. It’s a small group of islands, a kind of a halo of islands, where until recently, sharks were really, really common. You could count on finding scorpions

and hammerheads and other spe- DOER cies of sharks... white tips in abun- dance. However, in just a year, that ABOVE: Earle, poses in a submersible has changed. before a deep sea dive Can we save the ocean? It is hard LEFT: Earle prepares to dive in a JIM suit OUR WORLD-UNDERWATER XXXVI to tell. To keep the options open, to BELOW: Earle at work in a JIM suit at depth help the creatures such as those in

th the South Pacific in 2003, you have Mark your calendar for Febuary 24, to 26 2006 when the 36 Annual OUR help to keep doing your part. The WORLD-UNDERWATER Consumer Dive & Travel Exposition will be birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, the held just minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. predators of the ocean—the sharks, The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center will host the event featuring: the tuna—all of those creatures have

�� Over 200 dive industry exhibitors a role to play. So do we, of course. NOAA �� Diving workshops, clinics & seminars But we are supposed to have the �� Today’s finest underwater films & photography brains to be able to figure out how hand a chance as good as the one �� Children under 8 are FREE with paying adult to find a place for ourselves within we have right now. these natural systems upon which we You can say, “Well, 90 percent �� FREE, Saturday Children’s Film Festival are living with them. But as of right are gone of the sharks, the tuna, the For details & tickets visit www.ourworldunderwater.com now, it is clear that we don’t get the swordfish,” and climb down the long picture... that we are over-using the list of depressing numbers of crea- SAVE $2.00 ON YOUR ADMISSION TO THE SHOW life support system that we need to tures that have real trouble, or you SUBMIT THIS AD WITH YOUR TICKET ORDER maintain ourselves. can say, “Hey, 10 percent of those (sorry no copies accepted) CODE: XR The key though is to do exactly numbers are still out there. They’re what you are doing—an unique solu- not all gone. There’s still a chance.” tion—the efforts that you are mak- It’s that attitude, that optomistic spirit ing to reverse this plan. I figure that that I see throughout this conference. the next ten years may be the most You know, we can do something. important decade in the next thou- We don’t just have to sit around sand years. Based on two things: as and moan and groan. We have the never before, we know what’s going power to make a difference. We can on and we understand the impor- support those who are taking actions, tance of the natural world, particu- people such as those in government larly, the ocean to us. But maybe seeking protecting of species in the there’s never been on the one sea. DOER

84 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Sylvia Earle

I want to get out in I got really excited some years ago about the concept that we can do the water. I want to see for the ocean what’s been done with fish, real fish, not fish the land in terms of protecting areas of in a laboratory. national parks. Around the world, some 12% of the land has been embraced —Dr Sylvia Earle by humankind for protection as parks, preserves and wildlife areas. It’s not perfect. It’s not enough. But coupled with supporting policies that care about originates, about water- sheds, about what we put into rivers, lakes and streams, and certainly, the ocean, we can, however, stabilize the downhill trends, and in due course, NOAA. PHOTO BY EMMA HICKERSON if we are really smart, we’ll see a Dr Sylvia Earle and barracuda. Flower Gardens, Texas change, a turnaround. And find that place where we can actually look for- But about the same time, I had with the agency where I served as ward to an enduring future. another opportunity to work with a chief scientist, as a program, we put So, when National Geographic a foundation, which is based in San together this project. few years ago, asked if I would be Francisco, California, on a project for The project grew from six months interested in coming to Washington about five years. And they wanted to to five years—I am working on being D.C. to be an Explorer-In-Residence, do it on conservation, on education, explorer-in-perpetuity right now with my first thought was, “Well, that’s on research about the oceans. National Geographic—continuing great... Explorer-In-Residence... kind So, while putting the two things beyond the coastal waters of the of a contradiction in terms.” But the together, this five-year mission of United States and moving to the waters idea of doing something with National exploration, research and educa- of the world. Moving to your backyard, Geographic was something I liked to tion, conservation and creation of the to this part of the world, towards the do. The deal was that for six months Sustainable Seas Exhibitions, another area where the highest they would support you with a supple- more fortuitous thing happened. And of many species in the ocean is about ment for something you would really that was that Dr Phil Nuytten, from to occur—in the famous coral triangle, like to do. whom we will hear very shortly, came this part of the planet where fish and up with a brilliant concept other invertebrets and plants all seem for a new kind of submers- to have a special atypical circum- ible—one that was so simple, stance. But we know very little about even scientists could drive what this world except where divers these submarines around— can go. taking you down to 2000 feet But now with new technologies now (667m), which covers a fair in the circle, we don’t have to look part of the Continental Shelf wistfully over the edge at these steep therein parts of the United drop-offs or sit at the side of a boat States and continental waters or the shore and just wonder. We can of many countries, actually. actually go. And so the idea of putting There are luckily now, in the United this thing together with the States, some 18 thousand square miles resources of the National of ocean that have been embraced as Geographic Foundation in protected areas, as marine sanctuaries, San Francisco and working although it’s mostly in name. A very tiny PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ACADEMY OF ACHIEVEMENT ABOVE INSET: Earle diving with jellyfish DOER LEFT. Earle interacts with a wild dolphin 85 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Sylvia Earle

fraction of that small amount of the we have a chance like no genera- there is to do—these are baby tion in the eye, and you can look waters of the United States have full tion before us to make a positive steps, and we want some giant yourself in the eye, and be confi- protection in the way that a nation- difference just as our predecessors steps. dent that you have done what you al park does. did years ago when the idea of pro- So, I first, salute you for all that can to make a difference. Thank And around the world, although tecting wildlife on land came with a you are doing, and I challenge you, you. there are more than 3000 places in purpose. Now, it’s our turn with the that when we get together, and I the ocean being investigated for ocean—this time, our time, to make will come back in years ahead, we For more information about Dr Sylvia some form of protection, it’s a tiny decisions that will resolve the bal- should be mindful of what progress Earle and her organization, Deep fraction of that amount that has ance through years to come. we can make as individuals, as Ocean Exploration and Research, real protection in a similar way that Eighteen thousand square miles organizations, whatever it is, what- visit: www.doer-inc.com ■ we think of in a park where in you of US water sounds like alot, but ever talents you have... I get asked don’t cut down the trees or trap the the Great Barrier Reef in Australia alot, “I am just one person. What wildlife or catch the fish. is 144 square miles of ocean. And can I do?” We use the ocean in mutliple even then, despite that vast area First thing you do is pick up the ways including recreation, diving, has enjoyed such protection since mirror and look at it and say, “I take and all the rest, but many of the the mid 1970’s, there are some real great underwater photographs.” ways we use the ocean are con- problems. It’s more of a manage- Use that talent. Or you can say, “I sumptively destructive. If we are to ment area than it is a fully protect- can play wonderful music.” Use that have fish in the sea in the future, for ed area. talent. If you are good in math, or whatever reason, to take them out Good news: a lot of things are you can draw or you have a way of the sea, we have to do what we better off than they would have with words—what ever it is, use it, so have in some ways already done been had they been without any that you can look the next genera- to creatures on the land: protect protection at all. But just last year, the breeding areas and the feeding it was at a point where meas- areas. Otherwise, we might breach ures had to be taken to really do migration routes, and so on. something more. So, full protec- In fact, a fraction of one percent tion was increased from about of the ocean has any known pro- 6% to 33%, a good third of that tection as compared to the land vast system, now has been given where about 12% has fairly exten- better protection. sive protection. And in the United States, plac- It was about 100 years ago that es that we have had a chance

NOAA people began to get serious about to go to during the protecting wildlife on the land and Sustainable Seas protecting habitats where they series of expedi- lived. If people wanted to have tions, is now under ducks and other birds to consume, consideration to they had to protect the breed- become an even ing areas, the feeding areas, the larger body of boundaries. Now we need to simply water under pro- Books about Dr Sylvia Earle: apply these measures for the sea... tection—the north Meet My Grandmother: She’s a Deep-Sea Explorer for tuna, for swordfish, for sharks for western Hawaiian (Millbrook Press) by Lisa Tucker McElroy heaven’s sakes... for anything that Islands. Sylvia Earle: Deep Sea Explorer is out there, we must, at this stage, But again, when (Women Explorers) by Susan Tyler Hitchcock seize the opportunity that we have we think about Sylvia Earle: Guardian of the Sea NURP now, but won’t have much longer. the ocean as a (Lerner Biographies) by Beth Baker TOP: Earle in action studying marine plant life You know, all we have is right whole—how much Sylvia Earle: Deep Sea Explorer and Ocean Activist INSET: Earle displays samples to an inside TEKTITE now. I met a psychic that said that there is, how much (Women Hall of Famers in Mathematics and Science) by Katherine White

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Alex Mustard, PhD Poetry in Motion

Text edited by Gunild Pak Symes Photographs by Alex Mustard, PhD What sets Alex Mustard apart from other underwater photographers is that he is a marine biologist with extensive research under his belt. Alex specializes in cap- turing the natural behaviour of marine life that many divers miss. Through the images, he shares his fascination of the real lives of the animals. A self-pro- claimed non-piscivore, Alex strives to show the personality of marine life to make people less inclined to eat them. He strongly believes that underwater photographs should be taken without harm or harassment of the marine life. 89 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Alex Mustard

LEFT: Rock Beauty Angelfish courting, Grand Cayman

INSET BELOW: A smaller female Peacock Flounder positions herself on top of a male during a spawning rise, Grand Cayman

TOP RIGHT: A diver meets one of Grand Cayman’s Stingrays

BOTTOM RIGHT: A kid on a Lilo floats on the sparkling shal- lows of the Caymans

PREVIOUS PAGE: Stingrays schooling at dawn at Stingray City, Caymans

90 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Alex Mustard

ABOVE: Dancing sea turtle, Cayman Islands

At the tender age of nine, Alex Australiasia (AUS), Plongeur (F), took his first underwater photo- X-Ray Mag (DK), Sportsdykkeren graphs. In his own words, “They (DK), Sukeltaja (FIN), What’s Hot were not very good!” Since then, (CAY), Dive Chronicles (USA), Skin he has achieved recognition as Diver (USA) and Innovation (USA) one of the most creative under- among others. water photographers in the UK In addition, Alex has worked and has developed a unique style on a number of book projects that distinguishes his work from the including a major contribution to rest. the wildlife section of Maharishi’s He took up the digital media 2004 magnum opus on camou- early in the movement and pio- flage, DPM - Disruptive Patterned neered many of the special- Material, as well as his own first ist techniques now used today. solo book of photography in His work has been published in collaboration with author Nick numerous publications in the UK Hanna. Alex has already written including The Times, The Sunday more than 100 published articles Times, FHM, DIVE, Underwater about marine life and underwa- Photography, Amateur ter photography and his unique Photographer, Diver, Sport Diver, photographic work is increasingly Practical Photography, Digital being incorporated into various Camera Shopper, Oceans ad campaigns for travel and dive Illustrated, The Dolphin, Ocean businesses in Europe and abroad. Challenge, Warp, Planet Earth, He has received several Horizon and Hasselblad News. awards for his work including Foreign magazines include Diver the British Society of Underwater (CAN), Fins (SIN), Tauchen (D), Photographers Open Portfolio and Divestyle (RSA), Scuba Diving Theme Portfolio trophies for 2004-

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ▲ Gamma Wreck, Grand Cayman ► Entwined Hamlets spawning, Grand Cayman ▼ Giannis D Wreck, Red Sea. This image was produced with a new filter Alex Mustard has just invented ◄ Two moray eels entwined, Red Sea

91 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Alex Mustard

2005 and four awards at the 29th Festival Mondial De L’Image Sous Marine in Antibes, France. Alex also tests and writes about a variety of equipment for Underwater Photography Magazine and Wetpixel.com. He uses the Nikon D2X digital SLR camera for most of his images and is now testing an underwater housing for his Subal cam- era. In addition, he is one of the few photographers that run an underwater Hasselblad medium format system.

For more information about Dr Alex Mustard, to read his Introduction to Coral Reef Ecology or to order prints directly from the artist, visit: www.amustard.com

Or click on this link to: TOP LEFT: A Flamingo Tongue Cowrie feeding on Mustard’s Underwater Photography ■ a Gorgonian, , Grand Cayman TOP CENTER: Funny Hat. Blackbar soldierfish with parasitic cymothoid isopod. Grand Cayman TOP: Red Rope Sponges on Grand Cayman’s North Wall BOTTOM: Blenny hiding in hard coral BOTTOM: Lionfish, Red Sea 92 X-RAY MAG : 6 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Diving in Tazmania The Philippines of Bali

TOP: Commensal shrimp on crinoid. Sulawesi, Indonesia TOP: Pygmy seahorse swimming. Sulawesi, Indonesia TOP: Forter’s hawkfish eating a Forter’s hawkfish, Red Sea COMING IN OCTOBER BOTTOM: Southern stingray at Stingray City, Grand BOTTOM: Whaleshark, Maldives BOTTOM: Alex Mustard with nudibranch Subscribe now FREE! Cayman Island www.xray-mag.com

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