Text by Gunild Pak Symes by Cathy Church Portraits of Cathy Church by Peter Symes Unique, unmatched, magical... Cathy Church Down the stairs to the and renowned author- friendly photo shop at ity on underwater pho- tography, Jim Church, Sunset House Hotel, a dive Cathy co-author a stun- resort on Grand Cayman ning array of over 200 Island, one enters the world articles and three books of the colourful and inimita- on underwater photog- raphy with Jim including ble Cathy Church, a legend the Handbook. Her under- at the apparent image and not tive, especially since her darkroom in underwater photography water images have been published beyond it at an angle to compen- was damaged by Hurricane Ivan and an inspiring teacher to in many underwater and non-div- sate for water distortion and to in 2004. The photo centre has since many a diver who found his ing publications over the years as avoid backscatter and hot spots. A been remodelled and is hopping well as advertisements for Cayman simple well-known concept these with business and photo classes or her way to her popular Islands Department of Tourism, US days, it was not common knowl- once again. week-long super courses. Virgin Islands, Kodak, Nikon, various edge back then. These days, she continues inspir- At the tender age of 60, cruise lines and other businesses. Church said that she enjoys ing students with her regular cours- In 1987, Church was awarded exploring the medium of black es in the Caymans and u/w photo Church is still excited about the prestigious NOGI award for and white, that perhaps it is her tours to the Pacific tropics her craft and looks forward the arts from the Academy of background in science that as well as developing her ABOVE: Grotto with one fish to many more years of Underwater Arts and Sciences, spurs her interest into the photo centre and gallery helping divers take better and in 2000, was inducted into the complexities of the craft to serve customers bet- RIGHT: Jellyfish Women Divers’ Hall of Fame and behind the form – a ter, which she manages shots underwater. received the DEMA Reaching Out process that includes with her husband, Herb FAR RIGHT: Barracudas Award. She acted as president of the mixing of chemicals Rafael, a published and Since 1972, Church has been the Academy of Underwater Arts and working through a accomplished underwa- teaching underwater photography and Sciences in 1999 and 2000. zone system. Still open to ter photographer in his in the Caymans and has conduct- Church has been pioneering the changing technolo- own right. ed seminars in most of the major new techniques in underwater gies in the field, Church In the early days, cities in the US. She is one of the photography from the beginning also explores the Church was a pioneers in the field of underwa- and passing along her knowledge digital realm in women in a field ter photography and has been a to her students. In fact, she was the underwater dominated by contributing editor for SKIN DIVER first underwater photographer to photogra- men. She is magazine for 15 years in the 70s identify and write about the com- phy – a candid with and early 80s. mon mistake u/w photographers welcome her views While married to another pioneer make when they aim a strobe alterna- and per-

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Solomon seafan Fumisuki bow Manta cleaning station

spectives on and inclusion of women as well degree in biology. She had her discontinued her studies toward substitute teacher after receiv- Students shot a roll of black and the changes as the rising accomplishments of first taste of underwater pho- a doctoral degree since women ing a teaching certificate at San white. Church processed the in diving women in the field and sciences tography at Stanford University’s were not allowed, at the time, to Jose State College. She taught film, and then the students held and under- in general. She said that she Hopkins Station overnight on the research vessel, middle school for several years in their film over special light sensi- water pho- has seen a positive growth and in Monterey, California, where nor at any research station. the 70s. But she still wanted to see tive paper out in the sun until an tography in change over the years. she met Jim Church. He taught After completing her degree the natural habitat of marine ani- image emerged. That was their regards to the Church was first intro- her how to take u/w shots with a in marine biology, Church want- mals, and so diving and underwa- studio proof. Nowadays, the involve- duced to Calypso camera and a twin lens ed to work in research in an ter photography were a natural regularly packed courses have ment at the University of reflex Rollei camera. Hopelessly underwater job for fisheries, for development. 15 Nikonos systems available with Michigan biol- hooked, she attended underwa- instance, but doors to jobs in the In 1971, the Churches were several sets of lenses and strobes, ogy station in ter photography courses at the field were closed to women then. invited by friends to stay at their housed systems and digital sys- Pelston. At Brooks Institute of Photography. Jobs with the California State newly built dive resort (now the tems, three hour dives from large the time she In 1970, she received her gradu- Fish and Game Department, for Spanish Bay ) and help guests boats loaded with tanks, , was earning ate degree in Marine Zoology example, were not available to with underwater photography. and most importantly, snacks. a bachelors from the University of Hawaii but women. So, Church became a Procedures were simple then. What a difference 30 years of

81 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT: Stairway to the star profile Orange Canyon Angels Cathy Church in the field, Church was turned and underwater model out on fierce. But Church warns photogra- down for jobs only to find that a location. phers not to give their images away man who was no better than an She suggested that photogra- to clients for nothing. It hurts the amateur was hired to fill the post. phers gain a combination of skills, business and themselves. Another ugly side of the dive com- become resort photography profes- “Underwater photography is a munity emerged in the early years sionals, work hard and develop their challenge,” said Church. “It is a of her photo courses, when Church skills on land and on boats. Church wide open field. You first have to found out that male colleagues in said that it is helpful for photogra- be good at it. It can’t be hurried.” the area were telling students not to phers to get certified as a SCUBA With the wisdom of over thirty years go to her. But she agreed that pro- dive master or instructor, and in the in the field, Church concluded that fessionalism, or lack thereof, cannot beginning, be willing to work underwater photog- be blamed on gender. in exchange for camera raphers must bal- Church said that underwater pho- equipment and gear and ance creativ- tography is a passion, and those diving experience when- ity with the that go into it must contend with a ever possible. Church said business of field that can be fickle and difficult underwater photographers selling images. was domineering over the other, so to survive upon. Most, she said, must do what they do “because ■ Church split them up and worked supplement their habit with some- they can’t not do it”. with them separately. Responses thing else – finding a job that is not She said that there is no from wives to Church’s sensitivity too far from their passion. She said money in stock images, but and disposition to listen to them that some photographers work as dive writing and underwater were that of surprise and appre- tour operators, and she finds that photography can get you ciation. Many women went on to there are a lot of couples working contacts and free advertis- further develop their underwater together in the field. They comple- ing, though the assignments photography skills. Church said that, ment each other’s skills and talents are far and few between as nowadays, women outnumber men and provide an instant dive buddy competition for publication is in her classes, and she also often sees couples LEFT: Starry night enjoying each other’s BELOW: Solitude progress over the run of RIGHT: Two stingrays the courses. Church said that in the early years, she saw soci- instruction makes! the water or in learning how ety being protective of Church loves to teach. She to dive. Church continues women, unduly prohibit- likes to help students visual- to seek new directions and ing them from exploring ize their pictures, find where methods to aid those who are and excelling in mostly the scene exists in nature and apprehensive, yet yearn to male dominated fields help them set up the shot. learn underwater photogra- such as marine science Church said that she helps phy. and diving. But after them learn how to optimize Over the years, Church has the women’s liberation what they have and find observed differences in the movement of the 60s out what they can get out genders as they approach and 70s, she can see that For more information, visit: of a shot – how to get the underwater photography. In women can be anything Cathy Church’s Underwater Photo most that they can. She is the early years, women usual- they want to be now. Centre and Gallery also sensitive to the unique ly did not come to her course Church´s own career www.cathychurch.com needs of individuals, some out of their own interest, but was often blocked by Academy of Underwater Arts and of whom may have certain through that of their spouse outdated views towards Sciences fears or issues to overcome in or partner. Often, one spouse women. As a professional www.auas-nogi.org Sunset House Hotel www.sunsethouse.com

82 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT: Tagger, stealthy scientist with three-band spear gun loaded with a number ID tag OF WHALE SHARKS AND MANTAS RIGHT: Taggee, unsuspecting whaleshark Playing Tag with a whaleshark

Text and photos by Robert Ashton and Lynn Jaye is the smallest of the Bay Islands off the coast of I welcomed Honduras, where divers go the chance to also investi- in search of whalesharks, gate pelagic animal field research but find much more. Being and local conservation efforts. Threatened Species list as vulnerable the Executive Director of Whalesharks are the largest of all to extinction. CITIES (Convention on sharks and are the largest fish in the International Trade in Endangered The Manta Network, a glo- sea. They can grow to more than Species) has also listed them in an bal conservation organiza- 50 feet long and feed on plank- effort to protect them from the inter- tion, I was very interested in ton, which are some of the small- national trade of whale shark prod- the local efforts to protect est organisms in the ocean. These ucts. highly migratory animals are capa- Several worldwide manta ray whalesharks. Patric Douglas, ble of sustaining high speeds yet programs have recently been initi- Director of SharkDiver.com, usually display a leisurely grace. ated and we are taking many of the invited us to stay in Utila and These gentle giants show no fear same directions as global whaleshark of humans but have been merci- conservation efforts. I received sev- write about his dive group’s lessly exploited and are now on eral reports saying that Utila was the whaleshark experiences. the World Conservation Union’s best place to see manta rays on the

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actions to take and the biologists are the boil is created and the sharks use shark may sense a boil from far below trying to establish guidelines for all their superior senses to locate the and ascend directly into its center. the dive operators to follow in order bait-ball. Whalesharks have cartilage spines not to frighten the whalesharks away It is possible that the whaleshark that run the length of its body. Some and to give them space to feed. may first locate food and then circle biologists believe that these spines There are two local groups from the depths to the baitfish are sensing devices and can accu- researching whalesharks on Utila. Jim upwards. Circling ever closer, the fish rately pinpoint an active boil. Tuna Engle, who runs the Utila Lodge and are concentrated and are forced to circling the small fish may be respon- BICA (Bay Island College of Diving), the surface. When the boil has suf- sible for creating the boil. has been studying whalesharks for ficient density, the whaleshark opens more than 12 years. In the last few its mouth and a ton of small fish cas- Whaleshark Tagging years he has also been working with cade down into its waiting gill rakers. We were invited by Jim Engle to par- SRI (Shark Research Institute). He has The other theory is that the whale- ticipate in the tagging of a whale- now established an independent research and conservation organi- zation called WSORC (Whale Shark Oceanographic Research Center) and has started a tagging program. Another resort and dive operator, Deep Blue, has also begun to collect information about whalesharks. They are working with Ecocean, a whale- shark conservation group in Australia that has created a Global Photo ID Library. The library consists of a visual database of individually catalogued whalesharks and encounters. It is maintained and used by marine biol- ogists to collect and analyze whale- shark data in order to learn more about the behavior of these amazing creatures.

A tagged whaleshark Dynamics of a Boil A boil (also know as a bait-ball) is Caribbean side of Central America. Only a tors. The number of dive boats racing to see an area on the water’s surface that few months earlier in Roatan, another of the each whaleshark that surfaces was creating a has so much activity of fish jumping Bay Islands, I was able to obtain some foot- dangerous and chaotic situation. Whalesharks and splashing that it resembles boil- age from a local photographer who was lucky were being disturbed, snorkelers were being ing water. This is where we can find enough to catch a rare glimpse of manta hurt and fishermen were angry because the whalesharks, other types of sharks rays. Therefore I was eager to see what I could presence of so many dive boats affected their and even manta rays. Jim Engle has find in Utila. ability to fish. There was a report of local fisher- found that only the boils containing During our stay, we learned more about the men who had purposely killed a whaleshark. bonito tuna are where the whale- problems that face Utila than could possibly They were threatening to kill more in order to sharks feed. be imagined. One of the main attractions of stop the dive boats from surrounding the boils There are two schools of thought this island is the opportunity to be in the water of jumping tuna where the whalesharks sur- on how a boil is created: one theory with whalesharks. However, this eco-tourist face to feed. is that the whale harks create the experience is being threatened by many fac- The government is trying to decide on what boil themselves and the other is that

A member of the tag team holds up one of the number ID tags to be attached to a whaleshark in order to identify it and track its movements for scientific research 84 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Whalesharks

ABOVE: The splashing of a boil of fish can be seen at the surface while a whaleshark hunts its prey. INSET: Members of the tag team prepare for an encounter with a whaleshark

shark. Luke Tipple, a young and ener- without hurting the ABOVE: Unique spot pattern behind the fifth gill identifes individual whalesharks getic biologist working for WSORC, spear- animal. Shooting heads the tagging program. Luke has a the tag into its Spot Pattern image-processing software that performs BSC in Marine Sciences and has been thick skin requires Recognition pattern matching on the whaleshark’s studying whalesharks since coming to a lot of force but it The Ecocean Library began spots. Utila from Adelaide, Australia. In the last does not harm the in 1995, building on the The best way to spot whalesharks is three months he has successfully tagged whaleshark. research of Brad Norman from the air. On three occasions, Patric at least ten whalesharks. With cameras at Ningaloo Marine Park, hired a scouting plane. We circled and Luke is also planning to take tissue in hand, we spent Western Australia. Every watched while flocks of birds and dive samples for DNA analysis to learn about the better part of a whaleshark has a unique boats converged below. When viewed the relationship of Utila’s whaleshark day searching the pattern of white spots on its from above, the whalesharks look like population to that of other areas around waters on the north grey skin. The spot pattern large catfish in the blue water below. the world. These samples will be sent to side of Utila for behind the fifth gill on the While with Patric’s group, we Ecocean and will combine with other surface boils. Birds left side is used to document captured some images of whalesharks data to build a picture of the whale- gathering from a whalesharks. Any scars also underwater, one of which clearly showed shark’s family tree and possibly their long- distance signal the help to distinguish between the spot pattern behind the fifth gill on range migration behavior. creation of a boil. individual animals. the left side. We submitted the image Using a three-band spear gun, visual Not all boils attract In 2002, Jason Holmberg data and learned that we had identified identification tags are attached just whalesharks so we established the Shepherd a new animal, now nicknamed lynnjaye below the dorsal fin. These white or yel- had to be very patient. its tag and my photograph determined Project, which has enabled the library to for the photographer. These activities will low tags are large enough to be visible On our second encounter, Luke suc- that it was a female. Filing the sighting grow through sighting submissions from lead to insights into whaleshark migra- from a distance. Luke is a highly accu- cessfully attached tag No. 0173 to a report and photograph with Ecocean‘s research, conservation, and eco-tourist tory behavior and will make possible the rate shot, having grown up free diving small 20-foot whaleshark, but did not on-line global database is the first step in communities around the world. As part development and establishment of bet- and spear-fishing. He can place the tag determine its gender until a later dive. the identification process. of Ecocean’s global database of whale- ter conservation practices. at precisely the best location for reading We then recognized the whaleshark by shark sightings, they have developed

85 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED  City Seahorse Inc.  Whalesharks  features

Rules of Encounters one, it was guessed that a silky tourist industry. However, Luke and The whalesharks off the coast of shark was responsible. This has the other marine scientists face Utila exhibit behavior very different never happened before in Utila an uphill battle to protect the from anywhere else in the world. and hopefully the new guidelines young whalesharks. He is intent on It is believed that they may be will prevent it from ever hap- educating and building aware- shyer because they are juveniles. pening again. If this were truly a ness through sound eco-tourism Here, the sea is nearly a half a shark bite, it was probably not the principles. These include programs mile deep and encounters take shark’s fault as the woman may to educate and integrate the place in the deep blue water. have accidentally jumped right in fishermen, dive operators and the Whalesharks dive quickly when its path or on top of it, or it would island’s children, who are often Millions of Sweetlips they are startled or have finished not have bitten her. It probably found catching the rare seahorses feeding. It is for this reason that only did so in defense. which are dried and sold to tour- tourists are only allowed to Obviously, whaleshark eco-tour- ists. with them. It is feared that scuba ism will not be allowed for long Producing informative materials Can’t be Wrong divers will follow the whalesharks unless strict rules for the safety of for each group is important but on their quick descent and lose sharks and snorkelers are estab- they must also be convinced of track of their depth in the excite- lished and enforced. the economic benefits. The fisher- Raja Ampat is our favorite ! ment of the chase. New rules for whalesharks men need to realize that over-fish- It has been the practice in Utila encounters were drawn up by ing will lead to a complete col- for many dive boats to surround Luke and his team at WSROC lapse of the food chain, causing one unsuspecting shark. All of a and were modeled after those the reef to die along with their  sudden there can be as many initially developed by Ecocean. livelihood. This has already begun thirty snorkelers in the water splash- These include creating a 600-foot as most of the grouper, barracuda  ing and kicking. The young whale- diameter contact zone around and snapper have been over- sharks are usually disturbed by the the whaleshark in which only one fished. Algae have proliferated,  onslaught and immediately , designated by a special suffocating parts of the reef and for the deep. Amidst the commo- flag is allowed at a time. Only a affecting the diminishing popu- tion, some of the snorkelers do not maximum of eight snorkelers are lation of reef fish. This situation is  get to see the whaleshark at all. allowed in the water at a time unaided by the lack of sewage We accompanied Luke and his and entry must be made as qui- treatment on the island. team on several tagging trips. On etly as possible. Touching, riding or      our second excursion, members of obstructing the path of the whale- Conservation       the Honduran Ministry of Tourism shark is not allowed nor is the use Conservation plans in Utila include     were on board. They were wit- of flash photography. The ten rewards to fishermen for whale- ness to several boats racing to get guidelines were approved by the shark sightings. It is hoped that snorkelers in the water to see the local dive association but are yet many fishermen will elect to whaleshark before it disappeared. to be fully adopted by everyone. become whaleshark tour opera-  They were also on board when tors thereby earning a better a dive boat steamed through Politics and Education income. In order to protect their  the center of the boil right over a As with most small island poli- economy, the fishermen and the whaleshark and narrowly missing a tics, the needs of several groups dive industry must learn to work  snorkeler. have to be carefully balanced. together. With the aid of the gov- One day as we joined the snor- Fishermen, dive operators, scien- ernment and the scientists, they  kelers jumping into the water, a tists and government all have their must learn to protect the entire woman received a major injury special interests. The Honduran marine eco-system including the consisting of a large gash on her Government is quickly becoming whalesharks, the fisheries and the  calf, a fractured tibia and a huge aware of the importance of the .  bruise on the other inside thigh. marine ecosystems and the value The Bay Island College of Diving,   Although no one actually saw of whaleshark encounters to the where Luke also works as a dive

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instructor, has been first to implement surround Utila. While waiting for a whale- the guidelines that he proposed to the shark to surface within the boil, we spot- Robert Aston is the Executive Director of local dive association. We were there the ted a large manta ray close to the sur- The Manta Network and Chief Editor of evening Luke announced that they had face. This was the first time that we had On-The-Edge Magazine. Lynn Jaye is a been approved and everyone was jubi- observed two of the largest fish in the sea contributing editor and photographer for lant. It is a big step towards safeguarding together. The possible interdependence both organizations. Both Aston and Jaye the presence of whale sharks in that area of these two important pelagic species are actively involved in conservation efforts and the tourist economy that surrounds raises new questions as to their migration worldwide. They can be reached via email it. This was a large accomplishment for patterns and increases the importance at [email protected] or [email protected] Luke, the young marine biologist who of protecting their common food source. came to Utila to take on his first assign- In other parts of the world, mantas gener- For Additional Resources, visit: ment after graduating from the University ally swim in the shallow waters over coral The Manta Network of Adelaide in Australia less than a year reefs and this also applies to whalesharks. www.Save-the-Mantas.org ago. In Utila, it is extremely rare to see a On-The-Edge Magazine Once these safeguards are fully manta ray in the shallow water and www.on-the-edge.com adopted and enforced, the whaleshark whalesharks are never found there. This Shark Diver, Patric Douglas encounters should prove to be more suggests that the manta rays are not resi- www.SharkDiver.com enjoyable and of longer duration. The dent to Utila but are migratory and they Whale Shark Oceanographic dive operators must learn to understand may even accompany the whalesharks Research Center that the guidelines will not only ensure on their long pelagic migrations. www.WSORC.com that whalesharks return each year but We left Utila with a new-found appre- [email protected] that encounter times will be longer. This ciation for the work being done there Ecocean will lead to higher satisfaction for the and for what lies ahead in our efforts to www.ECOCEAN.org divers and assure a growing eco-tourism protect the world’s manta and mobula Utila Lodge industry. populations. The challenge we face www.UtilaLodge.com Luke’s important work will help establish obtaining scientific data to make the Deep Blue Resort Utila a baseline to determine whether Utila’s case for manta ray protection is only a www.deepblueutila.com/whale_sharks.htm whaleshark population may be declining. small part of the ultimate conservation His data may also shed important insights effort. Economic impacts, political mean- into the health of the world’s populations. derings and the need to balance local interests must be carefully weighed. In Whale Sharks & Mantas the end we are all connected and must Manta rays are often seen in the vicinity realize that biodiversity also includes of whalesharks in the deep waters that human beings. ■

87 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Creatures of Cabilao Discovering the fancy faces of the Philippines Text and photos by Nonoy Tan

After a two-hour car ride and an hour boat travel, I finally reached my destination—Cabilao, an island paradise located near Cebu, Philippines.Before com- ing here, I had read exciting accounts about Cabilao Island, particularly about the stargaz- ers and pygmy seahorses that reside in its surrounding waters. On this trip, I was determined to see these critters, at the same time discover other things that Cabilao had to offer. A decorator crab mimicks the color and texture of its soft coral host

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Subsequently, my guide led me I made the mistake of glancing at my a two-inch Pegasus seamoth darting towards an adjacent sea fan. He aimed camera controls and consequently lost across the sand caught me attention. It his finger to a pair of red pygmy sea- sight of the pair. I spent several minutes had a long snout and a scaly body, but horses. One was a third of an inch in searching the same coral while the sea- looked nonetheless beautiful. Just as I size, while the other was even smaller! horses remained motionless. Completely had used my last film exposure, another They easily blended with the color and delighted at finding them again, I took seamoth emerged into the scene. This texture of the tiny coral branches; their their images until my film was almost new seamoth was larger and had an camouflage was perfect I had to keep exhausted. It was time to head back to alluring mint green body color. Too bad, my eyes glued on them in order not to shore. I did not have any film left in the cam- lose them from my sight. At one time, On my return journey, the sight of era. Nonetheless, I was determined to go

Completely oblivious to my presence, this white octopus continued it search for prey

The white-sand beaches and crystal blue expectations were high. waters immediately captivated me. As I went to shore, my gracious host Babie Diving adventure gave a pleasant welcome of her vaca- The following morning, I was at the dive tion haven called La Estrella dive resort. facility early. In no time, I was geared The ambiance scene was very tranquil. up and ready for the dive. Together with Apart from the intermittent courting an expert guide, we took a shore entry sounds of the birds, I could hear only the into calm and clear waters. Less than rhythms of the sea and wind. Located ten minutes into the dive, I discovered a a few steps from shore was the native- long-snout pipefish hidden among the inspired restaurant where I had an ice- seagrass. With a length of about a foot, I cold drink offered to me by the staff. could easily have mistaken it for a dead Later, I was guided me to a nipa hut tree branch. Apparently confident of its that would be my home for the next four camouflage, it was unmindful of my pres- days. In front of the hut was a hammock ence as I took a few photographs. A few tied between two coconut trees. It was minutes later, my guide pointed a por- very inviting. celain crab to me. I clicked the shutter After settling in, I decided to comb the several times and then continued to trail beach. At a distance, I could see the my escort. scuba diving facility earlier pointed to Upon reaching 80 feet, I noticed a me by Babie. I headed towards its direc- magnificent red sea fan stretching out to tion. Upon reaching the place, I was the open sea. Upon closer inspection, I met by the Sea Explorers dive personnel detected a red spider crab slowly mov- with whom I had a chance to plan my ing across its branches. The crustacean diving itinerary for the subsequent days. had overly long and thin legs; it looked I would be provided with a dedicated like a spider. After taking several shots, dive guide so I could have a lot of flex- I realized that this dive was becoming ibility and time to take photographs. My photographically intense. Closer inspection of soft corals reveals a variety of residents such as the porcelain crab

89 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Cabilao

LEFT: A brown leaf fish poses for a portait

TOP RIGHT: Sea moth

BOTTOM RIGHT: This star- gazer waited underneath the sand for an ambush

back later in the evening. In the mean- for another dive. Armed with a flashlight, time, the hammock in front of my hut was I was soon underwater. Crabs, prawns, waiting for me. As a result, I spent the rest eels stalked the reef for food. Particularly of the day in dreamland (sleeping). interesting was a stargazer that laid motionless underneath the sand waiting for unsuspecting prey. As I took a mug By nightfall, I was well rested and ready shot of this monster in disguise, another

90 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Spider crab on a sea fan

91 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED factCabilao file, Philippines

History: The Philippine Islands became a urban centers; coral reef degradation; Spanish colony during the 16th century; they increasing pollution of coastal man- were ceded to the US in 1898 following the grove swamps that are important fish Spanish-American War. The islands attained breeding grounds. their independence in 1946 after Japanese occupation in World War II. The 21-year rule Population: 86,241,697. Percent of pop- of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when ulation below poverty line: 40%, Ethnic a widespread popular rebellion forced him groups: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim into exile. In 1992, the US closed its last mili- Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%. Reli- tary bases on the islands. The Philippines has gions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant had a series of electoral presidential transi- 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%; tions since the removal of MARCOS. The gov- Language: Filipino & English A pigmy seahorse uses its ingenious camouflage to disappear in the matching patterns of ernment continues to struggle with armed the corals it inhabits Muslim insurgencies in the south. Medical/ chambers: Cebu City Recompression Chamber Government: Republic Camp Lapu-Lapu Lahug / Doctor Capital: Manila Memerto Ortega. (032) 310-709 or (032) stargazer suddenly jumped out of the amount of activity in the reef. Again, Currency: Philippine peso (PHP) 312-325 / (032) 746-652 loc. 2625 sand beside me. Curiously, it exposed I ended the dive with great anticipa- per US dollar - 56; per Euro - 70. itself for a few seconds before digging tion that the succeeding days will be as Dive Travel: The best time to visit the back into the sand. Other critters showed enchanting. I was not disappointed. Geography: Southeastern Asia, archipelago Philippines is during the period from up as well, such as the brown leaf fish For three more days, I savored the between the Philippine Sea and the South November to June. Precipitaion is low- that posed while I took a portrait photo- sights underneath the waters of Cabilao China Sea, east of Vietnam, mostly moun- est during April and May. graph. After a few minutes, an octopus – beyond doubt, a paradise for critter tains with narrow to extensive coastal low- are cooler during December to Feb- appeared. This nocturnal predator was shutterbugs. Cabilao is best dived and lands; Coastline: 36,289 km; Elevation: ruary (26- 27°) and warmer between oblivious to my presence as it prowled experienced with the warmth and hospi- lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m; highest March and May (29°). the reef while using its tentacles to poke tality of La Estrella Resort (www.laestrella. point: Mount Apo 2,954 m Agriculture: rice, inside rock crevices in search of prey. ph) and Sea Explorers Philippines(www. coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, Web sites: I followed the octopus for several min- sea-explorers.com). For additional infor- pineapples, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, fish Sea Explorers utes until I spotted a soft red coral. Upon mation about diving the Philippine islands Natural resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, www.sea-explorers.com closer inspection, I discovered a thorny check out the Philippines Department of cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper. El Dorado Beach Resort little crab crawling across the stems. Its Tourism website (www.wowphilippines. www.eldoradobeachresort.com red and white coloration, and spiny body com.ph). ■ Climate: Tropical marine; northeast mon- La Estrella Resort mimicked its soft coral host. Unless it had soon (November to April); southwest mon- www.laestrella.ph moved, I would not have noticed it. In our next issue, we will visit the mystical soon (May to October). Philippines Department of Tourism As I explored the reef, I realized that and magical Philippine island of Dauin www.wowphilippines.com.ph the underwater night scene was full of with dive writer and award winning un- Environmental issues: Uncontrolled defor- life. I was already awed by the large derwater photographer, Nonoy Tan. estation especially in watershed areas; soil Dive info: www.starfish.ch erosion; air and water pollution in major

92 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The embedded Quicktime videoclips in this article are wrecks between 2 and 7Mb in size

Exploring U-boats in Ireland Text by Jim Tierney Underwater pictures by 10barpics Historical Pictures by www.uboat.net U89 A long awaited dive trip to Malin Crawling with life, the U-89 is now at last came and went all too patrolled by large cod, pollock and, of course, conger. Its 60 meters boasts life quickly, but with great success. everywhere. On the dive, visibility was 25- For the last four years, both my dive 30 meters with sea conditions buddy and I have been diving with prime. On board a fast 8 meter Buddy Inspirations. We agreed that this was our most memorable dive. Using a rib, we got out to the dive site 19-60 , all was very sober at 60m. within an hour. For October, Our bottom time was a little under 30 water was good, minutes, and our total run-time was 85 and the air was fresh and crisp. minutes. Decompression was carried out with VR3’s. Bail out tables were planed The targeted wreck for the day with V-Planner. Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip was the U-89. The U-89 was a relic from “the war that would Loaded ABOVE: Stern gun end all wars” but at last was not. Armed with only a video camera, I was days, it was a time during which they LEFT: Natural light at no match for the very impressive arse- were sinking vessels at their ease. Enemy 60 meters Now laying 25 miles off Malin nal on board the U-89. Deck guns were ships with no radar or were very Head, time stands still for this located both bow and stern. Torpedoes vulnerable. U-boats would surface in well- very impressive war machine. were left in storage never to be used known shipping lanes, select a target, again. shoot and be on their merry way. Rammed and sunk by HMS It is quite easy to see why the U-boat Unfortunately for the U-89, the vessel Roxburgh, all lives were lost packs terrorised the seas. A period popped up 200 yards in front of the cruis- on board the U-89. named by the U-boat fleet as the happy er HMS Roxburgh, which with out hesita-

Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip

93 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip wrecks U89

Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Bow gun with conning tower; Two views of bow torpedo hatches; Hydrofoil stripped from Its outer skin

LEFT: U-Boat Crew 1918. Men who trained RIGHT: Diagram of U89 with and grieved the loss of the U-89 INSET: Mark of U89

tion, rammed U-89’s conning tower. vive. Soon after, explosions were heard. They knew their chances for survival German voices were also heard were low. Even if you did survive a amongst the waves. U-89 was sunk battle and make it to the surface, with the loss of all their lives. So, out of it was most likely instant execution respect for the dead, the only souve- for you. One was most likely shot nirs I took were in the format of pic- in the water. Such instances have tures to share with all. The rest was left been reported after the sinking of to the memory of the many souls lost the Lusitania. No doubt the action regardless of personal beliefs about was revenge for the sinking of the the war – who was right and who was Lusitania by a comrade U-boat, U-20. wrong. Inside history Close quarters As I investigated further into the U- Most of us have seen the film Das boats’ history and talked to islanders Boot and can picture how claustro- with memories of the past from the phobic and cramped it was on board South and West coasts of Ireland, I the vessel. As big and impressive as learned how U-boats and Allied boats the U-89 was, it was still daunting to would come to the islands to trade look inside a hatch and imagine that for provisions. In doing so, unwrit- men used to sleep, work and fight in ten rules of war were made where Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip those conditions and sometimes sur- momentary cease fires occurred in U89 in action Aft torpedo tube with torpedo remains

94 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip wrecks U89

TOP RIGHT: Gear-laden diver ascend- ing after an adventurous dive CENTER RIGHT: Natural light at 60 m BOTTOM RIGHT: Natural light at 60 m

BELOW: Conger on guard duty mid ship. Torpedos were propelled by pet- rol or alcohol steam generators

INSET: Torpedoes in storage room

Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip

Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip

Natural light at 60 meters

order for both sides to gain supplies. museums and should be treated with coastal waters of Ireland at Sir Roger David Casement (1864- respect. U-89 offers layers of U-boat this time. The vessels, U-30, U- 1916), the British traitor and Irish nation- history to view. Open in some areas. 43, U-44, U-57, U-60 and the alist hero who was hanged by the Intact and in good condition in other U-64, helped sink the Justicia. British in mid-1916 for his part in work- areas. Don’t forget that this is a ves- The vessels, U-68, U-70,U-73, ing with Germany and Irish nationalists sel that has been in the open sea U-79 and the U-80, laid mines in planning the Dublin Easter Rising of for nearly a century. Peering at the in Lough Swilly and caused 1916 came back from Germany in a wreck’s cross-section, it is as if you can the sinking of the Laurentic. U-boat after arranging armaments for see different levels of construction. The vessels, U-94, U-95, U-107 and Head. U-124, which also helped sink the 1916 Rising. There is no doubt that (Take notes and build your own). the U-45, lie offshore near Donegal. the Justicia, lies off the north coast of U-boats played a part in Irish history. There were plenty more U-boats UB-82 lies off Rathlin Island. UB-85 lies Donegal. UC-42 and UC-44 were sunk These wrecks are our underwater operating around Malin and all the in Belfast Lough. U-110 lies off Malin offshore at Cobh Co Cork. UB-65 lies

95 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ABOVE LEFT: Torpedo ABOVE RIGHT: Gun wrecks CENTER: Torpedo U89

near the Fastnet Rock. U-68 and UC-29 are located off the Coast of Kerry. U-83 lies offshore at Bullrock, Co Cork. And that’s just the list for WWI. There are many more U-boats off the coast of Ireland from WWII with the highest number of wrecks off the coast of Malin identified by Operation Deadlight (www.operationdead- light.co.uk), an expedi- tion which was the first attempt by technical divers to survey and identify the wrecks of Click to watch Quicktime-videoclip German U-Boats scut- tled by the Allied after WWII in the waters north of occasions, not just deep wrecks. had the pleasure of Ireland. It was a scuttling of 42 There are shallow wrecks and all diving the Laurentic plus U-boats. So, the next time the scenic diving you could want. as part of the crew you get in the water, it might not The dive operator we choose of Teilifis na Gaeilge ABOVE: Good-bye natural light be a shark stalking you but a U- with 100% satisfaction was Dive (TnaG), Ireland’s Irish boat instead. North (www.divenorth.com). language TV chan- Thanks to our host and guide, nel, and I dived the Audacious, Malin also seems to be becom- Gary Fox who comes to Malin to For more information, visit: Malin matters Geoff, we will be back for more. through the courtesy of the ing a very popular destination get good diving and pass on his www.10barpics.com Malin offers excellent visibility. But this was not the first time I Inishowen and Derry Sub Aqua for courses of all experience through training and www.uboat.net Relaxed atmosphere. Diving for all have been to Donegal. I have Clubs. I shall be back for more. disciplines under the guidance of courses (www.diveaction.co.uk).■

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Comex BC

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Detail of “Opah“, moonfish Silver and copper 36 cm x 12 cm £250 Sam MacDonald Text by Gunild Pak Symes Photos by Lighthouse Photography

A move to the remote tures the textural and fleeting forms of fish in various metals of northern Scottish province copper, lead, pewter and gold of Orkney sparked a love leaf. He finds the dimension of the sea, fishing and div- of time in his work by utilizing ing for the increasingly the concept of fossilization. By studying the impressions of sea known metals artist, Sam life left in split rocks millions of MacDonald. Made up of years old, Sam fashions prehis- 70 islands, Orkney, which tory and ancient memory in his also has a rich cultural sculptures with masterful ma- nipulation and disstressing of and historical heritage, is metal materials. a haven for diving, fishing He often leaves out visual and outdoor enthusiasts. information of fish forms, offer- ing only clues to the subject, Sam has taken inspira- thereby creating a sense of tion from his beautiful and mystery to the image. He says magical surroundings to that the mind’s eye will often inform his work of marine fill in missing visual information in a way that gives the viewer life forms and textural sur- a more faces. full and rounded Originally from Lewis, Sam began experi- to study and contemplate the ence sculptural form of fish after taking of the up fishing. From the glint of scales artwork. to the skeletal structure, Sam cap- Sam is

Detail of “Herring Hook” Pewter copper and gold leaf

160 cm x 50 cm x 2 cm £5000 Fiona MacDonald

99 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Detail of “Slimehead Composition” Brass, ferracotta and copper 58 x 58 cm £500

“Born in a Storm” “Turbot” Pewter, copper and gold leaf Ferracotta and copper 40 cm x 40 cm £780 53 cm x 54 cm £550

100 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED “Velvet and Gold” “Sandeels“ “Slime Head Bed” Silver, copper, brass and gold leaf Pewter, lead, copper and gold leaf Lead and copper 58 cm x 122 cm £1100 58 cm x 122 cm £1500 25 cm x 48 cm £1600

interested not only in the beauty of the sea, but also my when crafting something of value from a suppos- These concerns are often expressed in his artwork where in its more terrible aspects and its predatory side. He edly dead material”. He also works with gold leaf to both a texture of the natural world of today and the time- finds inspiration in the the exposed beauty of a skel- accentuate the flash of scales that can be seen in less experience of the prehistoric past co-exist. ■ etal structure in, for example, the remains of a fish. He nature when a school of fish changes direction. sees the beauty in its “dead eyes”. Beauty and mean- Ecology is a great concern to Sam as he questions Sam has exhibited his work widely and has a two year wait- ing can often be found in what many would call ugly. what will be left of the world’s natural treasures in the ing list on commissions from patrons all over the world. For Sam often works in lead. He says that since it is an future and what fossilized remains of our present time more information or to contact the artist, visit his web site ugly and poisonous metal, “there is a feeling of alche- will be left for future generations to contemplate. at: www.sam-macdonald.co.uk “Silver Darlings” Pewter, copper and gold leaf 50 cm x 163 cm £1500 101 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED “John Dorys” “Flounder“ “Herring Shoal at Depth” Lead and copper Pewter, copper and gold leaf Pewter, gold leaf, copper and brass 81.5 cm x 21 cm £900 50 cm x 70 cm £500 81.5 cm x 122.5 cm £2500

102 X-RAY MAG : 5 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED TOP: “Herring Square“ TOP: “Old Fish” TOP: “Hatchet Fish” Pewter, copper and gold leaf Lead and copper Silver, brass and copper 20 cm x 20 cm £280 30 cm x 30 cm £650 40 cm x 40 cm £500

BOTTOM: “Oxeye” BOTTOM: “Herring Square“ BOTTOM: “Hatchet Split Frame I” Lead and copper Pewter, copper and gold leaf Pewter,copper and gold leaf 30 cm x 30 cm £650 20 cm x 20 cm £280 30 cm x 30 cm £350

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SPECIAL FOCUS Diving in Ireland! plus... Bikini Atoll Wrecks

TOP: Detail of “Hatchet on Plate” Pewter, copper and brass 25 cm x 28 cm £150 COMING IN AUGUST Subscribe now FREE! LEFT: Detail of “Skate Profiles” Copper www.xray-mag.com 77 cm x 46 cm £700

For more information or to order art works, visit www.sam-macdonald.co.uk e-mail: [email protected]

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