Valentines Day Special: Gifts for Divers Exotic Diving The LIGPO CEBU

GLOBAL EDITION History February :: March 2006 First Frogmen Number 9 Deepest Wreck Dive Yolanda Canada Nova Scotia Isla Guadelupe Profile Sharks Dr Phil Nyutten Portfolio Ray Troll: Sharkabet COVER PHOTO BY NONOY TAN 1 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 DIRECTORY X-RAY MAG is published by AquaScope Special Valentines Issue Copenhagen, Denmark - www.aquascope.biz www.xray-mag.com Gifts for in Your Life... page 75 DIVER WITH OUTSTRETCHED ARMS GOLD PENDENT AVAILABLE AT WWW.SEAWEAR.COM PUBLISHER CO- EDITORS & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrey Bizyukin Pair of Gobies, The Philippines. Photo by Scott Bennett Peter Symes - Caving, Equipment, Medicine [email protected] Michael Arvedlund - Ecology MANAGING EDITOR Dan Beecham - Photography contents & 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 Michael Portelly [email protected] Catherine GS Lim Europe + Africa: [email protected] REGULAR WRITERS South East Asia representative: John Collins - Ireland Catherine GS Lim, Singapore Nonoy Tan - The Philippines [email protected] Amos Nachoum - CA, USA Internet-advertising: Robert Aston - CA, USA Deb Fugitt, USA Bill Becher - CA, USA [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE SENIOR EDITOR Dan Beecham Michael Symes [email protected] Scott Bennet Adam Butler TECHNICAL MANAGER Sven Erik Jørgensen Søren Reinke Catherine GS Lim [email protected] Svetlana Murashkina, PhD CORRESPONDENTS Barb Roy John Collins - Ireland Stewart L. Sy Yann Saint-Yves - France Gunild Pak Symes Jordi Chias - Spain Mark Andrews Enrico Cappeletti - Italy Leigh Cunningham 19 25 33 37 43 plus... Gary Myors - Tasmania Enrico Cappeletti EXOTIC DIVING DUMAGUETE LIGPO ISLAND MALAPSCUA DAUIN Marcelo Mammana - Argentina EDITORIAL 3 Ralf Troll HE HILIPPINES HE HILIPPINES HE HILIPPINES HE HILIPPINES HE HILIPPINES Svetlana Murashkina - Russia T P T P T P T P T P NEWS 5 Edwin Marcow INTRO BY TEWART Y BY ONOY AN BY COTT ENNETT BY ONOY AN Tomas Knutsson - Iceland S L. S BY SCOTT BENNETT N T S B N T EQUIPMENT 48 Jeff Dudas - CA, USA Yann Saint-Yves WET & WILD 94 Michael Symes Barb Roy - WA, USA CLASSIFIED 94 Garold Sneegas - KS, USA Peter Symes 51 57 63 75 85 Yonatan , Israel Nonoy Tan GUADALUPE SHARKS YOLANDA WRECK NOVA SCOTIA VALENTINES SHOPPING DIVE HISTORY MEXICO DEEPEST WRECK DIVE CANADA GIFTS FOR DIVERS THE FIRST FROGMEN 2 Further info on our contacts page on our website: BY BARB ROY BY MARK ANDREWS BY SVETLANA MURASHKINA, PHD EDITTED BY GUNILD SYMES BY SVEN ERIK JØRGENSEN www.xray-mag.com (Continued on page 4) columns... Not yet subscribed to  SUBSCRIPTION X-RAY MAG? Sign up now! X-RAY MAG International Edition in English is FREE. 69 79 96 It’s FREE! QUICK! EASY! Tell us what you think! To subscribe, go to: www.xray-mag.com PROFILE HAVE ... PORTFOLIO click here... Send letters to the editor COVER PHOTO DR PHIL NYUTTEN WILL TRAVEL RAY TROLL: SHARKABET [email protected] Tiny Crab on Sea Urchin, Philippines Nonoy Tan BY GUNILD SYMES BY J. HELLER, D. BEECHAM BY GUNILD SYMES

2 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 Amsterdam Barcelona Cape Town Copenhagen London Moscow Okinawa Oslo Paris Ravenna Reykjavik San Francisco Sharm El Shiekh Warsaw Are editorial Whales are just so cuddly likable, aren’t they? With their big dreamy constitutes at the moment. If there eyes, high intelligence and highly was huge self sustaining populations organised family structures, it is just whales of whales, which could be exploited too easy to relate and empathise with in a sustainable and responsible man- these magnificient fellow inhabitants ner then, maybe, we would have an of our Blue Planet. They have become cute? entirely different issue at hand. But icons for the environmentalists, often as matters stand, hunting the whales to the point where they become is just impoverishing the shrouded in a romantic aura. We in mockery of what the whaling mora- planet, and once they are What’s the West certainly don’t want to hunt torium is supposed to be all about is gone, they are gone for them anymore, and we are outraged a provocation that flies right in the good. scientific when the Japanese send out whole face of the rest of us. It calls for a firm On these matters, about these fleets of whalers to the Southern response. we side 100% with the catches? Ocean whale sanctuary to catch This came at the end of December, Australian government, ������������ hundreds of whales for which saw an intense standoff which is perhaps the most consumption under the Japan is expect- between Greenpeace and vocal of the17 anti-whaling nations. ���������� guise of conducting ed to kill 935 the whalers, with Japanese Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, ��������������������� “scientific catches”. warships purportedly under Brazil, , France, Germany, Well, other animals, minke whales way to interfere in the conflict Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, ������������������� cows for example, have in the Southern and with the Australian gov- New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, nice eyes and are cute ernment, on the other hand Sweden and the UK have all signed a �������� too. But we eat them Ocean whale becoming very vocal, vowing formal letter urging Japan to end its ����������������� without putting much sanctuary to bring whaling in the south- whaling activities. ���������������� though to it—except ern Oceans to an end. Japan, however, remains defiant perhaps when we become all wound and will not change its stance. Japan up over mad cow disease and such. Whose whales are they any- intends to continue its whale-hunting Whales are meat too, so what’s the way? Do you have to plant a program despite mounting interna- problem? harpoon in a whale to claim it as tional protest, according to statement “yours”? Assuming that we all have from a spokesman for the Japanese ... Hippocracy is, and the fact that equal rights to ownership of these Fisheries Agency Hideki Moronoki. He most whales are on the brink of creatures, how do I go about keeping added that Japan is entitled to catch extinction as most of us are so pain- “my whale” alive. Do I have to fear whales under international whaling fully aware. that somebody else will kill it? These law, “We plan to continue with the The concept of “scientific catches” notions of ownership over wild, free research hunting,” he said. was, needless to say, never intended roaming animals is, of course, ludi- In response, via a joint statement, to be a legal loophole for a whole crous. That is why we have treaties Australian Foreign Minister Alexander nation’s whaling fleet to exploit and regulating their sustainable exploita- Downer and Environment Minister Ian enjoy a self-serve spree on the other tion, and it is also why breaching the Campbell remained equally adament side of the globe. Granted, Japan is rules amounts to stealing from the and committed to ending whaling not the only whaling nation. We also rest of us. Us, meaning me and you, under the guise of scientific research. have some here in Northern Europe, and future generations who will not of which we are not too happy get to experience these magnificent Something’s got to give, either, but the magnitude of the creatures... That is, if we don’t put and it’s got to be Japanese operations and the vagrant an end to the madness that whaling whaling! ■ ����������������������� The International Whaling Commission (IWC) declared a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986, but whaling for

��������� scientific purposes is still allowed. Japan is expected to kill 935 minke whales in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary over the first four months of the year in what the country claims are scientific research hunts.

3 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS editorial “The best way to predict the future is to invent it!”

It has been two years already A recent survey since our little baby, this mag- revealed that we in azine, came to light. We can the West, on aver- 2 years! hardly believe it either. Yet, age, now spend like most parents, we can’t almost three hours But roles do change as help marvelling over how far daily online, far surpassing TV times change, and so should our baby has developed and and other past times. media and how we use it. grown in the interim. This little Distribution modes alone— anniversary also provides us In the past year, we have also email vs. snail mail—isn’t or with an interesting yardstick— received a lot of heart warm- shouldn’t be the defining a measure of how fast the ing letters from the readers feature of a magazine or media scene changes. and flattering reviews. Thank any media. It is the message Only two years ago, some you! in the media and of our main concerns where This feedback and encour- what it communicates whether the general diving agement has meant, and still that counts. public was ready for a digitally means, a lot to the whole hard In this regard, we distributed magazine concept working crew and contributors want to press the like X-RAY MAG and whether of X-RAY MAG. We appreci- boundaries of what downloads of 4-5Mb file size ate the support that has been digital magazines can were too heavy. given to us from our readers, do, be and mean Perhaps, the size was just advertisers and colleagues. in the dive industry on the borderline at the time. and the global diving Lately, we have been publish- In these communications, community. You, our ing issues at 12-15Mb size with we often receive comments readers, play a large no worries. Broadband is now stating that the arrival of dig- part in our produc- quite commonplace, and ital magazines on the media tion process here at people shop and search infor- scene heralds the downfall the magazine. We mation through their home of traditionally printed maga- welcome your opin- computers like there’s no zines. We disagree. Radio is ions. So, what’s been tomorrow. still here, despite of TV. Video on your mind? Tell us: Our everyday habits cer- didn’t eradicate the movie [email protected] tainly have changed quickly. theatres or the live stage. ■

X-RAY MAG is distributed expressed in articles are responsibility for unsolicited six times per year on the those of the individual materials sent to its office, Internet. © 2004-2006 X-RAY author and are not nec- nor is it liable for loss or MAG. All rights reserved. essarily representative of damage to such materials. Material in this publica- views held by X-RAY MAG X-RAY MAG observes a tion may not be repro- or its affiliates. Unsolicited strict privacy policy. No News from NAUI in X-Ray Mag: duced or transferred elec- manuscripts, photographs personal or private infor- This issue of X-Ray Magazine includes tronically in any form with- and illustrations should be mation will be shared with news and press releases from NAUI in sections designated by the NAUI logo. out written permission from emailed to gsymes@xray- a third party without the While the page design is done by X-Ray the copyright owner. mag.com. written permission of the Magazine as an integrated part of the Views and information X-RAY MAG accepts no owner. magazine, these news items are brought to you by NAUI at NAUI’s discretion.

4 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Stem cells mobilized by hyperbaric Stem cells are unique in that they can multiply indefinitely Hyperbaric oxygen treatments appear to aid in the recovery of injured and and ‘differentiate’ into spe- diseased tissue by increasing stem cell mobility. Stem cells, also called progeni- cialised cell types as they tor cells, are crucial to injury repair. multiply. This is what makes A report to be published in the April 2006 American Journal of Physiology- them potentially so important how about that? Heart and Circulation Physiology, says a typical course of hyperbaric oxygen for use in medicine as it opens treatments increases by eight-fold the number of stem cells circulating in a pa- up the possibility that these tient’s body. It is reported that this is the safest way clinically to increase stem cells may be used to create News edited cell circulation, far safer than any of the pharmaceutical options. This study any type of cell for use as a by Peter Symes provides information on the fundamental mechanisms for hyperbaric oxygen treatment to replace diseased NEWS and offers a new theoretical therapeutic option for mobilizing stem cells. and damaged cells Meat eating sponges discovered DAVID SHALE Carnivorous sponges, polar seas and remote such as submerged globe-trotting tuna DORTE JANUSSEN, SENCKENBERG MUSEUM, FRANKFURT underwater mountain mountains or mid- ranges. By satellite, too, ocean ridges where and an eerie under- scientists are already the earth’s crust is water “dead zone” at tracking more than 21 being renewed. the epicentre of last species of fish, turtles year’s tsunami are a and sea lions. Mid-Atlantic ridge In a midway tally of Tallying life along the few of the surprises the census findings so mid-Atlantic ridge, that have turned up in far, more than 40,000 for example, involves Aphyonus gelatinosus, a strange bottom-dwelling fish covered by the first census of the species have been iden- 115 scientists from 14 a gelatinous layer, has only been recorded twice. Once along world’s oceans, and tified many new to sci- countries. The ridge sup- the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge in 2004 ence, and a surprising ports an abundance more may lie ahead. amount of diversity in of life that turns the waters above it into are working on ways to do that. Having reached the mid- regions once thought to a refueling stop for whales, sharks, tuna Though results so far aren’t enough to point of the unprecedented be bereft of much sea and migratory fish that live closer to the allow researchers to create a meaning- 10-year census, which life. surface. The team’s vessel uses high-reso- ful picture of the whole ocean, planners involves scientists in more lution to spot fish more than a mile expect that to change in the next five than 73 nations, it is reported The Census below the surface, then rolls out large years. ■ that the 230,000 marine spe- The census grew out of nets. The nets, designed to close at dif- cies now known to science Asbestopl, a never-before-known species of carnivorous sponge, about 1 a 1995 report from the ferent depths, allow the team to sample Source and images: www.coml.org are the tip of the iceberg. By cm in diameter, engulfs other organisms with its “mouth,” one of four such National Academies of waters at various levels within their broad the time the census is com- species, three of them new to science, found in the Southern Ocean abyss. Science describing a zone of interest. pleted in 2010 it is expected startling level At great depths, some fish that a million new species That area is very puzzling. It is a place on of ignorance are snakelike, sporting large Jellyfish, Crossota millsaeare will have been collected. Most new spe- the ocean floor where there is absolutely about ocean biodiversity. The Ocean census heads with sharp, curved cies are likely to be very small though this no life visible - no crabs, no starfish, no deep-sea floor covers nearly teeth. Many dangle lumi- is no surprise in an environment where 90 tubeworms, nothing. 116 million square miles at an expected to nescent lures to draw prey. percent of the living mass is microscopic. average depth of 2.5 miles. The collect a million Others light up to attract New technology area the census has sampled new species mates or startle predators. Dead zones The pace of discovery in the census is so far would cover only a hand- All are extremely fragile. With A puzzling find was the discovery of due in part to the fact that scientists, ful of football fields. In gather- nothing more solid than one “dead zone” near the epicentre of the equipped with deep-diving robotic vehi- ing their data, scientists are focusing on another to bump into, these creatures December 2004 earthquake and tsu- cles and new technology, are looking biological hot spots and sampling those. die when coming into contact with the nami in the Indian Ocean where thick silt for life where few have looked before— That directs their focus to coastlines, con- nets. Their fragility also makes tagging seems to have destroyed all signs of life. abyssal plains miles below the surface, tinental shelves and undersea features them impossible, although researchers KEVIN RASKOFF 5 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED OUR WORLD-UNDERWATER XXXVI

Mark your calendar for Febuary 24, to 26 2006 when the 36th Annual OUR news WORLD-UNDERWATER Consumer Dive & Travel Exposition will be held just minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center will host the event featuring: Edited by �� Over 200 dive industry exhibitors Catherine Lim �� Diving workshops, clinics & seminars �� Today’s finest underwater films & photography �� Children under 8 are FREE with paying adult �� FREE, Saturday Children’s Film Festival

Singaporean diver For details & tickets visit www.ourworldunderwater.com

SAVE $2.00 ON YOUR ADMISSION TO THE SHOW Khoo breaks world record SUBMIT THIS AD WITH YOUR TICKET ORDER for longest scuba tank dive (sorry no copies accepted) CODE: XR All of us here love being in the water, sleep deprivation, surviving on a liquid but would you be willing to stay under- diet of isotonic drinks and fruit bever- ages (and this was during the fes- water for nine days—nonstop—just to tive season!). This caused him break a world record? some diarrhoea and an eventual loss of By Catherine GS Lim 3.6 kilograms. Then, there was the 20 x That’s precisely what Singapore adventurer Khoo 10 x 8 feet watery Swee Chiow did. Decked in scuba gear, he environment and specialists. He also climbed into a special tank filled with mineral wa- scuba gear that gained strength ter at 3:34 pm on 16 December 2005. And there caused infec- closures helping fish stocks from his fam- he stayed for the next 220 hours, long enough to tion and skin ily and friends, set a new world record for the World’s Longest maceration Policy of area closure on the as well as the Scuba Submergence (Controlled Environment) to develop. to allow spawning has been very successful thousands of beating the previous record by seven and a half To prevent curious onlook- hours. decom- ers who waved, Professor Bruce Mapstone from the Cooperative Research For someone who has climbed Everest, trekked pression took photos and Centre for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (CRC) to the North and South Poles and cycled 8,200 kil- sickness, wrote words of undertook, during an 11-year study, one of the world’s big- ometres from Singapore to China, this latest feat he also encouragement gest fishing experiments to get a better idea of the effects doesn’t sound like a big deal. Well, not quite. For had to to spur him on. His of both commercial and recreational line fishing. Data is still starters, Khoo had to endure hunger, thirst and spend wife even dove into being analysed, but it is already clear that the policy of fish- time in a the tank shortly after ing bans in certain areas of the reef has worked. hyperbar- the world record “Some of the things that we’ve learned along the way ic cham- was broken to cel- include the area closures that the Great Barrier Reef Marine ber after ebrate. “They were all Park Authority has put in place have really been very effec- his feat. very supportive and I re- tive in protecting significant portions of the stock that has Khoo ally drew my strength from been fished elsewhere from fishing so that they can spawn took these them,” Khoo said to report- and rekindle the populations of the fish for future genera- challenges in ers after his feat, which he tions to harvest,” Professor Bruce Mapstone said to ABC stride, supported described as his Christmas News. by doctors, para- gift to Singapore. ■ “All of the research we’ve been doing both in the effects medics, nutritionists of line fishing experiment and associated projects indicate and equipment that the reef line fishery is now in relatively good shape,” he and dive operation added. ■ IMAGES: AONIA UNIVERSAL PTE LTD AND 6 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED share in Europe and elsewhere where the German language is spoken. NAUI offers translated materials in numerous languages. “The release of these new translations enables instructors to better provide their German language students NAUI Seeks Qualified German Manual the quality education they have come NAUI’s popular Scuba Diver and to expect with NAUI,” said Jim Bram, Representatives in Europe Advanced Scuba Diver student text- President. “Our customers want the best books in German language translations training available, and we are commit- As part of an ongoing effort to bring support and are now available through NAUI Services ted to expanding our product line such services to members around the globe, NAUI Group Europe. These translations are two as with these new translations.” Worldwide has established local and regional of the latest in a series that enable NAUI The NAUI Scuba Diver Textbook in representatives to provide members assistance in NAUI Services instructors and affiliated dive centers German (item #11000G) and the NAUI multiple languages. to provide the best training in the dive Advanced Scuba Diver Textbook in Through its subsidiary, NAUI Services Group Europe Establishes industry. German (item #11500G) can be ordered Europe (NSGE), NAUI is now expanding its group With the release of these German through NAUI Services Group Europe at of representatives and seeking active members language materials, NAUI continues (+31) 548-611769 (fax) or via email at to become Course Directors and Representatives Corporate Offices to expand its already broad market [email protected]. ■ in the following countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Ireland, Israel, As part of its ongo- ing this next step in NAUI’s Luxembourg, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Norway, ing effort to bring sup- growth,” said Richard Lucas, Event calendar Training at NAUI EUROPE training facility: Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, , General Manager of NSGE. and Tunisia. port and services to “Our members in Europe ► European REPW ► European REPW NAUI representatives are already established members residing and have already benefited from (2-day representative workshop) (2 day representative workshop) in Belgium (French-speaking), Cyprus, Czech teaching in Europe, the establishment of NAUI Thurday 9th February 2006 Monday 27th March 2006 Republic, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Services Group Europe, and Friday 10 th February 2006 Tuesday 28th March 2006 Hungary, Italy, Lebanon, the Netherlands, NAUI Services Group this corporate headquarters Romania, Russia, Spain and Turkey, however Europe, Inc. (NSGE) has will serve as a flagship loca- ► International ICC ► NAUI TEC week (week 14 and 15 2006) additional representatives are needed in some of established its corpo- tion for them.” (3 day instructor cross over course) During these weeks NAUI EUROPE offer these countries rate offices in a newly NAUI Service Group Europe, Monday 20th March 2006 Technical diver, Technical instructor and If you are interested in the possibility of becoming Inc. is a subsidiary of NAUI Tuesday 21th March 2006 Technical Course Director workshops in the a local representative you must be an active status purchased building in Services Group, Inc., a Florida- Wednesday 22th March 2006 following NAUI TEC courses; NAUI Course Director and have a certain stock of the Netherlands for its based corporation estab- Intro to tec, NAUI products to assist members in your area. base of operations. lished at the end of 2002 to ► International ITW Technical EANx, ► For more information and additional qualifica- manage the business affairs (2 day instructor-trainer workshop) techniques, tion criteria, contact NAUI Services Group Europe of NAUI Worldwide, the diver Tuesday 21th March 2006 Heli-air, Heli-trox at [email protected]. Currently undergoing reno- training organization known Wednesday 22nd March 2006 Wreck penetration, vations, the building will ulti- for its quality of instruction and Technical Wreck penetration NSGE was established in 2003 as a subsidiary of mately include corporate educational products. NSGE ► International CDW -I, Trimix-II, NAUI Services Group, and is responsible for the day- offices and warehouse space provides translated educa- (2 day course director workshop) Mixedgass blender to-day servicing of European members, providing for NSGE, plus classrooms tional products in multiple lan- Thursday 23rd March 2006 SCR- educational support materials in multiple languages and support areas housed in guages and certification card Friday 24th March 2006 and certification card processing to instructors over 20,000 square feet (4,000 processing to NAUI instructors teaching courses in the region. For square meters) of total space. teaching NAUI diver training For further information and how to participate on one or more of the above mentioned more information on NAUI Services Group Europe, “We are excited to be tak- course in the region. ■ courses and/or workshops, email to [email protected] visit www.naui-europe.com ■

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

& Travel Insurance family members can plans also offer com- travel and dive with the prehensive coverage confidence of knowing for medical expenses you have NAUI quality

for treatment of non- coverage, and unlike dive related accidents other programs, there’s and medical emergen- no need to join a mem- dent insurance (includ- cies that occur away ber group to be eligi- NAUI Dive ing hyperbaric chamber from home; emergency ble! Simply sign up for

treatment and medical evacuation benefits; dis- the plan you want and ��� & Travel ����������������� expenses) and travel ability, accidental death enjoy the comfort of Insurance assistance coverage or dismemberment; dive knowing you have insur- to certified divers, dive vacation interruption or ance coverage right In 2005, NAUI launched professionals and stu- cancellation; lost div- away. To select the plan the NAUI Worldwide dents enrolled in NAUI ing equipment; 24-hour that’s best for you, com- Dive & Travel Insurance courses around the emergency hotline serv- pare program details, program, a compre- world. Whether you’re ices and much more. and apply online, click hensive program that a student, certified diver With three afford- the “Dive & Travel provides emergency or instructor, you qualify! able plans to choose Insurance” link at medical and dive acci- NAUI Worldwide Dive from, you and your www.naui.org. ■

Other dive insurance news: Press Release recieved Network (DAN) America Unfortunately, because the Bahamas Hyperbaric Centre, Jan. 22, 2006: insurance for payment of div- clinic is faced with increased LTD. It is worth noting that the ing related injuries. All divers financial to keep its other DAN World organiza- ������������������������������������� Bahamas recom- traveling to the Bahamas facility operational and its staff tions, PADI Insurance and all are advised to either secure on ready alert, the Bahamas other dive insurers worldwide, pression chamber appropriate dive insurance Hyperbaric Centre, LTD can no including major medical health to no longer accept from a source other than DAN longer accept Dan America programs in the United States America or be prepared to insurance as payment for serv- and Europe, including National DAN America pay out-of-pocket for any ices. Health programs have settled Insurance treatments related to possible This action only applies satisfactorily claims for hyper- diving accidents that might to DAN America (not DAN baric medical services with our Nassau, Bahamas: Effective require a recompression cham- Europe, DAN Southern Africa, company and continue to be immediately, the Bahamas ber. Of course, the Bahamas DAN S.E. Asia-Pacific or DAN accepted at the chamber. ■ Hyperbaric Centre, LTD will, hyperbaric clinic will continue Japan), as DAN America is the For additional information until further notice, no longer to treat all patients as medi- only insurance carrier that has please contact: cdammert ������������� accepts the Divers Alert cally necessary. not settled its claims with the @medicalhyperbarics.com

DAN Responds to insurers have paid out more treatment of injuries at a fair similar chambers. It is the view SSS Press Release than $20 million dollars in claims price. This benefits both the of Mr. Moreno that reasonable (recieved Jan 14) to members and treatment insurer and the insured. and customary means what facilities around the globe. Unfortunately there is cur- the chamber charges, even During this time, DAN has col- rently a dispute between DAN if the charges are significantly SSS USA Corporate lected and exhaustively stud- and Mr. Mauricio Moreno, the higher than charges of other Offices to Accept ied a wealth of information on owner of a few chambers in similar chambers. One major DAN Insurance treatment charges. From this, our region. Specifically, the dis- international insurance com- ���������������� DAN has identified “reasonable pute involves what constitutes pany previously withdrew cov- The DAN Diver Accident and customary” charges for reasonable and customary erage altogether due to these Insurance Program has pro- treatment of decompression charges for hyperbaric cham- high charges. Having been ���� ��������� �������������� ������� ���� ���������� ��������� ����������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� vided coverage for hundreds illness. This information is an ber treatment. It is DAN’s view sued by Mr. Moreno, DAN is ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������� ����� ����� ������ �������� ����� ���� ����� ������������ ��� ���� of thousands of divers and their important component to any that reasonable and custom- now forced to address this situ- ���������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������� families, and DAN America’s insurance program to assure ary means the usual charges of ation legally. (cont. ► )

8 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED New Zealand: news Diving guide faces cold reception New safety But experts in the field say it’s Edited by guidelines are to be intro- not just diver’s health that needs Peter Symes & more attention and equipment Michael Symes duced in New Zealand neglect is also responsible for in an effort to reduce the many diving accidents. number of deaths. But there are fears the new guidelines may get a cold recep- SSI to Launch the Master Diving has become one of New tion. It will not be easy to ask all Zealand’s most popular past times those people who have been Diver Challenge but it kills on average six people diving for a long time to get a January 1 saw the beginning of SSI’s 2006 Master per year. Experts say most deaths medical certificate to continue Diver Challenge! The program is designed to could have been prevented. their diving. And while it may be a reward SSI divers for continuing their dive edu- New Zealand Underwater good idea, it will also be difficult cation. Each time a diver reaches a new level Association has been working to police. and purchases the related specialty card, SSI hard throughout The Underwater will send them a Milestone Award through their 2005 to introduce “The coroners report Association says it will SSI Dealer. new safety guide- distribute the new Prizes include a 5 day Cayman Island Dive Trip, lines which will from the past five years guidelines to medi- High Quality Dive , T-shirts, Patches, and include an empha- show over half of the cal centres and dive Personalized Diplomas. sis on encouraging people haven’t been fol- shops across the • Milestone #1 Specialty Diver (2 Specialties + 12 more regular medi- country. ■ Dives) earns an SSI Congratulatory Diploma cal tests, particu- lowing the safe diving • Milestone #2 Advanced larly for older divers. practise standards,” (Specialty Diver Rating + 2 Specialties + 12 Dives) “I would say a lot earns an Advanced Open Water Diver Patch of guys just see div- Lynn Taylor, president of the and SSI Congratulatory Diploma ing as an exercise New Zealand Underwater • Milestone #3. Master Diver (AOWD Rating + and primarily just Association to TVNZ Diver Stress & Rescue* + 26 Dives) earns a Master put on their gear Diver Patch, SSI Congratulatory Diploma, Master - they’ve done it for a long time, Diver T-shirt and a chance to win a trip or a high they really don’t check them- quality . *If Diver Stress & Rescue selves over too well, from a health has already been taken, diver must complete point of view or a fitness point of another specialty. view,”Alan Muir, executive direc- To be entered into the contest, the Master tor of New Zealand, Diver level must be reached by Dec.31, 2006. ■ who has been helping to produce the recommendations.

(► “DAN Responds...” continued veniencing divers. ments and services at fair rates. Read Full release here: from page 8) Despite these issues, DAN is Despite this dispute, DAN will (link) committed to providing cover- continue to take care of divers There is no dispute, however, that age to our members regardless in need. DAN encourages mem- NOTE: If you have questions DAN’s insurers have agreed to of where they live and dive. bers to ALWAYS contact DAN regarding the availability pay Mr. Moreno’s chambers at Therefore, we have attempted to directly if there is any question of any chambers in the SSS network, please contact what they consider reasonable negotiate with Mr. Moreno over about treatment issues or pay- [email protected]. and customary rates. Therefore, if several years, including DAN’s ment of services. DAN, as we This is the SSS USA cor- Mr. Moreno requires divers to pay attempt to identify costs unique always have, will address such porate offices, which, as in full for services when rendered, to his chambers, but without inquiries immediately, 24/7/365. indicated below have nine even for the portion of charges in success. The good news is that No DAN member who purchases chambers that DO support excess of what is reasonable and the vast majority of chamber dive accident insurance through DAN insurance. ■ customary, Mr. Moreno is need- operators in the USA and around DAN should be at risk of not lessly overreaching and incon- the world provide excellent treat- being covered.

9 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Squid care news for their eggs Edited by Peter Symes & Coral Michael Symes predator Deep-Sea Crab sees proving a Ultraviolet Light thorny issue for dive firms Scientists aboard the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s Seward Dive companies along Queensland’s (Australia) Johnson research vessel caught a mysteri- Great Barrier Reef are destroying up to 150 crown of ous deep sea crab that can see ultravio- thorns starfish a day on Queensland’s Great Barrier let light during an expedition last year to Reef according to ABS News. the Mexican Gulf of Mexico. The secret Unique footage from Monterey Bay The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators to their success was the innovative Eye- Aquarium Research Institute show- has been granted $600,000 to continue eradicat- in-the-Sea apparatus, which uses dim red ing a squid caring for its eggs ing the coral predator but the work is complicated light to watch animals attracted to a pile and hard because they have to be very careful not of bait. breaking the delicate coral wherein the dreaded Scientists to test predatory starfish sit. Why? “When the starfish is found on the plate coral The big discovery of the ultraviolet-seeing underwater strobe and it’s fairly open, you can get in and get a large crab raises the question of what the crab number,” the association’s Col Mackenzie says, add- sees in UV at depth of 575 meter, where lights to save fish ing that he hopes the state’s major tourism reefs no solar UV can reach. UV sensitivity is should be free of the pest in 18 months. common in animals that live closer to the Strong flashing lights may be able to keep “But most of the stuff we find is on the branching surface, but has never been discovered in fish away from power plant intake valves. corals, which are quick growing corals, and it’s still a deep species. The reasons for this seem- At least, that is what some scientists have very difficult to deal with. It’s labour intensive—very, ingly bizarre ability are not clear, but the set out to test at the TVA power plant in very slow work.” ■ sensitivity could point to a deep-sea light northeast Alabama, USA. Power plants source about which researchers are not are being told to reduce the number of aware, or to some unknown characteristic fish killed by 80 percent to 95 percent by of known light sources such as biolumines- early 2008. If successful, the lights could cence--the light chemically produced by reduce the thousands of fish killed annu- countless open ocean organisms. ally at Widows Creek and other power Create your own place! “It was totally unexpected,” said chief plants and help US utilities comply with scientist Tammy Frank of the UV-seeing tighter enforcement of the Clean Water Marina in Safaga, crab. ■ Act. Library of coral videoclips Egypt for sale In front of a Biologist, Mark Bevelhimer from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, said the lights At www.reefvid.org, there are around 550 video clips will be mounted on frames and installed designed for use in PowerPoint posted on the web underwater. The underwater strobes will and they’re available free of charge for educational flash 300 times a minute and create a and scientific use. The clips cover reef ecology, dis- “wall of light” to deter fish from entering a eases, coral bleaching, hurricane impacts, human plant’s water-intake areas. impacts on reefs, corals, fish, sponges, mangroves, Scientists say strobe lights have been seagrass beds and so on. They can be inserted into tested at a few plants in other parts of the PowerPoint to illustrate your presentations. ■ US and have proven to be an effective Building specially designed for diving purposes, but partly finished. deterrent with certain fish species. ■ www.reefvid.org Complete jetty with water supply. Favourable price. Contact: Lundh / El Kersh tel (+45) 39693941 www.safaga.dk HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC 10 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

Taiwanese Fishing commission slashes California Wreck-Tech Extravaganza Atlantic big-eye tuna quota Join international expedition lead- We end this wreck filled week news ers Capt. Dan Crowell and Joel Friday with a special dive on the Taiwan’s fishing quota for the Atlantic big-eye tuna will be cut from Silverstein aboard the M/V Horizon B-36 Bomber (275fsw) and the Edited by 14,900 tons to 4,600 tons due to overfishing and “fish laundering” by for an unprecedented week of Missile Launcher (180fsw) off the Peter Symes & Taiwanese fishing boats, the International Commission for the Conserva- along the California coast of San Diego. Michael Symes tion of Atlantic Tunas announced in a move to urge the local Fisheries Coast. This team has put together Agency to strengthen fishery management and reduce illegal fishing. an exciting week of wreck Limited to 16 divers using both Fish laundering pertains to the act in which a fishing boat exceeds its diving, training, and fun. open and closed circuit equipment quota but falsely reports its excess catch as belonging to another fishing Starting off in San Diego is sure to be an outstanding week. Bluefin tuna boat that has not reached its quota. higlights include: There are four spaces available. Yukon (110fsw), Ruby Trip dates are: March 5-11, 2006. getting leaner, (90fsw), Submarine Docking 6 days up to 12 different wrecks. Deep-sea trawlers threaten rare Atlantic fish Station, Catalina Island Contact: [email protected] suggesting shift in (225fsw),Tuna Clipper (190fsw) www.techdivinglimited.com Some of Europe’s most and an underwater sketching ecosystem spectacular deep-sea workshop on the Valiant (100fsw). fish species are Santa Clara (160fsw), Moody Tuna have become lot leaner being wiped out (150fsw) Sacramento (Redondo by overfishing, ac- cording to lower- than they were a decade and water species. This prompted Canyon) (220-265fsw), Sea Witch more ago, suggesting a major reports from fisheries scientists and (140 fsw) and the Jerry Lynn in WWF, the conservation organisa- fishermen to seek stocks further off- shift in the ecosystem. It’s unclear shore in water up to 3,000ft deep. 140fsw/ 42msw. exactly what’s happened to the tion. According to WWF Scotland, whose study has criticised the Such species are popular with species, a top predator in the Spanish and Portuguese fishermen Gulf of Maine and the premium fisheries around Britain as among the worst, the numbers of deep- who use high-tech echo sound- tuna for sushi lovers in Japan, ers to target them. A few years according to Molly Lutcavage, water sharks such as the leafscale gulper have declined by 80% in just of heavy fishing have sent these director of the Large Pelagics populations plummeting also. Research Lab at the University of 10 years. Fleets of mainly Spanish and Pan- In addition the techniques used New Hampshire. But 14 years of to catch such fish are also destruc- NORTH WEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES ORGANISATION records at a Seabrook fish auc- amanian trawlers fish for deep-sea species such as the orange roughy tive and wasteful. Gill-net trawlers tion house reveal that tuna are leave their nets attached to the less abundant in the gulf, and and the round-nosed grenadier which are popular among consum- sea bottom for weeks at a time. By they aren’t eating as well as they the time the fishermen bring up the once did. The study ers on the continent. The crisis for deep-water species nets for harvesting the catch, more shows a steady than 60% of it is unfit for human decline in oil content began 20 years ago with a rapid decline in the population of cod, consumption as it has rotted in the since 1991, with the nets. steepest decline hake, haddock and other shal- occurring between 1992 and 1995. EU chickens out The high oil con- tent that makes in cod crisis tuna so tasty to Japanese pal- Despite scientific advice for the

ates -- and fourth consecutive year that catches OFFICE OF SEAFOOD AND OFFICE OF REGULATORY brings the should be cut to zero to protect stocks AFFAIRS, U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION highest from collapsea, the European Union has given fishermen permission to Visit our online gallery at www.jean-lamy.com prices to fisher- catch half of the present haul of cod in the North Sea next year. men -- is the best After what is one of the bleakest assessments on record for fish stocks indicator for the after over-fishing EU allow a catch of about 23,205 tons of cod, al- overall health of though the total spawning population is estimated at only 41,000 tons, Jean Lamy - 100 rue des Martyrs 75018 Paris tuna. a decline of 2,000 tons since last year. The number caught could far tél. 01 42 52 31 55 - fax 01 42 52 31 55 - [email protected] exceed the quota because of the number of fish caught illegally. www.jean-lamy.com

11 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CORAL_Dirt_Day_8.25x10.875.qxd 11/19/04 1:25 PM Page 1

Yemen to create Marine Life Sanctuaries Yemen has signed a protocol agreement for marine sanctuaries in its Red Sea and Gulf of Aden waters. Under the protocol of the Jeddah-based news Regional Authority for Marine Environment Protection in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Yemen will team up with other countries in the region to Edited by implement the Biodiversity Agreement for the protection of marine life. Peter Symes & Source: Yemen Observer Newspaper Michael Symes It’s called India: Pirates caught looting underwater treasures Survey: Europeans It took six months for a special team in Colaba. Finally, the ministry team had Prefer Responsibly Earth Day. from India’s Ministry of Environment and a huge international gang on its hands, Forests to unearth one of the biggest supported by local politicians and other Sourced Seafood ever wildlife rackets in the country. strongmen. More than 100 shops were In a poll among European consumers, For the last half a found in the coastal city supermarkets, chefs and restaurateurs on decade a racket with and some of the owners attitudes toward seafood and the ocean, roots in Mumbai, Tamil foxed the officers. “They 79% said that the environmental impact of That’s not to say Nadu and Goa and are extremely well-net- seafood is an important factor in their pur- operations all over worked and most impor- chasing decisions. Respondents said that the world collected tantly, they all know that reassurance is more important than price. we need to treat it sea shells, conch and these items are banned. 86% of surveyed consumers preferred to precious coral and It is not by chance that buy seafood labelled as environmentally sold these globally. All they gather these shells. responsible. Over 80% said they were quite these are banned and There are workshops where or very concerned about the state of the like Dirt Day. endangered sea ani- Threatened Cactus or Leaf people further work on oceans in Europe. More than half of the mals under the Wildlife Coral is protected under the the material to sell them in surveyed consumers acknowledged the Protection Act 1972. Washington convention (CITES) the international market,” problems of bycatch and overfishing. These products are not said an official. “Everywhere, sold in the shops openly and their clients they burnt their products and are aware of it. They mainly operate we could not seize too much material. through international agents and the tel- However in the ashes and other hide- EU’s Role in Illegal ephone. outs enough proof was found to make a It started as a routine raid in some shops case”. Source: dnaindia.com Fishing in Africa

A new report ‘Party to the Plunder’ US: Titanic Expedition to air on History Channel reveals the extent to which the Last year History Channel funded a Titanic Expedition led by well-known European Union contributes to the con- After more than thirty years, we thought it was time that the other 72% of the planet got some attention. Which is why we’re technical divers and Richie Kohler. Over the course tinuation of illegal fishing in the waters of asking people to Dive In To Earth Day the week of April 18 to 24. So grab some friends and install a mooring, do a reef survey, of three days the Guinea, West Africa. Detailed investiga- or organize an underwater cleanup. Everybody into the water. For more information, visit www.coral.org or call (415) 834-0900. duo conducted a number of dives on the tions undertaken by the Environmental historic wreck augmented by ROV film- Justice Foundation (EJF) show that these ing. What came from those three operations are facilitated and in some days of diving was significant, as cases even subsidised by failures and important new discoveries were loopholes in EU and member states’ reg- made at the Titanic wreck site, ulations and policies. throwing new light on how she Despite adopting a Community Plan broke up and the speed she of Action to combat illegal fishing sank. All will be explained on more than three years ago, there is lit- 26th February, during Titanic’s tle evidence of its implementation. EJF 95 percent of European consumers Fish illegally caught in Guinean waters Final Moments on History is calling upon the EU to fulfill its existing and 85 percent of seafood profession- can enter the EU with very little scrutiny Channel. 9pm Eastern commitments and to take concrete and als said they wanted more information and consumers have few means to Standard Time. immediate actions to redress these seri- about how to buy sustainable sea- avoid buying illegally-caught fish. ous problems. Source: allafrica.com food.

12 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED NOAA PHOTO LIBRARY whales & dolphins Narwhales’ eight-foot tooth mystery solved So, why does the narwhale have an eight-foot tooth coming out of its head? Well, Harvard Officially Endangered: researcher, Dr Nweeia, has an answer. Dive & Adventure Travel The tooth of the whale, which grows ups to 15 Specialists Puget Sound Killer Whales feet and weighs up to 3,500 pounds, has hydrody- Edited by namic sensor capabilities according to Dr Nweeia. Gunild Pak Symes A population of 89 orcas, known as the Southern The tusk is able to detect water and Resident killer whales, have now received protec- pressure changes and particle gradients. The sci- tion under the Endangered Species Act one year entist says there is no comparison in nature to this Dolphin swim eases after the initiative. unique tooth, neither in form nor functional adap- Since the 1970s, the whales have faced in- tation. creased threats from capture for commercial Experts on the animal, which lives in the Atlantic clinical depression aquariums, disease, oil spills, increased shipping portion of the Arctic Ocean with a few in the traffic, to toxic chemicals and decreas- Greenland Sea, say that the tooth grows in a spi- Symptoms of mild to mod- to improvement in human ing food stocks such as salmon. ral from the whale’s upper jaw in most males and erate depression can be health and wellbeing. Historically small, the whales in Puget Sound will some females. alleviated by swimming Restoring health through be protected from abuse by federal agencies Collaborating with Dr Frederick Eichmille of the with dolphins accord- contact with nature has who must certify that their actions to not harm the Paffenbarger Research Centre at the National Let us show you the best ing to researchers of a been given the name, marine animals, rather, whenever possible, ben- Institute of Standards and Technology and James diving in the world. study published in British ‘ecotherapy’. efit them instead. ■ Mead, curator of Marine Mammals at the National Medical Journal. It was Patients in the study Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian www.deepdiscoveries.com found that two weeks of swam with dolphins at the end of the study, patients animals according to the Institution, Nweeia presented his conclusions at the treatment instead of four Roatan Institute of Ma- in both experimental and researchers Christian Anto- 16th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine weeks was required for rine Sciences in Honduras control groups reported niolli and Michael Reveley, Mammals in San Diego. ■ See Valentines Day Special on page 78 effective psychotherapy over a two week period. lasting improvement and experts in psychiatry. or drug therapy. Four weeks before they did not need further treat- Biophillic treatment is Two groups of outpa- participated in the study, ment. based on the notion de- tients, one which swam the patients with mild to The ramifications of the veloped by psychologist Beluga whales help kids with autism one hour daily with dol- moderate depression dis- study suggest that drugs Erich Fromm that cultivat- phins and the control continued anti-depressant may not be necessary ing the capacity for love After a beluga whale was reported to have group which did not, were drugs or psychotherapy. when patients receive underlies human emotion- helped a little autistic boy learn to speak in China, studied by scientists of Three months after the biophillic treatment with al wellbeing and mental dozens of parents are taking their children to the Department of Health health. Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World to play with Sciences, Division of Clini- According to reports, the whales. cal Psychiatry, University of opponents of dolphin It is thought that the beluga whales’ ultrasonic Leicester Medical School, swim programs cite an waves can stimulate the brain in autistic children, Leicester General Hospital explosive out of control thereby improving brain function and encouraging in Leicester, England. growth of these programs the development of language skills. It is thought that the for tourism, abuse of the Parents report that their children begin to speak echolocation system of dolphins in confinement, simple words after playing several times with the the dolphins as well as mistreatment during cap- belugas. Now, daily programs are taking place at their aesthetic value and ture, and that dolphin be- the centre where two children can touch or feed the emotions raised in haviour is compromised in the whales for 30 minutes. Currently, ten children humans during interaction captivity. are signed up for weekly meetings for beluga may explain the heal- But dolphin swim opera- whale ‘treatments’, while 60 more kids are on the ing effects of the dolphin tors say their programs waiting list. swim program. The re- help educate the public Beluga trainers who work with the children warn searchers work supports about the need to pro- eager parents that improvement is different for ROBYN ANGLISS, NMML. NOAA a concept connecting NOAA tect dolphins in the wild, each child and must be taken step by step. ■ A spyhopping Beluga whale experiences with nature say local reports. ■

13 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED whales & dolphins

Edited by Gunild Pak Symes

It’s too darn hot! Dolphins and whales threatened by warming oceans

Global warming is threat- reduced reproductive suc- ening dolphins, whales cess in some species. and porpoises, say marine Even though commer- experts. Reports from the cial capture of this species Scottish west coast feed- ended, it is still struggling to ing grounds this summer survive according to Sim- suggest that warming monds. The endangered oceans is negatively right whale is like the affecting the canary in the mine and supply of food serves as a red flag re- for these crea- garding the impact of tures raising the changing envi- alarm in the £10 ronment. Simmonds million whale- stresses that more watching indus- research needs to be try. done to find out how While lit- to manage and tle is known help the species about the at risk. situation According to of many experts, global species warming also ef- accord- fects species with ing to Mark a relationship to Simmonds, sea ice, which form the Whale and an important part of Dolphin Conser- the habitat of certain Manatees have hearing than humans underwater. the thought that the manatees could employed a technique similar to that vation Society’s interna- whales such as narwhales While impressive, this is only half as not locate from which direction the used on newborn babies. They test- tional director of science, and bowhead whales ac- super-hearing well as dolphins hear underwater. sound of the motors were coming. ed the range of sound frequencies but he says the highly en- cording to experts. But it still leaves scientists wondering Now it is thought that perhaps the that the manatees could hear and dangered North Atlantic Additional threats to ma- underwater why so many manatees get hit by manatees are just not very good at found that the mana- right whale is particularly rine mammals include ship boats. dodging the boats or put themselves tees were able to threatened by higher tem- strikes and entanglement in A study published in the Journal of Around 70 to 80 manatees out of in the way of oncoming boats. follow frequencies peratures of the oceans. nets. ■ Comparative Physiology suggests the 3,500 that live in Florida get hit by In order to measure the hearing of up to 1,400 cycles Loss of prey is now linked to that manatees have 10 times better boats each year. The study negates manatees, researchers of the study per second. ■

PHOTO BY D.R. & T.L. SCHRICHTE. NAL, USDA 14 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED salvage rights to his discovery, Hunley scientists find and he doesn’t give up easily. The wreck value of the wreck is not mon- clues to vessel’s demise etary. The Griffon wasn’t carrying rap treasure, and its cargo of furs is Did a leaky port sink the Hunley? long gone. Its value is historic. For Libert it is the hunt for it that mat- H.L. Hunley was a Confederate sub- ters. mersible from the American civil war If it really is the Griffon, it that demonstrated the advantage and may be the grand prize of danger of undersea warfare. Although his shipwrecks. Samples not the nation’s first submarine, Hunley of the wood were sent to was the first submarine to engage and Chicago’s Field Museum of sink a warship. The vessel disappeared The Griffon (Griffin Natural History for carbon dating. right after it sank an enemy warship in New life to old shipwrecks in English) The results gave Libert’s discov- 1864, the prevailing theory of its demise was the first ery a 33% probability of dating to being that the tower was blown in by images with 3-D European 1679. But carbon dating isn’t an an enemy warship causing the Hunley vessel to sail exact science, because fluc- to fill with water. Now, scientists chipping A new seismic technology nicknamed Chirp is making the Upper tuations in temperature and cli- away the hard layer of mud that covers music for the ears of archaeologists interested in the Great Lakes mate can affect the test results. the submarine after it was raised in 2000 wrecks of sunken ships. Named for the bird-like blips The court battle has stopped have discovered that a view port on the it makes in action, GeoChirp 3-D is able to generate Libert from getting back to the front of the vessel is missing. three-dimensional images of just about anything lying The search for the oldest shipwreck site. He says it’s too early to tell Experts say if none of the pieces of the beneath the seafloor, including shipwrecks hidden whether his find is the Griffon, But view port are found inside the sub, it will under years of muck and sand build-up. ■ in the Great Lakes takes a new twist Libert points to other evidence, substantiate this theory. Removing the such as ax marks on the wood mud and sediment around the Hunley is Griffon is the oldest and most been searching for the Griffon indicating it was hand hewn. He a tedious process, and scientists say they elusive of the Great Lakes most of his adult life—and he said it’s also possible he found the are probably about a year away from shipwrecks. It is a French ves- may now have found the wreck- Griffon’s bowsprit, and the rest of uncovering the mystery of why the Hunley sel that explorer Rene-Robert age near Poverty Island. He has, the ship is loosely buried behind it. failed to return after its mission. ■ Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, sent however, for more than a year He has formed the company out on its fatal trip with a crew of been tied down by a legal bat- Great Lakes Exploration Group about five. Ever since it mysteri- tle with the State of Michigan LLC to salvage the ship. And he’s ously disappeared in 1679 on its over salvage rights to what’s left trying to use a combination of his maiden voyage in northern Lake of the ship, but apparently has own money and whatever inves- Michigan, it has been tantalizing reached an agreement that will tors and grants he can attract to adventurers, historians and wreck enable Libert to continue his work. fund the venture. In addition, the enthusiasts alike. Michigan claims all shipwrecks Field Museum is helping Libert write Steven Libert is such an - within its waters. But Libert says a grant to fund more research. teur underwater explorer who has he should be able to maintain www.lasalle-griffon.org ■

Several Australian states are ist attraction, with the premier of could be sunk off the southern coast Australia: vying to be the site Victoria, Steve Bracks making a late of the Mornington Peninsula near four of the next artificial bid for it. The Canberra was a long- existing submarine dive sites. Artificial Plan to scuttle reef. The former frig- range escort frigate commissioned reefs created by scuttling decom- ate Canberra could in the US on March 21, 1981. It was missioned ships at Victor Harbour, in Canberra, but be scuttled in decommissioned in 2005. A spokes- South Australia, and Mooloolaba, Victorian waters man from the Dive Industry Victoria in Queensland, had contributed to where? and made Association, Tom Wende, said other major tourism and economic benefits into a artificial reefs on the Mornington for both those states. The New South tour- Peninsula were slowly collapsing and Wales and the Northern Territory gov- the Canberra would be ernments have also expressed interest a boon for tourism, par- in the ship, which has been offered to ticularly among divers. It Tasmania as well . ■

15 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Part of one of the Japanese ABC NEWS midget sub- PETER SYMES wreck marines found rap in Neutral Bay

Search for wrecked 1942 Japanese sub in Artificial reefs off Sydney harbour turns up emptyhanded Hurghada opens During December, a search was on for the marine attack has recently been screened missing third Japanese midget submarine on The History Channel, claimed to have Fiilephoto to divers that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942. located the wreck of the M24 at a site with Three Japanese midget subs sneaked shifting sands, 20m below the surface, not The former cargo ship Hebbat Allah into Sydney Harbour on the night of May far from Sydney Heads. Here, sonar read- Malta: alleged underwater thieves standing trial has become the first purpose-sunk 31, 1942, to attack warships near Garden Is- ings and tests for metals pin-pointed a met- wreck off Hurghada. The Hebbat land. One got stuck in netting and the crew al object, the size and shape of a midget The Maltese police have charged six exploration for national heritage, which Allah is 51m long and now lies at a blew themselves up. Another was spotted submarine, just below the sand. expert divers with stealing and destroy- would require a special licence, illegally depth of between 27m and 44m sit- by patrol boats and depth charged at Damien Lay handed over his evidence to ing priceless underwater heritage from removing the discovered artefacts with- ting upright on a flat, sandy sea bed Taylors Bay. The crew shot the NSW Heritage Office, Maltese territorial waters in the first ever out a permit from the heritage authori- at South Erog Giftun. She was donated themselves. The third, which is responsible for the case of marine heritage pilfering to end ties, failing to report their discoveries to the Red Sea Governate by hotel with the designation M24, The raid, although failed, management of the state’s up in a Maltese court. The accused face to the authorities and damaging and owner Mohamadi Hoeidek after it ran reached Bradleys Head caused fear and as it underwater heritage in- a maximum six-year imprisonment sen- destroying heritage items. aground in the area. and fired two torpedoes cluding historic shipwrecks. tence and a fine of between Lm500 and Their arrests earlier this year had sent The Hebbat Allah is expected to at the American cruiser was the first time the war However, on Dec 17th, Lm50,000 (€115,000 or $140,000). shockwaves among the diving communi- attract thousands of divers each year USS Chicago but missed. came to Sydney. Days later Planning Minister Frank The suspects, who include two foreign- ty used to “taking souvenirs” from deep- and the Red Sea Association, which One hit the converted the mother subs fired shells Sartor reported that a ers, stand accused of looting heritage water wrecks, even though the accused together with Egyptian naval Manly ferry HMAS Kut- Heritage Office investiga- items from Malta’s seabed, some of them were notorious among divers for their was responsible for sinking the vessel, tabul, killing 21 sailors into the eastern suburbs. tion had failed to unearth dating back to the Roman period. They unrestrained looting for business. ■ hopes the Hebbat Allah wreck will alle- sleeping on board. M24 any evidence of a buried are also charged with holding illegal Source: Malta Today viate pressure on crowded dive sites in was detected slipping out towards the sub. Mr. Sartor said a remote sensing ar- Hurghada. Heads but was never seen again. chaeological survey, carried out east of The wreck is intact with the masts It was tracked going out past the bar- Lion Island, had no success. “Unfortunately, Turkey: 14 Shipwrecks off Turgutreis to be still in place and rising up some 15m rier that stretched across the harbour from one of Australia’s great maritime mysteries towards the surface. Marked entry Watsons Bay, but what happened since to will remain a puzzle, for now, with the sonar made available for divers points and a series of guide lines have the M24 and its two crew members have survey failing to unearth any evidence of a been fitted to make the wreck safe remained a enduring mystery in Sydney, as buried sub,” Mr. Sartor said. ■ Fourteen shipwrecks off the coast of Yassı Ada, a small coastal island located for divers. The accommodation area it never reached its mother between the Turkish mainland and the Greek island of Kos, will be made avail- IMAGE COURTESY NASA/GSFC/METI/ERSDAC/JAROS is easy to explore. Needless to say, submarine waiting off able for sightseers after the completion of a project entitled, The Yassı Island marine life has yet to invade the wreck, Botany Bay. Shipwrecked Ruins Project. but coral bushes are already beginning Mayor Ali Server Yazgan, of the southwestern coastal province of Muğla to appear around the wreck, schools of M24 finally found? Turgutreis, told the Turkish Daily News that a rocky underwater cliff, covering fusiliers patrol the perimeter, groupers That was until Damien 500m2, was located off the coast of Yassı Island and that the tip of it reached hang around the forecastle and treval- Lay, an Australian film- up to one meter below sea level. Yazgan noted that the 14 ancient ships, sail- lies can be seen around the propeller. maker whose documen- ing near the island had struck the rock and sunk. He added that records of To dive the wreck divers must have a tary on the midget sub- these ships were kept in the Bodrum Museum of History. Yazgan stated that the minimum of 100 logged dives. ■ project, which will cost approximately $1 million, would be complete by next Source: Dive Magazine Satellite photo of summer as long as it does not encounter any unforeseen financial difficulties. ■ Sydney harbour Source: Turkish Daily News 16 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED become B.C.’s (and the world’s) newest have been signifi- The Final Flight of a 737 . Approximately 180 boats cantly impacted over came out for the sinking - everything from the last 50 to 100 years kayaks to a B.C. ferry which carried 150 from pollution in the people. Several hundred more watched way of sewage, indus- from the nearby shore. trial effluent, and forest industry waste. Over-fish- Xihwu ing and bottom-dragging The name Xihwu Reef will be given to the have also seriously affect- site out of respect for the Red Sea Urchin, ed the habitat. It is hoped which lived in abundance in the area in that the habitat created by the past, and which was at one time a significant food source British Columbia, Canada. A as well as beatiful day in January saw the spiritual creature the artificial Reef will provide the opportu- end of a long voyage for the to the Hul’ nity for the return of these and other sig- 737 that is now the latest addi- qumi’num nificant creatures in the environment. tion to the impressive series of On a beautiful day which offered a Mustimuhw In recognition of the permission to use welcome break from the weeks of grey people. the location for the placement of the artificial reefs put down by the skies and rain, the “Xihwu” (pronounced Many artificial reef a plaque will be placed Artificial Reef Society of British key’ quot) Boeing 737 was flawlessly marine on the aircraft giving thanks to the Columbia (ARSBC) placed into the waters off Chemainus, to creatures Hul’qumi’num Mustimuhw.

17 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dead zone located below the ocean in CENSUS OF MARINE LIFE news wake of tsunami

Edited by A scan of the seabed at the tsunami epicenter A“dead zone” devoid of most Peter Symes life has been discovered on the ocean floor near the epicentre of the earthquake that triggered Tsunami reef damage recovering the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami. The first scientific dives off the coast of A year after the killer tsunami ecologically critical coral reefs? Sumatra since the disaster have re- ravaged regions of Southeast Several months later, Stone vealed that, while most marine life Asia, scientists have docu- traveled with a team to the Thai was not affected, one site appears resort island of Phuket. After 500 to have become uninhabitable to mented the recovery of tsu- dives at 56 different sites, the large marine species. A submers- nami-affected coral reefs. researchers found 14 percent of the ible that made an 11-hour dive to area’s coral reefs were devastated a feature known as the Ditch, 4km Dr Gregory Stone,vice president and another 50 percent moder- beneath the ocean’s surface west of global marine programs for ately damaged, while there is mini- of the earthquake’s epicentre, the New England Aquarium, was mal damage to 30 percent of the found no trace of fish or other ma- on a diving expedition off Fiji on region. rine “megafauna”. The absence December 26, 2004, when the first “What we found was that the ef- of visible life was “unprecedented reports reached his ship about the fects of human activity—overfishing in 25 years of deep-sea sampling,” catastrophic tsunami in South Asia. and global warming—actually had Ron O’Dor, the senior scientist from Amid his horror over the human toll, a stronger impact than the tsuna- the international Census of Marine another thought quickly formed in mi,” he said. “It really woke us up to Life said. “The sea is rich in life and the scientist’s mind: What would be what is happening to the coral reefs you would expect a site like this to the impact of this natural disaster on of the world and what people are be quickly recolonised, but that the region’s stunningly beautiful and doing to them.” ■ hasn’t happened. ■

A Legacy of Excellence

www.layanglayang.com

18 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Exotic Diving The Philippines

19 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIEDPHOTO BY SCOTT BENNETT 7,107 Reasons to Go Diving! Exploring The Islands of the Philippines STEWART L. SY STEWART L. SY STEWART L. SY

Text by Stewart L. Sy Images by Stewart L. Sy, Scott Bennett

The Pearl of the Orient is a term You know, it’s funny. I spent the first archipelago, encompassing approxi- mately 7,107 islands, which combined, now not normally associated 20 years of my life in these beautiful islands. My family even had a beach is more coastline then the entire US. with the Philippines. Nowadays, house near what is now the most popu- Home to approximately 80 million the association is more toward lar province for diving in the country. inhabitants, the country’s heritage is a corrupt politicians, People But, call me crazy—and believe me, a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Spanish—it was a Spanish Colony for 400 years— Power and most recently, the The magical Philippine American, and of course, Pinoy, which Abu Sayyaf rebels’ association is the local slang for, well, being a local. with Al Qaeda. I read and hear islands are hosts to some The Philippines is the only predominant- ly Christian country in Asia. about these stories of my birth of the most diverse I’ve been returning regularly to the place with a heavy heart. To ecosystems in the world Philippines in search of some great me, the Philippines brings back diving for the past six years, mainly thoughts of a warm and friend- lot of people do—I learned how to dive going with a bunch of friends to cap- ture some of the underwater won- ly people, rich in culture and in the frigid waters of British Columbia, Canada, instead of this tropical para- ders on film (and lately on CF Cards!) old world traditions. A place dise. Now, over a decade later, I’m just Unfortunately, blast and cyanide fishing where adversity, be it political, beginning to appreciate the wonders is still practiced. social or financial, is met with a beneath the waters of the Philippines. I will not whitewash the issue, there is still some reef destruction going on, nonchalant shrug of the shoul- Located along the western edge of the Pacific, about 500 miles west many of the locals are subsistence fish- der and a smile just before of Guam and that other diving ermen, they need the seas for food. the strong will of the Filipinos Mecca—Micronesia—the Philippine I don’t think it is for us, Westerners, to decide to tackle the issue. Islands are technically considered an stand on our soap box and say that the

PREVIIOUS PAGE: Aurora TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Amphiron Ocellaris, a.k.a. “Nemo”, ; SCOTT BENNETT LEFT: Dauin Beach Pygmy Seahorse, ; Blue Ribbon Eel, Anilao 20 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED CORAL MONKEY GARDEN WRECK MONKEY ERNIES HOLE IN SABANG BEACH CAVE THE WALL MENDIO POINT The Philippines travel FISH MANILA BOWL CHANNEL PANIQIAN Puerto Galera

FAR LEFT: Delicate ballet of manta rays

PUERTO GALERA BELOW: Lively coral gardens are homes to a great diversity of marine life

world’s reefs. Anilao is a fairly painless three- hour car ride from the city of Manila, Puerto Galera requires a further 1 hour boat ride from Anilao. Diving in the Philippines is usually done on local outrigger canoes called “bang- kas”. The smaller ones will take up to four to six divers and the larger boats are capable of transporting up to a dozen. A simple backwards roll takes one into the warm clear tropical waters. STEWART L. SY To adequately describe the area would require a lot more space than I have here. Dive sites of note in preservation of our reefs is of paramount impor- Anilao & Puerto Galera Anilao are: Beatrice, Bahura, Basura (local term tance, especially when the one’s we’re preach- Anilao and Puerto Galera are a macro photog- for garbage, but the ultimate in critter dives!), ing too are simply trying to feed their families. rapher’s heaven. There are hundreds of spe- Cathedral and Twin Rocks, although there are There is an admirable conservation effort cies of nudibranchs found in the area (700 at over twenty sites in the area. going on in the country. Many marine parks, last count). Blue ribbon, moray and snowflake Across the channel is Puerto Galera (Port official and unofficial, are being formed by eels, lionfish, various species of parrot, damsel of Galleons). Its sheltered natural harbour is a either the government or by the local towns. and trigger fishes, and of course, the peren- former stop point of the Spanish Galleons head- The country has begun to realize that diving nial favourite of any South Pacific reef species, ed back to Spain from the Americas. The under- dollars is more lucrative than fishing, and that Oceallaris, the clown or anemone fish, recently water flora and fauna of Puerto Galera is similar happy divers will tip more after a one week trip made popular by Disney/Pixar’s film Finding to that of Anilao, though in my opinion they than the fishermen would make in a month. Nemo. Once in a while, large species such are in greater numbers here. Must see dives are Well, let’s get to the good stuff: the underwa- as tuna, black tip sharks and mantas can be those of Sabang Wreck—five years ago, I did ter world of these beautiful islands. The country seen. The hard and soft coral cover five of my first 31 dives in Puerto Galera on this is divided into basically three distinct are in amazing shape here even one site alone—the Canyons, Sinandigan Wall, island groups, , the and after the much talked about El The Drydock and Verde Island Pinacle. Mindanao. I’ve had the pleasure of Nino and La Nina cycles that dev- diving in the first two. Although diving is astated much found throughout Luzon and it’s surround- of the Palawan ing islands, the predominant areas are West and slightly south of Mindoro is the island the Provinces of and Oriental group of Palawan and its captial city of Mindoro, more popularly known as Anilao Puerto Princessa. Here is the jump and Puerto Galera. of point for dive-

Lined Nembrotha, Masaplod SCOT BENNETT STEWART L. SY

21 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel The Philippines CLOCKWISE water—right in front of a fishing village! FROM TOP LEFT: Marine Reserve allows only 15 divers per Neon bright tropical day and the condition of the reefs show it! Beautiful reef fish hover in schools fronds of soft coral, large amounts of fish and the around a large barrel most amazing site of all, Anemone Fish City, where sponge; Lionfish; Juvenile in 30 feet of water, literally hundreds of thousands of Anglefish; Moray eel and cleaner wrasse anemone fish rise up to greet divers. I’ve only scratched the surface of what can be seen in the waters of these amazing islands. On a recent trip to Puerto Galera, I met a Japanese fellow who was logging his 350th dive in the area. Well, having only done 120 or so myself in Puerto Galera, I guess I have to start catching up! Mabuhay!

STEWART L. SY Getting There boats going to the Tubatahha National Marine Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd Reserve, a United Nations World Heritage (www.cathaypacific.com) and Site. Open only during the months of March Philippine Airlines (www.philip- to June, this amazing reef system teems with pineair.com) offer the most flights amazing fish life and amazing coral walls. hov- from the west coast. Cathay Pacific Large pelagics such as sharks, rays and man- ers in the tas can be seen here. It is truly a place worth 40-50 foot ABOVE PHOTO BY STEWART L. SY visiting. range, it is a rather un-nerving experience when a 12- BILIRAN Visayan Islands foot long fish materializes out of the gloom.

Heading south takes one to Shark sightings are pretty regular, year round. DONA MARILYN the Visayan Islands. The jump- At the approach of the rainy season, large

off point here is the island of Pacific Mantas will start visiting the shoal as MARIAS POINT Cebu. Serviced by the Mactan well.

International Airport, direct flights Southeast of Cebu is the Bohol and the GATO ISLAND from many of Asia’s gateway cities gorgeous island of Balicasag. A tiny little LEYTE LAPUS LAPUS ISLAND

STEWART L. SY come this way. island that one can walk around in 45 min- Cebu, itself, has numerous dive utes, Balicasag has amazing drop-offs just a TAPILON POINT MALAPASCUA spots. One area now few yards from shore. Large coral fans and LIGHTHOUSE gaining popular- schools of jacks are ready to greet you. A fish MONAD SHOAL ity is the island of sanctuary was established by the Philippine Malapascua. Three hours Department of Tourism here as well as a lovely north of the airport, this lit- resort on the west side of the island. Duplex CEBU KALANGGAMAN ISLAND tle island has become famous for huts of native construction are within 20 yards regular sightings of deep-water Thresher from the drop-off. NUNEZ SHOAL

sharks. Though one has to be up at 5:30 am CAPITANCILLO to be on the boat by 6:00 and in the water Apo Island Marine Reserve before 6:30. Southwest of Balicasag is the Island of Negros Monad Shoal, as the site is called, is the and specifically the Apo Island Marine Visayan Islands top of an underwater plateau. Rising from a Reserve. The southern most tip of Negros is thousand of feet below, the top averages composed of dark volcanic sand. The most at around 70 feet. Guides lead divers to the amazing creatures are found here. Most nota- CAMOTES edge of the mountain. The sharks will then ble is the clown frogfish. This tiny creature slowly start coming by. As the visibility here was found on a channel marker in 15 feet of PHOTO BY STEWART L. SY 22 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED BEL AT BEACH

POLO 1 & 2 CROCODILE ISLAND BROCOLLI CEBU The Philippines REEF YAPAK 1 & 2 LAUREL travel SIBULAN HOUSE Sibulan REEF

BORACAY ISLANDS CALONG

FRIDAYS ROCK GREEN YARD CHANNEL DRIFT LOBSTER ROCK HAI BEACH ANGOL

Dumaguete requires a quick layover in Hong Kong, though they tomed to the North American climate, light cloth- offer a choice of either Manila or Cebu as a final ing is desirable. Leave those heavy jeans at home. NEGROS destination. Philippine Airlines will fly you to Manila Unless you’re planning on going to a formal dinner where you can then take advantage of their local party a polo shirt and slacks will do for pretty much routes to get around the country any occassion. Besides, make sure you leave room to buy some of the shirts available as souveniers! Climate Temperature ranges from the mid 80’s during the Water temperature rainy season to near 100 in the summer. High SPF Low to mid 80’s. If you’re diving only occassionally COCONUT PLANT JETTY Dauin sunscreens are a must. What to Bring: For us accus- then a dive skin is fine, but for repetitive dives (3 or EL DORADO HOUSE REEF

DAUIN

MASAPLOT COCONUT

APO APO SANCTUARY ISL. MANSA POINT

more a day) a 3mm suit is best.

Electricity 220 volts, 60 cycles. Bring a voltage transformer STEWART L. SY and only 2 prong plugs.

Entry requirements American and Canadian citizens are automat- ically allowed 1 months stay, as long as you have a valid departure ticket and that your passport is valid for 6 months past your depa- ture date.

STEWART L. SY

COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT; Mantis shrimp; Remants of a Spanish STEWART L. SY Friar’s Garden, Old Manila; Sunset in NOAA Ghost Pipefish SCOTT ENNETT the Philippines Thresher shark, Alopias vulpes IMAGE LIBRARY 23 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel The Philippines

Money matters At the time of this writing, the Philippine Peso hovered at the 56:1 mark to the US Dollar. In the cities, credit cards are ok but unless you’ve made prior arrangements with the resort, cash is preferred to credit cards or traveller’s cheques. There will be a surcharge to use plastic.

Stewart Sy is originally from the Philippines. He is now based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Ironically, Stewart learned how to dive in the chilly waters of Western Canada. He returns to the Philippines annually for the fan- tastic diving and photography. His photographs and articles have appeared in Philippine Diver, The Golden Dolphin, Naturescapes.Net and The Vancouver Sun. ■ LIGHTHOUSE

CABILAO CAMBAKIS PT LEFT TO RIGHT: School of Barracuda; Two Mandarin fish snuggle above the corals; Porcelain crab in anemone; Frogfish STEWART L. SY

BOHOL Cebu Strait

STEWART L. SY

NAPALING

DOLJO PANGLAO

STEWART L. SY PUNTOD BOHOL BEACH CLUB

ALONA BEACH SANCTUARY KALIPAYAN

HEAVEN

BLACK FOREST STEWART L. SY MARINE SANCTUARY PAMILACAN SNAKE ISLAND

STEWART L. SY Nudibranch 24 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED One of The Philippines’ Best Kept Secrets

DumagueteText and Photos by Scott Bennett Negros, one of the largest islands in the Visayas region of the Philippines, is one of the least visited, often over- looked in favour of more popular Cebu or Bohol. This is a shame, as Southern Negros is one of the Philippines best kept diving secrets! Lying outside the typhoon belt, southern Negros is a year-round scuba destination. A twenty-minute drive south of Dumaguete is Dauin. Wide beaches of brown volcanic sand line the shores, rem- nants of an ancient erup- tion. A wide variety of dive sites can be found here; the brown vol- canic sand provides superb , with a number of great sites to be found right off the beach.

25 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Dumaguete Bethlehem swim down the slope I queried Chris Heim, owner of Sea leads to the banca rest- Explorers, as to why the site was ing at a depth of 12m. named Bethlehem. Grinning, he Currents here aren’t usu- replied, “ Because it’s better-than- ally a problem. Lembeh!” My first dive here was during a full moon, and the around the wreck was very strong. One unhappy me mem- ber of our group aborted the dive within a few minutes, but the rest of us Situated pressed on. Photography right in front was nearly impossible, as of Sea Explorers’ the current pushed one new Pura Vida resort is the diver into another, creat- area’s newest star attraction. This ing a domino effect. artificial reef was created in 2004 a sandy slope with inter- Generally though, the current is usually with the sinking of a banca, one of mittent weedy patches, slight. Crabs can often be found peer- the ubiquitous outrigger boats found is an utterly superb muck ing out from the underside of the wreck, throughout the Philippines. In just over a diving site. The substrate of vol- while the numerous recesses in the side year, the wreck has become a magnet canic sand and variety of crit- provide a home for numerous scorpion- for a diverse assortment of critters. ters present are indeed reminiscent of fish. The remainder of the site, consisting of Lembeh in Indonesia. A number of large and very friendly Although diving is good during lionfish make their home within the the day, it really comes alive at wreck. At night, they will often utilize your night. A shore entry and a short torch illumination to hunt unwary prey.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Squat lobster, Bethlehem; Kabira Phyllodesmium, Sarah’s Place; Frogfish, Bethlehem; Cleaner shrimp and Moray Eel, Bethlehem; Stargazer

26 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dumaguete travel were bound together and sunk. In less than a year, the tanks have already been colonized by a noticeable amount of marine life. A large moray has taken up residence in one, sharing his abode with boxer shrimp and a small school of juvenile striped catfish. Further on up the slope, the volcanic sand yields bobbit worms, devil scorpionfish, finger dragonets, crocodile snake eels, bristle- worms, giant mantis shrimp and hairy frogfish. It’s truly a paradise for macro enthusiasts. Film users will run out of film long before their air! It’s also quite shallow, making it an ideal last dive if you have to catch a flight the next day. Look out Lembeh; you’ve got some competi- tion!

Masaplod A 10-minute boat ride from Pura Vida is the small but beautiful sanctuary of Masaplod. Although only covering six hectares, the sanctuary features large areas of hard coral, with beds of seagrass in the shallows. With a maximum depth of 18m, this small but diverse reef is ideal for beginners and advanced divers alike. Being a protected area, the boundaries are surrounded with maker buoys and boats aren’t permitted to enter. After being dropped off at the boundary, a brief swim across the seagrass leads to the reef. If you are a photographer, the biggest here is trying to decide which lens to use, wide-angle or macro! With many species of fish in large numbers, ABOVE: Divers must be vigilant and watch their surroundings it’s very easy to overlook the smaller but no less Cauliflower Soft at all times. The overly friendly lionfish have a very interesting residents, such as mantis shrimp, ringed Coral, Chapel bad habit of swimming around and under the legs pipefish, double ended pipefish and nudibranchs. Point, Apo Island of unsuspecting divers. Along with the schools of big snappers and sweet- A wide variety of critters, including crabs, nudi- lips, a very large turtle often puts in an appearance. INSET; branchs, pipefish, scorpionfish, frogfish and feather Blue-spotted stingrays can be observed in the sandy Anemone and Clownfish, stars housing tiny squat lobsters can be found on areas. Sanctuary, Apo and around the wreck. The beach facing the site is very popular with Island Nearby at 14m a cluster of three scuba tanks locals, who congregate here on weekends. A large

Fan Coral, Sanctuary, Apo Island 27 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Dumaguete LEFT: Porcelain crab in anemonem El Dorado Reef

CENTER: Unusual green Ghost Pipefish hiding among sea grass

BELOW: Blenny hiding in sea coral

BOTTOM RIGHT: Harlequin crabe hiding in tube worm

beach hut is used for picnics and cent to the wreck is anything but! An family get-togethers, which aren’t ascent to 7m reveals a lone anemone, complete without the ubiquitous port- home to a small colony of saddleback able karaoke machine. Both my shore clownfish, glass shrimps and porcelain entry and exit were accentuated with crabs. Small, but possessing heaps of some truly painful renditions of popular attitude, the clownfish prize their tiny songs! piece of real estate and defend it vig- orously. Dauin On one occasion, I was a short dis- At Dauin Beach, a five-minute boat tance away just looking in their gen- ride from resort, lays another banca eral direction. Within moments a feisty wreck, albeit bigger and deeper. pair of clownfish propelled themselves Lying on its side at a maximum depth at me like two miniature torpedoes. of 30m, the boat has slowly become Scattered about the immediate colonized with a varied assortment of area are small isolated patches of marine life. The interior is home to a coral, each a tiny microcosm of life congregation of extremely large lion- with humbugs, reticulated fish, while various nudibranchs are to damselfish, sponges, urchins, be found outside. seahorses and ghost pipe- However, the special attraction is fish. At the top of the slope, the pipefish, of which several spe- an extensive bed of seagrass cies are often present. Ornate ghost can be found at a depth pipefish, in both red and black colour of depth of 3-5m. A careful phases, are commonly seen around eye may reveal robust ghost the wreck, as are banded pipefish. pipefish, as well as vari- During my last visit, I spotted an unu- ous species of snails, nudi- sual green ghost pipefish, with a body branchs, pygmy pipehorses, similar to a robust, but with a fan- razor wrasse, juvenile ribbon shaped tail. I still haven’t been able to sweetlips and sharpsnout identify it in any guidebook. eels. The seemingly barren slope adja- A mere 100m from the

28 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dumaguete CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: travel Fronds of yellow Featherstars decorate the reef at Rock Point East, Apo Island; Hairy Frogfish, Bethlehem; Celestial Phyllidia Pair, Sarah’s Place: Leopard flounder, Banca Wreck.

Banca Wreck, surrounded by debris, sits are the Car Wrecks. Although the area may be small, the variety of creatures to be found here more than makes up for it. The copious nooks and crannies are crammed with a wide variety of crit- ters: Banded boxer shrimp, Durban hinge-beak shrimp, ornate ghost pipe- fish, frogfish, blue-spotted stingrays and various species of nudibranchs are just some of the residents to be founding and around the wrecks. Each dive will reveal something totally different. Make sure to keep an eye on your computer though, as your deco time will vanish in no time. A short swim back up the slope leads to the Seagrass. If the sea is too rough, the site can be reached by road from the resort and an easy shore dive. Unfortunately, due to the depth, both sites can’t be done on the same dive. reef. The shallows are characterized by After examining the developed slide, No matter—you’ll want to repeat them beds of sea grass and small clusters of I realized it had a tiny goby clinging to both! coral, ideal for novices and macro pho- the side of its face. Up to a half dozen tographers alike. Moving deeper you species of nudibranchs add a splash Sarah’s Place will reveal large areas of stag horn and of colour, while blue-spotted stingrays Located adjacent to the Atlantis Resort, other hard corals. On one dive, a giant can be found hiding in the sand. A blue Sarah’s Place consists of a sandy bot- frogfish was found perched upside- ribbon eel, continuously twitching spas- tom punctuated with a large artificial down under a rocky overhang. modically, allowed an extremely close

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approach before finally ducking into Sea offers superb hard coral gardens of butterflyfish, damselfish, squirrelfish, his burrow in the sandy bottom. I also and outstanding drift dives. A dozen anthias, groupers, Napolean wrasse, managed to spot an elusive crab-eyed different dive sites can be found triggerfish, and several species parrot- goby—the first time I had seen this spe- around the island. One of the coun- fish. cies in the Philippines. Be sure to make try’s most successful marine reserves, Dramatic cliffs and overhangs char- a sunset dive here to see the mating the entire island, as well as the sur- acterize Chapel Pt. A cave harbours mandarinfish. rounding sea, was granted full protec- copper sweepers and a resident rib- As this is a sanctuary, diving is not tion status in 1995. The islanders them- bon eel, while elephant ear sponges permitted after sunset. As tempting as selves now manage the reserve and and cauliflower soft corals adorn the it may be, try not to linger too long; sanctuary. Mooring buoys have been steep walls. Out in the deep water, the I heard the story of one hapless dive set up to prevent damage from the strong currents attract an impressive guide who had his gear confiscated frequent boat traffic. array of tuna, mackerel and barracu- after being caught by a local official. The island is completely surrounded da. At Mamsa Point, in the sanctuary, by fringing reefs adorned with healthy a large school of jacks are regularly Apo Island populations of both hard and soft cor- encountered. Mamsa means jack fish A thirty-minute banca ride southwest als. In the shallows, Acropora, lettuce, in the local Visayan dialect. Currents from Pura Vida is Apo Island, one of brain, table and elkhorn corals grow can be quite strong, especially around the crown jewels of the Visayas. This in dense profusion. Equally prolific is the full moon. small rugged island in the Philippine the fish life, with a multi-coloured array Between dives, the boats usually RIGHT: A sea turtle cruises over the reef LEFT: Apo Island boasts picturesque bays and pristine white beaches 30 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dumaguete travel LEFT; Hermit crab BELOW: Mating Dusky Nembrothas, El Dorado House Reef

off Cebu’s Southern tip, Sumilon Island is home to the country’s first marine sanctuary, established in 1974 by Siliman University. The abundant marine life and splendid coral gardens provided a liv- ing laboratory for the university’s marine biologists. Unfortunately, spear and dynamite fisherman moved in and the once pro- lific reef was decimated, ruining years of patient conservation work. In recent years however, the reef has been show- ing signs of recover, most notably along the walls. The clear waters surrounding the island provide exceptional visibility, especially during the summer months between December and May. Sea snakes, turtles, mantas, barracudas, schools of jacks and even whale sharks have been spotted here.

Pura Vida While there aren’t huge numbers of them, Dauin boasts several higher-end resorts stretched out along the beach. The newest is Pura Vida, owned and operated by Sea Explorers. Opened in late 2004, this is the first resort to be built by the company, run by Swiss-born Chris

put ashore, where battalions of eager t-shirt and El Dorado House Reef to snap its picture. Devil scorpionfish, dwarf lion- sarong vendors descend upon the hapless arriv- Located in front of the El Dorado Resort, the El fish, ghost pipefish, tubeworms housing tiny harle- als. On one occasion, they were patiently waiting Dorado House Reef is another terrific site. An arti- quin crabs and tiny squat shrimp, spotfin lionfish ON the at the conclusion of our dive! ficial reef was set up some years ago and is thriv- and a host of other species are easily observed. Once escaping the cheerful but persistent sales ing. Giant frogfish can usually be seen sitting on a Alas, the site has been declared a marine tactics, pleasant strolls can be made around the couple of sunken tires. Anemones are abundant, sanctuary, so is no longer permit- village and surrounding rocky coastline. Now, with several species of anenomefish to be found ted. This is a pity, as it is one of my favourite night the biggest threat to the island is its own popular- hiding amongst their waving tentacles. Nearby, a dives anywhere. Hopefully, diving will be allowed ity. As a result, a 15 diver per day limit has been large concrete block was home to a small black again in the future. imposed for the Sanctuary dive site, so be sure to frogfish that contentedly posed for photographs get there early! Accommodation is available on as well as a perpetually smiling tube worm blen- Sumilon Island the island if you don’t want to take any chances. ny, which played hide and seek with me as I tried Situated 12 km northeast of Dumaguete and just

31 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Dumaguete travel THIS PAGE: Scenes from Pura Vida Resort and the city life of Dumagete

Heim. This resort was built by divers for divers and it shows. The resort’s eagle- eyed dive guides are experts in finding even the tiniest of creatures. The comfortable cottages sit on beau- tifully landscaped grounds surrounding a central pool. Every palm tree is original, with the resort being built around the Siliman University, the country’s premier already existing trees. The poolside bar institute. The attractive is open 24 hours and is a great place to tree-lined esplanade along the water is relax and have a drink after an eventful a pleasant place to take a stroll. Be sure day of diving. to pay a visit to the weekly Wednesday market in Malatapay. Dumaguete Approximately 25km west of the city Getting There offers a wealth of attrac- are the twin lakes, which are very popu- Dumaguete is easily accessible by land, tions, ranging from historical sites to lar with hikers. Also popular are dolphin sea and air. The Ocean Jet fast ferry both man-made and natural attrac- and whale watching cruises. These from Cebu makes the trip to in just over tions. Dumaguete, the province’s laid- depart Dumagete and venture out to three hours, including a stop in Tagbi- back capital, is renowned for its warm the deep waters of the Tañon Strait and laran in Bohol. Direct flights from Manila and friendly people. This pleasant city Bais Bay, where dolphins and pygmy are available daily on both Philippine is the region’s centre of shopping, busi- sperm whales can be observed in their Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Flying time is ness and nightlife. It is also the home of natural habitat. A bit further a field is approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Volcano, located Cebu is serviced by flights from many cit- within the Kanlaon Nature ies throughout the Philippines, as well as Park. One of the tallest peaks direct flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, in the Visayas, it towers 8,085 Taiwan and Japan. From Dumaguete’s ft. above sea level and is quite airport, Sea Explorers provides free trans- active, often spewing plumes fers to and from the resort. of gray ash skyward. When he isn’t applying his creative skills This 25,000-hectare reserve to one of the animation projects he’s is popular with hikers, but it is working on, Canadian Scott Bennett can strongly advised to avoid the frequently be found behind the lens of summit. While only 165km from a camera. While on an extended busi- Dumaguete, an all day trip ness trip in the Philippines, a passion for is required to get there and diving was rekindled while succumbing is best done as an overnight to the lure of underwater photography. trip. The helpful staff at Pura His hobby soon developed into a pas- Vida can arrange any of these sion, and Scott seizes every opportunity excursions. capturing Southeast Asia’s beauty, both on land and under water. He makes his captions home in Toronto, Canada. ■

32 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Ligpo Island Reefs of Stunning Sea Slugs & Flatworms Text and photos by Nonoy Tan Divers love Ligpo for its magnificent drop-offs. On its south and west sides, huge coral fans stretch out against the water current. One hundred feet below, divers encounter seasonal pelagics; Ligpo is a popular destination for wall and recreational . Not known to many, however, it is also a place to see strange but beautiful critters that photographers dream about.

A pair of mating Risbecia tryoni. Each individual is both male and female, but lay eggs separately 33 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Ligpo Island

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: It is 10 o’clock in the evening; I Manila, Ligpo Island can be shrimp, orangutan crab, frogfish, A pair of Chromodoris have just completed my second reached by a two-hour land crocodile snake eel, flamboyant geometrica finds home night dive. Although it has been travel and a short boat ride from cuttlefish, seamoth, dragonet, on a discarded soda can; an exhausting day, I exit the the famous Anilao, birthplace of squat lobsters, just to name a few. a flatworm preparing to shore with a usual smile of delight. scuba diving in the Philippines. Among all the critters, however, launch itself into the water Again, the waters of Ligpo Island The waters on the north and the sea slugs and flatworms domi- column; a Hypselodoris have not disappointed me. Ligpo east sides of the island are shallow nate. krakatoa feasting of fish always presents me with some- (from 10 to 40 feet). In this area I have done several hundred eggs thing new to discover. lives a circus of small creatures. dives during the last five years, Located 100 kilometers south It is home to the ghost pipefish, but I am amazed at how Ligpo of the Philippine capital of Metro blue-ring octopus, spearer mantis still gives me the thrill of discover-

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ing new shapes, patterns and colors of the Although sea slugs are hermaphrodites, Entwined pair of mating sea slugs. they normally need a partner to mate suc- Pteraeolidia ianthina; A dive is not complete without a sea cessfully. By chemoreception, they are able Unlike other sea slugs, the slug photo opportunity. Even at night, it is to recognize a potential partner. When the body of the Micromelo common to encounter the Spanish dancer pair meets, the process of courtship proceeds undatus possesses a with its commensal emperor shrimp, or a with body contact. At this point, the genitalia shell, which is possibly a green flatworm emerging from a sea squirt. located at the right side of their necks are remnant of its evolution- Sometimes, the evening reveals strange spe- readily stretched out. The courtship proc- ary past; a camouflaged cies of sea slugs or flatworms that I haven’t ess usually doesn’t last long, and the act of flatworm emerges from identified up to now. With such a good copulation begins when the genitalia are within a sea squirt number of sea slug population, Ligpo is one engaged. I have seen a pair of Nembrotha of the best places to observe these critters that were so “hot” that they immediately – feeding, resting, laying eggs, competing, began mating without any noticeable court- courting, and mating. ship ritual. Mating can go on for several

35 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED LEFT: A Jonnura funebris laying a ribbon of eggs. BELOW: This Nembrotha lineolata stretches travel to reach its food Ligpo Island them consistently. 25 feet within an area of 500 The feeding preferences of square meters, I don’t even sea slugs are diverse. Some like have to care about decom- to eat algae, sponges, ascid- pression or about getting lost! ians, or even fish eggs! Sea Dives that last for at least 90 squirts seem to be the favorite minutes is the norm. food of the Nembrotha as Ligpo Island can be reached they are often seen sucking from resorts located in Anilao, within them in absolute pleas- Batangas. Among these are ure. In another instance, a Dive n Trek Resort (www.diven- Hypselodoris was enjoying a trek.com) and Club Ocellaris buffet of fish eggs so plenty (www.clubocellaris.com). Both that it seemed like food para- offer excellent dive guides, dise. In Ligpo, I learned that food and a variety of accom- each sea slug species could be modation. found near its particular food Nonoy Tan was born source. in Manila, Philippines. His The amount of time I spend photo¬graphs of marine life with the sea slugs provides me behaviour and underwater the opportunity to observe and crit¬ters have been published learn more about their behav- in various print and web maga- ior and at the same time cap- zines circulated worldwide. ture rare images. With a lot of By profession, Tan is a devel- available subjects getting these opment worker, who spends images is uncomplicated. I most of his time, when he isn’t merely concentrate on critter underwater, in the poor, rural hunting and image composi- communities of Asia and Africa. tion. Moreover, at the usual Order prints and images, email: shallow depths of around 15 to [email protected] ■

hours. terested as it tried to push back the assail- different patterns and colors, depending On several occasions, I have observed ant using its anterior. on the species. a Chromodoris subsequently mating with In an apparent show of desperation, Then, the eggs are left to develop at least two partners, especially when they the attacker started to pounce its mouth on their own as most adults proceed are in a group of three or more. Orgies against the defender. The struggle per- with their regular activities. However, are a common pastime in Ligpo (I mean, sisted until they reached a ledge and fell Pteraeolidia ianthina parents tend to stay the sea slugs). I have also witnessed a separately. After observing what had with the eggs while other adults accom- pair of Pteraeolidia ianthina in an intensely happened, I felt that I had witnessed a pany them. Thus, wherever there is a aggressive courtship behavior – more crime. brooding parent, then there must be like a rape attempt. Having sensed a Subsequent to receiving a reciprocal more individuals in the vicinity. And since potential mate, the aggressor chased the exchange of sperm, each individual will they prefer to stay in the same locations potential victim, who was obviously disin- produce a “ribbon” of eggs that come in throughout the year, I am able to find

36 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED White sands, magnificent wrecks & macro heaven...

MalapascuaText by Scott Bennett. Photos by Scott Bennet and Stewart L. Sy Anchored off the extreme northern tip of the island of Cebu, one of the principal islands of the Visayas, the tiny island of Malapascua is one of the gems of Philippines diving. Boasting a dazzling sugar-white beach fringed with coconut palms, it’s the perfect vision of a tropical paradise. Although famous for its thresher sharks, Malapascua and its environs offer world- class macro life.

37 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIEDSCOTT BENNETT travel Malapascua

SCOTT BENNETT

SCOTT BENNETT

Malapascua, also known as Logon by Malapascua’s signature dive site is and miss. Although not as plentiful as in some of the older locals, is a very relax- Monad Shoal, a sunken island rising recent years, the sharks are still around. ing place to stay. There’s a wide vari- from the abyssal depths of the Visayan After spending 50 minutes waiting on ety of accommodation to suit every Sea. The top of the plateau rests at one dive without any luck, we reluc- budget, from simple huts to resorts. The a depth of 15-25m, with steep walls tantly swam back to the mooring line. idyllic beach is every bit as beautiful as plunging down to more than 200m. The All of a sudden, my guide gestured that of the more famous Boracay, but star attraction frantically towards the blue. I looked without the crowds. It’s possible to relax is the thresher sharks. Easily distin- just in time to see the massive tail of a on the beach without being hassled by guished by their bullet- shaped bodies thresher go by. In the blink of an eye, persistent souvenir vendors. and long sweeping tails, these grace- it had vanished into the murky depths. The island is fairly compact, being ful creatures come here often to visit a It turned out that I was the only one of only several kilometres in length. A cleaning station on the top of the pla- our group to see one that day. Back on lattice of paths and tracks envelop teau. There are two primary dive sites the boat, my guide related a story. Two the island’s verdant interior, leading here, Shark Point and The Hole. The weeks earlier, he had taken a group to sleepy fishing villages and pictur- best chance to see them is between of five German divers to the site. They esque, deserted coves. The only traf- 5:00 and 9:00 in the morning. Try to get came to within three metres of a large fic encountered is the odd bicycle, here really early and avoid the inevita- specimen being attended to by a SCOTT BENNETT as there are no cars on the island. A ble boatloads of other divers. Despite number of cleaner wrasses. One diver, lighthouse at the northern end provides their large size, the sharks are quite shy unnerved by being so close, had to LEFT TO RIGHT: striking views over the entire island and and can be easily frightened off. back away. Wouldn’t you know it, not Malapascua at dawn; seaside lounge on the beach; False Clownfish hiding in anemone the surrounding Visayan Sea. Spotting the threshers can be very hit one of them had a camera! As well as

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SCOTT BENNETT

the threshers, hammerheads can sometimes scorpionfish. Sometimes, large groupers and SCOTT BENNETT be seen, while from May to January, mantas barracuda can be spotted. Unfortunately, are known to put in an appearance. bottom time is quite limited due to the depth. In addition to the magnificent sea life, a Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating wreck to number of impressive shipwrecks can also explore. be found in the area. The most famous is the Visible on the horizon to the northwest and Dona Marilyn, a passenger ferry that sunk dur- a 40-minute banca ride from Malapascua, is ing a typhoon in 1984. Lying on her starboard Gato Island. Translated as “cat” in the local side at a depth of 35m, this 100m long wreck dialect, the island is a fully protected marine is cloaked with a wide variety of hard and sanctuary. A lonely little cabin, perched on soft corals. Experienced divers can penetrate bare rock, provides a home for the guards. the wreck in several places. Big black spot- Surrounding the island is a number of spec- ted rays can usually be found on the seafloor tacular caves and rock formations. In some surrounding the wreck. Even deeper is the places, soft corals in radiant hues of red, Pioneer, a Japanese vessel sunk during World orange, yellow and purple adorn the steep War 11. Standing upright with the bow at a walls. Caves and crevices around the island depth of 54m, the wreck is reached via a harbour a variety of sleeping sharks, such as blue-water descent down a mooring line. The white-tips and coral cat sharks. anchor and propellers are still plainly visible. One of the most remarkable features is a LEFT TO RIGHT: Encrusted with corals and sponges, the wreck tunnel running underneath the northern half Coral gardens of Gato Island reef walls; SCOTT BENNETT is home to a number of large stonefish and of the island. From the entrance on the west Gato Island bare rock caves; Stonefish

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SCOTT BENNETT

SCOTT BENNETT

LEFT TO RIGHT: Commensal Shrimp Black Ghost Pipefish Nudibranch Leteus Octoppus Yellow Pigmy Seahorse Cardinal fish with Urchin Red Ornate Ghost Pipefish

SCOTT BENNETT

skeleton shrimps to football- Nearby, a brilliant yellow tigertail seahorse was SCOTT BENNETT sized sponge crabs. From time found hiding underneath a rocky overhang. to time, whitetip sharks and sea Gato is also a haven for pipefish, as both black snakes can be found sleeping in and red ornate ghost pipefish are commonly seen the tunnel. It’s definitely not for hiding amongst feather stars. Despite their vibrant the claustrophobic! decorations, these delicate creatures can be quite Outside the entrance during difficult to spot. my visit was a colossal school Equally colourful are the wide variety of frogfish of orange cardinalfish. So big, that can be found around the island. These mas- in fact, you could swim right ters of camouflage perfectly mimic the colour STEWART L. SY into the school and be totally and texture of the sponges on which they sit. I was engulfed by the billowing mass thrilled to find a vivid orange specimen and pho- side, the tunnel descends from 5m to 14m at the of fish! Our guide estimated there were probably a tographed it from various angles. After the dive, exit on the east side. Swimming through the snak- million of them. I was told that a pair of frogfish, one white, the ing, 80m long tunnel was alternately eerie and fas- The island is a treasure-trove for the macro pho- other hairy and striped, were sitting side-by-side no cinating. tographer, with great subjects to be found at more than four metres away! Despite my initial reluctance of entering, the tun- every corner. Just inside the cave entrance, a The bottom surrounding the island is reasonably nel is actually quite wide and will comfortably fit large number of Spanish dancers could be found flat, with sandy areas interspersed with clusters of several divers at once. Illuminated by torch beams concealed in rocky crevices. On one dive, our large boulders. At a depth of 24m, a pair of large were numerous crustaceans, ranging from minute guide found seven of them in a few square metres. purple and yellow seafans sat almost side by side. SCOTT BENNETT

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SCOTT BENNETT

ABOVE: Crab RIGHT: Red Pigmy Seahorse FAR RIGHT: Striped catfish BELOW: Black SCOTT BENNETT Seahorse

SCOTT BENNETT SCOTT BENNETT

Each one had its correspond- graph. Lying just offshore from the resort, owner ing resident pygmy seahorses. Once the mandarins were finished Dik DeBoer created this artificial reef On one dive, a very out-of- with their amorous displays, there were only a few years ago. What started out place yellow tigertail seahorse plenty of other subjects to attract the as barren sand now is an eclectic assort- was discovered sitting on photographer’s eye. Seahorses are quite ment of artificial reef structures, rang- the purple fan! common here as are a large variety of ing from a pyramid of blocks, clusters One of the highlights of cephalopods. Red leteus octopus, bob- of tires and metal poles tied together, any visit to Malapascua is a dusk dive tail squid, pygmy cuttlefish, bigfin reef to a couple of sunken jeepneys. Even if at Lighthouse Point. The star attraction squid and, on occasion, blue-ring you miss out seeing a thresher at here is the large number of mandarin octopus can be seen. Monad, you’ll see one fish that congregate in the patches of The best part is that depths here, albeit made hard coral. I’ve seen these flamboyantly don’t usually exceed 3m, of concrete! coloured creatures before, but never so your film will run out long In STEWART L. SY as many as I saw here. Unlike other before your air! Digital shoot- TOP LEFT: Red Leteus Octopus places where a crowd of photogra- ers will definitely have an BOTTOM: Mandarin fish phers mob one hapless pair of fish, advantage. they were so numerous that every- Another fine site is the one had their own pair to photo- Malapascua Exotic House Reef. SCOTT BENNETT SCOTT BENNETT 41 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Malapascua

SCOTT BENNETT

just a few short years, life on I got my revenge when I spied the reef has blossomed. The a crab devouring one. jeepneys’ interiors provide a This once out-of-the-way home for a school of cardi- tropical jewel is now quite easy nalfish and assorted lionfish, to reach. The jumping off point while a large number of batfish is Cebu City, gateway to the can usually be found swim- Visayas region and second- ming by. Nearby, a large pole largest city in the Philippines. A structure is encrusted with tuni- number of international flights cates, ascidians and urchins arrive here from various cit- as well as providing shelter for ies in South-East Asia, allowing a school of painted sweetlips travellers to avoid flying into and a large resident cuttlefish. Manila. There are plenty of subjects For first-time visitors, Cebu to appease the macro enthu- City, despite a population siast. You’ll almost certainly approaching two million, is a run into the resident flamboy- lot more manageable than

ant cuttlefish as he makes his the country’s chaotic capital. SCOTT BENNETT rounds along the sandy bot- From here, buses depart for tom. the three to four hour journey boats can’t come At night, however, the to the little town of Maya, at close to shore, so reef really comes alive. the northern tip of the island. passengers must Innumerable pleurobranchs, From here, it’s a 30-minute trip be ferried out to nudibranchs, flatworms and to the island by banca, the them by smaller crabs can be found in profu- ubiquitous pumpboat found vessels. sion. A pile of bicycle tires throughout the country. Malapascua, provides a home for a huge These elongated craft, with with its winning tawny-coloured moray with bamboo outriggers bound to combination of a body thicker than a man’s cross struts on both sides, are superlative diving, forearm. the workhorses of inter-island fabulous beaches Watch out for those petite transport and diving in the and laid-back charm, urchins carpeting the bot- Philippines. Passengers have is a destination to cherish tom. They appear innocent the option of taking the public time and time again. Maybe enough, but their little spines ferry or chartering their own next time I’ll find that elusive are sharp. After being repeat- banca for the trip to the island. pair of frogfish! ■ SCOTT BENNETT edly impaled by the little pests, When the is out, the larger CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Malapascua at dawn; concrete Thresher shark; Beach kids; Flambouyant Cuttlefish SCOTT BENNETT 42 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Denizens of Dauin

Text and photos by Nonoy Tan The tranquil town of Dauin appears typical. Each morn- ing, the men ride their small bancas to catch fish, while the women are busy cooking, cleaning and looking after the children. Just before dawn, the kids come out to play and frolic on the beach. During this time, the fishermen return with their catch, and soon after- wards retire for the day. The same pattern of activities is repeated the next day.

But the daily routine of Dauin has been changing, in fact. Now, larger boats that display a red flag with a white diagonal stripe regularly visit its shores. They carry strangers to the area. They are dive boats that bring divers from all over the world. Everyday, their passen- gers come here to see the critters that hide below the water’s surface. Dauin’s popularity as a muck dive destination has grown tremendously. Declared as a marine sanctuary, it has become an integral component of the local tourism industry. Also, Dauin’s obvious potential has attracted both local and foreign investments. Such are the development of several resorts. Among them, is the Swiss run Pura Vida Resort. This place just opened and the native-inspired cottages provide com-

LEFT: Arrow crab ABOVE: Short-pouch Pigmy Pipefish 43 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Dauin

INSET: Frogfish ABOVE: A pair of Thorny Seahorses

fortable and exotic dwellings. each dive would be photographically they were not so uncommon at Dauin. Although new, the management and intense. Consequently, the abundant macro staff are by no means inexperienced. Past dives at Dauin have provided me opportunities made me more ambitious. Pura Vida is fully owned and operated with such optimism, and I was not disap- I began to seek the oddball and hard- by the Sea Explorers (www.sea-explorers. pointed this time either. By the end of to-find critters. To my surprise, that did com), with whom I have been diving for three days, I had consumed 16 rolls of not prove to be too difficult to accom- the last five years. The well-trained local 36-exposure film. plish either. dive guides are probably among the It didn’t take long, for example, for best in the country. They have the knack Macro heaven my guide to find for me a short-pouch for spotting any critter no matter how At Dauin, I was overwhelmed with the pygmy pipehorse (Acentronura brevipe- well camouflaged or miniscule. Nothing array of macro subjects. In fact, frogfish- rula). In fact, we discovered three indi- escapes their vision. es were so common that I soon started viduals in a matter of minutes. In a recent trip, I was once again to ignore them. Furthermore, my interest We also came across several unex- accompanied by one of the expert on the thorny seahorses, dragonets, ele- pected finds, such as a Flying gurnard, guides. As usual, I had great expecta- gant squat lobsters and ghost pipefishes Pegasus seamoth, Arrow crab and a tiny tions. In fact, I had brought two sets of had similarly diminished. They become Commensal crab that resided on a Fire underwater , expecting that secondary choices as I soon realized urchin. The discovery of a rock lobster in

Black-pitted Snake Eel 44 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Dauin full daylight was also a pleasant surprise. It was seeking refuge among the debris of a small boat wreck. My favorite subject, however, was the sighting of a Velvet fish (Paraploactis inton- sa). Measuring a length of about one and a half inches (38mm), I watched as it “walked” with its pectoral fins and dragged its dispro- portionately long body across the sandy bottom. It was clumsy but beautiful nonethe- less. Another memorable moment was an encounter with a pair of shrimp gobies. In all other places where I have dived, I have never been able to get near and take a decent photograph of a shrimp goby. Before I ever got into position, the subject

goby would have scampered inside a burrow. Because CLOCKWISE of these previous disappointments, I stopped taking goby FROM TOP LEFT: photos. Pipefish However, I became inspired during my dives at Dauin Pegasus Seamoth to try again and try my luck one more time. After spot- Rock Lobster Dragonette ting a pair of shrimp gobies, I began to inch myself slowly towards the couple. Interestingly, they allowed me to

45 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED travel Dauin get very close. Even as my strobes time at Dauin in the years to come. flashed, the barrage didn’t seem to Needless to say, I am hopeful that the bother them. After several shots, I left denizens of Dauin will continue to be them undisturbed. I can only speculate there to greet me. the reason for their seemingly careless attitude. Maybe they were as curious Resort and Travel Information about me as I was of them. Dauin is a small town located on the island of Negros, central Philippines. Night dive From the capital city of Manila, The best was yet to come. By nightfall, one-hour flights are provided by Air the reef in front of the Pura Vida Resort Philippines to Dumaguete City Airport became host to a critter extravaganza. which is only 15 minutes away from Aside from the crabs, cuttlefishes and Dauin. Pura Vida Resort provides trans- octopuses, I also encountered several fers between Dumaguete City Airport exciting finds like a Flying gurnard, a and Dauin. www.airphils.com Black-pitted snake eel and a Red croc- Facilities include native-inspired odile snake eel. As usual, I exhausted rooms, swimming pool, bar, restau- both camera films within a single dive. rant, communication facilities, spec- After a few days of diving at Dauin, tacular house reef and excellent food. I started to encounter rare critters that Pura Vida Resort is managed by Sea I had never seen before. Despite my Explorers, which also operates a PADI jubilation and sense of accomplish- Gold Palm IDC center and dive facility ment in those moments, I felt that I had at Dauin and other fabulous locations witnessed only the tip of the iceberg. in central Philippines. So, I will most likely be spending more www.sea-explorers.com ■

ABOVE: Crockadile Snake Eel

RIGHT: Velvet fish

FAR RIGHT: Flying Gurnard

46 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Map of The Philippines CHINA TIAWAN

Luzon factThe Philippinesfile Strait ANDREY BIZYUKIN, PHD MICHAEL SYMES PETER SYMES Babuyan Islands

South

China Sea Philippine MICHAEL ARVELUND, PHD SVETLANA MURASHKINA, PHD EDWIN MARCOW History During the 16th century, the Phil- 2004. Armed communist insurgencies and Decompression chambers Luzon ippine Islands became a Spanish colony; In Muslim separatists in the south continue to Cebu City Recompression Chamber Camp Sea 1898, they were ceded to the US following threaten The Philippine Government. Lapu-Lapu Lahug . Dr Memerto Ortega. the Spanish-American War. The Philippines Government: Republic; Capital: Manila (032) 310-709 or (032) 312-325 (032) 746-652 became a self-governing commonwealth loc. 2625 in 1935 under elected President Manuel Currency Philippine peso (PHP); Ex- MANILA who had to prepare the country change rate: 53 peso per US dollar; 63 Manila (Quezon City): for independence after a 10-year transi- peso per Euro AFP Medical Center at V. Luna Hospital, V. LEIGH CUNNINGHAM MICHAEL AW GUNILD PAK SYMES tion. The islands fell under Japanese occu- Luna Road, Quezon City Mindoro pation in 1942 during WWII. US and Filipino Geography Southeastern Asia, archi- Dr. Jojo R. Bernardo Samar Meet the people forces fought together to regain control pelago between the Philippine Sea and Phone: 920 7183 who bring you the stories from 1944-45. July 4, 1946 marks Philippino the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, 921 1801 loc. 8991 Panay independence. A widespread rebellion mostly mountains with narrow to extensive Leyte of the people forced President Ferdinand coastal lowlands; Coastline: 36,289 km; Dive Travel The best time to visit the MARCOS into exile after 21 years of rule in Elevation: lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m; Philippines is during the period from No- Palawan Gulmaras Island 1986 when Corazon AQUINO was installed highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m Agri- vember to June. Precipitaion is lowest Negros as president. During her presidency, there culture: rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, during April and May. are BUY ADS were several coup attempts, which af- bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, cooler during December to February (26- Support your magazine and get seen fected political stability and economic eggs, beef, fish Natural resources: timber, 27°) and warmer between March and May Sulu Sea development. In 1992, Fidel RAMOS was petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, (29°) [email protected] elected president who enjoyed a presi- copper. tel. 00 45 4695 0644 dency marked by greater stability and Web sites Basilan progress on economic reforms. The US Climate Tropical marine; northeast Club Ocellaris closed its last military bases on the islands monsoon (November to April); southwest www.clubocellaris.com in 1992. President Joseph ESTRADA, elect- monsoon (May to October).Environmental Dive N Trek MALAY- ed in 1998, was impeached on corruption issues: Uncontrolled deforestation espe- www.diventrek.com charges and was succeeded by his vice- cially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air Sea Explorers president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO and water pollution in major urban cent- www.sea-explorers.com Celebes NONOY TAN YANN ST YVES JOHN COLLINS who was elected to a six-year term in May ers; coral reef degradation; increasing Pura Vida Resort Sea pollution of coastal mangrove www.pura-vida.ph swamps that are important fish Philippines Department of Tourism breeding grounds. www.wowphilippines.com.ph I N D O N E S I

Population 86,241,697. Per- Dive info cent of population below poverty PADI Dive Guide

line: 40%, Ethnic groups: Christian www.padidiveguides.com MICHEL TAGLIATI DEB FUGITT DAN BEECHAM Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Starfish Chinese 1.5%, other 3%. Religions: www.starfish.ch Download Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant Dive Sites of the Philippines X-RAY MAG’s 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist by Jack Jackson MEDIA KIT Now! www.amazon.com ■ Language Filipino and English

SCOTT BENNETT SØREN RINKE KAI GARSEG 47 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED THE FACTS AND VIEWPOINTS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF X-RAY MAG. EQUIPMENT PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION 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 FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE LINKS ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATIONS Demon POINT & CLICK new Black Passion Demon ON BOLD LINKS Scuba Mask has a wide field of vision, and a great new look. Limited release of the Black Passion Demon Scuba Edited by Got the goods Mask is making this Andrey Bizuykin a very sought after & Peter Symes item.

Equipment www.mares.com

10 Watt HID Amphibico proudly presents their compact Dive-Logs Pocket Stamps 10 Watt Discovery HID light. A fully alumi- The next time you get asked to sign a logbook, make a num compact light which will mount real impression with your own personal log book stamp. on any Amphibico video housing The pocket stamps are small and neat, self inking, and to provide a clean and natural are totally designed by you. Text, font, images, and light source. Compatible with all quotes in your choice of red, green, blue, and violet Amphibico Housings the features ink. There are 4 styles of pocket stamps available in the of this compact all in one design range and you can design yours on-line. Worldwide include a 15” adjustable Loc- shipping is free. Prices from £20 / $32 / €30 . Line Extension Arm, a 10 Watt HID www.dive-logs.com Metal Halide Bulb, Positive ON/OFF Switch , Dual O-Ring Sea, Wide Angle Reflector and Video Glass Diffuser. www.amphibico.com

Barrier IONIAN The all-new Barrier line Leading manufacturer in from Scubapro Uwatec pro- thermal protection for vides unprecedented protection divers Fourth Element’s against the cold. EverFlex inserts latest women’s design combined with extraordinary insu- is a lighter weight lation and heat retention capabil- hoodym the Ionian ities provide you with all over com- Ladies Sweatshirt. fort.Barrier features Sun Orange The enzyme washed Heliospan interior material on the fabric has a lived inside of the chest and upper back. Call home in look, and the This is a highly technical, sponge- The PING MKII Mobile dive-phone sets a new stand- design, high up on like fabric, which resembles very ard for wireless underwater communications. While the left shoulder, fine micro plush. It soaks up water Intended for INTERSPIRO’s full face masks adapters are is eyecatching yet which is then contained by the available for other mask. The unit is wireless, has excel- understated. For more nylon neoprene layer and glide- lent speech quality, is push-to-talk operated, has a information or to find a skin on the outside water resistant microphone and a high-quality bone- stockist check out www.Scubapro-Uwatec.com conduction earphone. www.pingmarine.com www.fourthelement.com

48 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED A Bright Idea She Dives! Glow rope, the name and the images tell it all It has been said sooo many times before. The vast Did you have troubles locating the down line majority of dive equipment is designed for men, by on your last night dive? Well, now days may be men. Not any more. Mares Introduces: SHE DIVES! over. Our guess is that the new glowing ropes Inspired by Women - Designed by Women - from North Dakota based inventor Fire Works Dedicated to Women. SHE DIVES allows women Unlimited will become a future standard added to dive more comfortably and more fashiona- safety measure on not only for the casual night bly. “We have listened to the many requests/ divers but in particular for cave and wreck pen- demands from female consumers and dive etration dives. The Glow ropes come in a variety of shop owners”, states Phil Mintz, Director specifications and types, including on that flows of Sales and Marketing, Mares Diving www.letsglowcamping.com Division of Head USA. “SHE DIVES makes perfect sense considering the large percentage of female divers throughout the world”. www.mares.com

HUD on CCR? Progressive Or, for the abbreviationally challenged, a Streeeeetch Head Up Display on your Closed Circuit Bare recently Rebreather. CCRs are popular with pho- launched a interesting new tographers because of the lack of bub- series of full strecth wetsuits bles. Trouble is having to check handsets regularly for both men and women . forcing the diver to take focus and hands off the The Progressive Stretch is the Nautilus dive planner photoequipment. Enter the RB Guardinan HUD whioh is combination of designed to be used instead of pp02 gauges for normal 3 material types, all with The Nautilus and decom- operation modes. www.underwaterexperiences.com different characteristics. pression software program is special PS1 is the highest stretch because it gives the diver the choice of fabric component. Its not one, but five different decompression primary function is to pro- models including the Hamilton Research Veo 250 duce the required 4-way algorithm, which makes this package The new Veo 250 from elongation with the least unique. Hamilton’s tables (DCAP) are Oceanic boasts the amount of . This is the ones that have been used by the latest features in an placed where mobility majority of the deep diving expeditions extraordinarily user- is critical and the least amount over the years, due to their high level friendly PDC, offering of restriction is desired. PS2 is of reliability. Until now, with the advent precisely what you a unique mechanical 4-way of Nautilus dive planner, only those need for any adven- stretch material that is placed in who were able to afford the services Screenshot from Nautilus dive planner ture. Air, and zones requiring more durability, of Hamilton Research were able to use Gauge Modes and a mul- shape retention and compres- these highly sought tables. lators on their machines as Nautilus runs titude of advanced user set- sion resistance. PS3 is a 2-way “Making Nautilus available for both on Windows, Macintosh and Linux oper- tings and options Seen here with stretch material placed in zones Windows, Macintosh and Unix systems ating systems. the all-new SWIV Console which that require maximum durability was critical to the development of Divers running Nautilus may use one or provides complete flexibility over and shape retention. this product”, stated Dan Nafe, Lead multiple gases, open or closed circuit scu- how your instruments are config- www.bare-wetsuits.com Developer of Nautilus. “Users who have ba or any combination of gas mixture(s) ured. An allen key and a twist of the invested in Macintosh and Linux systems and scuba types. wrist allows you to position your gauges can now have the best decompression to meet your diving style. program without having to use PC emu- www.nautilusdiveplanner.com www.oceanicworldwide.com

49 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED �������������������������������������������������

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50 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Guadalupe’s Great White Wonders Text and photos by Barb Roy

My first shark appeared head-on It was a huge 14-foot (4m), 2175 in the distance slowly swaying pound (987kg) female. Her body from side to side. With elegant was sleek and muscular, capa- grace and composure it con- ble of high speeds if necessary. tinued towards the cage with She ignored the bait and gave mouth opened just enough to the caged divers a once over boast a healthy set of triangular then slowly swam away, never teeth. Like the star of a grand changing her pace. Author, performance, the shark held Peter Benchley, sure pegged it everyone in awe as it turned correctly when he referred to slightly just in front of the cage these creatures as “natural per- to examine an offering of tuna. fection”.

51 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ABOVE: A photographer waits in the shark cage for the right moment to feature capture an image of the Great White Guadelupe Sharks It was late September when I joined regulations for both commercial shark 17 others on the 116-foot (34.8m) expeditions and sport fishing charters live-aboard dive vessel, Nautilus around Guadalupe. Explorer, for an expedition to Isla de The next day, Jessie Harper, one of Guadalupe. Doc’s shark wranglers for five years, We departed San Diego, California filled us in on a white shark photo for the 220-mile (354km) journey identification project she began four organized by Doc Anes of San Diego years ago. Shark Diving Expeditions, a pioneer Within the last two years, the archi- in the field of recreational shark val venture has evolved into a large encounters. During this time, we binder identifying and naming over learned that Guadalupe is home to 50 individuals. Photo images are col- countless sea birds and colonies of lected from visiting underwater pho- elephant seals, California sea lions tographers and catalogued, using and the endemic Guadalupe fur seal. scars, color patterns, dorsal and tail markings for identification. Jessie Guadelupe conservation has since turned the project over In 1925, the island was originally to Pfleger Institute of Environmental established as a Nature Preserve and Research in Oceanside, California, recently granted overall protection as but continues to collect images for a Biosphere Reserve in April of 2005, identification. limiting human exposure. “We are seeing the same individu- Rebecca Kobelkowsky, a represent- als year after year,” comments Doc. ative from the Mexican government, “Their personalities are as unique as was also on board, assigned with the their markings and they appear to be task of evaluating and setting new extremely intelligent by remembering

For as long as I can remember, I have True, the sight of these huge sharks hurl- always been intrigued with great white ing themselves out of the water in South sharks. They appeared in my school reports Africa can be exhilarating. Yet, it’s one of and as sketches within my art portfolios. those instances when everything needs to When the “Jaws” movie was released, it be perfect. The right location, time of day only succeeded in adding to my curiosity of and camera settings must be precise in these fascinating apex predators, spurring every way to be able to capture the true an in-depth research into their existence. moment. Once I became a scuba diver though, I It wasn’t until I heard about the small was under the impression the only place to volcanic island of Guadalupe,150 miles see this shark was in South Australia or South (241km) out from Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Africa. Unfortunately, visibility at both loca- that I realized a diver could have crystal tions can often be poor for photography, clear visibility and comfortable warm water usually ending in huge travel expenditures in which to clearly see and photograph for mediocre shots. great white sharks.

Rebecca Kobelkowsky RIGHT: Photographers get briefed about Great Whites on the way to the dive site 52 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Guadelupe Sharks

failed attempts at getting the bait we “When hunting, these sharks will usu- rope, which looks like bailing twine, and set out to attract them with. When one ally go after prey about one-third their thrown into the water by shark wranglers direction doesn’t work, they try another length,” states Bob Gladden, a videog- to encourage excitement. Live bait is and keep on trying until a different rapher for Doc’s Shark Expeditions. “That also brought on board for fishing while angle works.” makes me about one-third the length of enroute to and from the island. “Sneaky Pete will actually sneak up an 18-footer, a creature which weighs I’m sure sharks were on everyone’s on you,” adds Jessie. “ just flies over 3500 pounds!” mind as they retired for the evening, in by when he shows up and Bruce, like With this in mind, I went to examine hopes of seeing “Bruce” the next day. Finding Nemo’s Bruce, is very big in girth! the three heavy-duty marine-grade We awoke to find the remote island You can’t miss this guy. He also looks like aluminum cages on board. Two cages of Guadalupe gleaming in the morning he is smiling.” were 10 feet (3m) long by 7.6 feet (2m) sun with hues of bronze, red and gold Many of the sharks have also been tall and 38 inches (1m) wide, holding gleaming in the rocky cliff face. I could tagged, transmitting important data four divers while floating at the surface. only imagine how nice diving might be, back to the institute via satellites tell- The third, smaller cage was also along but no one had any thoughts of jump- ing of their location and other essential for shark observation at depth. ing in to find out, that is, until the cages facts. The sharks appearing around A huge freezer held a supply of frozen were lowered into the clear blue water. Guadalupe have been tracked as whole Blue-fin tuna and numerous frozen With water temperatures of CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Nautilus Explorer anchored by the rocky cliffs of Isla Guadelupe; far away as the Farallon Islands off one-gallon (4 liter) jugs of “cow” blood. 70° F (21° C), I was grateful to have on Lowering the shark cage into the water; Jessie Harper prepares tuna bate to lure Great White California and to Maui, Hawaii. The tuna will be cut in half, tied to a my ; 5-7mm full-body wet suits Sharks; Indigenous Guadelupe Fur Seals lounge on the beach

53 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Guadelupe Sharks feature PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Scenes from Doc’s Shark Expedition dives with Great White Sharks

also worked. There were even a the initial adrenalin rush while wait- but occasionally there were two few who braved 3mm suits and ing for the sharks to materialize traveling together, one follow- others who jumped in for ten- as we hung in 200 feet (61m) of ing the other. As Doc mentioned minute intervals donning only a water with a mild warm oceanic earlier, they tried all angles of swimsuit. My thin warm-water cap current flowing by. I kept expect- approach when interested in the worked very well, along with 3mm ing the soundtrack from “Jaws” to bait. Their interest peeked mainly gloves. be piped into the water to fuel our late in the afternoons. The sharks Doc and Jessie set everyone anxiety. put on quite the action show both up with DUI harness-style weight Although the cages were float- above and below the water. and trim systems, each containing ing at the surface behind the We were like excited school about 40 pounds (18.1kg) so we boat, which was anchored, I won- kids. Every time a shark passed by could easily stand in the cages. dered if a shark head or at least our cage everyone would give a few teeth might fit through one a “thumbs up” and yell into their Diving with Great Whites of the large camera openings. I mouthpieces, especially when the Entry was effortless, stepping from always seemed to be hanging out sharks outwitted the wranglers and the back of the boat into the large of one of these openings. nabbed the bait. cage opening. Four surface-sup- Millions of yellow and white scad Just as I would regain my wits, plied hookah regulators provided mackerel continually bore down another shark would appear. It an unlimited supply of air, but we on the bait, often running for only took minutes to blow through took one-hour rotation turns so cover behind the cages when the 36 exposures in a film camera, everyone could have different sharks showed up. making the digital system a real locations to capture images from As if cued, white sharks began asset when a one or two gigabyte every angle. to appear as soon as the first diver memory card was added. Most of Whenever my camera was jumped into a cage. Usually, they the time I was able to set my handed down, there was always were alone when they passed by, D70 on automatic settings with

54 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED feature Guadelupe Sharks excellent results. Before I knew it, I Nautilus crewmember, Bob was on my fifth one-hour in-water Crawford, donned his 1940 Morse shift and had already filled one of abalone hardhat and suit, to join my three 1GB cards during the first us. His boots weighed 17 pounds day. (7.7 kilograms) each; his weight “I never imagined there would belt was 80 pounds (36 kilograms) be so many sharks,” exclaimed and the helmet – 45 pounds (20 Mike Lever, owner/operator of the kilograms)! Nautilus Explorer. “I thought there The way the sharks kept closely would be sparse sightings through- passing by, it appeared they were out the day—not a shark every very curious and responded to five to ten minutes, all day long…” noises like recycling strobes and Needless to say, I think fatigue the clanking sound of Bob’s boots. hit us all that evening at dinner. I was actually able to get several As usual, food on the Nautilus was of the sharks to individually circle excellent and Mike’s crew was back 3-5 times each by manu- incredible. I’m sure we all went ally recycling my strobe! As with to sleep that night seeing nothing everyone before her, Rebeca was but sharks. amazed at the beauty and sheer dominant presence of the sharks. Day two What an awesome first underwa- Not as much eagerness from ter experience for anyone. the divers the next morning, prob- “You don’t have to be a certi- ably because we saw 6-8 differ- fied diver to jump in the cages,” ent individuals making numerous explains Doc, “Everything is safe passes yesterday. This allowed a and the air is on demand.” few of us die-hard pho- tographers a chance to spend hours on end in the cages, photograph- ing, filming and studying the sharks. I was even able to focus on something other than sharks, like Bay. Farther down ABOVE: A crew member the pelagic realm of the beach juve- from Nautilus Explorer, gelatinous critters all nile elephant Bob Crawford, wears a around. Thousands of seals practiced hardhat and suit. Sharks tiny undulating irides- their fighting tech- responded to the metal- lic clanking sounds of the cent life forms floating niques. Although suit by made me crave a these are the macro lens. white shark’s iNSET: Sunsets on the Later that day I natural food, they Nautilus Explorer at Isle accompanied Rebeca weren’t actively Guadelupe on her first cage dive and great To take advantage of the early hunting them at this time. A work- white encounter. Rebecca want- morning soft light, we took the ing unmanned light station, the FAR LEFT: A Great White ed to see and experience first skiff and cruised the shoreline remains of an old fishing shack Shark is trailed by a hand why so many people were early the next morning. Cute tiny and what was left of a church school of smaller fish wait- attracted to the island and what Guadalupe fur seal pups cried for from an abandoned prison was ing for scraps to fall from the shark’s feasting the big deal was about this spe- their mothers on a northern boul- also seen. cies of shark. der covered beach near Spanish

55 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ALASKA

SITKA

Guadelupe Sharks QUEEN CHARLOTTE feature ISLANDS CANADA Afterthoughts a 95% certainty that we will be PORT Overall the trip was quite reward- offering “fly-in” trips to Guadalupe HARDY ing. Videographers acquired for 2006, offering seven trips. VANCOUVER VANCOUVER breathtaking footage and still- Regardless of whether we offer ISLAND photographers went home with fly-in or ocean passages, we will hundreds of excellent action be taking 22 divers in 4 cages. shots. Rebeca, Mike and Doc Each cage will be 9’ long and worked out alternative methods accommodate 3 guests with bi- to using cow’s blood and all are level wraparound camera ports keen on finding ways to work with (so you can shoot either standing Guadalupe’s residents for eco- up or kneeling). Two of the cages UNITED STATES friendly future tours. will trail from over-side booms and “Conservation on Guadalupe have a 360-foot view. I can con- Island is a huge issue for us,” firm that one feels awfully vulner- explains Mike. We are working able hanging out there! The other on a plan to build a school for two cages will trail from the tran- SAN DIEGO

resident kids and improve the som. There is a possibility of a 5th ISLA island’s airstrip because there is cage suspended at 20 feet.” ■ GUADELUPE

MEXICO

LAS PAZ

CABO SAN LUCAS

SOCORROW ISLAND

Map of the Western Coastline of North and Central America

FOR MORE INFORMATION Nautilus Explorer, 604-657-7614 White Shark Information Reef Quest Centre For Shark Research www.nautilusexplorer.com prepared by Ian K. Fergusson www.elasmo-research.org www.zoo.co.uk/~z9015043/gws_con- San Diego Shark Diving Expeditions, Inc. serv.html BOOKS 888-SD-SHARK Field Guide to the Great White Shark www.sdsharkdiving.com San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau by R. Aidan Martin, published by Reef www.sandiego.org Quest Centre For Shark Research, Rebeca’s info (Spanish) Vancouver, Canada www.conanp.gob.mx Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research Sharks Island Conservation www.pier.org by Doug Perrine, published by Guadalupe Island Restoration Project Voyageur Press, Osceola, Wisconsin, www.islandconservation.org/guada- Shark Research Committee USA www.voyageurpress.com lupe.html www.sharkresearchcommitte.com

56 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Leigh Cunningham and Mark Andrews make diving history INSET: Divers on the descent Two Brits in Egypt World’s Deepest Wreck Dive Text by Mark Andrews Photos by Adam Butler Yolanda December 2005 I checked in at Gatwick luck we had been having with est and a passion for technical 300-bar Worthington carbon/ Airport on Saturday, the this project, it was bound to all diving. It would assure that this steel combination cylinders for change. week would be a success. this dive. This would allow me third of December, with I cast my mind back to May The weather was holding out to wear one less cylinder than three very large dive when we started the project. for us, and we steamed out into Leigh and offer a less dramatic bags containing all the All went well until I received a flat blue seas with little to no profile in the water. necessary equipment to dose of Pharaoh’s revenge and wind. Leigh decided to wear his spent the last part of the week The first day was spent at a trademark dive rig of twin twen- make a descent, hope- wrapped up in bed while Leigh local dive site making the deep ty litre cylinders with a twelve fully, to the deepest discovered the bow of the dive rigs and ensuring that all litre strapped to either side and wreck ever dived. wreck in 145m. the equipment was working as it two fifteen litre tanks as stages, After a good night’s sleep, I should. thus making a six-tank configu- Astraeus flights and Red Sea. travelled down to Trafco jetty I decided to use my triple ration. The problem I had with com were more than help- to meet the dive boat ful with this project and made supplied for the project sure that my check in went as by Seamus and Anna of smoothly as possible. Consid- Colona Dive Centre. They ering that one of the bags con- had also supplied the boat tained a Farralon ride-on scoot- last time. er, this was a great relief. The team was already I arrived at Sharm El Sheikh air- aboard busy preparing port to be met by my deep div- equipment and making ing buddy, Leigh Cunningham, ready for Leigh and myself. who drove me to my hotel. The team consisted of multi- Leigh was describing to me national technical divers how the last two weeks prior from Sharm El Sheikh and to my arrival had seen perfect Dahab, Most of them I had conditions for diving Yolanda worked with in the past and reef with very little wind and some were new to me. All smooth seas. Of course, with the shared a common inter-

57 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIEDPETER SYMES features Yolanda

LEFT TO RIGHT: View from above of Leigh preparing himself and his gear for the dive; Ras Mohammad can be seen on the horizon behind the team on the Colona; Sunglasses reflect a confident Leigh; The Plunge

my rig was that there was nowhere in tinkering with the dive rigs. The team dive. This time, we had the full dive Both Leigh and I decided not to the Sinai that had a 300-bar compres- took the opportunity to study the rigs team in the water simulating the big have safety divers deeper than 30m sor system... That is, until now. and fully familiarise themselves with dive itself. on the big dive itself due to the fact Chad Clarke, a familiar face in their operation. They wiere going to Apart from diving to over 200m, the that we would be carrying all neces- Sharm, has opened an all new pump- be responsible for ensuring that we hardest part of this dive was that it sary gas for the entire dive and would ing and station next to had all the right equipment in the right was all done with no shot lines—free prefer to be alone during the busier Trafco jetty (Ocean Tec) and agreed place prior to each dive. Later in the descent and free ascent being the parts of the ascent, which required especially for this project to install a day, we made a 100m dive to ensure order of the day. The safety divers great of ascent speed 300-bar system. How’s that for service? all was well—both with us and the rigs. needed to be experienced in blue and gas switches. The idea was You are a star Chad! The second day, we were out to the water diving with no visual reference to deploy DSMB’s at 30m. Each of Leigh and myself spent the first day dive site itself and made another 100m of lines or reefs. us would have two support divers

58 X-RAY MAG : 9: 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Yolanda

dive to 150m to relocate the bow of the wreck needed and plot the posi- a 300-bar tion with GPS to make decanting whip for ready for the big dive. We the blending panel. already had a good idea The mood changed where we needed to drop, and CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: as we tried everything Vern, our GPS man, was ready Leigh cruises over Yolanda’s we could to mate various when we dropped off the back cargo of porcelain toilets parts lying around the centre We also had of the boat. Snorkelers entered to make a workable whip. Just the Sharm Search the water and checked our dive Leigh’s bumper sticker as despair was setting in, Chad and Rescue centre support- rigs for leaks. Once completed, message, ‘Follow Me’ came to the rescue and called a ing us with a rescue boat and we descended into the blue on local engineer who came down paramedic staff. All these guys our 45/12 travel/intermediate Mark and Leigh confer at to the centre. We showed him a provided their services for free decompression gas. At 10m, we a station check point 300-bar spin tube and the high to us, and we are deeply in their gave each other the gas switch pressure decanting hose and debt. Many thanks. signal and switched to our back A support diver arrives with simply stated that we needed The plan for the day was a gas of 9/57. We both settled into the Farallon scooter “this bit to fit onto this bit”. This was met with a little scratch of the head followed by “no prob- lem, two hours”. It was 8pm in the evening. Can you imagine this situation in the UK? We decided to have a break and went to dinner. An hour later, we received a call from Chad saying that the part was there. We paid the bill and hurried back to the centre. I must admit, I had my doubts, as the fitting needed an odd coupling to ensure a good fit. We put it together, and it worked a treat—not even a slight leak. The following morning, we headed out to “Yolanda Reef”. Again the weather and sea were descend down the line to greet the dive. perfect. This time, we had left the us with spare gas, if needed, and Tuesday the 6th, after plan with Doctors Adel and in-water hydration packs. air dive, saw us in the gas blend- Ahmed at the Sharm Hyperbaric We made an additionsl day’s ing station, Ocean Tec at Trafco, facility that would follow our diving on the site again to 100m preparing for the first mixed gas progress and support the project with the whole team. Everything dive the following morning. with medical assistance. We was going very well. The weath- We hit a major problem within agreed in return for this service er was holding, the team was minutes of starting. Although we that we would visit the chamber exceptional, and Leigh and I had a 300-bar compressor, we after each dive and undergo were both in great condition for had overlooked the fact that we some tests for their studies.

59 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Yolanda the descent and enjoyed the in years of sand fall delivered ride. from the strong currents that We reached 100m, and run between the two reef there was still no sign of the plates high above the wreck. reef wall— just dark water all Our bottom time soon ran around, I turned on my Metal out. We both gave the up sig- Sub 200W HID and pointed nal and waved goodbye to it in all directions, but there the wreck. As we ascended, was nothing. Then at 120m, the reef quickly disappeared the light picked up the funnel from view and we were back of the wreck lying off to one in the blue. side on the steep reef wall. We reached our first gas We had landed about switch depth at 75m (17/25), 50m to the right of the main and signalled each other to wreckage. We made the assure we both made the swim across and down to switch. Ascending in the blue 150m to meet the bow of the can give some divers severe wreck. The Metal Sub lit up vertigo and should not be the wreckage like it was in contemplated without a a football stadium, and we good deal of experience in could clearly see the debris shallow water first. It requires scattered all around the a lot of concentration and steep reef wall. discipline, and you can eas- I shone my down ily find yourself in violation of the length of the wreck and ascent speeds and run times. watched as she seemed to At 30m, we made our next go on forever down the steep switch (45/12) and deployed slope. We had no idea how our DSMBs to show the sur- far down she would reach. face support our position in We were both amazed at the water. how entrenched in sand she As mentioned, the currents had become. The bow was can be very strong here, and merely a few feet proud of we are never sure just where the sea bed being covered we will be when we deploy the DSMBs. A lookout is always scanning the sea from the dive boat at the time we state on the dive plan to deploy. Within 5 minutes, we were ABOVE: Mark and joined by two safety divers Leigh float weightless each. One carried the under the sun Farallon scooter to help us get back to the reef wall for RIGHT: The team of a more pleasant decompres- safety support divers sion phase. The safety team meet up with Mark kept a careful eye on us as and Leigh on the we made our final gas switch multi-stage ascent to to 80% Nitrox. the surface After just over two hours in the water, we reached the

60 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Leigh and Mark shake hands over the success of reaching the goal INSET; The team aboard the Colona Yolanda LEIGH AND MARK WOULD LIKE TO THANK features THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE: PROJECT FINANCIER down along the length of its on my intermediate Trimix ELENA KONSTANTINOU remains. As I reached 195m, a (16/43). Luckily no leaks DIVE BOAT SUPPLIERS large bang went off behind my occurred, and it just filled with SEAMUS AND ANNA (COLONA DIVE CENTRE)

left ear, and my dry suit inflator water. One of Leigh’s comput- GAS SUPPLIER & CO-ORDINATOR stopped working. I came to a ers imploded squashing the LCD CHAD “THE GAS MAN” CLARK halt at 205m as measured on screen (Vytec). our dive computers, a We finished the bottom time LOGISTICS CO-ORDINATOR & DEEP SUPPORT PAUL “DOOZER” CLOSE D9 and a Nitek 3. by swimming up the other side As we levelled, we could see of the wreck and surveyed all DEEP/INTERMEDIATE SUPPORT that we were just under the the scattered wreckage that lay JOHN KEAN RAYMOND HERMANS stern of the wreck, and that the around the site. We gave each CHRISTIAN CAUWE ship was perched on a ledge other the up signal after a bot- roughly 40m wide. Beyond tom time on the wreck of 5.5 INTERMEDIATE/SHALLOW SUPPORT JIMMY JEWEL this, a vertical wall descended minutes and slowly rose back TIM PICKARD into the abyss. The wreck had into the dark blue water. As we DAVE SUMMERFIELD slid down the reef walls and did so, we got a fantastic view JOHAN NILSSON

slammed into this small ledge of the wreck. PHOTOGRAPHERS stern first. The rest of the wreck During the initial ascent, we ADAM BUTLER crumpled prepared our intermediate Trimix LOUISA RUSSELL

under the (16/43) for the gas switch, but BLENDING/DIVE SITE PLOTTER/SHALLOW SUPPORT force. There my regulator was not respond- VERN MAUCH she rests ing. I tried to purge but had no BLENDING/SHALLOW SUPPORT to this day response. I maintained a steady TOM HODGESON slowly filling 10m per minute ascent rate with sand. as I mulled over the thought CYLINDER SPONSOR surface and were helped back to Friday morning saw yet another other to As we of having to miss all my deep CHRISTOPHER “JUNIOR” HRYNCZYSZYN the dive boat Colona. perfect day with the sun shining switch to swam stops and ascend to the point BOAT CREW Upon reaching Trafco jetty, we brightly and the sea barely rip- our bot- under the at which I could switch to my YASSIR, MAHAMOUD AND SHARIFF left the team and went over to pling. As we arrived at the dive tom mix stern my lean Trimix decompression gas. RESCUE BOAT see Dr Adel and Ahmed in the site, the search and rescue team of 7/66. pressure This was not a good option and OSSAMA AND TEAM Sharm Hyperbaric facility, so that arrived and moored up alongside Once gauge would almost certainly result in a they could run some tests. They the Colona dive boat. These guys switched, imploded long stint in the chamber. CELEBRATION PARTY (Thanks guys) CHARLEY AND MONTY (TAVERN BAR) had a new machine called a slit offered us a fantastic service and we scanner that can detect minute a speedy evacuation should the relaxed DIVE EQUIPMENT SPECIFICS: bubble formation in the tear film worst happen. and MARK on the diver’s eyes. We were both Once prepared, we positioned descend- TRIPPLE SET OF 3 X 12L 300 BAR CYLINDERS given a clean bill of health and the dive boat over what we ed at a steady 50m per minute 2 X 15L ALLOY STAGES returned to Ocean Tec blending believed to be the correct posi- until reaching 120m where we LEIGH station to give a hand pumping tion based on the previous 150m slowed to 30m. This reduction TWIN 20L 232 BAR CYLINDERS all the gas for the big dive on dive. The horn sounded, and we in speed helps lessen the risk of 2 X 12L 232 BAR Friday. dropped into the water. One of high pressure nervous syndrome 2 X 15L 232 BAR

Thursday offered a chance to the safety divers performed a (HPNS) bought on by rapid Mark Andrews and Leigh Cunningham are both relax a little, and we spent the quick but thorough leak check on pressurisation of helium (fast Instructor trainers for the Professional Scuba day on the Colona dive boat tink- our dive rigs. We signalled each descent). Association and teach a range of technical div- ing in the Red Sea. They can be contacted at: ering with the dive rigs and ana- other to descend and slipped The drop was perfect. The bow lysing all the gas mixes. We made below the calm blue water. of the wreck came into view at MARK ANDREWS a final dive plan and briefed the We descended the initial 20m 130m, and we descended onto [email protected] team to each person’s responsi- on our travel/lean deco mix of the wreck itself slowly swimming LEIGH CUNNINGHAM bilities. 52/15 before signalling each [email protected] Safety divers watch and support Leigh carefully on his return to the surface 61 X-RAY MAG : 9: 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Yolanda

ABOVE: Mark and Leigh celebrate with the team

BELOW: The cake the photographer, Louise, made for the team

We had plenty of spare gas for me, as the pressure on the dive boat, but this was of gauge on my 16/43 no help as I ascended toward was still reading 300-bar the gas switch. As I approached after the implosion. 100m, I again purged the regu- The Farallon scooter lator, and to my amazement, a arrived, and we slowly little air escaped from the mouth- made our way back piece followed by a loud gush- towards the reef wall to ing sound. Then, everything was continue the decom- operational again. I safely made pression. We made our my gas switch at 84m along with final switch onto our Leigh and enjoyed a large sigh of 80% Nitrox and com- for further tests and were again relief. pleted the 205 minutes of decom- given a clean bill of health. We both ascended following pression with no further problems. Back at Ocean Tec, we the decompression schedule pre- Once back on the dive boat, rejoined the dive team for the cisely and deployed our DSMBs we compared broken bits of kit official team photographs and at the forty-second minute as and discussed the truly awesome thanked everyone for their sup- planned from a depth of 30m. We dive we had just undertaken. The port. were soon joined by the safety boat was alive with happy smil- The team is often overlooked divers who were eager to know if ing faces and everyone shaking in these projects, but Leigh and the dive was a success. A big OK hands. Louise, one of the photog- I are honoured to have worked and large smiles from Leigh and raphers, made us a chocolate with the finest support team that myself confirmed the successful cake to celebrate the dive, and we could ever hope to have. mission. all the team and crew tucked in We cannot thank them enough. We ascended to 27m for the for the return to shore. Without them, the success of next gas switch of 50/15, which Once at the jetty, Leigh and I this dive could not have been could not come soon enough went back over to the chamber achieved. ■

62 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS ������ SCIENCE & ECOLOGY� EDUCATION PROFILES��������������������� PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED NovaText by Svetlana Murashkina, PhD Scotia Ocean Playground of Canada... Photos by Andrey Bizyukin, PhD, Ingo Volmer and Svetlanda Murashkina

I can not stop feeling, that I am Where did you dive this summer? US border with huge metropoli- at the White Sea in the north- If a person is satisfied with the brief tan centers such as Montreal and answer, “In Canada,” that means Toronto, where there are sky-scrap- ern part of Russia. Mirror of blue the person probably missed all his ers and big businesses, as well as a water, islands and islets, bays and or her grade school geography vast country of wilderness territories small bays. Clear water, birches lessons. Canada is a country of in the north stretching out along along the shores. The difference real contrasts. It is bath a densely the coastline. inhabited strip of land along the becomes clear when you step out to the road. Good asphalt, bright yellow marking lines. What else strikes my eyes – every- where ashore there are placed, as if by a landscape designer, dry tree sculptures, decorated with algae. I can not understand, why there are so many dry trees? Then, the reason comes to my mind: nobody makes a camp fire here on shore at this time of year, that’s why dry branch- es are of no use. Environmental rules are very strict, and caution is at a high level. Nobody will do harm to the lobsters underwater, and licenses for lobsters take into account every claw. Meadows with fields of flowers and lots of strawberries are everywhere…

ABOVE: A diver explores a wreck on the coast of Nova Scotia PHOTO COURTESY OF NOVA SCOTIA TOURISM & CULTURE LEFT: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada 63 X-RAY MAG : 8 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Nova Scotia

Vollmer’s rything is handmade Island Paradise Resort for human comfort The target of our trip is New by a man. And the Scotland, Cape Breton and Janvrin name of the man is Island near Isle Madame. Arthur Vollmer. “Vollmer’s Paradise”, a modest The stars are also name given by its owners to their made by Arthur who “estate”, is about a three-hour created this hos- drive from the province’s capital, pitable resort on a Halifax, where the international ship- glorious plot of land ping port and airport are situated. with his own hands. Nova Scotia is one of ten Reaching 75 this Canadian provinces. Every territory, spring, Arthur is an like Quebec or Newfoundland, is a energetic German separate state with its own specific carpenter, collec- nature, history and culture, “nation- tor and inventor. His al features”, flag and slogan. Nova family settled here in Scotia’s slogan is “Canadian Ocean Nova Scotia Playground”. Here, all the life is con- in 1988. nected with the ocean. Before The history of New Scotland is a they history of British-French interaction and foreign relations. The British and French heritage is reflected in the traditions, music, art and cuisine of the area. It is the place where Acadiens settled, Canadian French. center, repair shop and a small res- It is here, at Cape Breton, that the taurant where Maria, Arthur’s wife, World Acadian Festival took place will serve you with yellow-like sun- this summer. moved to the pumpkin soup, or grilled fresh trout. But the dive center we are aim- area per- manently, Your salad plate will certainly be ing for is, in fact, German. By all the famly came to decorated with big strawberries. accounts, it really is, “Alles in ord- spend their vacations in In the hous- nung”, which in English means “eve- Nova Scotia and fell in love with es, which rything is in order”, and it’s great. the nature, the lifestyle, which was can host up different from the European way of to 17 people Creature comforts life, even though there was no time at a time, CAPE BRETON Suddenly, I open my eyes in the to be bored especially during the there are all NATIONAL PARK darkness of my room. And see… summer high season. the modern stars. Various thoughts come: Did I Six family houses are situated on convenienc- dive too much? Is the roof broken? the territory, hidden behind the es arranged And only after staring at the dark- trees, so you would scarcely see within a set- ness and getting used to it did I real- them until you came across them. ting that ize that the stars were fluorescent Everything is placed very rationally gives one the pieces of smooth material stuck just in the resort. illusion that over my cosy wooden bed. The fishman’s house is on the one is deep In each house of the resort, eve- shore. There is a club-house, dive in a forest.

LEFT: The beautiful coastline of Nova Scotia TOP RIGHT: A moose crossing 64 X-RAY MAG : 8 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED TOP RIGHT; Speedy transport for divers INSET: Divers prepare for a dive on location features BOTTOM RIGHT:Top speed in a rib Nova Scotia There are two beds, a shower, a toilet and a small kitchen. In the club house, there is a round table, a home library with lots of underwater books and litera- ture, and a screen. Our hosts are pro-active. In the begin- ning of the 90s, upon Arthur Vollmer’s initiative, a local organization working for pollution control was created. The group declared that their mission was to clean the island. Then, they collected waste, rubbish and organized its removal

dive school, ANDI Germany, Canada. and is the owner of the dive I am strongly convinced that the main center in Marlin. Ingo spends asset in every business, dive centers all his summer seasons in included, is atmosphere. It is created by Canada organizing dive tours the hosts, first of all, and the guests, that in Nova Scotia and research very often become regular customers. expeditions to remote places Here, everything is punctual and accu- on the Eastern shores of rate in the traditional German manner.

for recycling. They promoted the use of cotton shopping bags instead of plas- tic ones. They got waste containers for sorting rubbish (paper, soft plastics and metals) placed in the center of the com- munity. For all their hard work, the organiza- tion received recognition and approval from the public and governmental envi- ronmental agencies. Now, all this posi- tive energy the group generates is being directed mainly in creating and main- taining a real paradise for nature lovers and divers in this corner of the world.

The dive center The dive center is the beloved child of Ingo Vollmer. He heads the technical

A diver is eveloped by thick fronds of seaweed 65 X-RAY MAG : 8 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Nova Scotia

Soft corals and sea lilies decorate the surfaces of a wreck

If we plan to start at 9:00 am, we start Tury. Tury is a work horse, at 9:00 am, and not at 9:05. Dinner is at hosting 12 passengers a 7:00—that means exactly at 7:00. Such trip, averaging a speed of accuracy on the part of the hosts is very 8 knots with a maximum attractive to tourists and guests visit this speed of 12 knots. There place many times. are two tanks for everyone Canadians and Americans, driving on board as well as a port- their own or rented cars, like to be on able compressor, which is the road, spend 2-3 days in a spot, dive brought along so we can several times, and drive on to the next reach the far islands and Divers investigate a wreck site off the shores of Nova Scotia location. Europeans also visit the area. stay overnight there. They stay for 2-3 weeks, enjoying both The dive center also Walls reach down to deep depths. They diving and nature walking tours, as an has a speed boat, a rib with a huge are covered with soft corals, bold free escape from city stress. engine, getting up to 30 knots. It is Ingo’s lobsters and crabs, and sea stars of vari- Mobile phones do not work on every favorite toy. The rib brings divers to the ous sizes, shapes and colors. spot of the territory, only in the open most remote dive sites within 40 minutes. The water is cold, 5-10˚ C. In the mid- sea. So, in the evenings, the club house We reach the site. When the engine dle of summer, water temperatures is a hub of multi-national companies stops, nothing artificial breaks the warm to 13-15 degrees, but this benefit meeting, speaking different languages. silence: only the splash of waves and is accompanied by a decline in visibility. We were at the dive resort at the the sounds of birds. We can see a spray So, it is not the worse place for dry-suit same time as the editor-in-chief of of water from time to time port side. It diving. Tauchen, the largest German dive mag- is a whale passing by on its journey to I descend to the bottom. At about azine, and this man’s choice is known favourite feeding grounds. Now, the 20 meters, everything is as usual, to be reliable. We’re talking about his whale shows the curve of a large back. green calming water, brown kelp for- choice in diving, of course. At starboard, a huge well-fed gull sits est. Suddenly, a 1.5m seal takes wing observing. just under my feet. He is gray, with dark Diving The main impression I got from the spots, a nice face and a moustache. I We head out to sea on the dive boat dive was a strong affiliation with nature. have never ever seen seals underwater

A diver explores an open hatch of a wreck 66 X-RAY MAG : 8 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED features Nova Scotia

before this moment. Liberian tanker, Arrow, which sunk My cameramen is occupied with in 1970, and the Norwegian cargo his lenses… I am certain that the ship, Balein. They were covered animal will go away, and we will with algae and soft corals, and miss the opportunity to capture inhabited by numerous small fishes, images of the seal. Gone. Suddenly, each one trying to get a look at the seal returns and curiously mod- me, coming right up to my mask. els just in front of the camera. He makes one round after another. Wilderness In the near distance is a female with a humane face seal with her baby. They are not Canadians are very proud of their that curious, staying safely aside, “wilderness” and natural environ- but the father-seal looks right into ment, and they should be. A must- the camera lense. I watch the see side trip for tourists traveling seal and cameraman eyeing one across Nova Scotia is Cabot Trail,a another. They look like twin-broth- scenic road that lies in the territory ers. of Cape Breton National Park. Our hosts listen to my delightful Here, you will see moose and story about the first seal in my life deer, red fox, proud white-headed with patience; seals are common eagles, and Canadian geese. You here, so I am sure it’s not the first can watch whales from the shore. time they’ve heard a seal story from Throughout Nova Scotia flow clean an excited diver. salmon rivers. All this is maintained There are wrecks here too. The in a natural state. Nature is pre- served and protected by the state. Trails for hikers are marked with special signs identifying scenic views and benches for rest and picturesque bridges over streams. Perhaps, this is the right way to treat nature. So, when you go to Nova Scotia, bring along a good dry suit and good underwaer, and don’t forget your boots!

For more information about Vollmer’s Island Paradise in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, please visit: www.vipilodge.com ■

THIS PAGE: Scenes from a wreck dive where fish are bold and coral life is abundant LEFT: Gray seal. Image courtesy of NOAA Image Library 67 X-RAY MAG : 8 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED fact file Nova Scotia,Canada NAUI Products and Services Featured in International Dive Shows

Also Participating in Regional Shows Throughout United States

NAUI announced that its award-winning product line and new serv- History Canada is a country of rich natural ices will be featured in international dive shows throughout 2006. resources and vast distances. In 1867, Can- Along with NAUI’s full line of training products and materials, show ada became a self-governing territory while visitors can learn about the many ways NAUI can help expand your retaining its relationship with the British crown. dive operations through business development programs, quality The country has developed economically customer support and a comprehensive range of training programs. and technologically in parallel with its southen other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed neighbor along an unfortified border, the background 26%; Religions: Roman Catholic United States. After a decade of budget cuts, 46%, Protestant 36%, other 18% NAUI has or will participate in the following events in the country’s greatest political issues are im- 2006: proving education and health care services. Currency Canadian dollar (CAD) Ex- Recently, the issue of reconciling Quebec’s change rate: 1 CAD = $ .82 USD / € .63 EURO Paris Dive Show - Paris, France (13–16 January) francophone heritage with the rest of the Düsseldorf Boat Show - Düsseldorf, Germany (21 - 29 January) country’s population which is anglophone, Duikvaker - Utrecht, Netherlands (3-5 February) English 59.3% (official), French has receded after a referendum held by the serious obstacle to development; as a result Language Moscow Global Expo 2006 - Moscow, Russia (16-19 February) 23.2% (official), other 17.5% Quebec government failed to pass in 1995. of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, EudiShow - Genoa, Italy (10-13 March)

Pacific, and North American interior, cyclonic London International Dive Show - London, UK (1-2 April) Government A parliamentary democracy storms form east of the Rocky Mountains and Web sites Asian Dive Expo 2006 - Singapore (21-23 April) and a federation that is also a constitutional produce most of the country’s rain and snow Cape Breton National Park National Boat Show - Johannesburg, South Africa (18-20 August) www.pc.gc.ca monarchy east of the mountains. China Dive Expo 2006 - Shanghai, China (September) Vollmers Island Paradise Resort Dive 2006 - Birmingham, UK (14-15 October) Economy Canada closely resembles the US vipilodge.com DEMA Show 2006 - Orlando, FL (8-11 November) Geography Located on the northern half in its market-oriented economic system, pat- Nova Scotia Tourism of the North American continent, Canada is tern of production, and high living standards. novascotia.com NAUI will also be participating in many U.S. regional bordered by three oceans: the North Atlan- It is an affluent, high-tech industrial society. trade and consumer shows throughout the year, tic Ocean on the east and the North Pacific Agriculture: wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, Deco Chamber including: Ocean on the west, as well as the Artic Ocean fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest prod- Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre to the north. After Russia, Canada is the sec- ucts; fish; Industries: transportation equipment, Our World Underwater - Chicago, IL (24-26 February) ond largest country in the world. It has a stra- chemicals, processed and unprocessed min- Victoria General Site Boston Sea Rovers – Boston, MA (4-6 March) tegic position between Russia and the US on erals, food products; wood and paper prod- 1278 Tower Road, Victoria Beneath The Sea - Secaucus, NJ (24-26 March) the north polar route; about 90% of Canadian ucts; fish products, petroleum and natural gas. Nova Scotia, B3H 2Y9 Ocean Fest - Ft. Lauderdale, FL (21-23 April) are concentrated in the area within 160 km (902)473-2220 or (902)473-2251 ■ Northwest Treasure Hunt – Tacoma, WA (13 May) of the border with the US. Terrain: wide plains Climate Varies from temperate in the south Scuba Show 2006 - Long Beach, CA (24-25 June) with mountains in the west and lowlands in the to subarctic and arctic in the north southeast; Natural resources: iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, pot- Plan to visit the booth at each of these shows to catch up on the lat- ash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, Population 32,507,874 (July 2004 est.) est news, view new products, get together with your fellow members petroleum, natural gas, hydropower; Natural Ethnicity: British Isles origin 28%, French origin or join the NAUI team! : continuous permafrost in north is a 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%,

68 X-RAY MAG : 8 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED NUYTCO Sub Sea Pioneer

ABOVE: The Exosuit in action BELOW: Diagram of the “ car” RIGHT: Dr Phil Nuytten in his one-person submersible

NUYTCO

Text by Gunild & Peter Symes Photos by Gunild Symes and Nuytco Research “If you think about it, the space actually appears like a smooth between the highest moun- ball with a few stains on it from tain peak which is seven miles outer space. So why build these high and our lowest point in the suits? Why go so deep? Well, if ocean which is about seven we are not going to go there, miles deep… that’s just 14 miles why build the suits? There’s no of space in which all life, our point. The reason why we make lives, can exist. Our naked bod- these suits is to eventually be ies cannot survive outside this able to go to the places we small zone on the planet, which cannot reach today.

NUYTCO 69 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Phil Nuytten

LEFT: The two-per- son submersible, Dual DeepWorker NewtSub, allows for a pilot and an observer

RIGHT: Nuytco’s Exosuit NUYTCO was designed to protect the diver from pressure Close-up of the one- and hold internal pres- person DeepWorker sure much like the used by National exoskeleton of a Geographic crab

INSET: The three- person submers- ible, Aquarius, is NUYTCO lowered into the sea NUYTCO ABOVE: Deep Rover in action with diver

“Some say we should just send robots and sub- ians of our oceans. rockets for NASA from the sea marine robots to these extreme depths. But if we floor. are not eventually going there ourselves, why both- When rays meet newts Then there were Deep Rover, er at all? The point is that we are going to go there X-RAY MAG visited Phil at Deep Flyer, Aquarius, Sea Otter eventually, like we are going to go to the moon or his workshop in Vancouver and the revolutionary Exosuit, to Mars. We are eventually going to be there, and and received a tour of the which stood in the front office these suits and technologies are going to go with facility and his inventions by welcoming us to the fantas- us and help us get there.” the man himself. Famous tic world of all things Nuytten. So says Dr Phil Nuytten, inventor of sub sea sub- rigs that have done incred- Exosuit, introduced by Nuytco mersibles and the , a deep-sea hard suit ible things are lying around NUYTCO in 2000, is a radical concept in Close- employing break through technology that allow the place like lounge liz- lightweight atmospheric dive up detail scientists to walk the bottom of the ocean in one- ards…. rigs such as the micro-submersible Deep suits. The team is now investigating whether it of the arm bar atmosphere with a freedom and range of Worker, the revolutionary deep-diving system that can serve as submarine escape device for the of the Exosuit. movement unsurpassed by other devices. With transports scientists from National Geographic Canadian Department of National Defence. Reduced volume is accomplished by over 40 years devoted to sub sea technology, Phil programs and deep sea explorer, Dr , What was the most interesting part of the con- the cut-outs in each is fulfilling his goal to provide scientific, military, for her Sustainable Seas programs, to the bottom versation with Phil was what he said about the segment technical and sport divers unlimited access to con- of the sea to investigate environmental impact in fragility of the human body, which can only exist in tinental shelf depths without decompression haz- the deep ocean. The unit has been affectionately the small slice of the biosphere, and how we need ards. In this way, he hopes humanity can explore, tagged the “underwater sports car” and was used all these prosthesis, such as airplanes and under- investigate and ultimately become better guard- in a contract to recover the Space Shuttle booster ground tunnels, to exist in other areas.

GUNILD PAK SYMES 70 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Phil Nuytten The human being is like a jellyfish with sticks in it. —Dr Phil Nuytten

Early version of a one-atmosphere armored

The second International Inc., which has become most interest- one of the largest underwater con- ing point was tractors in the world doing work how Phil would in the fields of marine like to make con- struction, off-

NUYTCO these suits shore production, and economically even work with available to NASA in outer private individuals for space! Phil has around US$25,000.00— logged hun- the price of a nice dreds of hours car. About our on experi- bodies, Phil mental said, “The deep human diving being and is test-

like a jel- lyfish with sticks in it.” It needs extreme protection in extreme environ- ments. ing of Dr Phil decom-

A native Canadian, born and pression G.P. SYMES raised in Vancouver, Phil was just 12-13 years tables. He old when he began diving. He opened the is regarded ABOVE: Nuytten dis- first diving shop in western Canada when he as a pioneer of the cusses specs of the was 15, where he would work after school. modern commercial Deep Rover There were so few divers back then, he said. diving industry and a But by the time he was 16, he was making driving force behind LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr Nuytten with a more money than his teachers. revolutionary sub sea NewtSuit prototype; Phil was a commercial diver for many technology. looking under the years and co-founded Oceaneering Nowadays, Phil is hood of his submers- ible; the latest work in Nuytten creates totem woodcarvings in the progress submersible G.P. SYMES G.P. SYMES Northwest Coastal Native American tradition G.P. SYMES G.P. SYMES 71 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Phil Nuytten

NUYTCO

ABOVE: The latest version of the NewtSub, the Dual Deepworker for two

LEFT: A family of deep-sea micro-submersibles

NUYTCO BELOW: Phil discusses the new prototype with X-RAY editor-in-chief Peter Symes

leading the world in the development of sub sea technology. He is the genius behind Nuytco Research Ltd. based in Vancouver, an entity that has brought the world deep-sea submersibles and ground breaking atmospher- ic diving suits. Can-Dive has reduced quite a bit now since its glory days of being the major contractor in North America, said Phil. It is now just a small part of the Nuytten Empire, which now focuses mainly on submarines and the suits, which are now in their sixth or seventh generation, and the arms of the suits, which are in their third or fourth version. Right now, the benefit NUYTCO of reduced volume in the NewSuit is accom- The two-person Dual DeepWorker NewtSub submersible is lowered into the sea plished by the cut outs in each segment. Phil said that they are currently working on a new can withstand any amount of compression. Ideally, a museum of diving history in Canada with all the arm that has no moving parts but works in a he said, one should use an underwater suit out of diving artefacts he has collected over the years. package of liquid, so as the arm moves, the glass and titanium, or what Phil said was “unobtain- “We have some two or three storage rooms filled liquid revolves around itself. ium” because it is not yet available—a combination, up to the ceiling with this stuff,” he said. Phil is an Phil said that, ultimately, glass is the best or composite, of glass and titanium. avid dive historian and has some unique insights material to use for deep-sea inventions into the development of dive technology. Phil said, because it can sustain under high compres- A man of many hats “ is often credited as the sole sion as long it has equal pressure all around In the meantime, Phil continues to work on several inventor of the ‘Aqua-lung’, although he himself it. If it is held together by another substance it G.P. SYMES projects at the same time. He is planning to open never made such a claim. Cousteau was certainly

72 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Phil Nuytten LEFT: Dr Phil Nuytten in his office decked out with posters from Hollywood movies he and his team at Nuytco have been involved with over the years

RIGHT & INSET: Prototypes of the helmets Nuytco designed for various Hollywood films of which some posters are shown below G.P. SYMES

NUYTCO

PETER SYMES

the driving force behind the original Robocop or The Rocket Man. development, but the actual mechani- cal invention was done by a French Deep in Hollywood engineer named Emile Gagnan ( pro- Which brings us to the subject of nounced ‘Gan-yon’). Gagnan immi- movies. Phil and Nuytco have been grated to Canada in the mid-1940’s involved in over 114 movies includ- and all the early Aqua-lungs that were ing Titanic, The Abyss and Sphere sold in the US came from Montreal, with Samuel L. Jackson. Phil’s office is Canada, or from the parent company plastered with the posters made for in France.” all the films for which his work was con- Indeed, taking a look around Phil’s tracted. He has also done work for tel- workshop, every nook and cranny is evision including BBC’s renowned epic stuffed to the ceiling with vintage dive “Blue Planet” series. gear, equipment, the early prototypes In addition to collecting old dive song is then of rebreathers and regu- gear and working with Hollywood, transferred to lators, underwater Phil also collects old 50s sound equip- disc, and it is cameras and ment that is in mint condition still used just as good housings, to make clean recordings of original if not better ancient air songs he has acquired from record than the origi- tanks and companies and private collectors sound is then digitally recorded to a nal recording. twin sets, that go out of business. He takes the virtually permanent hard disk system a plethora original master tapes—in some cases with all the 24 individual instrument Native son of masks more than 40 years old—and drives off and vocal tracks complete and as an Being the multi-facetted man that he and fins, the absorbed moisture with an elec- almost perfect clone of the original. is, Phil is also dedicated to Northwest snorkels and tronically-controlled sampling/heat- If the degraded original master tapes coast Native art and culture. Indeed, BCDs, some ing system (that he developed) so were played without processing, the his interest in native culture is under- that look that the tapes may be safely played recording could be irretrievably dam- standable, since he is descended

like some- on the original reel to reel devices on aged. With a baking process the tape from the Métis (pronounced ‘May- NUYTCO thing out of which they were recorded. The analog becomes more durable, Phil said. The tee’) people—an aboriginal group

NUYTCO Nuytco Research’s new Exosuit is a revolutionary idea in The helmet Nuytco designed for the BBC’s “Blue Planet” series deep-sea suit technology 73 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED profile Dr Phil Nuytten

that inhabits the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Native tradition is in his blood and he carves totem poles, masks, jewelry and full sized canoes. He began carving as a child mentored by a native artist who taught him the craft. Phil said that he produces native long boats in wood and in fibreglass. They are beautiful, graceful structures that glide through the water like knives parting butter. Phil has even written a book about native wood- carving entitled, The Totem Carvers, which documents the lives of three prominent Native American carvers and their efforts to preserve traditional totemic art. Phil continues to promote the art of the First Peoples of British Columbia and keeps which are donated to museums in a repatriation program his province. Although his native going for art works of signifi- heritage is from central Canada, cant historical importance, Phil has been formally adopted into the Kwak’wak’wakw Nation of British Columbia, where he has a number of formal ‘Potlatch’ names —but his ‘everyday’ THIS PAGE: Scenes from Nuytten’s workshop name is ‘Tlox- sum’ , which and warehouse which is filled with diving arti- means ‘Red Snapper’ in facts to be displayed in a museum of diving the native language. history in Canada

ABOVE: Drawing plans for a new flexible fin For more information or to

contact Dr Phil Nuytten, LOWER LEFT: Dr Nuytten explains the process by visit the website below: which he takes original recordings of musical www.nuytco.com ■ classics from the 50s and creates new record- ings that can then be placed onto disc

Deep-sea helmet CENTER INSET: Sound recording equipment from developed by the 1950s. “It still works just fine,” says Dr Nuytten Nuytco ALL PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY G.P. SYMES 74 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Advertisement

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75 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED THE FACTS AND VIEWPOINTS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS PHOTO COURTESY OF X-RAY MAG. EQUIPMENT PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAS NOT BEEN TESTED BY OF SEAWEAR X-RAY MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS WARRANTED, INFORMATION PROVIDED IS CONDENSED FROM MANUFACTURERS DESCRIPTIONS. TEXTS ARE USUALLY EDITED FOR LENGTH, CLARITY AND STYLE LINKS ACTIVE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATIONS

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Love Love Love’s Kissing Fish An original love design by a Love Love Love artist is featured on this solid laquered Alderwood tile box. The box is perfect for storing diving knick-knacks, ocean jewelry or any precious keepsake. Measures 5.25” sq. x 2.13” (13 x 13 x 5cm) with a 4.25” (11cm) tile and hinged lid. Price US$24.99. The kissing fish design also comes in t-shirts, wall clocks, tote bags, magnets and mousepads. www.cafepress.com

77 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED ...Gifts

REEF JEWELRY Love in the Bahamas Edited by Pop the Question with a Deep Discoveries of North America is offer- Gunild Pak Symes Platinum Bubble Engagement Ring ing dive travel specials for Febrary—a very Profess your love with platinum and diamond special Valentine’s Day package on a new bubbles! This engagement ring contains Bahamas Liveaboard, Caribbean Explorer seven diamonds with the largest centerpiece I. Book the Caribbean Explorer I before 31 Gold Octopus diamond weighing in at half a carat. It is March 2006 and receive FREE NITROX (a on Hayseed Chain a diamond of good cut, colour and clar- US$150 value). The special is valid for travel Embrace your Valentine with ity. The remaining six are of various sizes to from 1 February-30 April 2006. Since 1993, eight golden arms. This beau- depict rising bubbles. This exquisite ring can Deep Discoveries has been providing divers tifully crafted satin finished be worn with the bubble wedding band to with complete travel packages to dive pendant Octopus designed by form a unique and bubbly engagement and destinations around the world. They spe- Peter Barbarovich of Reef Jewelry wedding ring combination. The wedding cialize in unique and exotic locations such looks stunning on any occasion. It band contains five diamonds of various sizes as Borneo, Malaysia, Sulawesi, Indonesia, will take your lover’s breath away. set as bubbles around the platinum base. PHOTOS COURESY OF DEEP DISCOVERIES Costa Rica, The Bay Islands of Honduras, Solid 9ct Gold. Approximately 3cm Platinum enhances the brilliance of the dia- The Sea of Cortez, Baja, Fiji and Galapagos x 3.5cm. Standard Chain Length: monds as it is naturally white and untarnish- Islands. These are destinations with excel- 406mm (16”). Complies to British Hallmark ing. Ring size is required with order. Complies lent diving and fascinating land touring. For Standard. A percentage of each purchase is to British Hallmark Standard. A percentage of more information or to book the dive spe- donated by Reef Jewelry to the Shark Trust. each purchase is donated by Reef Jewelry cial, call 1.800.677.5362 or visit: www.deep- Price: GB£255.00. www.reefjewelry.com to the Shark Trust. Price: Engagement Ring discoveries.com GB£1,950.00; Wedding Band GB£750.00. www.reefjewelry.com Warm Undercovers (See related love story on page ???) You don’t need a hearth fire to keep your lover toasty warm under the waves. Show the warmth of your love with Hydroskin from Fourth Element. The Hydroskin is intended to be worn under a wetsuit or semi-dry suit. It is constructed from high grade lycra based fabric and acts as a Give a Romantic Dive Holiday— UV shield (98% UV proof) for other watersport Paradise Hotels to activities. The ultra-smooth fabric reduces fric- Regaldive Worldwide is offering dive travel tion between skin and a wetsuit making it specials for Febrary 2006 to destinations easier for divers to put on the suit. In addition, such as the Red Sea, Oman, Tobago, Hydroskin reduces the chafing that can occur Borneo Mabul, Maldives, Cuba, Curacao, when wearing a tight suit that does not fit well, Grenada, Thailand, Manado and many which is especially helpful for students who are more romantic get-aways. Regaldive is renting their equipment. Thumb loops stop the consistently voted the UK’s ‘Best Diving sleeves of the garment from riding up. There’s Tour Operator’ for their commitment to a minimum of seams used in order to maximise quality and service. Right now you can the comfort of the garment against the skin. If take advantage of their discount offers you are allergic to neoprene, Hydroskin can like the Red Sea Special: Buy 1 dive pack help by acting as a barrier between the wet- (5 or 6 days) and get the second FREE suit and your skin reducing the risk of devel- when diving with Emperor Divers. Call for oping a skin rash. Price £24.95 Women’s; applicable dates. See all of their specials Men’s £33.50. www.fourthelement.com worldwide at www.regal-diving.co.uk PHOTOS COURESY OF REGAL DIVE PHOTOS COURESY OF FOURTH ELEMENT 78 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Its important to remember that Photography only when you are relaxed, happy, and comfortable Edited by Jason Heller can you shoot well & Daniel Beecham PHOTOS AND GRAPHICS: PETER SYMES Tips of the trade Travelling with cameras, selecting a photo-friendly operator

Over the next Through trial and error, as well as a images, it’s important to travel to relaxed, happy, and comfortable On-Board Facilities few issues we will significant investment in time and the right resorts and dive from the can you shoot well. Let’s face it... electronics and water future be taking you money, we feel we have found how right boats with the right people. don’t mix! When the difference through some to improve your underwater pho- For those veterans out there, who between a great dive trip with tography through travelling a cer- Relax may no longer be able to remem- memorable photos and a ruined trip meets tips of the trade tain way and properly configuring Once you descend into the water ber what it was like to be a novice due to a flooded camera can be for making your your dive equipment. These simple with the purpose of more than just diver or photographer, you may something as simple as a few grains classic dive travel easier, tips could prove to make your div- getting wet, equipment configura- already have your regular dive des- of dried sea salt or a piece of hair, cheaper, and less ing and dive travel more enjoyable, tion and ergonomics become more tinations mapped out and your opti- the importance of the right facilities stressful. as well as more productive photo- vital due to the extra physical and mum equipment configuration set, must not be overlooked. graphically. men- tal work you are but you may still be able to pick up In this first article The needs of an underwater pho- undertaking. a few pointers here. Freshwater, camera-only rinse tanks we’re going to tographer or cameraman are dif- An everyday Planning a dive trip can be excit- should be available to rinse the salt- ferent from those of a normal diver. topside task ing and motivating. But for pho- water off of your camera housing, look at how to go With extra equipment to trans- can be very tographers and videographers, it strobes and connections. It is impor- about choosing port, space needed for the challenging can also be frustrating and time tant that the boat crew informs the a dive resort that preparation of cameras and underwater. consuming. Where to go, what gear non-photographers on the boat will properly help additional time underwater Using a stills or to bring, how to pack with no extra that these tanks are for cameras you facilitate your needed to get video cam- baggage charges and of course and computers only. Chemicals and photography. good era under- who to dive with… residues from mask cleaning solu- water is an tions can help to break o-ring seals! example of Ultimately, dive trips are incredibly this. rewarding and some of the most Camera tables, or at least a dry, flat Have Camera... memorable times of our lives when and relatively stable area to organ- It’s impor- planned properly. ize, wipe off, modify and clean your Will Travel tant to photo gear will help to prevent cost- remem- But what should you be looking out ly mishaps caused by hastily open- ber that for in a photo-friendly dive opera- ing and closing housings in inade- only when tor? quate spaces. Of course, sometimes you are you ‘gotta do what you gotta do’,

Up to new shores! www.seacam.com Sweden • Norway • Denmark • Finland Bäckebolslyckan 18, SE-422 54 Hisings Backa Tel + 46/31/769 09 70, Mob + 46/708/29 33 41 e-mail: [email protected]

79 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography

Freshwater, camera-only rinse tanks should be available to rinse the saltwater off of your camera housing, strobes and connections to dive when and where you want, and sometimes the facilities just aren’t available. Keep in mind that leaving your camera in salt- Dive Guides water, or even wrapped in a wet An experienced dive guide with sea. We should support towel, is better than allowing it to local experience is invaluable. dive operators who demonstrate dry prior to a freshwater rinse. They know the reefs and the , environmental responsibility and and understand the behavioural support local conservation efforts, On-Resort Facilities patterns of the local marine life and patronize resorts and live- Many land-based and live- sometimes with impeccable accu- aboards who use biodegrad- aboard operators offer dedicated racy. Four eyes are always better able soap and detergents. Dive camera charging areas, digital than two, especially when two of operators can also help support workstations, accessories for sale, the eyes watch these reefs day in the local economies by employ- rentals and photo processing. and day out. Having dive guides ing locals and even training them Having a library of marine life ID who are also photographers or vid- as dive guides, which in some books also helps to identify the eographers can be an additional regions results in less fishing pres- creatures and corals that you plus. Beyond pointing out great sure on the reefs. Long term, as have shot and may want to shoot photo opportunities, on-staff photo a community of travelling divers, during a trip. Photographers who pros sometimes offer workshops we must support the local com- understand the habitats in which and lessons. munities, directly or indirectly, they are diving and the behav- who we need in order to support iour of the inhabitants, will usu- Environmental the reefs that we love (and as a ally come home with better and Responsibility world, need) so much. By diving more varied images. As divers, we are all ambas- with operators who sadors of the are environmen-

80 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED photography they went, what operator they used and what boat they dived from—find out if they had a favourite guide there too. Photoevent Calendar by Jason Heller Too many people have been gypped by taking travel bro- Welcome to another great new X Ray feature tally responsible and better yet, workshops and chures as gospel. Don’t get - our Dive Photo & Video Event Calendar, involved in conservation efforts, shoot-outs to help caught in a location during mon- provided by DivePhotoGuide.com. you are supporting these commu- participants learn new techniques soon season after the reef has nities and the reefs. and approaches to their pho- been plundered by local fisher- Feb. 1 tography. Other trips simply offer men, when you were told you Subios – (Seychelles) Safety the luxury of diving freedom for were visiting somewhere with year ► www.subios.com/en/competitions The number one consideration photographers with very specific round sunshine and prolific marine on any dive trip should always be interests. Usually the resorts or live- life! Feb. 1 safety. In order to come home aboards that host these trips are It’s also worth in mind UW Images 2006 (USA) with great pictures, you need to very photo friendly. that you can quickly build a ► www.uwimages.org/2006/index.htm come home in one piece! rapport with a dive operator or Some of the basics include And Finally… guide with whom you could get Feb. 3 oxygen and on board, a Lets face it, we’ve all been discounts on future trips for diving First Annual Wetpixel.com & working radio and an able crew caught out once or twice by frequently with one operator, or DivePhotoGuide.com International Photo with local experience. If you’re wise talking sales people; don’t you could get special treatment ROBERT XXXXX Competition (USA) diving in a more remote desti- believe everything you read from your guide and crew. ► www.divephotoguide.com/contest06 nation, you will want to inquire about the destination in the In most popular destinations, Divers & Photographers about the closest recompression brochure or everything you are there is a dive operator to suit Feb. 15th chamber and emergency pro- told by the travel agent. Do your everybody’s needs. However, —Ambassadors of the Sea EPIC Photo Contest (USA) cedures. You may even want to homework and travel to the right we don’t always get to plan the ► www.epicphotocontest.org inquire about back-up engines locations at the right time. exact trip we want. You By Jason Heller and boat maintenance. If you can, speak to photogra- may need to com- Feb. 25th phers who are familiar with the bine your photo The inhabitants of the sea (www.tunahook.com/products/ Fete De L’Image.Sous Marine (France) longline/accessories1.php3) Birds of a Feather… destination you are planning to dive trip with a are unable to protect them- ► http://fete.image.s.marine.free.fr Some photographers choose to visit, find out what time of year family dive trip, selves—unable to cry for Enforcement in these dive only on special photogra- or a business help—unable to call atten- remote areas is difficult, and March 31st phy-oriented group trips often trip. tion to the atrocities of man. from the apparent lack of Wildlife Photographer of the Year guided by a professional Next time They need representatives sharks at Darwin’s Arch, inef- Competition (UK) photographer. Many of you’re plan- who can share the evidence fective. We as divers and ► www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/tempo- these trips include ning a trip, of the silent destruction that is photographers can do our rary-exhibitions/wpy/comp-index.html use this as a occurring daily in the world’s part to help. Document list of criteria oceans. your findings, report any evi- March 31st alongside any While recently diving on dence of illegal fishing or reef Asian Diver & ADEX 2006 Ocean Odyssey other special world famous Wolf Island in destruction to the proper II (Singapore) requirements the Galapagos, home of local authorities and to inter- ► www.asiandiver.com/contest/ocean_ you have, and schooling Hammerheads, national groups who may be odyssey_2.pdf you’ll soon be White Tips, Galapagos Sharks, able to help. able to narrow Turtles, Mantas, Eagle Rays In the interim, anyone with your options down and more, we found this images of long lining, ille- to the most photo- long line fishing hook. A little gal fishing, shark finning or friendly operators. research and help from pho- sea cucumber harvesting tographer, Michael Aw, con- in the Galapagos, please Good luck and firmed that this was indeed a contact me directly at happy shooting! long line tuna hook. [email protected].

81 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

Movies now media Rum Runners, U-Boats & Hurricanes on DVD By Bryan Galecki Books Film DVDs CDs Perfect bound softcover: 310 pages Edited by Peter Symes Publisher: Pine Belt Publishing & Gunild Pak Symes ISBN 0-9769223-0-4 Price US$19.95 POINT & CLICK A complete history of the 125-ft (42m) Coast ON BOLD LINKS Guard Cutters Bedloe and Jackson lost in the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944 off the coast of North Carolina, USA, while attempting to rescue the passengers of a liberty ship. Includes previously Diver Down unpublished illustrations and photographs as well By Michael R. Ange as a thoroughly researched history of these vessels Paperback: 192 pages by former diver and author, Bryan Galecki, who Publisher: International Marine/ recounts the vessels’ harrowing three-day struggle Ragged Mountain Press. 2006 for survival and loss of 48 crewmen, record setting ISBN: 0071445722 dive expeditions in the Great Lakes, the perils of U- Price: US$15.95 boat warfare at the end of World War II from the Real life true stories of divers in danger- Chesapeake Bay to the Caribbean, the vessels’ roles IMAX Movie: ous situations such as running out of air, in confronting smugglers in the 1920s off the New Volcanoes of the Deep Sea paralysis and being towed by powerful England coast and rum running days of Prohibition. Directed by Stephen Low currents is covered in this book which www.pinebeltpublishing.com Narrated by Ed Harris analysises each tale, how the things Written by Alex and Stephen Low went wrong, what to see, avoid and how Executive Producer: J. Cameron to respond to underwater emergencies. Studio: Image Entertainment It is a survival guide for both recreational Run Time: 60 minutes divers and technical divers exploring wrecks, Genre: Short / Documentary caves and deep depths. Covers inspection Few places on Earth remain veiled and maintenance of dear, safety protocols, in mystery like the depths of the training and practice of emergency response ocean where very few have seen under duress. books.mcgraw-hill.com life and even fewer visited the depths. Now, you can be there, 12,000 feet (4,000m) below the Ironclad: Loss of the USS Monitor surface with Alvin, a deep-sea By Paul Clancy submersible, which makes a voy- Hardcover: 288 pages Fishy Friends age to the Azores to explore Publisher: International Marine Childrens Book the ever-erupting volcanic rift Publishing Company. 2005 By Michael Patrick O’Neill between North America and ISBN: 0071431322 Hardcover: 64 pages Europe. Visit a strange undersea Price: US$16.47 Publisher: Batfish Books. 2003 world once thought not to support On December 31st, 1862, The USS Monitor went down off ISBN: 0972865306 life, now revealed to be team- Cape Hatteras, Virginia. Sixteen men died that day. By Reading level: Ages 9-12 ing with life... strange creatures investigating salvaging accounts of the revolving gun turret Price: US$13.57 and dramatic landscapes. State 140 years later, author Paul Clancy raises questions about Sure to please young readers, of the art lighting technology the captain’s statement that there were only three men Fishy Friends is an entertaining and gives the film visual superiority to left on the ailing vessel—those that refused to come down well-humoured tale of marine life brought to you by Charlie the Crab, anything shot before. Now play- from the gun turret, the ship’s highest point. After search- the endearing narrator of a book by award winning photographer and ing in an IMAX theatre near you, ing through newpaper accounts and interviewing experts writer Michael Patrick O’Neill. The book has been given strong endorse- or buy the DVD. Features include in coastal , Clancy adds new details and ments by the editors of Ranger Rick, Smithsonian and BBC Wildlife various language tracks in English insights into the final voyage of the Monitor whose great Magazine. www.amazon.com and French, educational video, battle with the Virginia ended in a draw and changed behind-the-scenes video film naval warfare by making wooden warships obsolete. facts and trivia quiz. DVD Price: www.amazon.com or www.amazon.co.uk US$19.99 www.amazon.com

82 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED review Movies Coming Soon... By Peter Symes media Books Film DVDs CDs Underwater Digital Video Made Easy By Steven M. Barsky, Lance Milbrand, and Mark Thurlow Paperback: 192 pages, over 150 photographs and illustrations ISBN Number: 0-9674305-5-0 Price: US$23.95 Dive Destinations DVD Price GB£6.95 I am not an underwater videographer, but What a package deal: The Ultimate Dive this book made me want to become one, Destinations guide book and Red Sea and that speaks volumes of its qualities. It Odyssey: The Ultimate Red Sea Guide DVD really is a high art form to write a clear, yet together, brought to you by BBC news- comprehensive “How-to” guide book with- man John McIntyre in conjunction with out resorting to complex language or Sport Diver UK magazine with contributions a huge volume of intricate words and from colleagues Miranda Krestiovnikoff of technical phrases. This book is a good Wreck Detectives and renowned under- example of how well it can be done. water photographers Tony White and There is sufficient detail, precisely bal- IMAX Movie: Lawson Wood. This year’s edition covers 56 anced with brevity, presented in a pleas- Deep Sea 3D of the world’s best dive sites with amaing ant flow with ease of navigation. packed into the book’s 190 pages including Director by Howard Hall 3D graphics and the best dive locations in the Egyptian This guide starts at the beginning with the all those very valuable small tips that only Narrated by Johnny Depp and Red Sea including Ras Mohamed, The Brothers, Zabargad, considerations that surround the purchase come from working many years in the field. Kate Winslet Rocky Island, Daedelus, St John’s and Elphinstone. The guide of a camera and housing, then takes the From selecting your equipment, making a Score by Danny Elfman captures the dramatic walls, diverse and prolific marine life, reader through a natural progression of story board to topside shooting, travelling Producers: T. Myers, M. Hall glorious turtles, rays and sharks. www.divedestinations.co.uk chapters leading up to the last chapter, tips, setting up your gear and performing a Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures which addresses what you do with your fin- shoot with available light or setting up your Genre: Documentary ished masterpiece when you are ready to own lighting, to maintenance of equipment Release Date: March 3, 2006 distribute it. The nine other chapters that and editing and distribution… everything Loaded with breathtaking shots of lie in between could almost pass for a self you will need is here and then some. I don’t the underwater world designed study course textbook in underwater pho- quite know if I fully agree with the title of the specifically for the IMAX theater, DVD tography, or at least serve as a very handy book. Videography, it seems, as is the case Deep Sea 3D, is a spectacular reference. with u/w photography, requires a fair bit of underwater adventure from the Authored by the accomplished writer, diligence and dedication, so can it really filmmakers behind the first IMAX Return of the Plankton: videographer and commercial diver, Steve be made ‘easy’? In any case, semantics 3D film, Nascar, which grossed The Seasons Underwater Barsky, who is the main author, with fel- aside, this book on underwater digital video nearly US$23 million around the in Puget Sound DVD low dive professionals Lance Milbrand and certainly lowers the bar. ■ world. It is the first IMAX movie to Produced by Still Hope Mark Thurlow, decades of experience are www.hammerheadpress.com be co-narrated by Johnny Depp Productions and Kate Winslet with a score Price US$30.00 by award-winning composer Discover and identify creatures Danny Elfman (Spiderman, Men of the Pacific Northwest marine in Black, Chicago). Directed by ecosystems with this 27 minute world-renowned underwater cin- video and over 150 photo- ematographer, Howard Hall, the graphs of each creature in film will take you down below the the film, labeled with common ocean surface to swim with some name, scientific name, habitat amazing creatures ranging from and diet. Includes supplementa- the rainbow nudibranch to the ry study aids for instructional use. giant Pacific octupus. Witness store.nauiservicesgroup.com their often humorous, threatening or peculiar ways of survival. www.imax.com 83 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Sneed B Collards books for kids media on life and research in the seas Book Reviews Reviewed by Michael Arvedlund, PhD The Deep Sea Floor The American author Sneed B. Collard has written more than fifty Publisher: Charlesbridge books for young people, on subjects of the sea, animals and animals Publishing. MA, USA. 2003 in the sea and how life science researchers work. His books The Forest Hardcover: 32 Pages in the Clouds and Beaks! Were both named Teacher’s Choices by the Reading level: Ages 6-12 international Reading Association. In the spring of 2005, Sneed was Booklist wrote the following about awarded the prestigious Lud Browman Award from the Friends of the Collard’s book about the deep Fathoming The Ocean University of Montana library for his lifetime achievement in science sea: “One of the great frontiers of writing. Sneed is unique in his work by his research methods, which also scientific discovery in recent years The Discovery & Exploration of the Deep Sea ensures a very high level of quality in his books. Sneed says, “Unlike has been the deep-sea floor. In many other authors, I like to gather the information for my books by a brief, lucid account illustrated good example of highlighting a By Helen Rozwasowski faced to support them. talking to the experts. I especially love to travel into the field with sci- with many watercolor paint- change in scientific knowledge Hardcover: 352 page However, all this was entists to see first-hand how they work, where they work, and what ings, Collard explains the basics that contradicts statements made Publisher: The Belknap Press changed when it became they are discovering. In the past of oceanic geology, including in many older books that are ISBN: 0674016912 practically possible to dredge ten years alone, I’ve taken some crustal plates, abyssal plains, and still in classrooms and libraries. Amazon price: GB£16.95 the oceans at great depths. unforgettable journeys to some of trenches; the sonar technology Wenzel’s watercolors are equally One of the prime reasons the world’s most exotic, fabulous and deep-sea submersibles that effective in picturing the strange, Reviewed by Michael Symes behind this was the need to places.” have made exploration possible; deep-sea environment and in Today, thanks to the efforts of explore the ocean bed in and the sometimes exotic-look- illustrating the specifics of geol- Alvin and similar vessels, we order to lay telegraph cables Our Wet World ing varieties of wildlife that have ogy, biology, and technology know something about the between Europe and America. Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing been observed. The short sec- referred to in Collard’s informative wonderful marine life present With the money MA, USA. 1998 tion on deep-sea vents and cold text. A list of recommended books in the ocean available to Hardcover: 31 Pages seeps offers a simple explanation and web sites will lead children to depths. At improve the Reading level: Ages 5-10 of chemosynthesis and points out more about this alien, undersea the begin- sampling of the Our Wet World introduces aquatic that not all life on Earth relies on world. A glossary is appended. ning of the sea bed came habitats in an excellent way for children 5 and up. The accompanying photosynthesis. This section is a www.amazon.com ■ 19th cen- the spin-off of watercolor paintings are large and beautifully done and show many tury, some better biologi- different aquatic habitats. This book is very suitable for the first intro- naturalists cal sampling. duction to wet habitats for children. www.amazon.com ■ One Night in the Coral Sea believed that And what a Sneed B. Collard, they did have spin-off it was. On the Coral Reefs Robin Brickman (Illustrator) evidence of It changed Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Publishing. Publisher: Charlesbridge life at great forever our New York. USA. 2006 Publishing, 2005 depths. For idea of the Hardcover: 43 Pages Hardcover: 32 pages example, Sir world in Reading level: Ages 6-12 Reading level. Ages 6-12 John Ross fundemen- The book tells about reefs in an easy and Children’s Bookwatch wrote the reported find- tal ways; it interesting way for children, accompanied following: Superbly pictured in ing worms alive affected not by colour photos of life on the coral reef marvellous and colorful detail by at 1000 fathoms only the sci- and tells how a leading international coral Robin Brickman’s cut-paper illus- (6000 feet). Yet, entific world reef researcher works. The foreword to the trations, One Night In The Coral in spite of this, but also book says the following: “Every year, millions Sea by science writer Sneed B. in the middle of the cultural of scuba divers flock to coral reefs to explore Collard III brings Australia’s Great polyps that will settle onto the the 19th century and social world. their beauty and wonder. Scientists, too, are Barrier Reef to life for young read- coral reef and form new colo- nearly all natu- ral- This book describes the histo- fascinated by coral reefs, especially with the ers ages 6 to 11. It is a night in nies, extending the reach of the ists thought that, due to the ry of the oceans in the broad- way so many different species in the reefs the late spring just after the full reef along the Australian coast. extreme physical conditions, est cultural sense, and there- depend on one another to survive. On the Coral Reefs takes a close moon and something is occurring Enthusiastically recommended life reached a zero at some fore for anyone who is interest- look at a coral reef relationships through the eyes of Dr. Alexandra that only happens once a year. for both school and community 300 fathoms (1800 feet) depth. ed in the history of exploration Grutter who has dedicated her career to understanding cleaner fish Dozens of coral species simultane- library collections, One Night In Naturalists resisted in believing of the ocean depths this book and their unusual relationship to the fish they clean. Her research, ously release thousands, millions, The Coral Sea is an entertaining in life at great depths largely has much to recommend it. along with the work of other scientists, has broadened our understand- trillions of eggs and sperm into the as it is informative. because no specimens sur- www.amazon.com ■ ing of coral reefs and increased our appreciation of these remarkable sea. These then form new coral www.amazon.com ■ underwater ecosystems.” www.amazon.com ■ 84 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The First FrByo Sven Erik gJørgensenm - The Danish Societye ofn Diving History 2 Naval operations with the SLC (SLC: Siluro a Lenta Corsa, ‘slowmoving torpedo”)

(continued and concluded from issue #7)

In the years prior to World War water. As soon as the submarine was in II, the Italian fleet had devel- position, and the frogmen were out, the oped a new underwater weap- containers were opened and the SLC drawn out. The frogmen then tested all on, the SLC, a slow torpedo the functions of the SLC before setting which was manned by two out for the target. The first part of the trip divers. Submerged, and thereby took place on the surface, when only the heads of the frogmen were above the unseen, the frogmen on the surface. The frogmen had full face masks SLC could get close in to the on but breathed through a valve in the enemy ships and mine them. mouthpiece out to the air in order not to The frogmen trained in attacking deplete the oxygen stores. The harbours were gener- their own ships, and after many ally barred by submarine excercises developed a pro- nets which the frog- cedure for approach and men had to pass placing mines under the ships. either under or over. They could also cut their The submarine, which transported the way through SLC in pressurised containers on the using wire-cut- deck, sailed as close as possible to the ters. Free from target. One could then choose either the nets and into to release the frogmen while the sub- the harbour, the marine was lying on the seabed or, if it frogmen picked were possible without being discovered, out the chosen to let the submarine float to the surface target by its sil- with only its tower appearing above the houette because

85 X-RAY MAG : 8:8 :200 20055 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The SLC sailing at the surface. To conserve gas this was mode of the initial approach to the target the attacks took place at night. They had to get so close to the target that they could often hear and see the watch crew on the deck. During the last part of the trip on the surface the sternmost lowered his head beneath the surface and breathed using his oxygen apparatus, so that there was as little as possible to be Painting by Rudolf Claudus, depicting the Italian frogmen mounting a mine seen by any watchmen on the ships. on the stabilising keel of an enemy ship The leading frogman then also went over to breathing using his oxygen apparatus and was ready to release the air from the tank of the SLC. In that sailed towards the target the frogmen they had come until the stern-most frog- informed him that the wire was now fixed activated. This would cause the mine to way could they quickly disappear from kept an eye on the remaining light filter- man felt the bilge keel. The bilge keel in place, and the SLC was now sailed explode 2½ hours later. He then released the surface if it happened, for example, ing down from the surface. is a thick piece of sheet-iron which runs over to the other side of the hull where the SLC from the mine and crept back that a searchlight could get close and When the light disappeared they knew along both sides of the hull in order to the procedure was repeated. There was to his seat. Three claps on the shoulder illuminate them. that they were beneath the ship. The SLC stabilise the ship against rolling. With a now a wire stretched out beneath the of the driver told him that the task was was stopped and a little air was released clap on the shoulder of the driver the ship. Holding the wire the frogmen now completed, and that it was now time to Acquiring the target into the tank between the frogmen so stern-most frogman told the driver that pulled themselves to under the middle get away. It was impossible to find a way When the target had been identified, that the SLC now had a slight positive he had found the bilge keel. He quickly of the ship. The stern-most frogman now back to the submarine and the frogmen, and at a distance of ca 30 meters from causing it to rise up to the bot- took a clamp and a steel wire from left his seat and crept past the driver if possible, had to try and reach a neutral it, the leading frogman took a tom of the ship. The frogmen raised a the toolbox behind him and fixed in order to fix the mine, which formed coast where they could sink the SLC. This bearing and then let the SLC disappear hand over their heads to take the force the wire to the bilge keel using the bows of the SLC, to the wire. At the procedure shown to be possible during beneath the surface. At about 8 to 10 of contact with the ship’s bottom. With the clamp. Two claps on the shoul- same time the driver of the SLC held it training but was found to be much more meters depth the SLC was trimmed to sail one hand one the bottom of the ship der of the driver fast between his legs. After the mine had difficult during operations against the horizontally. It was now cold, dark and they returned in the direction from which been fixed the timing mechanism was Allies. quiet around the frog- men. As they slowly

Line draw- ing of the Scire with SLC con- tainers on aft and fore decks

86 X-RAY MAG : 8: 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Depth charges being feature launched from British frigate would take a chance rather than await received a radio message from the inevitable. After some time a large Rome: ”The English fleet has left Attacking the British amount of air was released from the sub- harbour – return to Tobruk”. The On the 10th June, 1940 Italy declared marine – the hatch had been opened disappointment was great, so war against England and France. It was – and the survivors appeared one by one close and so had the fleet left now that the SLC could show what it on the surface after being trapped for 24 harbour. They were very close could do. The first attack was planned hours on the bottom of the sea. to the naval-base and prob- for the night between the 25th and 26th ably a watch at the base had August, 1940. The target was the English ”Enemy ship 800 meters” observed the submarine and fleet in Alexandria. The submarine Iride The next attempt was made in raised the alarm. After just a few took the frogmen from La Spezia to September 1940. The Italians would minutes sailing the alarm sound- Bomba west of Tobruk, where Iride met attack two English fleet-bases simulta- ed on the submarine: ”Enemy the torpedoboat Calipso, which carried neously – Alexandria and Gibraltar. The ship 800 meters”. Gondar dived the surface for only a few minutes before four SLC. This method of transporting the submarine Gondar sailed for Alexandria immediately, and a hunt now began it again sank. In spite of this, all the crew SLC was chosen in order to avoid dam- and Scire during which Gondar was under con- excepting one managed to escape from age to them should the submarine be for Gibraltar. stant bombardment by depth-charges, the wreck. The attacking destroyer col- forced into deep water. After 9 days causing it to dive deeper and deeper. lected up the surviving frogmen and sub- On the morning of the 21st August, equipment. The frogmen and the diver at sea the The hunt continued all night, and in the marine crew, among them Toschi who when the SLC were being transferred to made contact with the survivors in the Gondar morning at 8 o’clock the Gondar could spent the rest of the war as a prisoner. Iride, and the submarine refuelled - ready submarine using knocking signal. The reached not take it any more and began to sink to carry out a test dive – three English tor- crew of the submarine signalled that Alexandria uncontrollably. All the air was blown into Attack on Gibraltar pedo planes appeared on the horizon. the external hatch of the sluice could on 29th the tanks in order to stop the dive. It suc- Scire reached Gibraltar at the same time They flew low over the sea and opened not be opened from inside. September. ceeded, and the Gondar stopped at 155 as Gondar reached Alexandria. Just 50 fire against Iride. A torpedo hit the sub- The hatch was stuck tightly in the At the time meters, but now an uncontrolled rise to miles from Gibraltar and 4 hours prior marine amidships and it immediately hatch frame by the explosion. However, intended for the surface began with an ever increas- to the planned attack Scire received a sank in 15 meters of water. the frogmen and the diver succeeded the opera- ing speed. The crew got ready to aban- radio message: ”The fleet has left har- in opening tions to start don the submarine as soon as it had bour – return to La Maddalena”. This time the hatch but Gondar reached the surface. Gondar floated on was not a success either. The English had it was dam- apparently detected one of the subma- aged and rines but didn’t know its intentions. could not be The Sinking of the Gondar. On the deck the con- They were ready for yet another attack closed tightly. tainers for the SLCs are just visible on Gibraltar in October 1940. The frogmen Under the command of Valerio signalled to the Borghese the Scire would transport crew of the sub- three SLC to Gibraltar, where they marine that they would attack the English battle- should open the ships. The frogmen were the same second hatch as were recalled from the previous into the hull mission. This time the frogmen were The first attack on the British naval stronghold of Alexandria was planned for and attempt with the Scire the whole way from August 25-26, 1940 with the support of the submarine Iride to reach the La Spezia to Gibraltar. The Scire surface. The reached the Straits of Gibraltar on Rescue order was discussed in the submarine but the 27th October. Two days later Calipso immediately sailed to where Iride they thought that the crew preferred to the Scire, submerged and against had sunk. They found that the frogmen remain in the submarine. It was signalled the strong current, succeeded in and some of the crew had escaped from outside to the trapped crew that entering the Strait. Outside the Bay from the wreck. Without oxygen equip- they should come out within half an hour of Algiceras, where the fleetbase ment – it was in the Iride - the frogmen or they would be left to their fate. There was situated, the Scire waited 70 dived down to the submarine and con- was no answer. meters down on the rocky bottom nected a buoy to it. A message was sent From the deck of the Calipso the frog- to await the coming night. Sounds to Tobruk asking for help, and after some men maintained a watch on the sea and could clearly be heard in the time a diver arrived with some diving hoped that the crew in the submarine submarine from the shipping traf-

87 X-RAY MAG : 8: 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED �������������������

������������������������������� ������������ fic. In the evening the Scire sailed slowly Equipment breakdown ������������������������������ into the bay. Only the most absolutely The SLC of De La Penne and Bianchi was ���������������� �� necessary equipment was in operation, the first to fail. After sailing for about 20 � ������� ���������������� and the crew avoided any unneces- minutes De La Penne dived to avoid a ������������������� sary noise in order not to be detected. searchlight. At a depth of 15 meters the ��������������������� They constantly heard the noise from the engine stopped and the SLC dropped ����������� screws of the patrol boats passing over to the bottom at 40 meters. It proved them. Around midnight they were in posi- impossible to restart the motor, so the ������������������ tion 3 miles from the fleet-base, and the frogmen swam to the surface, got rid submarine rose to the surface in order to of their oxygen equipment and began ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� launch the frogmen. Here they received swimming towards the Spanish coast. the latest messages which stated that Tesei and Pedretti got right in to the there were two battleships in the har- north mole of the naval base, only to ratus. In the entrance to the harbour they surface. Birindelli continued along the apparatus and suit, and climed up on to bour. All was now ready, and after a discover that one of the oxygen appa- had to be on the surface and get past sea bottom but the motor soon gave up. the mole where he managed for a short short time on the surface the Scire dived ratuses was filled with water and the some floating barriers densely covered Birindelli ascended to the surface and while to keep himself hidden.. However, again and crept out of the bay. The frog- other had other malfunctions. The reserve with iron spikes. After passing the second found that he was just about 70 meters he was discovered and handed over men were now on their own. After they apparatus also proved to be unusable. barrier they found the battleship Barham from the Barham. He immediately let to the English. Shortly afterwards the had completed their operation they Furthermore, it was not possible to trim just 250 meters in front of them. They took himself sink to the bottom and attempt- charge exploded without damaging the should aim for the Spanish coast where the SLC which was sloping downwards at compass bearing on the battleship ed to manoeuvre the SLC under the Barham. The rest of the frogmen reached an Italian agent awaited them and who towards the stern. The frogmen decided and let the SLC sink to the bottom 14 battleship. After half an hour’s hard work Spain and returned from there to Italy, would ensure their transport back to Italy. to call off the operation. They dropped meters below. However, the oxygen in he was totally exhausted and his oxy- but Birindelli and Paccagnini were held the explosive charge and sailed off the sternmost frogman’s apparatus was gen used up. He activated the fuse and as prisoners for the rest of the war. towards the Spanish coast. now exhausted and he had to rise to the ascended to the surface. He got rid of his HMS Barham Attack on HMS Barham Birindelli and Paccagnini also had prob- lems in trimming the SLC. One of the oxygen apparatuses was filled with water but was substituted by the reserve. Soon after there were problems with the motor, which could only function at low revolutions. The SLC became heavier and heavier, probably because water was getting in. In spite of this, they man- aged to continue with the bows above the water, keeping the SLC floating. But the SLC was so inclined in the water that the sternmost frogman was beneath the surface and had to use his oxygen appa-

“Looking in the wrong direction, lads?” HMAS Perth in Alexandria Harbour, Egypt, 1941. Source: Australian Government 88 X-RAY MAG : 8: 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED harbour. Several times during the pas- 10th flottila sage they noticed pressure-waves from No more attempts were made with the depth-charges that were being dropped SLC that year, and on the 15th March for their sakes. So, instead they chose 1941 the 1st Light flotilla, to which the another target, a freighter. The mine frogmen belonged, was reorganised and was suspended, and after the charge given the cover-name Decima Flottiglia had been activated the SLC was sunk. MAS (10th Light Flotilla). The frogmen swam to the Spanish coast The long submarine trip was not good from where they could see the explosion for the physical condition of the frogmen which ripped the 2440 ton English tanker during the operations, and so another Fiona Shell into two halves. was found. In Cadiz on the coast Catalano and Giannoni were pursued of Spain, only 70 sea miles from Gibraltar, by a patrol-ship and had to hide on the lay the interned Italian freighter Falcon. bottom. When the danger had finally The frogmen were flown from Italy to gone the time to enter the harbour had Spain and billeted on the Falcon. Under Aerial view of Gibraltar passed, and they suspended the mine cover of the night the Scire fetched the instead under a freighter. After sinking frogmen from the Falcon. MTM-boats on the harbour. Among the the SLC they, too, swam to the coast On the 25th May 1941, Valerio many victims of the operations was also and from here experienced the violent Borghese again sailed the Scire into the Moccagatta – the head of Decima Mas. explosion. The ship began to sink at the Bay of Algeciras and launched three His position as chief was temporarily filled stern, but four tugs arrived and towed SLCs. One of the SLC was sunk immedi- by Valerio Borghese. it aground. The ship was the armoured ately, as the motor would not start. The The many fiascos didn’t discourage freighter Durham of 10,900 tons. two other SLCs now continued with three the Italians. The operations had revealed frogmen on each, but both sank close faults in the SLCs and under Visintini and Magro also to their targets. All six frogmen reached the leadership of Valerio The SLCs had at last had to dive to avoid being the Spanish coast and returned to Italy. Borghese the SLC underwent detected by a patrol During the operation the harbour area several modifications. The proved their worth, boat. They moved towards was constantly bombarded with depth new SLCs were, however, the entrance to the har- charges from patrol boats - the English not ready for the next opera- but Tesei had been bour and passed three had taken their precautions. tion that against Gibraltar. strong steel-wires which killed and Toschi were probably part of the Heavy losses After fetching the frogmen barrier to the entrance. Simultaneously with the underwater in Cadiz, Valerio Borghese taken prisoner. In spite of the constant operations a number of surface opera- again sailed the Scire into explosions from the depth- tions with the MTM-boats were also car- Gibraltar. Just after midnight charges at the barrier ried out. Two SLCs took part in one of on 20th September, 1941, the Scire sur- they got into the harbour where they these operations, the attack against faced and launched three SLC. They had saw a light-cruiser and four large tankers. Valletta Harbour on Malta the 26th July, been informed from Rome that, among As the cruiser lay close to the harbour 1941. During this attack, which ended in others, there was a battleship and an entrance they gave up this as a target a fiasco, Tesei and Pedretti were killed aircraft carrier in the harbour. Vesco because of the depth-charges. Instead, when they probably suicidally used their and Zozzolli should attack the battle- they attacked one of the tankers and SLC to break through a steel net that ship which was anchored in the harbour hoped that the consequent discharge of was barring the way for the attack of the itself, but had to give up entering the oil would set some of the harbour on fire. They placed the bomb under the fleet- tanker Denby Dale of 15,893 tons. From the Spanish coast they heard first a large explosion and thereafter four to five small ones. In addition to the Denby Dale, a smaller tanker, which was moored to the side of the Denby Dale, sank. The SLCs had at last proved their worth, The submarine Scire crept into the bottom of the bay but Tesei had been killed and Toschi of Algeciras, where the Frogmen was dropped taken prisoner.

89 X-RAY MAG : 8: 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED It was round about this time that Decima Mas began to train free- The containers were quickly swimming frogmen who, in tight- opened, the SLC pulled out, and fitting black rubber suits, with the Scire dived again. In the blackened faces behind their Scire’s hydrophones the crew masks, and wearing fins on their could hear that everyone was on feet, would swim in to the enemy the way to Alexandria. The night ships and mine them. They decid- was dark and the sea calm, and ed on this because they saw that about 500 meters from the mole sinking a cargo ship with 300 kg the frogmen could see and hear of explosive was equivalent to the frogmen on the Greek island people on the mole. Just as they using a sledge-hammer to crack of Leros, and after having passed came to the net which barred the a nut. A program for training through a minefield outside the entrance to the harbour it was gammamen was established. The harbour. The frogmen dressed opened to permit the passage of best swimmers were chosen from themselves in rubber suits and three English destroyers. The frog- all units and given a hard train- oxygen equipment, and just men were quick, increased their ing. The gammamen would later before midnight Valerio Borghese speed and slipped into the har- prove their worth. took the Scire to the surface. bour together with the destroyers.

Valiant De La Penne and Bianchi should attack the 32,000 ton English bat- tleship Valiant. The battleship was an enormous shadow in front of them. About 30 meters from the Valiant they sailed into a torpedo net, which caused the SLC to list. De La Penne was feeling the cold dreadfully, his suit was leak- ing and he was soaked through. Unseen, they sailed towards the battleship and right up against the side of the ship they let the SLC sink to the bottom. However, the SLC sank uncontrollably and left De La Penne on the surface. The SLC containers on Scire open 18. December 1941 The Italians were now ready for another attempt to get into the English naval base at Alexandria. The attack was carefully planned and once again it was Scire that would transport the frogmen. The English now knew about the frogmen and had reinforced the defences of the base. As in the case with Gibraltar, depth- charges were constantly dropped at the barriers and in the harbour. On the 18th of December, 1941, Scire lay on the bottom outside Alexandria after having fetched HMS Valiant in Gibraltar

90 X-RAY MAG : 8:8 :200 20055 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS������ SCIENCE & ECOLOGY� EDUCATION PROFILES��������������������� PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Painting by Rudolf Claudus The attack on Port of Alexandria Dec. 18 1941 “All men on deck” Elizabeth, which Marceglia De La Penne had kept his and Schergat had intended waterproof watch on, and to attack. The ship lay some as there was now 10 minutes 500 meters away, and he to the explosion, he asked could clearly see the crew to speak to the Captain. on deck. Suddenly the sea He explained to Captain rose up around the Queen Morgan that the ship would Elizabeth. Shrapnel and oil be blown up in a few min- rained down over the Valiant. utes and recommended that Marceglia and Schergat all men be sent on deck. had suspended their mine As Morgan could obtain no directly beneath the middle information about where of the ship. An English officer the mine was placed De La wanted to know if there were Penne was again locked in more mines under the ship beneath the waterline. From – and received no answer. his ‘cell’ De La Penne could hear the alarm and the com- Succes at last mand: ”All men on deck”. Shortly afterwards, the har- The explosion was violent, De bour was shaken by yet La Penne was knocked off another explosion; it was had been the success that the Across bay of Algeciras his feet, the light went out, a 10,000 ton tanker that, Italians had been longing for At the same time, the attacks the cell became filled with together with a smaller tanker – two battleships and two tankers against the allied ships in Gibraltar De La Penne dived to the bottom buoy, however, he was caught in smoke, and the ship began laying beside it, was sent to sunk without loss of Italian life. continued. Transport of the frog- 17 meters down and found the the beam from a search-light. A to heel to port. He suc- the bottom. Martellotta and men into the target area by sub- SLC. He discovered that Bianchi salvo from a machine-gun made ceeded in finding a way out Marinos’ attack had also The submarine Ambra later car- marine became more and more was gone. He attempted to start him stop, and shortly afterwards and got to the deck, where succeeded. The last four ried out yet another attack risky as the English increased their the SLC but had to give up when both frogmen were taken up by he met Bianchi and Captain frogmen made for the land against Alexandria with three armaments in the Mediterranean. a wire became tangled in the a motorboat and brought to the Morgan. From the deck he where, one after the other, SLCs. However, the operation The Italians devised a plan. screw. The hard work now began Valiant. The English were quite could keep an eye on the they were discovered and failed, and all the frogmen spent This plan concerned Antonio of pulling the SLC in under the clear about what the frogmen other battleship, the Queen arrested. They spent the rest the rest of the war as prisoners. Ramognino, who was an officer middle of the battleship. De La had been doing, and demanded in Decima Mas and married to Penne could hear noise from the to know where the charge had the Spanish girl Signora Conchita. ship above him, and expected been placed - they received no Claiming that Signora Conchita’s at any moment to be depth- answer. The frogmen were taken An English officer wanted poor health required fresh sea charged when the English caught to land, and in the meantime a air, the pair rented a house, Villa sight of Bianchi who must be on steel wire was dragged along to know if there were more Carmela, in the Bay of Algeciras. the surface some the bottom of From Villa Carmela there was where or other. the Valiant, mines under the ship – and a good view of all the allied After about half The English were quite but to no avail ships anchored in the bay, and an hour’s work he because the received no answer a swim of only 500 – 2,000 meters banged his head clear about what the frog- mine lay on the to them. For the first opera- against the bot- sea bottom. tion twelve gammamen were tom of the ship. men had been doing On land it had smuggled by different routes He was exhausted proved impos- into Spain in July, 1942. On the and thought that sible to get any- night between the 13th and 14th the SLC was now well positioned. thing out of the frogmen, so it was July, 1942, all the gammamen The charge was activated and he decided to sail them back again were gathered together in Villa swam to the surface. Here he tore to the Valiant, where they were Carmela. Here they put on their off his mask and enjoyed the fresh interrogated by Captain Morgan. suits and were equipped with oxy- air. De La Penne swam immedi- The result was the same. In an gen apparatuses and the mines ately to a nearby buoy and found attempt to make them change which they would fasten to the that Bianchi had had the same their minds they were locked in a ships. Hidden by the darkness, idea. Before he reached the cabin below the water-line. and without being discovered by HMS Queen Elisabeth 91 X-RAY MAG : 8:8 :200 20055 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Cutaway drawing showing the interior of the Olterra, “the trojan horse”

The hatch was below the water line

mining the same ship. This ship was the 1.787 ton Ravens Point. It sank at its moorings on the morn- ing of 15th September. The SLCs which had arrived from Italy were re-assembled and test- ed in the Olterra. Three of these pletely split-up SLCs were trans- were used in an attack on the 7th ported by car from La Spezia to December, 1942. On one of the English spies, of which there were depth-charge that exploded The trojan horse arranged for them to replace the Algeciras. The first operation from SLCs the frogmen ran out of oxy- many in the area, they crept close to him. Even though all the Immediately across from the maintenance personnel aboard Olterra was carried out on 14th gen in an attempt to avoid patrol down to the coast and swam mines had been placed on the English naval base lay Algeciras, the Olterra. Under Visintini’s direc- September,1942, by three gam- boats and depth-charges. They individually out to the ships. At targets the damage to the ships where the Italian freighter Olterra tion the Olterra was now secretly mamen, who swam out from the decided to break off the opera- a safe distance from the targets was limited. Several of the mines lay moored to the mole. At the rebuilt to function as an observa- Olterra at 23:30. One of them was tion and return to the Olterra, they utilised their oxygen equip- did not explode, and those that outbreak of the war the ship had tion post, and to house the gam- carried away by the current and but when the SLC reached the ment, and disappeared from did explode didn’t cause more been sunk in shallow water by its mamen and the SLC. Workshops had to land on, what was for him, Olterra there was only one frog- the surface to swim in under the damage than the English could Italian crew. A Spanish salvag- were established for servicing the an unknown coast, where he was man aboard it. The one at the ships and here fix the mines. Two manage to ground the ships. ing company had later raised SLCs and re-charging of the bat- arrested by the Spanish police. stern had been lost. The second of the frogmen found their way Four ships of in all 9,500 tons were the ship, and it was now laying teries. A hatch was built under the He was later returned to Villa SLC penetrated right in to the back to Villa Carmela. Seven damaged and grounded. inside the mole with a strong list waterline in the side of the ship, Carmela. The two others returned mole but was detected and were discovered and arrested In August 1942, it was intended and several water-filled compart- into one of the flooded compart- to the Olterra after accidentally shot at. Although rather dazed by the Spanish police when they that the submarine Scire, which ments. Aboard the Olterra were ments. The gammamen and the reached the coast. The remain- had successfully carried out sever- Spanish guards together with a SLC could now leave the Olterra This SLC was recovered from the bottom of Gibraltar habour by the British ing three reached the coast in al operations with the SLC, should maintenance crew from the own- through this hatch, and at different places without being transport eight gammamen to ers of the ship who, as far as possi- the end of an operation discovered. The arrested frogmen Haifa, where they would swim ble, maintained the ship. Decima could return again unseen. were, however, soon released into the harbour and place mines Mas saw several possibilities in While these preparations on certain conditions agreed under allied ships. The operation the wreck, and a plan for its uti- were being made the gam- between the Spanish and Italian ended in a catastrophe for the lisation as a base began to take mamen continued their authorities. However, they didn’t Scire and all its crew. On the 10th shape. Lieutenant Licio Visintini attacks from Villa Carmela. get off completely scotfree. One August 1942, the submarine was from Decima Mas was chosen The gammamen and SLC of them was hit in the foot by the detected outside Haifa and sunk to carry out the plan. Visintini frogmen arrived in Algeciras screw of an English patrol boat, by the English torpedo boat Islay. hand-picked technicians and under the guise of being and another was injured by a seamen from Decima Mas, and seamen , and several com-

92 X-RAY MAG : 8:8 :200 20055 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED

FREE back issues On the 10th December 1942 the Ambra the ships Kaituna and Fernplant, of 4917 Did you get the early issues lay on the bottom outside Algiers. In this and 7000 tons respectively, were mined. of X-RAY MAG? operation a frogman was released, via a Orion and Fernplant were sunk in open sluice, from the submarine with a lifeline water, without any suspicion of a frogman and telephone cable in order to direct attack. Regarding Kaituna, only one mine the submarine to the right position. After exploded, and the ship was run aground the submarine had been manoeuvered on Cyprus. During examination by divers into place the frogman was again taken the second mine was discovered. aboard through the sluice. The idea was The attacks continued until the final that after the operation this observer collapse on the 8th September 1943, should lead the frogmen back to the when the Italian forces surrendered to Ambra. The observer heard the frogmen the Allies or went north to join Mussolini. but could not see them, and the Ambra Together with English frogmen some of had to leave the area at dawn without the Italian frogmen who surrendered to CAYMAN ISLANDS, Bloody them. The frogmen swam into the coast the Allies carried out underwater opera- Bay Wall, World Records, Coral where all sixteen were arrested. From tions against the German forces. By that Spawning, Innerspace, Wrecks of Narvik Norway, Siberian , Tagging 5 o’clock until 7 o’clock the following time the frogmen had sunk allied shipping Whalesharks, Cabilao. Link: X-RAY #5 morning the harbour echoed to several to a total of some 200 000 tons, and they explosions. And when the day was over had fully proven the effectivity of the new two ships of a total of 8,667 tons lay on weapon. Inspired by the Italian frogmen, the bottom, and two ships of a total of the English had already established corre- 11,628 tons were badly damaged.. sponding units in 1942 and built ”Chariots” by the depth-charges, the frogmen suc- modelled on the Italian SLC. After the war ceeded in sinking the SLC and crawling Turkey many nations supplemented their armed aboard an American merchant ship. They Also in the Turkish harbour of Alexandretta forces with frogmen units. were interrogated but didn’t give away the English ships, which were to carry I 1944, after De La Penne and the other Today the modern Italian Navy’s special forces owes Olterra’s secret. The third SLC made its chromium ore to England, were attacked frogmen had been released from captiv- it legacy to the WW2 Frogmen, the Decima Mas PACIFIC NORTH WEST AMERICA. way through the barriers and into the har- by the gammamen. Luigi Farraro, a very ity and sent back to Italy, De La Penne Vancouver Island, Puget Sound, Neah bour but was detected and shot at. Both good swimmer, was chosen for the opera- and Bianchi were decorated with a gold Bay, Alaska, Honduras Sharks, Amos frogmen died. Several more, and more tion. Farraro was equipped with diplo- medal for courage under the attack on Nachoom, Jon Gross, , Fish Sense Link: X-RAY #4 successful, operations followed from the matic papers and four very heavy cases. the Valiant. The man that pinned the Post Sciptum: In memory of Olterra. Among them was a successful Farraro arrived in the middle of June and medals to their breasts was none other attempt on 8th May, 1943, by three SLCs, introduced himself to the collective dip- than Captain Morgan who they had met Dr. Luigi Ferraro to sink three ships of, in all, 19.000 tons, lomatic corps in Alexandretta. On the a couple of years previously. He was now and return safely to the Olterra. evening of the 30th June 1943 he an Admiral and head of the Allied While this article went down to the beach, Naval Forces in Italy. was in produc- English minedivers crawled into the suit, put on Today, Luigi Farraro is Honorary tion, Dr. Luigi Under leadership of the English Lieutenant the oxygen apparatus, tied President for the Italian Historical Ferraro, one Lionel ”Buster” Crabbe the English had two limpet mines to his belt and Diving Society. of the great established an ”Underwater Working swam out to 7 000 tons freighter Italian war MALAYSIA. Coralreefs after the Tsunami, Whale beachings, Tragedy in South Party”, who, equipped with Davis-vests, Orion, which lay in the basin. He Literature and sources: heroes Africa, Nemo’s Nose: The Science of Fish examined the ships for mines. The team fixed the mines to the ship and Valerio Borghese, J - Sea Devils, mentioned Fashion, in Russia. Todd succeeded in finding and removing sev- swam unseen back to land. Chicago 1954 in this article Essick Link: X-RAY #3 eral mines. The English knew what was The mines were of that Schofield, William and and founder going on but not where the frogmen were type which were first Carisella, P.J. - Frogmen First of Technisub coming from. It was first after the capitula- armed and explod- Battles, Boston 1987 passed away. tion of Italy on 8th September, 1943, when ed after the ship Spertini, Marco and First part of this the English examined the Olterra, that the had reached a Bagnasco, Ermino - I Mezzi article was pub- secret was exposed. certain speed D’assalto Delle X Flottiglia lished in X-Ray 7 In December 1942 a combined opera- and sailed MAS 1940-1945, Genova as was a portrait of tion with gammamen and SLC was car- a given dis- 1991. Kemp, Paul - Technisub. ried out against Allied shipping outside tance. On the Underwater Warriors, Diving in the Himalayas, Swimming London 1996 with Orcas in Norway, El Dorado in the Algiers. The submarine Ambra departed 9th July and Philippines, Gaansbai in South Africa with three SLC and ten gammamen. the 1st August Link: X-RAY#2

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INFORMATION: www.xray-mag.com [email protected] Wet & Weird New Champion Emerges Monopoly money in the pool? in Extreme Underwater Poker Ever tried playing Monopoly what they’re thinking,” said Nichol Making poker history in Internet qualifier from Denmark, underwater? Well, a group of Coggins, president of the school’s December, Juha Helppi outwit- and Peter Marcus, InterPoker. high school kids in Connecticut, scuba club, to the AP. Coined ted opponents to win the first com spokesperson. USA,did. With the help of their sci- “Underwater Scub-Opoly” by the ever underwater poker tourna- “After Juha’s amazing perform- News edited by ence teacher, a revised game scuba club, the game was played ment 30 feet (10m) below sea ance today, I challenge anyone Gunild Symes BOB CHILD, AP board and playing cards made by five teams taking 30 minutes level off the coast of St. Kitts. to argue that poker is not a sport, for underwater conditions, mem- each at the bottom using hand money and a 4 x 4 ft Plexiglas InterPoker.com Extreme Poker and that Extreme Underwater bers of the Plainville High School signals they learned topside to game board designed by one of Champion Helppi defeated the Poker should not be admitted such as Laak and James, but scuba club spent five hours at the buy, sell and trade property. the students in the scuba club. professional likes of Phil Laak and into the Olympic games,” said also because he had to battle bottom of their school’s swimming Teachers of the science depart- Students took the opportunity Kenna James as well Marcus to All Headline News. distractions such as stingrays and pool playing for Boardwalk and ment said that playing the game to rename some of the game’s as Louis H., an The champ said the tourna- a leaky mask. The players met on Park Place. helps students build confidence, landmarks to famous Caribbean ment was one of the most chal- the sea floor over a submerged Students said that learn about diving safely and how dive locations and change expres- lenging in which weighted poker table and the game underwa- to work together. According to sions such as “Go to Jail” to “Go he has par- played with waterproof cards ter proved to be a participants, the project took a to the Recompression Chamber”. ticipated not and traditional chips. Tournament bit more challenging lot of time and planning. Divers The Plainville High School scuba only because spectators, including WSOP since players can’t talk played with custom-made brass club is one of only a handful in of compet- champs Kathy Liebert and Todd with each other. dice, laminated property deeds, the country that play underwater ing against Whiteles, watched silently while “You never know painted washers instead of paper Monopoly. ■ top players snorkelling on the surface. ■ HASBRO 94 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Comex BC Classifieds

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Price: 90 x 60 mm ad with logo is EUR 90 / USD 112 Nereis Main Office Price: 50 x 33 mm ad with logo is RUSSIA, 196105 EUR 50 / USD 63 Saint-Petersburg Text listing with link is Lyubotinskiy pr. 8b EUR 20 / USD 25 Wet & Weird Fax: +7 (812) 103 0518 e-mail: [email protected] INFORMATION: www.xray-mag.com [email protected] Deep Sea Water Bar What’s next: Trawling for whiskey? to open in Waikiki News edited by Underwater traffic lights? Gunild Symes The two notori- coming together to discuss Off the coast of England, three delighted to hear that the liqueur Yes, you heard right. They are bottling sea water now, ous cold war underwater seafaring in order to separate shrimp boats net- gift packs had been recovered desalinated, of course. MaHaLo Deep Sea Water is rivals, Russia and prevent accidents at sea and in ted more than shrimp with their preserved and intact after nearly selling the first commercially available bottled, desalinated the US, whose governments were airspace. The Russian navy head- catch—Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur a month in the sea. Apparently, a ocean water in the United States. Already a hot item in suspected to have spied upon quarters told Interfax that signifi- showed up on their decks. About 40ft container of the products fell Japan selling for up to US$6.00 per bottle, the company sells one another with secret subs cant negotiations were made on 8000 packs of the fancy spirits off the deck of cargo ship during a 500ml bottles at $2 a pop, $4.50 for a 1.5 liter bottle, and and other vessels in each other’s intergovernmental agreements in from Kilkeel in County Down and storm in the Bay of Biscay. The items for a dollar more, you can have the water made into cof- waters for decades, are now the regulation of underwater trav- Clogherhead in County Louth came were bound for market in Spain fee or tea at the bar, so that you can notice the difference HASSLEFREECLIPART.CO el and navigation in November. ■ with two serving glasses per packet. for the Christmas season but were in taste. The company, Koyo USA Corporation, Worth close to GB£128,000, swept away instead by the current claims that the taste is better and the water, C & C International, which to the area off the west coast of which is collected from a depth of over makes the liqueur, said to England called “The Smalls”. Made 3,000 feet (1000m) off the coast of Kona,

BBC News that they were in the heart of Irish cow country, Hawaii, is some of the purest one can find M STOP Carolans Irish Cream is named after on the planet. Other virtues include miner- Ireland’s renowned 17th century als and nutrients in proportions similar to harpist, Turlough O’Carolan, those found in the human body’s blood, and is said to be the world’s hence aborbed more readily according to second most popular Irish the company website. Koyo has obtained cream liqueur. ■ clearance to sell the product in the US

C&C NOAA from the Food and Drug Administration. ■

WWW.HAWAIIDEEPSEAWATER.COM COP ILLUSTRATION BY GUNILD PAK SYMES 95 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2005 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Text by Gunild Pak Symes Ray Troll Images by Ray Troll

Freshwater Riches “In the fall of 1997, I travelled a thousand I was so inspired by the incredible diver- of the Amazon miles down the Amazon River on assign- sity of fishes and the experience that I ment for Natural History Magazine with my wanted to do the main magazine illustra- buddy and co-conspirator Brad Matsen. tion mural-sized. I stretched up a piece of Dr Kirk Johnson of the Denver Museum of canvas 7 feet by 15 feet and started paint- Natural History arranged the river trip and ing.” filled the boat with several of his pals. Portfolio — Ray Troll 96 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Ray Troll

TOP: Angel Sharks TOP: Cookiecutter Sharks TOP: Scissortooth Sharks BOTTOM: Iniopterygians BOTTOM: River Rays BOTTOM: Kidney Headed Sharks

Ray Troll, 51, was born in Corning, New York State, USA. His up. His art career started at age four or five when he would day long, he started observing them carefully. Fish had always father was in the US Air Force, so his family moved quite fre- make his own creations with whatever materials laid around the appeared in his artwork, but in a lesser role and rendered very quently, perhaps eleven times as Ray grew up. His father house. He graduated from high school and college in Kansas stylistically. As the artist looked closer and closer at the fish he moved the family to live in Japan and Puerto Rico. It was in and finished his graduate education in studio art and painting handled, the more interesting they became to him. And so did Puerto Rico that Ray fell in love with the ocean. at Washington State University. Now, he works primarily with Alaska, where he still lives to this day. “I was 10-13 years old, when we moved there from drawing materials, a lot of coloured pencil. Ray said, “It’s faster Pennsylvania and plunked down in a tropical island,” said Ray, and easier to think with pencil.” But he likes to change medium Ancient fish “We lived in a house on a cliff right above the ocean. I’d hop now and then, switching from linoleum block prints to acrylics Ray said his first love in life was dinosaurs, like any five-year-old over the fence and hike down to the beach, look at the tide and back to drawing materials. boy at the time. When he became interested in fish, he quickly pools and poke around at the fish.” In 1983, Ray went to Alaska to work at his sister’s fish store on realized that the material in books about ancient fish was mini- Ray always knew he would become an artist when he grew the dock for the summer. As he sold fish and handled them all mal. So, Ray visited museums and unexplored niches to find out

97 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Ray Troll

H. ANDERSON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Heliocoprion Shark Megalodon Shark Ray Troll with shark jaws more about old fish. Ray said, “I followed the trail that oth- and decided to put a face on the fossil record. Once cre- Rapture of the Deep: The Art of Ray Troll Book cover: Rapture of the Deep: The Art of Ray Troll ers had who studied these animals.” Soon, he was talking ated, he sent it to Dr Bendix-Almgreen who approved of the To order the book, go to the following link: Planet Ocean www.trollart.com Book cover: Sharkabet: A Sea of Sharks from A to Z to leading experts and researchers in the field to get more rendering. Even though all science has is the head of the To order the book, go to the following link: information about certain extinct fish species. fossil, Ray was able to put a relatively realistic body to the www.trollart.com In Ray’s investigation of ancient fishes, the Helicoprion, face with research on similar species. or Whorl Tooth Shark, captured his imagination. Ray said, Ray’s fascination for sharks, ancient and present-day, led “I thought the spiral of the mouth of this shark was beauti- to a children’s book and museum exhibit entitled Sharkabet: ful.” He pursued the trail of this ancient fish to Dr Svend Erik A sea of sharks from A to Z, which was on display in 2005 Bendix-Almgreen, a Danish researcher who is one of the at the Miami Museum of Science in Florida, USA, and eight foremost experts on the species. Ray realized that not many other museum venues in the United Sates over 5 years. people knew very much about this ancient shark species 98 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED por tfolio Ray Troll TROLL’S T-SHIRTS Going under www.trollart.com Ray does some snorkelling to get a better look at the fish. He wanted to learn scuba diving, but his ears prevented him from continuing down that road. Now, he hopes to get the chance to get inside a submersible, so he can study up close and personal, the fantastic underwater life that fasci-

ABOVE: Careful What You Fish For Dark Heather t-shirt for adults and kids, S, M, L sizes. Price US$18-27

H. ANDERSON LEFT: A Whale of a Time Ash t-shirt for kids, S, M, L sizes. Price US$18

BELOW: A Woman Needs a Man Like a Fish Needs a Bicycle. Jewel neck white t-shirt for women, S-XL Price US$20

Find these t-shirts and many other styles for men, women and children at Ray Troll’s online store where you can buy prints, post- ers, books, caps, tote bags, stick- ers, shark game CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: cards and Night of the Ammonites mugs directly Ray Troll with shark jaws from the artist. I’ve Been Walking on the Whale Road www.trollart.com North Pacific Marine Life

99 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED portfolio Ray Troll nates him without risking the health of his ears. Ray was there three times for about two and half In 1997, Ray got a chance to see a whole other weeks each. Ray found interesting and dangerous world of underwater life in Brazil. There, he found a critters to study. Electric eels were some. “They like great variety of new fish to gawk at and study for the clear water too. It’s just so beautiful. But wait a future paintings. Ray said, “The water is red. It’s like minute, there are electric eels!” said Ray. He had a snorkelling in red wine. Very surreal-looking. The red close encounter with an electric eel. “No, I wasn’t comes from the tannin from the bark of the trees. hurt, but you tend to swim away very quickly.” What’s so amazing is there are different colour waters Ray and his team took early morning snorkelling in each tributary. The Rio Negro is the clear part, but dives where he found armoured catfish. “There are so at other points, it is deep, deep brown, super bright many variations of them. They look very ancient. They red, with white sandy beaches, or there are places almost look like a trilobites. They are not the fastest fish where the bottom is covered with leaves like a big around, so it is easy to get a good look at them,” said leaf bank.” Ray.

ABOVE: D is for Dogfish

LEFT TO RIGHT: Ocean Planet Rockfish

A Fish called Troll? In 2002, Ray had the dubious honour of having a ratfish spe- cies named after him by Dr Dominique Didier Dagit. ”Every now and then you come across a fish that just doesn’t look like the rest. And so you just trust the visual sense. I am pretty drawn to that. It’s just different. When I first caught one, I thought to myself, ‘What the heck is that?’ said Ray. The research trail led Ray to the expert on ratfish, ‘Dr Dominique’, who is the world expert on chimeras. “I got to be friends with her and we ended up doing rap songs about rat- fish,” Ray said. Through researching the ratfish, which is a distant rela- tive of the shark, Ray found out that the ratfish dates back 350 million years. “And they’re still around!” exclaimed Ray.

100 X-RAY MAG : 9 : 2006 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Diving in Norway Wrecks of Japan Crossing the Atlantic

ARNE ERIKSON

SCOTT BENNETT

Swimming With The Tetras, Amazon Voyage

He spread the word and images of ratfish cies really is. He said that most fish are recent Ketchikan. I am looking at the Pacific from at make you want to know more. That is to anyone who would look or listen. “So, to arrivals in comparison, even the shark, which here right now where I sit. But through my what good art does. It asks the questions reward me for raising awareness about rat- most people consider very old indeed, actu- relationships with scientists and commercial and makes you look at it more closely and fish around the world, she named a species ally evolved after the dinosaurs, but ratfish, fishermen, I am able to learn more about think about it,” said Ray. after me,” said Ray. Dr Dominique named well, they have been around a lot longer. the deep. The fascination with the unknown S. MURASHKINA the ratfish, Hydrolagus trolli, which is unique “Ratfish are virtually unchanged,” said Ray, is what drives us on. What about this and What’s next? for its lavender colour and longer than aver- “They are like visitors from another world.” what about that.. Following your nose, as we Ray is off to the Florida Keys to swim with age nose according to the expert. It was say… hammerheads. He was invited by Dr Jose COMING IN APRIL found 3,000 feet (1000m) off the coasts of About the art “While I respect really good scientific Castro to seek out the creatures and learn New Caledonia and New Zealand. ”I always love working from first hand illustration, I like to bring a message into my more about them. Ray said if he lives Subscribe now FREE! ”What’s cool about ratfish is that they look experience. I am somewhat limited, and I work and engage my emotions and bring through the experience, he’ll have more www.xray-mag.com like a science experiment gone wrong,” said would like to get into a submersible some- other things to it. A little bit of philosophy and to say about the sharks he loves and share Ray. He is fascinated with how old the spe- day. I and I fish where I live here in mystery makes the image that you glance images to capture the imagination as well. ■

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