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Book Review: World’s Best Wildlife Dive Sites
The Authors
Nick Robertson-Brown. FRPS
Caroline Robertson-Brown. Msc.
Review by Steve Millard
Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown have put together a photographic tour of 32 of the world’s best wildlife dive sites. This in itself a very subjective view, but the choices they have made are all in my opinion worthy of inclusion. The book promises to be a diver’s wish-list for finding the very best underwater wildlife experiences.
So, what makes these authors uniquely qualified to write on this topic?
I have been fortunate enough to work with Nick and Caroline on many successful projects, so I know personally of their expertise, motivation and drive. For those who haven’t been lucky enough to bump into them at one of the many destinations they have covered since they started diving in 1995, Caroline has a BSC (Hons) in Biology and MSC in Animal behaviour, Nick has a BSC (Hons) in Environmental Biology, a DipEd in teaching and is a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. They run www.frogfishphotography.com in Manchester, they help out with several environmental charities, and took on the role of Underwater Photography editors for this very website at the start of the year.
Each of the 32 chapters list the key species in the area to look for, so you can choose what wildlife you would like to see and pick the right area. The handy fact panel also gives details of what equipment to take and more importantly perhaps, when to visit, as many of the dive sites have seasonal variations. It has a few top tips for each site, and also alternate dive sites if the main site is not accessible for whatever reason.
The main chapters read like a good friend is telling you a story about the places you are going to visit; you get a realistic feeling for each place.
If you are already familiar with the authors’ work you will know that the photography in each section is going to be stunning, and there is no disappointment. There are some truly world class photos in the book taken from the Frogfish library which currently stands at 5 TB of stills.
The book has a real quality feel, and at nearly 300 pages long, is well worth the price tag.
Interestingly Europe gets a look in for some the top sites, and even the UK itself. I think this is a good thing; many books omit the temperate climate dive sites and wildlife, but actually, there are some amazing experiences to be had. So for this reason I like the book even more than other similar books I have read that simply concentrate on the same tropical regions again and again. There are some great shots of Basking sharks, seals and blue sharks in the UK section. Of course the book does also cover some of the tropical regions such as Ras Mohammed in Egypt, the Yongala in Australia, Bali, Maldives, Bahamas, Florida and many more. Some of the key wildlife pictured and discussed includes Great Whites, the swimming pigs of the Exumas, manatee and all the creatures associated with the amazing Sardine run.
Who would I recommend the book to?
I think it would be perfect in a dive centre sat in the front office tantalising new divers; it would be a great coffee table book; it could be used as a resource for anyone wanting to learn more about what some of the best wildlife dive sites in the world have to offer so they could plan their next holiday. The book leaves you with laptop open, a pen and paper in hand, picking where your next holiday will be. It arms you with a lot of knowledge to go and find the right place, at the right time, with the correct kit and a great motivation to travel.
You can source it here:
www.frogfishphotography.com/exhibition.html
or here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Worlds-Best-Wildlife-Dive-Sites/dp/1921517727
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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