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Andrea Marshall honored with conservation award

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Dr Andrea Marshall receives recognition in the inaugural Ocean Awards for her important contribution to ocean conservation

On January 13th, Andrea Marshall, co-founder of Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), a US 501c3 non profit organization formed to research, protect and conserve ocean giants in developing nations across the world, was honored with a conservation award for her efforts to protect manta rays.

The Blue Marine Foundation, the UK’s most dynamic marine conservation charity, and Boat International, the world’s leading superyacht media company, teamed up to create a series of awards to celebrate individuals, companies, legislators and projects that have made an outstanding contribution to the health of the oceans. They have chosen to recognize Andrea’s work to protect manta rays globally, most notably her team’s research efforts and campaign work that led to the listing of reef mantas on the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) in 2014 and the listing of all Manta species on CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) in 2013. Andrea and Guy Stevens from the Manta Trust were honored at the inaugural awards ceremony in the category ‘Piece of science or paper that made the most original, important or insightful contribution to ocean conservation’.

Andrea Marshall

Dr. Andrea Marshall (MMF) and Guy Stevens (Manta Trust) at CITES in 2013.

Over the last decade, Andrea and her team have produced some of the first scientific studies on manta rays, many of which highlighted how vulnerable these animals were to over-exploitation and how fast wild populations were declining. A landmark study conducted at MMF’s research base in Mozambique, Africa documented a swift and significant 88% decline in observational sighting records of Manta alfredi at one of the most important aggregation areas for this species in the Indian Ocean. Population declines are now been observed globally as a result of unsustainable fishing pressure for their body parts, which are used in Chinese health tonics.

Andrea’s team were also the first to demonstrate the impressive migratory abilities of these rays having conducted the first satellite tracking on giant manta rays globally. They also monitor populations of these gentle giants via the first global online database for manta rays. Manta Matcher, the brainchild of Dr. Marshall’s which operates like “facebook” for manta rays, allows scientists to identify individual mantas through a pattern-matching algorithm (think facial recognition software) and track their movements and behavior over time. This unique open source database is connecting research groups around the world and allowing larger picture questions to be answered for the first time, including how large populations are, how far they travel and how long they live.

The inclusion of all Manta species on the appendices of CITES and CMS is helping to secure increased protection and management for these threatened ocean giants across the globe. These landmark victories represented a 10-year struggle by Andrea and her team, who as conservation biologists were determined to protect manta ray populations before they went regionally extinct throughout much of their range.

I am honored to receive this inaugural Ocean Award from Blue Marine Foundation and Boat International. My team and I continually strive to push the envelope and hope that by contributing original research with clear conservation angles we can help to support effective management plans for these iconic and economically important species. Being involved in this type of work is so rewarding and we look forward to continuing our research efforts globally. Dr. Andrea Marshall, principal scientist of MMFs Global Manta Ray Research Program

Marine Megafauna Foundation, is a tax-exempt non-profit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the US tax code. To support Andrea and her team in saving ocean giants from extinction, please visit www.marinemegafauna.org/support-us/.

To further the research and impact of Andrea’s work, MMF welcomes your support of their 2016 manta research projects. One such project aims to increase the understanding of the migratory manta ray populations in southern Africa in order to help safeguard these vulnerable species in one of their most important regional habitats in the world.

www.givengain.com/cc/mantarayresearchexpedition/

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

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Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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