News
Announcing the 12th Blue Dolphin of Malta – Underwater Photography Competition
The Federation of Underwater Activities Malta in collaboration with the Ministry of Gozo has announced their 12th International Underwater Photographic Competition.
The first edition of Blue Dolphin of Malta was held back in 1987 at the hosting of the ‘Confederation Mondiale des Activites Subaquatiques’ (CMAS) World Congress in Malta. This was the very first time for Malta (founder member in 1955) to receive such an honour. Competitors came from 42 different countries and the winner was Mr John Christopher Fine, a journalist from New York.
The Blue Dolphin of Malta is an important and renowned event throughout the international diving community. Every edition has been graced by the presence of internationally known personalities like the late Jacques Mayol, Peter Scoones, Pelizzari, Pipin and many others. This year will not be an exception.
The Blue Dolphin of Malta is an excellent opportunity to discover the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the marine environment in general. The waters around the Maltese islands are famous for their clear waters, cave and wreck diving.
Basic Info
- What: Blue Dolphin of Malta Underwater International Photographic Competition
- When: Dates: 09 – 11 November 2017
- Where: Location: Gozo, Malta
- Who: Event is open to all underwater photographers internationally
- Why: Because we love diving and Underwater Photography and Gozo is the place to be in the Mediterranean for everything from a shallow dive to a Cave entry at 60m!
Photo Competition Locations
The main two competition dives will be carried out at Gozo diving sites. It all depends on the weather, safety but the choice includes:
- The Blue Hole/ Azure Reef / Inland Sea at Dwejra (Voted 3rd Best Diving Site in the Mediterranean in Diver Magazine)
- Wrecks and Reef at Xatt l-Ahmar (Three wrecks scuttled for Divers, max depth 42m)
- Mgarr ix-Xini (A picturesque small bay at the end of a valley recently used by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for their honeymoon and as a backdrop for their film “By the Sea”.
- Xwejni (A nice reef with possibilities of seeing large shoals of Barracuda and from which you can go to the unique Double Arch)
- Ras il-Hobz (One of the best reef dives in Gozo and includes near by a Pinnacle rising from the depths to about 8m from the surface, always full of life)
- Ir-Reqqa (A reef / wall dive with Billinghurst cave being just round the corner)
Visit www.maltadives.com for more info & videos of these dive sites together with updates from their Facebook Page.
Categories
- Seahorse Class: Open to photographers using DSLR/Bridge/Mirrorless Cameras
- Nudibranch Class: Open to photographers using Compact Cameras
Prizes
To be confirmed, but definitely you’ll walk away with something nice!
Program
Dates proposed for foreign participants are between 08 – 12 November and programme outline is as follows
- Wednesday 8 November – Arrivals start and familiarising with local conditions
- Thursday 9 November – Technical Meeting 19:00 – Gozo with Web Link (for Maltese not travelling to Gozo)
- Friday 10 November – Competition AM & PM
- Saturday 11 November – Presentation 18:00 – Gozo with Web Link (for Maltese not in Gozo, early departures)
- Sunday 12 November – Departures
Registrations are now open! Visit Registration and Practical Information for full details!
For more information visit www.bluedolphinofmalta.org.mt.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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