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Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Photo of the Year 2016

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Winner Chosen by our panel of experts:

Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown, Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editors

Paul ‘Duxy’ Duxfield, underwater photography professional and resident photo-pro for Scuba Travel

Winner: Wave Maker by Ahmed Helal

Nick, Caroline and guest judge Duxy got together and picked their favourites from the 12 monthly winners from 2016. It was not an easy task, with some great shots both in macro and wide angle. Having narrowed the field down to just a handful, we then had to pick our top three, and put them in order to find our 2016 champion.

Here are each of our top three photos put in order and with comments on each:

First Place: Wave Maker by Ahmed Helal

Nick’s comments:

The winning shot, which was pretty unanimous, is the oceanic white tip cruising beneath the surface. The way Ahmed has captured the shark as if it’s bursting out of the wake makes this a lovely action shot. There is plenty of space in front of the shark for it to move into and the balanced lighting, with the artificial light hitting the underside of the shark has been, for me, perfectly executed.

Caroline’s comments:

I loved this shot the first time I saw it in the April competition. I knew it was going to be up there amongst the best of the year. An engaging subject with a wonderful background, created by a passing RIB, really brings this shot to life.

Duxy’s comments:

I’ve seen a lot of shark pictures this year but this is definitely at the top end of the list. What separates it from the rest is the great background, with the bow wave slicing a perfect diagonal through the waves, and a subtly lit shark just big enough in the frame not to overpower it.

Second Place: Red Sea Sunset by Christian Llewellyn

Nick’s Comments:

Christian’s split shot in the red Sea is one of the best I have seen. The natural, sunset light on the mountains and the boat are wonderful and you can see the depth in the mountains with the changing shades of their shapes. The light is balanced beautifully between above the surface and below, and the way it has picked out the parrotfish beneath the surface just adds to the overall effect. If ever an image encapsulates what is Egypt for a diver, then this has to be it.

Caroline’s comments:

This is not an easy shot to create. The composition and lighting are great, with the Red Sea boat and shoreline in the background, the sun setting and to light up the reef and a couple of parrotfish is a tough ask that has been very well executed. It makes me want to rush back out to Egypt right now to have a go at shooting this split shot myself.

Duxy’s comments:

Chris’ split is perfectly executed, which is a tricky technical feat, as the timing of the sunset, position of the boat, and lit up reef brings the trio of compositional elements together really well.

Third Place: Arrowcrab in Spiral Coral by Joel Warburton

Nick’s comments:

Joel’s arrow head crab is a wonderful piece of macro photography. In the first place it has been framed, with just enough light so that it doesn’t dominate the image. Both its eyes are staring straight at the camera and all the main parts of the critter are perfectly focused. Generally I would find things like the curly bits in this image to be a distraction, but actually they enhance the image and if there was a separate prize for macro then this would be the winner.

Caroline’s comments:

The best macro shot of the year for sure. Great expression on this tiny crab’s face and the background is amazing. This is a shot that really catches the eye, but one that also makes you take your time and examine it further. It is a shot I keep coming back to, to look at over and over again.

Duxy’s comments:

Joel has pulled off the trick of achieving eye contact with the crab, and also using diagonals bringing us in and allowing us to connect visually with this crafty crustacean. Often macro shots can be seen as a bit lazy relying on the fact that we are looking at something amazing without even trying to up the game compositionally.

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Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2016. We hope to see plenty more of your images in 2017.

Ahmed will receive a wonderful prize of Mares diving equipment, as well as a voucher from Scuba Travel (full details of the prize can be found here).

For your chance to win the 2017 title, you simple need to enter your images each month here:

www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-photo

Good Luck!

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Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to Photo of the Year’s sponsors, Mares and Scuba Travel.

Gear News

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

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regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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.

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.

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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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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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