News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Photo of the Year 2017
Winner Chosen by our panel of experts:
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This year, Scubaverse.com’s underwater photography editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown are joined by UK-based tour operator Scuba Travel’s resident underwater photo pro Mario Vitalini to choose a winner of our Photo of the Year award. Nick, Caroline and Mario had a tough job on their hands to pick an overall champion for 2017; the winners of the monthly contest provided 12 fantastic images to select from, including marine life big and small, wrecks, images using advanced photo techniques, and examples of animal behaviour. But after much deliberation, and in reverse order….
3rd Place
October’s winner: Snack by ifj. Lőrincz Ferenc
PHOTOLINK: https://www.scubaverse.com/contestants/snack/
Judges Comments
Nick
Every photographer has shots of turtles, but this one gives an entirely new perspective to a much-loved sea creature. The shot has the subject isolated so that it really stands out, yet it is still shown in its environment and eating its usual food. I also love the cloud of sand beneath it, giving the whole image a sense of motion.
Caroline
This shot really stands out from the crowd because it is shot at the eye level of this gorgeous turtle. I love the greenery hanging out of it’s mouth and the puff of sand giving motion to the scene. Lovely blue background too. Well done.
Mario
I’ve shot these beasties many a time, and getting a picture in such a low angle while the animal is feeding without having sand particles all over the place is always a challenge. The only thing I would like to see is a tiny bit of additional space on the left to get a better-balanced image.
2nd Place
January’s winner: Striped Catfish by Jack McKee
PHOTOLINK: https://www.scubaverse.com/contestants/striped-catfish/
Judges Comments
Nick
This group of striped catfish stand out beautifully against the black background and the lighting on their faces is just about perfect. It is almost as if they are all vying to be the centre of attention.
Caroline
The lighting is wonderful in this shot. The whiskers jump out and I love all the eyes looking at the camera. It is a shot you can keep coming back to and enjoy a little more each time.
Mario
Great composition and very sharp image. Love the detail of the mouth on the top fish, however the shot was slightly let down by the barb of the first catfish crossing the eye of the third one.
1st Place
September’s winner: Little Octopus by Chun Zhou
PHOTOLINK: https://www.scubaverse.com/contestants/little-octopus-blackwater/
Judges Comments
Nick
This image is truly stunning and I wish that it was mine! The lighting is superb and captures the translucence of this immature octopus beautifully. It is a great “black-water” image and was a unanimous choice as first place from all three judges.
Caroline
This is a wonderful shot, of a subject I have not encountered before. This larval, see-through octopus is incredible and the lighting is perfect. Engaging eye contact. Striking black background. Wonderful!
Mario
A great striking shot beautifully lit. I love the transparency and the little isotope next to the tentacle ads a behavioural touch to the image.
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Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2017. We hope to see plenty more of your images in 2018!
Chun 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 2018 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
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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