News
Are you up to the Plastic Challenge?
Plastic is so ingrained in our lives that it has become almost viral and is pervasive in nearly all parts of our planet. It is almost impossible to travel, even to the remotest part of the world and not be confronted by either the use of plastic or the legacy of plastic waste.
It is in our homes and at work, it is present throughout the countryside and wilderness and most frighteningly of all, has now become a substantial part of the marine ecosystem and food chain causing untold deaths and mutations within the marine biosphere.
So, is there a problem? Well really it depends on your point of view. If you live in a little self sustaining micro-bubble, then the answer is no. If however you live in this world as a sentient, caring and rational being then yes, there is a problem and it can only be us that work to rectify it.
We could continue on the plastic waste path and in all probability most people would not even see or hear of the consequences. Plastic in our day to day lives has become so ingrained in the way we live that we don’t even notice it when it litters the pavements of our towns and cities as well as adorn the trees and hedges of our countryside. It has become a common sight on our beaches and coastlines.
So other than being an eyesore, is it really a problem, especially when it is so useful in our daily living. Well, among other issues, it is choking and killing our marine life at an alarming rate. If you take notice, then you will be aware that this plastic toll is exacting a heavy price on the seas each and every year. People used to say that they were worried about leaving an impoverished world for their children and grandchildren, but that thought needs to be updated because the impoverishment is now becoming so rapid that we are seeing the pollution and degradation ourselves each and every year.
So, is there a solution, is there something we can do? Yes, of course there is. Sadly many marine ecosystems are already near beyond saving as plastic has become ingrained in the food chain. But life has an admirable way of holding and coming back if given the chance. We do have the technology and ability to start making things better, we just need the will. For a start we should begin to think local and will soon find that this train of thought will become global. Stop using plastic unnecessarily, be sure to dispose of plastic waste sensibly. Join occasional litter picks in your area. There are so many web sites that tell you how to be conscientious with plastic use. Please have a look at a few and see if you can help make a difference.
Today I was Cc’d an email from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) telling me about one of their initiatives where they are “asking people to give up single-use plastic for a day, a week or the full month to increase awareness about how much we depend on the unnecessary plastics in our lives.” Great! Have a look at their web site. It really will only take a few moments.
To find out how you can get involved, visit www.mcsuk.org/plasticchallenge.
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.
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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