News
Barbados – Piers & Jetties
Most people, when you mention Barbados will think of beautiful beaches, tranquil blue sea and colourful coral reef scenes. You might, if you have read our previous blogs, or know about the region, think of ship wrecks too. But, would you think of diving any of the piers and jetties that dot the shoreline? We did. In fact, it was one of our specific requests when we heard we were heading to this iconic holiday destination. Why?
Piers and jetties offer something a little different. Their upright legs make the underwater photography change their view to portrait and as a diver you start looking more closely at your surroundings. We are not going to lie to you…many of these structures that are still in use are often a dumping ground, with trash and waste lying on the sea floor. So why the attraction? Marine life flourishes under these structures. They can provide a moody atmosphere to dive in and photograph, often with wonderful beams of sunlight bursting through the gaps above.
We dived two jetties on our recent trip, and were enchanted. The legs of each pier were covered in hard corals and bright sponges. Schools of Sergeant Major fish darted in the shallows, being pursued by barracuda. Shrimps, crabs and lobsters hide under fallen debris at the bottom, some 15m below the surface. Porcupine and squirrel fish try to blend in with the encrusted jetty posts. But the jewel in the crown of these sites are the seahorses.
We had to look hard, carefully examining each bit of coral and every discarded bit of metal work, and we were nearly out of luck, with air and time running low, when Caroline found a pair, one pink and one brown, clinging to a bit of old metal on the sea bed. It was fantastic! Having called over Christie, our guide, she then got her eye in and found 8 more in the same area! It was a real treat for our last dive in Barbados.
You need good weather conditions for these jetties, and you have to be very careful, as boat traffic will pass overhead while you are diving, so it is important to ascend close to the pier legs and then swim out to where the boat will be waiting. We loved diving the piers of Barbados, as they gave us atmospheric dives full of superb marine life. As we toured the coastline on our final day, our small group pointed out several more that looked well worth exploring. So, it might not be the first thing you think about when you are headed to Barbados, but you should certainly give the jetties and piers a go when you get there.
https://www.divebarbadosblue.com/
https://www.visitbarbados.org/
https://www.divefestbarbados.com/
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com
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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