News
Blue Ocean Business Summit to discuss ‘the Elephant in the Ocean’
“Her Deepness” Dr. Sylvia Earle, Ocean Ambassador Jean-Michel Cousteau, renowned Cave Explorer Jill Heinerth and award-winning “Sharkwater” Filmmaker Rob Stewart are four of the action-oriented change-makers who will share how they face and embrace ocean challenges at this year’s Blue Ocean Business Summit, which launched on World Oceans Day on the 8th June.
The 8-day online event, sponsored by Blue Ocean Network.com, features 34 video interviews with thought leaders and eco-conscious entrepreneurs from 13 countries, and is accessible free of charge to registrants.
According to organizer and host Laurie Wilson, this year’s summit theme is based on the figure of speech “Elephant in the Room” which means ‘an obvious truth is either being ignored or going unaddressed.’
“It’s the idea that the largest terrestrial animal on the planet would be impossible to overlook if it were found standing on a house reef blocking the dive resort dock and boat moorings. The elephant poses an obvious problem and a looming risk, but no one wants to discuss this pachyderm; they pretend it’s not there, or hope it will float away. And yet, having an elephant on your reef can actually be a huge opportunity, but only if you choose to see it that way – and that’s what this Summit is all about – facing the big issues and seeing them as opportunities,” explains Wilson.
The Summit is designed specifically for all dive industry stakeholders including: resorts, live-aboards, dive operators, dive stores, recreational divers, instructors, group leaders, travel wholesalers, manufacturers, certification agencies, media and consulting, trade and consumer shows, marine parks managers, scientists, artists, activists, photographers, marine nonprofits, water sports and hotel associations, and travel and tourism professionals.
Wilson says “A healthy dive industry is fundamentally linked to a healthy ocean, but our ocean is in trouble. Up until now, the mainstream won’t talk about the state of our ocean – it’s considered ‘bad for business’, but the Summit Speakers we’ve assembled are going to change all that.”
A dive industry veteran, Platinum Pro 5000 diver and Women Divers Hall of Fame honoree, Summit creator Laurie Wilson has worked in many aspects of the industry, including dive stores, resorts, liveaboards, marine non-profits, marine sanctuaries, shows and events, dive publications, and her latest media endeavor as the Founder of the Blue Ocean Network. As host of the inaugural week-long Blue Ocean Business Summit in 2014, Wilson interviewed 21 experts from 7 countries who introduced 1425 business participants to the sustainability imperative. Featured Speakers (and divers) were NY Times best-selling author of Blue Mind, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols and PBS host and best-selling author of Song for a Blue Ocean, Dr. Carl Safina.
To attend the Blue Ocean Business Summit 2015, sign up for free at BlueOceanBusinessSummit.com. Facebook.com/BlueOceanSummit Twitter; @BlueOceanSummit Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/1Q768xN
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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