News
Book Review: Muck Diving – A Diver’s Guide to the Wonderful World of Critters
The Author
Nigel Marsh
Review by Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown
If you are a fan of muck diving, rooting about in tiny crevices, scouring the bottom of the sea, or even looking for some of the larger critters, then this book is an absolute must for you. The book is really well organised and Nigel has managed to break down his guide to readable bite-size chunks. He talks initially about the different kinds of muck diving and their histories and then looks at the different kinds of animals that you may be looking for next time you go muck diving. He talks about invertebrate muck critters, muck fish and muck reptiles, describing them all, and even including a few statistics and a little bit of science. In one chapter, he also delivers a muck diving bucket list of destinations, including the usual suspects and one or two others that a few people may never of heard of.
I particularly liked the short chapter on muck diving techniques, where he emphasises the need for buoyancy control, fin control and correct use of scuba pointers, i.e. these rods should not be used to harass, manipulate or poke the critters. It is refreshing to note that the images in this book show these species in their natural habitat, rather than the manipulated shots you see regularly online.
Also included in Nigel’s manual is a short chapter on muck diving photography. This is not a photography guide, but Nigel looks at some of the main issues of this style of photography, such as backscatter, lens choice, night photography, capturing behaviour, etc.
This book, however, is essentially a guide to the numerous critters, fish and reptiles that you can find in the muck diving environments of the world. The book is a paperback with a useful plastic protective cover, so that you can take it out on the boat with you when you are diving, and not worry about the odd splash. It contains some great images of all the amazing creatures you can find whilst muck diving, making it a book that you will want to leaf through on a regular basis. It is packed with useful information. As Nigel describes all these different destinations, there is a fact box for each region, which helps to describe how to get there, best time to visit, visibility, diving conditions and water temperature… what more could you possibly need?
Muck Diving by Nigel Marsh is published by Reed New Holland at £15.99, paperback, and available from all good bookshops or online via www.amazon.co.uk or call 01206 255777. It will be published in May 2017.
Or you can enter our competition to win a copy here!
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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