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Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2018

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Once again, Lembeh Resort’s “Capturing Critters in Lembeh” underwater photography workshop produced some incredible imagery. As usual, the workshop featured three world-class underwater professionals who hosted daily presentations, workshops and one-on-one sessions with participants.

The 2018 professionals—Tobias Friedrich, Brandi Mueller and Lilian Koh—shared their knowledge and expertise with everyone taking part, and joined them underwater for some truly amazing critter spotting in the Lembeh Strait.

Capturing Critters grows from strength to strength each year and the images portray some of Lembeh’s most iconic muck diving highlights. The participants dived Lembeh hotspots such as Nudi Falls, TK, Hairball, Aero Bajo and Serena. Lembeh Resort’s dive guides were put to the test and they certainly delivered. The critter sightings were quite remarkable, with blue-ring octopuses, flamboyant cuttlefish and other flashing cephalopods posing on the sand.

Lembeh Resort’s dive centre manager, Brigitte Gassner, reported the following: “26 participants, 13 dive guides, 4 world-class photo pros, 2 in-house marine biologists, 66 boat dives, over 650 tanks, and countless smiles along the way.”

Tobias Friedrich is a world-class photographer; his images are seen globally. Tobias hosted some incredible presentations and explained the art of capturing the perfect split image and how to take winning bokeh and close-focus wide-angle shots. Tobias’s 2019 “Below Surface” calendar and his underwater photography book can be bought through his website, Below-Surface.com.

Lilian Koh is an expert in black-water photography and she shared her expertise and knowledge with participants. Lilian regularly makes black-water dives in Southeast Asia and her award-winning images are breathtaking. To see more of Lilian Koh’s stunning underwater imagery, take a look at her social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Brandi Mueller not only shared her Adobe Lightroom skills with participants, she also gave an incredible presentation about how underwater photographers can really make a difference to marine conservation. Her “Take Photos, Save the World” presentation was certainly inspiring. Brandi has recently published the book The Airplane Graveyard: The Forgotten WWII Warbirds of Kwajalein Atoll. In her book, Brandi’s images tell the story of the forgotten American World War II airplanes that lay at the bottom of the Kwajalein Atoll.

Lembeh Resort looks set for another incredible workshop in January 2020: With photo pros Joe Tepper, Saeed Rashid and Todd Winner, this promises to be a showstopping event. Find out more on the Lembeh Resort website.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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