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Celebrate the Sea Festival 2018

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One of the richest underwater photography shoot-outs in the world takes place from 1-3 April 2018 in Manado, Bangka and Lembeh, with prizes totaling over $35,000 value in both novice and open categories. The overall winner will be named ‘Master of the Competition’ with a cash bounty of around USD 5,000. The cash prize for each category winner is around USD 2,000. The competition finale and awards will take place in Singapore on 7 April 2018.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, ‘Her Deepness’, is heading to Manado for the ‘Celebrate the Sea’ Festival from 30 March to 5 April 2018. The first 100 attendees (reserving with Ocean Geographic using the Quick Booking tab at https://goo.gl/9ur2kY) will receive a Van Gogh Ocean edition print “Heart of the Reef” personally signed by Dr. Earle and specially created for the festival by Michael AW. Festival packages start from $130 and all-inclusive participating resort packages, including dives, start from around $500.

The mission of the 13thCelebrate the Sea’ Festival is to inspire the ban of both single-use plastic and shark fin soup in Manado. By attending the festival, participants effectively become part of the solution, contributing to the preservation of our ocean environment. The festival in Manado will celebrate the splendor and richness of the marine bio-diversity of the Bunaken National Marine Park, Bangka Island and the Lembeh Strait. The underlying objective of the festival is to spotlight threats from climate change and pollution in this remote, coral triangle region.

As with previous ‘Celebrate the Sea’ Festivals, the lineup of ocean luminaries for 2018 is impressive including ‘Her Deepness’ Dr. Sylvia Earle, Craig Leeson, producer of a Plastic Ocean; Kristin Hoffman, composer and singer of ‘Song for the Ocean’, National Geographic photographers David Doubilet & Jennifer Hayes; Ocean Geographic science editor Alex Rose; feature editor Gill McDonald and chief editor Evonne Ong. Together with a host of our honorary associates, including Howard Shaw, Doug Perrine and Matthew Smith, there will be an impressive array of scientists, artists, innovators, photographers and passionate marine advocates.

A major festival highlight is the International Underwater Photography Shoot-Out Competition from 1-3 April 2018, one of the richest shoot-outs in the world with prizes totaling over $35,000 in value in both novice and open categories. Many resorts in the area are supporting the competition in order to draw attention to this beautiful, rich and diverse diving location.

The overall winner will be named ‘Master of the Competition’ with a cash bounty of around USD 5,000. The cash prize for each category winner is around USD 2,000. The 2018 festival will take place alongside the 5th annual ‘Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year’ competition. A regular feature is also the children’s art competition, aimed at inspiring the energy, enthusiasm and curiosity of the future ambassadors of our planet.

During the festival, Kristin Hoffman will be shooting a new music video for Song for the Ocean’https://goo.gl/MVYdPV. All participants are invited to play a part in this production – this is your chance to help inspire a greater love for our ocean. Find out more at https://goo.gl/wWZ38A

The festival opens at 13:30 on 31 March 2018 in the central Manado Megamall Auditorium. There is a packed schedule of keynote speakers and presentations up to the opening ceremony at 18:30. The opening ceremony is also in the Megamall complex and hosted by the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi. The International Underwater Photography Shoot-Out Competition then takes place at local participating resorts from 1-3 April.

On 4 April the participants relocate to the modern 4* Mercure Tateli Beach Resort which has spectacular views over the Celebes sea and classic volcano-shape of Manado Tua in Bunaken National Marine Park. Lunch is followed by another round of absorbing presentations by keynote speakers and a display of the finalists in the ‘Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year’ competition.

The Manado festival culminates in the closing ceremony and dinner at 18:30, once again hosted by the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi. The exciting finale of the 2018 Celebrate the Sea festival will be in Singapore on Saturday, 7 April from 18:00 at a celebration party and presentation evening involving most of the notable speakers and personalities from Manado.

The winners of the International Underwater Photography Shoot-Out Competition and OG Pictures of the Year competitions will be announced and showcased, and the ‘Master of the Competition’ will be named and crowned.

For more information please visit the 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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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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