News
Check out these great diving holidays from Divequest
Looking for something different from your next dive holiday? Divequest can help.
Over the last few months, the UK-based tour operator has been busy working on some fantastic new trips and destinations to offer you, including:
NAD LEMBEH CRITTER GEEK WEEK, SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Just £822 per person twin share
Divequest have teamed up with dynamic photographers Simon Buxton and Serge Abourjeily at NAD Lembeh to offer a Critter Geek Week in the peak of the Lembeh season, September 2016. For just a small fraction more than the cost of a normal stay at NAD you will get inhouse workshops, a welcome dinner, guided tuition, a Critter ID quiz night and an amazing 1 guide to 2 diver ratio.
CRYSTAL BLUE ANILAO CRITTER GEEKS, PHILIPPINES
Just £1455 per person twin share
Situated in one of the macro photography meccas of the world in Anilao, the Philippines, talented photographer and critter identifier Mike Bartick will be hosting a sensational Critter Geeks 10 day trip from his home at Crystal Blue Resort, at the Critter Capital of the Philippines – Anilao. Combining workshops in macro photography, natural history and critter ID, the trip will end with a farewell party at the resort for the group and everyone will get a free T-Shirt. It’s only a tiny bit more than a normal stay at Crystal Blue.
SWIM WITH THE HUMPBACK WHALES, TONGA
Starting this month, Divequest now offers you the opportunity to swim with the incredible Humpback Whales of the Southern Ocean in Tonga. You will never forget the first time you swim with whales, it is a life changing experience. Divequest has teamed up with Tongan Expeditions and the owners of The Reef Resort in Vava’u to offer you a chance to swim with the whales while staying on one of the most secluded, romantic islands in Vava’u.
FIJI and TONGA
From September this year, Fiji Airways are introducing direct flights between Vava’u and Sydney, so why not think about a combined trip to Tonga for the whales and then fly to the soft coral paradise of Fiji to dive after?
Spaces are also filling fast to join Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown from Frogfish Photography in Manado for their Ultimate Manado trip this September. Dive with two of the best underwater photographer guides from the UK on a journey that will take you to the northern reefs of Sulawesi then into the jungles of Tangkoko to view some incredible wildlife including Spectral Tarsiers and Black-crested Macaques.
SPECIAL RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS
CHAMBERED NAUTILUS, AUSTRALIA
Have you ever wanted to join researchers on an expedition to find out more about marine life? Work alongside the researchers of the Central Queensland University in Australia on a unique trip to the Coral Sea tracking and tagging Chambered Nautilus, one of the most iconic cephalopods in the world. Contact Divequest if you want to get up close and personal with these gentle, shy creatures and work alongside scientists at the same time.
MINKE WHALES, AUSTRALIA
Minke Whales arrive in Australia in numbers during the winter months of June and July. Why not join research scientists to monitor their behaviour and movements in the field? During some Minke trips you will also get a chance to night dive the northern Ribbon Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef which teem with fish and sharks.
UNIQUE EXPEDITIONS
RAINE ISLAND AND THE NORTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA
Raine Island in northern Australia is the largest Green Sea Turtle rookery in the world. From 24th November to 1st December, a northern Great Barrier Reef expedition will start in Cairns and end in Horn Island, the Torres Straits to dive some of the most remote reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef, many of which are in pristine condition and offer stunning levels of biodiversity.
SS YONGALA, AUSTRALIA
Classified as one of the best wreck dives in the world, two special charters to dive the SS Yongala will be running in November and December this year and they will combine dives on the Yongala with the superb 1000m plus walls of the Coral Sea.
WORLDWIDE BIG FISH
American Crocodiles, Humboldt Squid, Belugas, Killer Whales and Sawfish are all animals that represent the pinnacle of aquatic experiences any diver can expect to have in the world. Contact Divequest if you are keen to get in the water with any of these creatures.
For more information or to book, contact Divequest now by calling +44 (0)1254 8256322, email divers@divequest.co.uk, or visit www.divequest.co.uk.
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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