News
Create Waves for Ocean Conservation through your Christmas Shopping
Support the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s vital work with these great gifts
Here are six great gifts to suit all budgets that support the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s vital work into the research and protection of our ocean’s gentle giants.
Carry the World with you with Meraki Bracelets
Meraki bracelets (from 25 USD) have 9 element beads and one smiley bead with the element beads collected from all around the world so you have a piece from every part of the world around your wrist. Blank beads are made from matte gray labradorite. A donation is made to MMF for every Ocean Conservation bracelet purchased.
Become a Whale Shark Warrior…with these recycled leggings
These Waterlust Whale Shark Warrior Leggings (65 USD), with a print inspired by the largest fish in the sea, are the perfect gift for the active Waterluster. The pattern adorning the leggings is based on the whale shark’s characteristic spots and stripes, which form an intricate pattern like a warrior painted for battle and are used by scientists to identify individual sharks. The leggings are made from 10 recycled post-consumer plastic bottles and 10% of profits will be used by MMF to fund satellite tags to track the movements of endangered whale sharks.
Save Vulnerable Marine Life with Eco-Friendly Bikinis
Help save vulnerable marine species by wearing the latest trend in swimwear with stunning MAGDAKINEDESIGNS’ Isabela Top (84 USD) and Isabela Bottoms (70 USD). MAGDAKINEDESIGNS’ pieces are created from high-end Italian fabric made with ECONYL® Fiber; a regenerated nylon made from recycled carpet fluff and abandoned fishing nets. Each purchase returns a four per cent donation to MMF.
Give Light through your Yoga Practice
Use your yoga practice to help communities in Mozambique with Sahaja Yoga Mats: yoga mats that give back. Each Sahaja mat has a base made from natural tree rubber and an absorbent microfiber towel surface, made from recycled plastics, which combine to give the grip of a towel and support of a yoga mat. For each mat sold (prices start at 127 AUD), a solar light is donated to MMF who distribute the lights to the communities in Mozambique.
Give Unprecedented Access to the Latest Conservation Research
Invest in whale shark science, education and conservation initiatives by donating to MMF’s Patreon crowdfunding campaign (from 3 USD per month, tax deductible for US residents). Receive unprecedented access to MMF’s whale shark team’s work with private access to their latest findings before they’re published, the opportunity to join researchers in the field via live streams and have priority access to join expeditions to iconic locations such as the Galapagos Islands and Komodo National Park. The highest level supporters ($199+ per month) will receive prestigious personal acknowledgement – if you’re amenable – on the team’s scientific publications.
Book the Holiday of a Lifetime
Join MMF’s co-founder Andrea Marshall and her team of scientists in their vital conservation research on an MMF scuba diving expedition (from 3,280 USD). On this exciting expedition, divers will be able to explore the coast of Mozambique: one of the wildest and most breathtaking locations to encounter ocean giants like whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. Not only will guests have the unique opportunity to dive and interact with these graceful and inquisitive creatures, they will also gain in depth knowledge about the species and contribute to research by helping to collect ID photos of the animals they encounter.
MMF’s vision is a world in which marine life and humans thrive together and we aspire to attain it by saving threatened marine life. The charity’s target group is marine megafauna, which is vital to the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. When ocean giants are protected, we also achieve an umbrella protection for a wide variety of marine species.
For more information about the work of MMF please visit their website by clicking 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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