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Divers make a splash at this year’s British Underwater Photography Championship

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The British Underwater Photography Championship 2014 took place earlier this month in Portland, Dorset.

24 photographers took part in the annual competition which was held in Portland for the first time.

Competitors dived from boats supplied by Portland Marina-based Scimitar Diving, while some dived from Swanage Pier.

There were three main categories to enter: Marine Life, Mankind in the Sea and Compact Cameras. Each photographer had from midnight Friday until 6pm on Saturday to capture their winning shots.

Entries were submitted following a barbecue at the Harbour Lights.

A panel of judges featuring underwater photographers Dan Bolt, Gavin Parsons and Stuart Philpott selected the winners and runner-ups for each category.

A Humorous category was also featured in the competition, with the winner judged by the audience.

Cathy

Cathy Lewis’s winning image of a snakelocks shrimp

Cathy Lewis was declared the overall winner for her photo of a snakelocks anemone shrimp. She took the photo on her second dive of the day.

Cathy was also the winner of the Marine Life category with the same image. She was presented with the UnderWater Visions Trophy and a diving holiday in the Maldives among other prizes.

Terry Griffiths won the Mankind in the Sea category with an image of a diver. His entry was considered to be an ‘excellent example’, showing a diver with all his hoses neatly secured and rays of light in the background.

The Compact Cameras category was introduced for divers without expensive cameras. Colin Whyte’s image of a black-faced blenny won the category, and was taken using a Canon PowerShot G9.

The event was organised by the British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP).

Formed in 1967, BSoUP has over 250 members and is the largest underwater photographic society in Britain.

Trevor

Winner of the Humorous category was Trevor Rees

Joss Woolf, chair of the BSoUP Committee, said those who took part really enjoyed the competition.

She said: “We loved the new venue.

“We thought it was time for a change. We just need more people.”

Force six winds on the day meant most divers were confined to Portland Harbour, but this didn’t stop those competing.

Joss added: “Someone can always pull something out of the bag. If people want to compete next year, check out our website bsoup.org.”

 

Main photo: Colin Whyte’s image of a black-faced blenny

Source: www.dorsetecho.co.uk

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.

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.

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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.

regulator

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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