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Diving with…Simon Mackay, Abyss Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

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In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…


What is your name?

Simon Mackay

What is the name of your business?

Abyss Fuerteventura

What is your role within the business?

Owner / Instructor

How long has the business operated for?

Abyss has been in operation since 2001 and I’ve owned it since November 2012.

How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?

My first dive was at the age of 16 (BSAC course with the Army) in 1988 then became instructor (PADI MSDT) in 2011 and Deptherapy PRO instructor 2012.

What is your favorite type of diving?

Sidemount and wrecks .. it’s a great combination.

If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?

At Abyss we only dive in small numbers (max four per group). The dive centre is run by myself and my wife so we only ever have small dive groups and we try to fit the dives to what the divers wants and needs.

What is your favorite dive in your location and why?

El Jablito is a great site as we have an abundance of wild life. It’s good for beginners to old hands alike, and we regularly spot angel sharks.

 What types of diving are available in your location?

We have both shore and boat diving available here but sadly no drifts or wrecks on Fuerteventura.

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

I love teaching and each day is different from Open Water one day to Sidemount speciality the next.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

I guess it has to be the Angel shark but barracuda come a close second.

Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?

There has been some chatting among the dive centres here on Fuerteventura about the possibility of our own wreck on the island.. it’s something we really could do with ..

As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?

We strive to ensure we comply with all the Spanish and Canarian Laws and rules but we still see freelancers not abiding by the same laws and still diving in the same locations as us.

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

We actively encourage divers to do clean up dives at least once a month at our local dive site, as well as reporting angel shark sightings to the Shark Alliance so they can build data on why they are in decline. 

How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?

The move to E-learning is a good green initiative to cut back on waste and transportation of materials that get used once and often thrown away. More could be done between the dive industry, government bodies and the general diving public to ensure the industry remains safe and standards are maintained.

What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?

With Fuerteventura only 4 hours from the UK, it’s nearly as close as some UK inland dive sites from your home town .. but the difference is we have year round sun .. with water temperatures of 17-24 degs, and if you have non-diving friends (do they even exist I only know divers lol) then we have miles of golden sandy dunes to top up the tan.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business?

Gear News

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

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regulator

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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