News
Event Report: Sharkfest 2016
The inaugural Sharkfest was held in Bristol on Saturday 24th September and has been hailed as a huge success by both the organisers and those who attended this fabulous event. Organised by the team at Fin Fighters, led by Lou Ruddell, this event invited shark-lovers from all over the country to meet up with like-minded people, listen & watch shark presentations and films and to visit stands that included shark charities, art, experiences and education.
The event exceeded all expectations with 400 tickets being sold, kids coming in for free, and other visitors to the venue joining in later. In total, over 1000 people came through the doors. This was, truly, an amazing achievement for a first attempt. There is a shark themed film tag-line that springs to mind…’’We are going to need a bigger boat” (or venue in this case!).
Talks ran throughout the day and at every single one, there was standing room only. Every stand had groups of people waiting to talk to the exhibitors and every now and then someone dressed as a shark, or pirate, would walk by. It was a brilliant family friendly day-out and simply bubbled with a superb vibe.
Abbie from WiseOceans enthused: “Sharkfest was an excellent event, it was fantastically busy and we thoroughly enjoyed chatting to so many passionate shark and marine conservation fans at our stand. We’re looking forward to the next Sharkfest already!”
The full line up of speakers & exhibitors was as follows:
The Shark Trust, Fin Fighters, The Manta Trust, Shark Guardian, Marine Conservation Society, Large Marine Vertebrates Project Philippines, The Gills Club, Frogfish Photography, Sharks4Kids, The Black Fish, Surfers Against Sewage, WiseOceans, Institute of Zoology, David Diley (Of Shark & Man), Jennie Hammond from BBC Shark, The Marine Biological Association, SKYODD, Sharks Teeth Limited, Shark Jewellery by DZN, Oh! Dakuwaqa Comics, Salt Water Life, Basking Shark Scotland, Incredible Oceans, Blue Planet Aquarium, Honolulu, Sharkstuff, Love the Oceans, Becky Jackson Design.
We loved being at an event where the main focus was the conservation of sharks and rays. We were up first to kick off the talks and had reservations that it might not be the best time-slot to speak, as many people may not have arrived yet. In fact, there was a huge queue at the presentation room door and many folk had to stand at the back once they were in. We did not stop chatting for the remainder of the event and left happy (if somewhat exhausted) at the end of the day.
And so it was that from 10am until gone 6pm, shark and ocean lovers had the chance to take part in a new and exciting event, all for only £10 (with the kids coming for free). We very much hope to see Sharkfest on the calendar in 2017. See you there!
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.
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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