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Fathoms Free launches new ‘Paddle for Plastics’ campaign to clean our oceans

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Throw-away plastic is likely to be one of the greatest threats our planet has ever encountered. It is a problem which we have all unintentionally been a part of, with marine debris littered across the globe reaching a critical point. Since conservation group Fathoms Free began in 2014, they have seen how the 300 million tonnes of plastic being produced each year can affect the oceans – but ultimately, the way we view ocean plastics needs to change.

With this idea in mind, their latest campaign, Paddle for Plastics, aims to encourage a more practical solution to our plastic problem by inviting the public to go out onto their kayaks to clean up marine waste. It is based around an ambitious initiative which involves recycling plastic found in clean-ups and turning them into kayaks. The plan is to feed back into a circular economy model and utilise wasted plastic. These kayaks will be the first of its kind, and they will also offer a means in which difficult areas can be accessed and waste can be disposed of.

For over two years, Founder of Fathoms Free, Robert Thompson has been in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy to develop this circular economy business model. The first stage of the initiative is building the infrastructure: ocean plastic collection, recycling, storage facilities, research and their business model. Keep Britain Tidy have helped Fathoms Free to build this infrastructure and with their support, 7 tonnes of beach waste has been recycled over the past year. The plastic that gets collected is sorted and recycled into the raw material for products; Fathoms Free have now successfully produced a body board and are in the final stages of creating a prototype sit-on-top kayak.

The Fathoms Free business model is based on the principle of diverting profits back into funding conservation activities within both Fathoms Free and the community. They have had discussions with various partners, such as National Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust who would like to support the campaign and use the kayaks in their activities.

The project was recently awarded second place at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards ceremony in the category of Tomorrow’s Contribution Towards Sustainability, judged by a panel of leading experts in their fields at Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

As the threat of plastic becomes increasingly desperate, Fathoms Free have launched the Paddle for Plastics campaign because they need help from everybody to clean our seas.

To find out more about the Fathoms Free Paddle for Plastics campaign, click here.

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.

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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.

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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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