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Grab one of the last few places on Dive Worldwide’s new Galapagos Whale Shark expedition

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DIVE WWThere are just a few places left on Dive Worldwide’s brand new and unique cruise to the Galapagos Islands during prime whale shark season under the expert guidance of Jonathan Green, one of the pre-eminent experts on these ancient giants. Developed in partnership with the Galapagos Conservation Trust, this special trip is a one-off departure in August 2016.

If there is one man with whom to discover the whale sharks of the Galapagos Islands, it is Jonathan Green. He founded the Galapagos Whale Shark Project in 2011 and continues to lead research expeditions on an annual basis; identifying, satellite tagging, sampling and studying the whale shark.

During the Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition, divers will spend a week exploring the finest dive sites of the Galapagos from the comfort of the Humboldt Explorer liveaboard.  While exploring the world-class dive sites, guests can listen to talks about Green’s research into the ecology, physiology and behaviour of these enormous, yet gentle ocean creatures.  Experienced divers may be rewarded with eagle and manta ray encounters, as well as witnessing playful dolphins and hundreds of sharks – the highlight however will be diving with whale sharks.

The adventure begins on San Cristobal Island – the first island on which Charles Darwin set foot in September 1835 – where divers step aboard their liveaboard to cross to Isla Lobos for a check out dive. Visit North Seymour Island, with opportunities to both dive and explore the island, observing the large colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, as well as sealions and marine iguanas. Wolf and Darwin Islands are next on the agenda – considered to be two of the best diving sites in the world. These islands provide an unparalleled quality and quantity of marine life. The biggest draw for divers however – and the focus for this trip – are the huge whale sharks. These ancient giants are attracted to the area between June to November, when the Humboldt Current is at its strongest. The vessel then moves on to Cousin’s Rock, renowned for its macro life, where divers should keep an eye out for sea horses as well as eagle rays. The last port of call, before returning to San Cristobel, is Santa Cruz to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit Puerto Ayora, home to the Darwin Research Centre.

Home for the week is the 30-metre long Humboldt Explorer. Designed as one of the fastest, most stable and most comfortable vessels sailing the area, accommodations are befitting the magical nature of the Galapagos. There are eight  double staterooms, all with private facilities, with a maximum of 16 guests on board. Facilities include a spacious air-conditioned salon equipped with a TV/DVD and dining tables, open air salon and a sunning/viewing area on the top deck. The dive deck is well equipped with dive lockers, camera table, rinse tanks and a recharging station.

Dive Worldwide offers the Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition from £3,845 per person sharing (or £5,145 with international flights), including 7 nights’ liveaboard accommodation, all meals (exc. 1 dinner), up to 4 dives per day, expert guide and San Cristobel airport transfers. Flights are extra. Departs 29 August 2016.

For more information visit diveworldwide.com or call +44 (0)1962 302087.

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.

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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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