News
Historic Richard Branson expedition in Belize to be broadcast live this Sunday on Discovery Channel
With the historic scientific expedition to Belize’s Blue Hole fast approaching, Aquatica Submarines has announced Discovery Inc. as the Expedition media partner. Discovery will be conducting a live broadcast of the Expedition, which will be televised globally from 4pm-6pm EST on Sunday, December 2nd through the Discovery Channel.
The live broadcast will profile the Expedition team and follow them from the surface to the bottom of the Blue Hole. Aquatica’s Chief Pilot and Oceanographer, Erika Bergman, will be joined by Sir Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau for this unique and truly historic event.
As they descend into the Blue Hole, there will be a discussion included on the live broadcast about ocean conservation and preservation. These topics are a key focus of the Expedition for all parties involved, and the live broadcast will help ensure that this vital message reaches viewers around the globe.
“Having a media partner like Discovery for the Expedition will give us the chance to share our amazing experiences to a much wider audience,” commented President and CEO of Aquatica Submarines Harvey Flemming. “The live broadcast with Sir Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau will add a great deal of impact as both of these ocean advocates will be able to give some tremendous insights as to how we can and will help preserve our world’s precious oceans,” Flemming added.
In other recent news, Aquatica has announced Virgin Voyages as a Platinum Sponsor for the Expedition. Virgin Voyages was founded in 2014 with a mission to create the world’s most irresistible travel brand. The company currently has four ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri with its first ship, the Scarlet Lady, due for delivery in 2020.
The brand seeks to redefine what you should expect from a holiday at sea. Virgin Voyages is committed to creating an Epic Sea Change for all by playing a significant part in securing a healthy future for the oceans and having a positive impact on the communities and ports they visit. The story of Virgin Voyages is perfectly aligned with the Expedition’s goals of ocean awareness and preservation.
The new and innovative company is making “sustainable sailing” a core principle of their business. Initiatives for Virgin Voyages include: clean energy generation to decrease carbon dioxide emissions, eliminating single-use plastics and wasteful food buffets to reduce waste generation, and sourcing sustainable fish, seafood and reef safe sunscreens to ensure a healthy future for the ocean.
For more information visit the Aquatica Submarines website by clicking here.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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