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Holidays inspired by Blue Planet Live

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Buoyed by the success of 2017’s Blue Planet II, this March sees a new Blue Planet Live series arrive on BBC One.

Hosted by Chris Packham, Steve Backshall and Liz Bonnin and coming live from the Bahamas, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the USA’s east coast, the week-long show will take viewers to the depths of the world’s oceans bringing them closer to the marine world than ever before. Here’s a couple of trips from specialist dive tour operator Dive Worldwide inspired by the forthcoming programme.

BAHAMAS

The Bahamas is a diver’s paradise with over 1,000 regularly-visited sites offering pristine reefs, a multitude of exciting wrecks, spectacular walls, blue holes, caves and the chance to dive with dolphins and sharks. Just outside cosmopolitan Nassau, guests stay at Orange Hill Beach Inn, set on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, just 50 steps from a white sandy beach. Accommodation comprises 32 rooms, ranging from cosy studio rooms to a spacious cottage complete with kitchenette. Facilities include a swimming pool and small restaurant and bar. Diving is with world-renowned Stuart Cove’s Dive Centre and includes six days’ diving, guests will look out for the James Bond wrecks and Caribbean reef sharks as well as Nassau grouper. This is a great destination for divers of all abilities, as well as non-diving partners.

Price: from £1,875pp sharing, including 7 nights’ room only accommodation, return flights from the UK, 6 days diving (12 boat dives), and tanks and weights.

AUSTRALIA

Stretching over 3,000km off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural world’s most remarkable, and threatened, structures. Explore the very best of the Reef on this luxurious liveaboard adventure, departing from Cairns. The first stop is the Ribbon Reefs, a collection of coral reefs well beyond the reach of day boats where, at the famous Cod Hole, divers come face-to-face with huge groupers. Two days are spent in the remote Coral Sea, where there are incredible shark encounters, including with hammerhead, and plunging drop-offs down to 1,000m. The trip ends with a final day on the Barrier Reef, with the possibility of heading to Bougainville Reef, home to impressive caves, canyons and the wreck of the Antonio Tarabocchia.

Price: from £2,275pp sharing, including 7 nights’ full board liveaboard accommodation, 26 dive package, tanks and weights and transfers from Cairns. International flights extra.

For further information contact Dive Worldwide via www.diveworldwide.com or telephone 01962 302 087.

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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