News
Malta & Gozo: A little dip before the European Divers Meeting
We were invited to take part in the European Divers Meeting in Gozo this week. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity, as we have never dived in either Malta or Gozo before, even though it is just a short hop from home. Before the actual celebrations got started, we were given the chance to dive with Calypso Diving for a day to see some of the cavern and reef dives that were on offer.
Now usually, the diving in Gozo is shore based, with a host of dive sites that have dedicated stairs and ladders to reach the dive sites, but, as Caroline had had a small accident on the staircase at home and was unable to get up and down very easily, the team at Calypso were brilliant and took us to our two dive sites by boat.
We dived Cathedral Cave and Crocodile Rock. Alas, just as we were heading out for the first dive, the sky clouded over, lighting and thunder flashed and boomed and all the beautiful natural light that would usually cascade into this cavern disappeared! But the dive was still great, as somewhat unusually, you can surface in this cavern. It even has a supply of fresh air so you can have a chat half way through the dive. As you turn to face back out to sea, the window reflects on the surface and it is a super place to grab a shot of your buddy in the blue.
The weather was no better after lunch (this is the only day of rain in ages and is extremely unusual) but we headed to a site near to the famous Blue Hole and where the Azure Window used to be. It is called Crocodile Rock, not because Elton John once dived here, but because the rock poking out just about the waves really does look a lot like a crocodile. There is a steep wall that drops vertically to over 40m but we stayed shallower looking for marine life. We found a huge nudibranch, a cuttlefish, lobster, scorpionfish and the highlight of the dive was a small school of barracuda that was happy to allow us to get up close and take a few pictures.
Just as we finished the dive, the sun came out! So, at least, we had a pleasant boat ride back to the dive centre. There was no time to hang around so we hastily rinsed our gear and ran to get changed, as the official opening of the event was being held that evening over in Malta and we had a ferry to catch!
So we will tell you more in our next post…
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com
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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